Adelaide United have named former interim boss Carl Veart as their new A-League head coach on a two-year contract.
Veart was widely expected to secure the role on a full-time basis after impressing during the Reds' final weeks of the 2019-20 season in the NSW hub.
He took the reins after predecessor Gertjan Verbeek returned to the Netherlands during the season shut down and led Adelaide to two wins and three draws from five games, with the Reds just falling short of finals.
"Carl is undoubtedly the best person to lead our squad moving forward and what he and the team showed while in the hub only validated that," Adelaide director of football Bruce Djite said.
"He's fostered a very positive working environment under extremely difficult circumstances and, since being at the helm, there has been a noticeable improvement in the team's performances.
"All the players and staff have the upmost respect for him, which is vital and we wish Carl all the best for the upcoming season."
Former Socceroos striker Veart, 50, was one of Adelaide's inaugural A-League players and scored the club's first ever goal in the competition in 2005.
He returned to the Reds as an assistant coach in 2019 and is the third former Red, after Aurelio Vidmar and Michael Valkanis, to coach the club.
"This is a wonderful feeling for me, knowing that I've been given the honour of coaching this football club," Veart said.
"As I've said on many occasions, Adelaide United holds a special place in my heart and I cannot wait to get started.
"Being involved with the club during the early days, it's a unique feeling to be stepping into this position, but one that I believe I'm ready for."
Australian Associated Press
