Bethlehem Steel FC names Rich Searls Director of Business Operations

Earlier today Bethlehem Steel FC introduced Rich Searls as their first-ever managing director. The former New York Cosmos and New York Red Bulls sales director brings a large amount of experience in developing a brand for a club as well as consulting for the Van Wagner Dorna USA Sports Group.

Searls' time at the Cosmos will be a promising sign for all things BSFC. Under Searls direction, the Cosmos showed a resurgence in the New York soccer scene and had the league high in average attendance in 2013. Add two NASL titles to his tenure with the Cosmos, and Searls seems to be a smart pick. Searls thanked Union and BSFC owner Jay Sugarman, minority owner Richie Graham and Union Executive Vice President / Chief Revenue Officer Dave Rowan. Searls also made a point to talk about how excited everyone was, and how he expected Steel FC to be a standard bearer in USL. Along with everyone else that has been signed or associated with Bethlehem Steel, Searls seemed to be anxious to get going on his new project. Only time will tell in terms of what Rich will bring to the table as it directly relates to BSFC, but having someone with vast experience at two successful New York clubs a successful New York club and some team who plays in New Jersey, all signs point to good things.