Adelaide United have confirmed Technical Director Ernest Faber will depart the club to take up a dual role as Head Coach and Technical Director at Eredivisie side Heracles Almelo.
Faber will depart the Reds following the clash with Wellington Phoenix this weekend.
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Adelaide United and Heracles Almelo have already established a positive relationship through discussions on player development and pathways. The two clubs share similar structures and long-term goals, and Adelaide United will look to build on this connection as part of Faber’s move to the two-time Dutch champions.
“Adelaide United is a special club with strong people, clear processes, and a culture I’ve grown to deeply appreciate. I’m grateful for the chance to contribute and to work closely with the players, staff, and management,” Faber said.
“The club is built on solid foundations with real quality for the future. My focus now shifts to helping Heracles Almelo secure Eredivisie survival, but I look forward to continuing the connection between the clubs and supporting future knowledge sharing. I wish Theo, Airton, and everyone at Adelaide United the very best for the rest of the season,” Faber concluded.
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Faber’s transition plays a key part in this evolution. After 18 months embedded within South Australian and Australian football, he departs with a comprehensive understanding of Adelaide United’s structures, identity, methodology, and development pathways.
His dual responsibilities at Heracles will uniquely position him to act as a direct bridge between the two clubs, strengthening alignment and cooperation as Adelaide United continues to build its European connections.
Club Owner Cor Adriaanse said: “Ernest has made a tremendous contribution to Adelaide United during his time with us, and we are deeply grateful for the fantastic work he has delivered at The People’s Club.
“He played a significant role in advancing our football operations – helping to further professionalise the A-League Men’s program, supporting the Ninja A-League Women’s outstanding top three finish, and strengthening the AUFC Youth framework, methodology, and long-term processes,” Adriaanse said.
“These are important foundations that will continue to benefit the Club as we move into our next strategic phase. We thank Ernest sincerely for everything he has given to Adelaide United and look forward to continuing our collaboration with him through our expanding ‘Gateway to Europe’ vision,” Adriaanse concluded.
Adelaide United has already initiated the next phase of its football planning. Club Football Business Manager, Mitch van Gellekom, will assume Ernest’s responsibilities in the interim as the club progresses through its succession process.
