Kosmina exit could pave way for Roar move

John Kosmina could be in line to take over as coach of Brisbane Roar next season after his shock resignation from A-League title contenders Adelaide United.

Kosmina blindsided the Reds on Monday, announcing through a statement he was quitting immediately due to a lack of trust in the club environment.

The end of Kosmina’s second stint as Adelaide coach came amid a strong season for the Reds, who sit in fourth just six points behind leaders Central Coast.

Assistant coach Michael Valkanis will step up into the top job.

Adelaide chairman Greg Griffin said he was “amazed” by the sudden departure of Kosmina, who had been in discussions over a contract extension.

But it has emerged Kosmina may have left Adelaide knowing there would be another job waiting for him next season.

It’s understood the coach had sounded out Brisbane officials about the prospects of a coaching job being available at the Roar next season prior to quitting.

The reigning champions, who appointed Mike Mulvey mid-season to replace sacked Rado Vidosic, are struggling this season and there are ongoing rumours of player discontent with front office.

A Roar spokesman, who denied any knowledge of Kosmina’s interest, said Mulvey had an iron-clad contract until the end of the season, and then his position would be reviewed.

Kosmina coached the Brisbane Strikers in the old NSL from 1999-2003.

The 56-year-old was the inaugural coach of Adelaide and, after a brief stint with Sydney FC, returned in 2011 after Rini Coolen was removed as coach of the senior team.

Coolen received a $700,000 out-of-court settlement last week after taking legal action against the club over his departure.

Kosmina said in a statement to footballaustralia.com.au he had no regrets about his carefully-considered decision to walk out on the Reds.

He said he returned in 2011 knowing the club’s culture had been “eroded over time” but was “prepared to give it a shot.”

However he had come to realise the club had “no direction”.

“There is no vision. Decision-making at management level is reactive and impulsive at best, and there is no consistency in managerial procedure,” the statement said.

“There is far too much whispering in corridors and around corners.

“I feel sorry for (owner) Rob Gerard, and I also feel for directors Richard Noble and Phil Lounder – people I trust.

“But I simply cannot, and will not, work in an environment which otherwise lacks trust.”

There had been speculation Kosmina’s position was on shaky ground, especially after the departures of 2010-11 Golden Boot winner Serginho van Dijk and Zenon Caravella increased scrutiny on his man management.

But Griffin insisted he was “amazed” by Kosmina’s decision, and the fact the coach announced his resignation publicly before telling the club.

He was also puzzled by Kosmina’s suggestions of a lack of trust, saying the club had agreed to discuss the coach’s request for a two-year contract extension before a February 12 board meeting.

“I literally have no idea what he’s on about,” Griffin said.

“… As far as we were concerned, we had a process in place, which he agreed with and took no issue with.

“So to say we are amazed with an alleged lack of trust is very, very significant.”

Adelaide have little time to digest Monday’s events ahead of Sunday’s crucial top-four clash at home to Western Sydney.