Union Name John Hackworth Permanent Team Manager

John Hackworth's reign as interim team manager (head coach) came to an end today, but his time as the Philadelphia Union's fully empowered team manager have begun.

The Union named Hackworth the team's permanent team manager this evening, choosing to make him the future of the club at their lead managerial position.

"Long-term means long-term," Nick Sakiewicz, Union CEO and Managing Partner, said in response to reporter questions about Hackworth's contract. Sakiewicz did not elaborate, so the statement could have been in reference to Hackworth beyond just a head coaching role.

When asked by reporters about why the Union chose to name Hackworth permanent team manager now, Sakiewicz said that he thought about it and there wasn't debate about it.

"I said to myself, ‘Why wait? Do it. Let's go.'," Sakiewicz said.

Since taking over from Nowak, Hackworth has posted a 5-6-2 record, including a four game stretch in July that brought the Union 12 points from 15 games. He also continued the Union's deep Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run, before Philadelphia was eventually knocked out in the semi-final round at home against Sporting Kansas City.

In recent games the Union have had a string of poor performances, taking away from Hackworth and the team's quick start under the former assistant coach. Last night the Union fell 2-1 to the Columbus Crew despite jumping out to a 1-0 lead in the first half and holding a man advantage after the 68th minute.