Dave Edmondson leaves Adelaide after two seasons | (Credit: Getty Images) Dave Edmondson leaves Adelaide after two seasons | (Credit: Getty Images)

Football Federation SA and Adelaide United Women's have confirmed that from Friday. 25 January, Dave Edmondson will step down as FFSA Head of Women’s Football and coach of Adelaide United Women.

Edmondson joined South Australian football in 2011 and was the coach of the Lady Reds for two seasons.  The former New Zealand U17s coach made strides with a struggling women's football program and his influence saw the W-League side finally snap a three year, 34 match winless streak.

"I do not make the decision to move on easily," said Edmondson.

"I would like to thank FFSA for the opportunity they have given me and the players for the effort they have put in over the last two seasons.”

Under his guidance several young players have progressed and made an impact on the national stage with young defender Emma Checker earning her first Matildas' cap late in 2012 and young midfielder Jess Waterhouse captaining the U17s Matildas to qualification for this year's Under 17 AFC Girls Championships, a tournament that doubles as a World Cup qualifier.

“I took over at a difficult time, when the Lady Reds looked like they may fold and on the back of two years without a win. Thanks to FFSA the team survived and I hope I have given this group of players some belief in going forward.”

Edmondson coached his final match with the Lady Reds in the 3-1 loss to Perth Glory at Burton Park on Saturday and leaves FFSA to take up opportunities interstate.

TheWomenGame believes that that interstate opportunity for the much respected Edmondson is to take over the Victorian National Training Centre (NTC) Head Coach position left vacant by former Melbourne Victory and current U17 National Team coach Vicki Linton.

The Victorian NTC program has in recent years become one of the hotbeds of women's football development headed by their three stars Ashley Brown, Brianna Davey and FFA U20 Football of the Year and current Victory captain Stephanie Catley.

With an interim coach at the head of a semi-finals bound Melbourne Victory, and with the FFV's history of merging the two jobs, Edmondson would be well positioned for one of the most enticing jobs in the W-League.