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John Kosmina's second stint as coach of Adelaide United is over, with the 56-year-old stepping down after reportedly falling out with the club's administration

By KIERAN FRANCIS

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Adelaide United have been rocked, with coach John Kosmina resigning from his role citing a "lack of trust" with certain figures at the club.

United are sitting fourth in the A-League but has spent the majority of the season in second position.

But the Reds' on-field success has masked unrest off the pitch, according to Kosmina, who has called time on his second stint at the club with immediate effect

"Before last weekend we had been first or second in the league and were recognised as a good football team. However, apart from survival, I can see no clear direction. There is no vision. Decision-making at management level is reactive and impulsive at best, and there is no consistency in managerial procedure," Kosmina said.

"There is far too much whispering in corridors and around corners. I feel sorry for Rob Gerrard, 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."

Kosmina first coached Adelaide in the National Soccer League in 2003, maintaining the role for the inaugural A-League season in 2005 and leading the Reds to the minor premiership and grand final in 2007.

The former Australia international captain resigned shortly after losing the 2007 grand final 6-0 to Melbourne Victory, but returned to coach his hometown club after Adelaide parted ways with Rini Coolen in 2011.

"When I was approached by [chairman] Greg Griffin on December 17, 2011, to take over from Rini Coolen, I accepted the job with an open mind and open heart," Kosmina said.

"There is a big space in my heart for the club I helped set up almost 10 years ago. I was, and still am, proud of what was achieved, and the culture that was put in place in those early years.

"I was more than aware, upon accepting Griffin's offer, that many of those principles had been eroded over time. But I was prepared to give it a shot just the same."

Kosmina said he had confidence in the playing squad and certain staff - notably leaving Griffin's name absent - and was not sure what his next move would be.

"The playing group is good. I believe I put a squad together than can be successful, and I believe it will be. They are a good bunch of guys and I wish them success," he said.

"I have become very close to Peter Blazincic and Sean Tagg over the course of the season and I hope the team is successful for their sake. They have the best interests of the club at heart, and are damn good at their job. The same must be said of Peter Duke who has been around from day one. A club man through and through.

"Where I go from here I'm not sure. I'll see which way the wind is blowing. I was digging in the back garden when Griffin rang me a year ago – now I have some time to go back and finish it off."