Thu 24th May 2007

Adelaide United defenders Aaron Goulding, Kristian Rees and Adam van Dommele have not survived the end of season cull at the Reds, with all three players not offered contracts for next season.

United coach Aurelio Vidmar described the trio as 'outstanding role models', but said the decision to let them go was necessary as the club looks to consolidate the success its enjoyed over the first two Hyunadai A-League seasons.

"Unfortunately this is part of the rejuvenation process that the club is undertaking, all three players have been important members of the Adelaide United squad," said Vidmar.

Rees and Goulding were members of United's inaugural squad in 2003, but they have found themselves on the outer at the club following Adelaide's disastrous 6-1 Grand Final loss to Melbourne Victory.

Both players join former skipper Ross Aloisi and midfielders Fernando and Greg Owens in leaving the Reds after the Grand Final as the club went through an intense period of blood-letting following the loss that also claimed coach John Kosmina.

Veteran Carl Veart has also left the club, but on a happier note, as he retired following Adelaide's impressive 3-0 victory over Dong Tam Lon An in its final Asian Champions League Group G encounter on Wednesday.