

Adelaide United is thrilled to officially announce Gertjan Verbeek as the Club’s new Head Coach on a two-year contract.

The Dutchman, who has an extensive coaching record, joins the Reds until at least the end of the Hyundai A-League 2020/21 season.

Verbeek, 56, arrives with a wealth of experience having played and coached at the highest level in the Netherlands as well as managing in the German Bundesliga and second division. He has also taken charge of 77 UEFA Europa League fixtures across his varying roles.

A defender during his playing days, Verbeek spent almost his entire career at Eredivisie side SC Heerenveen, amassing over 250 appearances between 1984 and 1994.

Following his retirement, Verbeek remained with Heerenveen as an assistant coach working alongside Foppe de Haan, a position he would hold for seven years.

After successful coaching spells at Heracles Almelo and then Heerenveen, he moved to Dutch giants Feyenoord in 2008.

A return to Heracles followed before joining AZ Alkmaar where he spent just over three seasons with the club, winning the 2013 KNVB Cup Final after edging PSV Eindhoven 2-1.

Verbeek was then at the helm of Bundesliga side, 1. FC Nürnberg and 2. Bundesliga outfit VfL Bochum before his most recent stint at FC Twente.

Speaking on his appointment, Verbeek said: “I am very excited to be joining Adelaide United and cannot wait for this incredible opportunity to begin.

“I have followed Australian football for a while now and have admired the work ethic and passion Aussies have for the game.

“I am coming to South Australia to improve the quality of football and establish a hungry and competitive team.

“I can promise the Adelaide United fans that our team will be incredibly hard-working and hope to entertain you all with some high-quality football.

“As I said, I am very excited for this journey and my family and I are very eager for it all to start.”

Adelaide United Chairman, Piet van der Pol, said Verbeek’s extensive coaching history and passion for the game made him the perfect man for the Club.

“Gertjan’s history in football is very impressive and to be bringing his experience to Adelaide United will be very beneficial for us and the broader South Australian football community,” van der Pol explained.

“His passion and love for the game will not only have positive influences on our senior football, but right across our youth and women’s football.

“We are very excited to be appointing Gertjan as our new Head Coach and believe the direction we are heading as a football club through his leadership will unite South Australian football-lovers.”