TheWomensGame | Womens Football | W-League

At the end  of last season, the possibility of Adelaide United going under  was a very real one.   The Lady Reds were  cut adrift from the men’s side of the game and  if not for the lifeline thrown by Football Federation South  Australia and  the Department of Sport,  well we wouldn’t be speaking about  them.

But they are  here  and  an overhaul has occurred that has provided the W-League club with a new lease of life.  Former  New Zealand Women’s U17 coach David Edmondson takes up the reigns from Mike Barnett  and  has done  a sweep of the place.

“I think a new face is able to almost  draw a line on what has  gone before  and add a little bit of belief,” he said.

“The girls are now starting  to believe  that they are going to be competitive and that they are going to play some good football.”

While retaining a talented core  from last season, Edmondson has focused on recruiting South  Australians with an emphasis on young and  promising footballers.  Australian U17 representatives Emma  Checker, Grace Henry and  Ebony  Philcox come  into the squad while Daniela Di Bartolo and  Vanessa Reed have been rewarded for good  seasons in the SA Women’s Premier League.  Experienced NZ internationals Abby Erceg  and Anna Green have also been signed with the former named club captain, while American Ashleigh Gunning returns for another season.

As well as the squad, the new coach is also looking to put his stamp on Adelaide’s playing style.

“I think we can  be safe  in the belief that we will play attractive football, attacking football and brand  a football that the girls, and hopefully the supporters, are going to enjoy.”

It’s a new chapter for the Lady Reds and although it may be all positive  news  coming out from South Australia,  to keep  the momentum going early goals  and points are essential.

“The girls are very aware of what their roles and responsibilities are going to be within the team.”

“There is now no grey area, they all know exactly what is expected of them and everyone is on the same wavelength.”

The Strength

It’s a new start for the Lady Reds.  New administration with FFSA running the club, a new coach in Edmondson and several new players.

It is clear from the club that what’s past  is past and the new outlook has  a fresh buzz around the side.   The players are mostly local, young and talented and in Edmondson they have  a coach with bringing in a new ideas, philosophy and enthusiasm. All which was badly needed.

The Challenge

Winning.  It probably  sounds simplistic but winning is habit forming and it is something Adelaide  has  not managed to do in the last two seasons.  Edmondson may be able to find the right formation,  game plan, personnel and get the squad playing fantastic football but creating a winning culture  could be his toughest task yet, especially when it has  never  been experienced.