Reds release trio

[the joker]

Adelaide United defender Angelo Costanzo and midfield duo Diego and Jonas Salley will be released by the club when their current contracts expire at the end of the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 Season.

In assessing the squad for next season, the club’s coaching staff made the tough call on the trio, which will see them all move on after the current Hyundai A-League campaign.

Adelaide United Coach Aurelio Vidmar admits the decision to release the trio was an extremely hard one, but is adamant that they are all still a valuable part of the club’s championship ambitions this season.

“It’s a very difficult decision for the coaching staff because all three have contributed positively during their time here but unfortunately with the direction the club is moving into, they are not part of our plans going forward,” Vidmar said.

“However, all three will still play a very important part in our finals campaign as we try to win the championship.”

Vidmar lauded the trio’s contribution to the club both on and off the field and said they each had a significant impact in the club’s success.

“We truly appreciate everything each of them has done for the club during their time here and it is never easy releasing players but it’s a part of the game,” Vidmar said.

“Once the season ends, we wish them all the best in whatever the future holds for them.”

Costanzo has been a favourite amongst Reds fans since he joined United prior to the inaugural Hyundai A-League season, the former Qantas Socceroo always providing a physical presence and experienced head whether he lined up in defence or midfield.



Isyan Erdogan.
Marty Melville © Getty Images Signed by United from Miami FC back in January 2007 after the American team’s tour of Adelaide, Diego has made 28 appearances for The Reds in the Hyundai A-League, the creative playmaker seeming to save his best for the big games, particularly the 2008 AFC Champions League where he scored three times in the Group Stage and a crucial goal in the first leg of the Semi Final against Bunyodkor.

26 year old Salley has spent two seasons in Adelaide and has provided a strong, uncompromising edge to United’s midfield stocks.

The trio’s departure adds to the list of names who will not be at the club next season, which include Paul Agostino and Michael Valkanis, who have both announced their retirements, and defender Sasa Ognenovski, who is heading to Korea to join K-League club Seongnam Ilhwa.

Isyan Erdogan’s contract will also not been renewed, the Melbourne born defender spending the 2008/09 season on the club’s long term injury list

[the joker]

i thaught that Angelo Costanzo, Jonas Salley were gone but, i didnt think that Diego was gunna leave!!.

[smithy]

Damn !.
Was hoping this was going to be about Lucas Leiva.

[Dogwatcher]

Will there be anyone left?

Salley
Constanzo
Erdogan
Agostino
Spagnuelo
Ognenovski
Valkanis
Diego
Beltrame

All going...anyone I've forgotten?

What's chances of retaining Jamieson/Galekovic

[Pidge]

Will there be anyone left?

Salley
Constanzo
Erdogan
Agostino
Spagnuelo
Ognenovski
Valkanis
Diego
Beltrame

All going...anyone I've forgotten?

What's chances of retaining Jamieson/Galekovic

Whats Erdogan doing? Where is he going?

[Footy Smart]

Will there be anyone left?

Salley
Constanzo
Erdogan
Agostino
Spagnuelo
Ognenovski
Valkanis
Diego
Beltrame

All going...anyone I've forgotten?

What's chances of retaining Jamieson/Galekovic

Whats Erdogan doing? Where is he going?

There not renewing his contract after being on the long term injury list

I hope we keep Jammo and Eugene and get some pace up front

[Dirko]

Will there be anyone left?

Salley
Constanzo
Erdogan
Agostino
Spagnuelo
Ognenovski
Valkanis
Diego
Beltrame

All going...anyone I've forgotten?

What's chances of retaining Jamieson/Galekovic

I'd say pretty good chance both Jamo & eugene will be at the Reds next season.

Apart from Og, who they got good money for, those other blokes had either been injured way too often or didn't play a hell of a lot.

Farewell Gentlemen and thanks for your time & efforts. Good luck in the future, unless you play against United.

[Dogwatcher]

Apart from Og, who they got good money for, those other blokes had either been injured way too often or didn't play a hell of a lot.

Still, we're going to have to do some major recruiting to recoup those losses. It's a massive turnover.
Younis ain't quite ready, while his Paki mate Malik will be lifted on to the list.

Are we going to lose anyone else?

[JK]

Vidmar has been bemoaning the midfield creativity (an area we clearly lack in) and we've not had the pace to get in behind defence's consistently since Nathan Burns a few seasons back ... Hopefully now we can address both, and Vidmar can be judged by virtually an entirely hand picked squad.

[Dirko]

United have released/retired 9 so far.

Last season they released/retired 8.

Robert Bajic, Milan Susak, Richie Alagich, Bobby Petta, Shaun Ontong, Bruce Djite, Dez Giraldi & Nathan Burns.

They turn 'em over. Last season Alagich, Djite & Burns were all first teamers and so was Petta when fit.

They'll bring in a Striker, and some quick midfield depth. Will definitely need another key defender or two....

[Swooper16]

I dont think Cristiano would be super thrilled with the way things have always gone in his first season - will be interesting to see what he does.

Jamieson could have generated some interest in the Championship.

On the other side tho it seemed Fyfe would be with us next season. Also read that we were in discussionis with Mrdja from Central Coast. Both would be good inclusions IMHO.

Out of all the list of confirmed departures. Diego is the only one we will truly miss. Adds some creativity to the midfield. Something we have struggled to replace since he was injured in club world cup.

[Dirko]

I dont think Cristiano would be super thrilled with the way things have always gone in his first season - will be interesting to see what he does.

I'll see him next week and find out

[Swooper16]

Keep us informed Jabber...

[Dirko]

Keep us informed Jabber...

Yeah will do ! That's unless he gets his missus to drop the kids off to school (not that I mind as she's a MILF)

[Swooper16]

Keep us informed Jabber...

Yeah will do ! That's unless he gets his missus to drop the kids off to school (not that I mind as she's a MILF)

Well keep us informed of any developments there as well....

[Dogwatcher]

I think one day you should get a photo of her.

[Swooper16]

Interested to read in todays paper about Diego's "shock" at not getting a contract renewal. After his comments during the Asian Champs League about how football is a business and the amount of $ will determine where he decided to play next season.

Good on him for being totally honest but giving those types of quotes probably make it easier for your employer to cut you.

Also something needs to be looked at about the A league transfer window - how could you expect Diego to give 100% for Adelaide in the run home when he already knows that Adelaide doesn't want him.

[RRR]

Have heard United are not going to sign a Marquee player next season due to pulling the reigns in a bit on spending

[catchisthecry]

What??
Didn't they win a heap of cash in asia?

[Dirko]

What??
Didn't they win a heap of cash in asia?

Nope. They'll make a loss this year.

A couple of teams this year didn't have a Marquee. Central Coast, Perth Glory & Wellington.
Also the teams can have junior marquee where 150 k is outside the cap.

Adelaide, Central Coast & Queensland don't have one....