For some clubs, the A-League off-season has already begun, with the usual merry-go-round of player movement and management appointments starting to take place. But for one coach, it is a time of reflection.

After 1725 days in charge of his hometown club, the hugely popular Carl Veart says goodbye after his Adelaide side was eliminated in the finals by Western United.

Veart did not have his contract renewed after a topsy turvy 2024/25 campaign, which saw Adelaide entrenched in the top two until January, before spectacularly tumbling down the ladder and only qualifying for the finals series due to Sydney FC’s own capitulation.

A fourth finals campaign in five years is just reward for the former A-League coach of the year – whose resume also includes being three times semi-finalists in the elimination series and twice quarter-finalists in the FFA Cup.

With a respectable overall win percentage of almost 43% in five years, Veart has a valid claim to be considered as the competition’s most consistent coach to never win a trophy.

(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Although Adelaide United is the only professional football club in the state of South Australia, United have always had to adhere to a strict budget with the owner, Cor Adriaanse, preferring prudence over trying to compete with the east coast sides, when it comes to salaries and contracts.

Throughout the club’s financial hardships, Veart was able to nurture and develop dozens of local South Australian teenagers and can look back fondly on seeing several players debut for the Socceroos and over $10 million made from player sales.

Like any coach, Veart has had some extremely challenging times over the past half-decade in charge.

Josh Cavallo announcing that he was the first openly gay footballer, sent shockwaves throughout the football community – with the worldwide media, hounding both the player and the club incessantly.

Nestory Irankunda saw a different side of media attention – with Veart having to navigate both the on and off-field issues with the player.

There were memorable bust ups with James Triosi, Al Hassan Toure, Bernado and Ben Halloran – as well as personal disappointment when the club refused to meet the financial demands of Kusini Yengi and, in particular, Craig Goodwin.

Perhaps the writing was already on the wall for Veart when Adelaide United announced a strategic partnership with Dutch giant PSV in April 2024.

As part of the partnership, Ernest Faber was installed as United’s Technical Director and has been implementing development programs for players, coaching staff and overseeing the entire football operations at the club.

Holding such a crucial position, has seen the Dutchman become very vocal in how he would like Veart’s side to play, and Faber has asked the fiery coach to tone down his emotions on the sidelines – preferring more stoicism, rather than trademark passion.

It also has come as no surprise to see some sections of the parochial Hindmarsh crowd, questioning if it’s the right time for a coaching change.

Veart’s mantra of ‘we’ll score more, than we can concede’ is incredibly courageous, but his swashbuckling attacking style has just as many detractors as it does supporters.

There was still plenty of faith in the beleaguered coach within the Adelaide hierarchy, especially from the CEO Nathan Kosmina and Head of Football, Marius Zanin, however upon Faber’s recommendation, Adriaanse made the difficult decision to sever ties.

Veart will not be short of job offers, his exemplary record in developing youth should also see significant interest from Asia and Europe.

Change is not always a good thing though and Adelaide fans have every right to have an air of trepidation, heading into a murky off season.

Money will be tight again, several players are off contract and with the PSV influence growing, the yet to be announced new coach will have a lot of teething issues to deal with.

These are problems that Veart no longer will have to deal with – as the iconic South Australian manager can leave with his head held high and enjoy a well-earned break from the sport.