Brotherly Game - The John Hackworth Era EndsThe beautiful game with a Philadelphia attitudehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48005/brotherlygame-fave.png2014-06-17T11:00:05-04:00http://www.brotherlygame.com/rss/stream/55613192014-06-17T11:00:05-04:002014-06-17T11:00:05-04:00Who is Jim Curtin?
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<p>Who exactly is the Union's new interim head coach. We did a little research to find out</p> <p>Jim Curtin is a 34 year old Oreland, PA native who played youth soccer in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, even catching a few matches with Chris Albright. Curtin played at Villanova with distinction, was drafted by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a> in 2001 and the big (6'4") defender plied his trade in MLS for the next 10 years, lifting the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/us-open-tennis">US Open</a> Cup in 2003 and 2006. He retired after he was released by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/">Chivas USA</a> in 2010, returning to the Philadelphia region, eventually landing a job at YSC Sports and serving as the Director of Curriculum Development. His success there with the Union Juniors got him hired as an assistant coach with the Union in 2012.</p>
<p>All that is easy enough to find and really only tells half the story. It doesn't really answer the question of who the man charged with leading the Union in the second half of the 2014 season really is.</p>
<p>He's a husband and a father of three, steeped in Philadelphia culture. He has a degree in Finance from Villanova. He's a union man, having served as the Fire's player representative to the MLS Players Union and even served on the union's executive board. He's a guy who likes working with youth players and knows his way around a training field. He was publicly lauded by <span>John Hackworth</span> for his work as the Director of Curriculum Development at YSC. Remember that this praise came from a John Hackworth that was part of the USSF set up in Bradenton, so that's no small compliment. He is a winner, having raised trophies as both a player and a youth coach, the Union's U-18 won the 2012 Generation ADIDAS Cup.</p>
<p>Although it remains to be seen if he has the chops to drag the Union into the 2014 post season, Curtin is the prototypical Philly guy. A man who would look just as much at home in the dock workers union hall as the MLS players union executive board. He knows this city and these players, he has played at the top level in MLS and has excelled with youth players as a coach. He has all the tools necessary to succeed, the big question is, <i>will he?</i></p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2014/6/17/5806338/Curtin-union-Hackworth-MLSWm Murphy2014-06-13T07:00:03-04:002014-06-13T07:00:03-04:00Union Introduce New Interim Manager
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<figcaption>Drew Hallowell</figcaption>
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<p>The Union's new Interim Manager Jim Curtin is introduced and answers questions from the press about how he'll be managing the team.</p> <p>The Jim Curtin era is officially underway as the new Union boss took questions today. Curtin first thanked Jay Sugarman and <span>Nick Sakiewicz</span> for "giving me this opportunity." He also thanked <span>John Hackworth</span> and Rob Vartughian for their time with the club but then went on to say he would not be talking about them any further. Curtin then started in and didn't mince words. He addressed the team and said that they've had a bunch of good players who have had poor first halves of the season, but that there were 18 games left for them to "right the ship". He then went on to say that the club would be taking the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/us-open-tennis" class="sbn-auto-link">US Open</a> Cup competition "very seriously" and then added one of the best quotes of the day:</p>
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<p>"This club needs a trophy." - Jim Curtin</p>
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<p>This represents (to me at least) a fundamental change in the attitude between the old regime and new. Where John Hackworth liked to bandy about "Philly tough", the man from suburban Tampa wouldn't have ever come out and said something as direct and powerful as "This club needs a trophy." Curtin then went on to say that the "results haven't been here, but the resources are." This is an important onus to put on the players and establishes accountability - something that seemed to be lacking under previous management.</p>
<p>Curtin went on to say that he was "confident in staff. Mike Sorber is Assistant Coach." and that "<span>Chris Albright</span> is Technical Director". Additonally, he talked about the staff working with the youth program at YSC Sports and the scouting team, praising the team at all levels.</p>
<p>In talking about what the team needed to do to improve, Curtin mentioned Designated Players. He commented that the Union is known as a serious team, and that attracts big players to the team. He also made sure to comment that he likes the players we currently have on the roster.</p>
<p>When Nick Sakiewicz was asked about the decision to fire Assistant Coach Rob Vartughian, he said the move was done to "clear the air for Jim" and that it was a "collective decision - mostly mine" but then went on to say they don't operate in a vacuum and decisions are made collaboratively.</p>
<p>Curtin talked about the possibility of another coach being brought in. Says he understands that "I'm a 34 year-old coach" but "I know what it takes to win in this league. Curtin said he understands that there "is a search that has to happen" but that he would "make it as difficult as I can by winning."</p>
<p>Sakiewicz was next to comment on the manager search, saying he was "shocked at the quantity and quality of resumes and CV's that are coming into my phone and into the Front Office." He neglected to name anyone specifically but said there have been "serious" European and South American coaches expressing interest, including one who he feels "will be the next national team coach of a team in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014" class="sbn-auto-link">World Cup</a>".</p>
<p>Sakiewicz also went on to say that "It's no coincidence that foreign coaches have not done well in this league... and I know the reasons." This is a interesting comment from Sakiewicz, given that Piotr Nowak, the club's first manager, is Polish. It would seem, from that statement, that the Union will be looking for an American coach, whether it is Curtin or someone else, to fill the manager role.</p>
<p>Curtin commented that when there is new management for a team "every guy has a new crack." He said he wants to open up all the spots on the team for competition. He went on to say that "a little bit of fear a little bit of motivation for the guys that have been consistently in the lineup is a good thing."</p>
<p>Curtin said that he'd be making changes "as soon as Harrisburg." He also commented that Union players like <span>Jimmy McLaughlin</span> and Cristian Hernández would not be playing against the Union in the upcoming US Open Cup matchup.</p>
<p>Curtin is clearly wants to drop the interim title, but is realistic about the fact that it might not happen. One relieving thing to draw from this press conference is that there will be a search for a new manager. When Nowak was fired, Sakiewicz announced that they weren't searching too hard for a new manager and Hackworth was eventually promoted.</p>
<p>We're all looking forward to the change in management and hoping that Jim Curtin can be the man to lead our <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union</a> to its first title.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2014/6/13/5803456/philadelphia-union-press-conference-june-12-2014Eugene Rupinski2014-06-11T15:13:35-04:002014-06-11T15:13:35-04:00BREAKING NEWS: Rob Vartughian Fired
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<figcaption>Two men sacked in two days. | Trevor Ruszkowksi-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
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<p>For the second time in two days, the Philadelphia Union have sacked a key member of the coaching staff.</p> <p>For the second time in two days, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a> have sacked a key member of the coaching staff as the club announced that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2014/06/rob-vartughian-relieved-philadelphia-union-assistant-coach-and-technical-director-dutie">Assistant Coach and Technical Director Rob Vartughian had been relieved of his duties</a>. Vartughian was initially hired in 2010 as Goalkeeper Coach before being promoted to Assistant Coach and Technical Director. This news comes almost exactly a day after manager <span>John Hackworth</span> was <a target="_blank" href="http://www.brotherlygame.com/2014/6/10/5797020/breaking-news-john-hackworth-fired-as-manager-of-the-philadelphia">shown the door using </a>almost the exact same language. According to Jonathan Tannenwald of philly.com, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/thegoalkeeper/Philadelphia-Union-fire-technical-director-Rob-Vartughian.html">the decision was made by the Union's Front Office, <i>not </i>by Interim Manager Jim Curtin. </a></p>
<p>This seems like a bit of a shock at first, but remember that not only has Vartughian been here since 2010 and has thus been in some part responsible for the teams that have cost two managers their jobs, but as Kevin Kinkead pointed out:</p>
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<p>I mean, Vartughian would have had to take orders from someone who, two days ago, was below him in the hierarchy.</p>
— Kevin Kinkead(@KevinKCBS3) <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinKCBS3/status/476792805139165186">June 11, 2014</a>
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<p>It remains to be seen what this all means for the club, and rumors abound about successors for both jobs as well as any possible further bloodletting. One thing is for certain - this has set a pretty extreme standard for in-season moves by the club.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2014/6/11/5800918/breaking-news-rob-vartughian-fired-assistant-coach-philadelphia-unionEugene Rupinski2014-06-11T13:00:03-04:002014-06-11T13:00:03-04:00Underdog Mindset Must Go with Hackworth
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<figcaption>Bob Levey</figcaption>
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<p>After years of hustle and grit, it's time for the Union to dominate.</p> <p>Since the Union's inception in 2010, the club has been searching for an identity. With <span> <span>John Hackworth</span> </span>in charge, it seemed like they finally found it.</p>
<p>Hackworth got rid of creative and possibly less determined players, to make room for hard workers who were willing to adapt. This is why <span>Roger Torres</span>, <span>Freddy Adu</span>, and even <span>Jack McInerney</span> were replaced by <span>Danny Cruz</span>, <span>Sebastien Le Toux</span> (again), and <span><span>Andrew Wenger</span></span>. That second trio is much more willing to play wherever they are asked, and are a lot less likely to mouth off about it. They are the embodiment of the Union under Hackworth.</p>
<p>In May of 2013, Hackworth lauded Cruz in a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2013/05/final-whistle-john-hackworth">post on the Union's website</a>, saying, "His attitude - the relentlessness, hustle and intensity - is a perfect representation of what this club stands for and wants to bring every time we step out on the field at PPL Park. On Saturday, Danny showed us all 'Philly tough.'"</p>
<p>Hackworth wanted to take on the scrappy, hard working mantra that has been adapted and popularized by other Philadelphia sports teams, most famously the 1972-73 Flyers and 1993 Phillies. Thinking that the fanbase wanted to see a gritty band of underdogs, Hackworth tried to coin "Philly tough." He tried to perpetuate the stupid Philly stereotype of scrappiness and grit. Instead of trying to build a successful soccer team, he tried to build a successful <i>Philly </i>team. He tried to be the underdog.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.tvjobs.com/cgi-bin/markets/market2.cgi">According to Nielsen</a>, Philadelphia is the fourth biggest media market, and the Union are the eleventh most valuable franchise in MLS, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.forbes.com/pictures/emdm45efhfi/11-philadelphia-union/">according to Forbes</a>. Neither of those numbers suggest that the Union's defeatist inclination stems from financial woes. Why would a club in a better financial situation than half of the league - including 2013 MLS Cup Finalists <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake</a> - brand itself as an underdog? Because it was convenient. After the firing of <span>Peter Nowak</span>, <i>who literally beat players and stole money from the club</i>, Hackworth didn't need to do much to endear himself to the fans. He thought it'd be easy enough to build a gritty, but affable, squad, and shout "small town club" and "Philly tough" whenever questioned. Many would have been content with a perennial contender, even if they played ugly soccer. However, since the Union have been terrible for the last few years, fans wanted change.</p>
<p>MLS's salary cap structure makes it incredibly easy for teams to improve in a short amount of time. Take Sporting Kansas City, for example. In 2009, SKC (then the Wizards) finished second to last. In 2010, they finished third. In the offseason between the 2010 and 2011 seasons, they re-branded themselves as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Sporting Kansas City</a>. SKC went on to finish first in the Eastern Conference in consecutive seasons in 2011 and 2012. In 2012, they won the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/us-open-golf">U.S. Open</a> Cup, and last year they won the MLS Cup. At the end of 2013, SKC was the seventh most valuable team in the league, with only the eleventh highest payroll--a spot ahead of the Union. While the re-brand and new stadium certainly played a large part in KC's revival, most of the credit goes to <span>Peter Vermes</span>, who got the head coaching gig in mid-2009. Vermes made a powerhouse out of a club based in one of the smallest markets in MLS. There is no reason that that cannot be replicated in Philadelphia.</p>
<p>The Union, still only five years old, have time to define themselves. In terms of media markets, they'll be a top seven team for the foreseeable future. With respect to value, they're in the middle of the pack. It's completely feasible that they could become a consistent threat to finish in the top three in the East. With the conference adding four expansion teams in the near future by dropping SKC and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.onceametro.com/">New York Red Bulls</a> quickly losing influence, this upcoming hire is crucial for the Union. The underdog attitude must leave with Hackworth. Nick Sakiewicz and the higher-ups must hire a manager who will create an atmosphere where winning is expected, not a pleasant surprise. If they get it right, the Union could amass a few trophies over the next five years. If they get it wrong, then I might have to write this article again in two.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2014/6/11/5797510/underdog-attitude-must-go-with-john-hackworth-philadelphia-unionJohn Rossi2014-06-11T10:00:04-04:002014-06-11T10:00:04-04:00HOT TOPIC QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Next Head Coach?
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<figcaption>Drew Hallowell</figcaption>
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<p>My original HOT TOPIC was rendered useless after the news of John Hackworth’s departure. Now the search begins, who should the Philadelphia Union get as their new coach?</p> <p>As expected as some of us thought the Union's eventual firing of <span>John Hackworth</span> would be, it happened to be quite surprising. After playing in one of the most exciting games of the season, the Union decided to let Hackworth go and begin their search for the next manager. It comes at the most reasonable time, with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014">World Cup</a> break just beginning, and it will give the Union roughly six months to find a new coach.</p>
<p>We like to have fun here at Brotherly Game, so I asked the staff to give their own opinions about the next Union head coach.</p>
<p>Let's see what they came up with.</p>
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<p><b>JC Escobar </b> - Nobody that is currently associated with the team. We need a fresh perspective, but most importantly, Nick Sak needs to stay out of his way. His two cents are worthless.</p>
<p><b>Heather Reppert </b>- I am not very savvy on coaching personnel out there, but all I know is that I want someone with true professional experience. Or Veljko Paunovic.</p>
<p><b>Justin F.</b> - The Union should hire as their head coach someone not named Eric Wynalda. Although come to think of it I'm not real into the <span>Jesse Marsch</span> train, either. John Spencer, perhaps? If we are talking realistic international possibilities, are Guus Hiddink or Roberto Di Matteo realistic? I do not know, but I dare to dream. I'll die laughing if it is David Moyes.</p>
<p><b>Dan Kenworthy</b> - Wynalda and/or Ryan Giggs.</p>
<p><b>Barry Evans </b>- I would love to go to something like the Red Bulls have with Andy Roxburgh in a director of football role, and a <span>Mike Petke</span> as head coach. The DOF role would be someone with experience of running a team, but maybe not the enthusiasm of wanting to do the coaching job full time (maybe Steve Nicol?), and the head coach someone like a Paunovic, who can just concentrate on coaching/picking a team. I wonder if we could even go with someone like Del Piero as player/coach?</p>
<p><b>Frank Cobbina</b> - My fear is that the FO drive this "major market" narrative on a road to nowhere. It's tough to sell when two clubs within 100 miles of Philadelphia are decidedly bigger. Be honest with who you are and where you are, or else it's just going to be more of the same. I'd take a shot at John Spencer, or the current coach of the recent NASL champion Minnesota United, Manny Lagos.</p>
<p><b>Stacy Altomari</b> - It falls back, partially, on how much the Union will spend. They might have to open the wallet wide to lure someone in. If we're dreaming, Paunovic would be a cool choice.</p>
<p>--</p>
<p>I have two words and they are both equally pleasing to say: Guus Hiddink. Talk about the era of good feelings, right? His tenure, which would last no longer than two years, would easily be the greatest of the entire history of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a>, past and present.</p>
<p>Ok I know that is crazy, so I'll stop, but how cool would that be? There is no way the Union can afford to spend crazy money on a coach with a huge international resume on the level of Hiddink's. Are there any other European coaches out there interested? David Moyes? No. Roberto Di Matteo? No. Ryan Giggs? No.</p>
<p><span>Nick Sakiewicz</span> says that the <a href="https://twitter.com/DaveZeitlin/status/476495287796912128" target="_blank">resumes are piling in, </a>and I refuse to get into how much bull that is. But I'll give them the benefit of the doubt of finding a coach that actually has management experience. The odds will probably be that Jim Curtin gets the nod later in the season, but there might be a chance that Sak hires a coach with previous MLS experience. Even if they are going to hear from big names looking to become the Union's fourth head coach, I would believe that they were fabricated lies before I believe there's actually interest to work under Nick Sakiewicz.</p>
<p>My choice for realistic coaching hire is either Jesse Marsch or John Spencer - two coaches who are unique in their style and have just enough MLS experience, while not having enough MLS to be criticized for having a track record, to say they're proven in this league. The ideas of Eric Wynalda or Alexis Lalas are unlikely due to their lush broadcasting jobs and if the Union decide to go for a foreign-based coach, wouldn't it be nice if they lure Bob Bradley back to the states?</p>
<p> Only time will tell, but don't be expecting Sir Alex Ferguson to come out of retirement.</p>
<p><i>Please answer the poll and tell us what you think below!</i></p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2014/6/11/5798440/hot-topic-question-of-the-week-who-should-the-philadelphia-union-hireDoug Gobrecht2014-06-10T12:48:34-04:002014-06-10T12:48:34-04:00BREAKING NEWS: John Hackworth Fired
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<figcaption>SACKED - John Hackworth "relieved of his manager duties." | Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>John Hackworth "relieved" of manager duties effective immediately.</p> <p>As of 12:15 EDT today, the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union</a> twitter account has announced that <span>John Hackworth</span> had been "Relieved of (his) manager duties."</p>
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<p>JUST IN: Hackworth relieved of @philaunion manager duties. Jim Curtin named interim manager: http://bit.ly/1l4ClFs pic.twitter.com/Ywt2FWocW2</p>
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilaUnion/status/476397264391663616">June 10, 2014</a>
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<p> </p>
<p>Hackworth was named interim manager after the firing of <span>Peter Nowak</span> on June 13, 2012. He was then named manager on August 30 of the same year. Since taking the reins, Hackworth's record was 23-30-20 overall and just a meager 3-6-7 this season.</p>
<p>After an offseason that saw the Union loosen the purse strings and spend for quality talent such as <span>Maurice Edu</span>, <span>Cristian Maidana</span>, and <span>Vincent Nogueira</span>, it's not a surprise that Hackworth was let go after such a dismal start. With the chorus of boos reverberating louder and louder after each Union (under)performance, it's little wonder the axe was dropped - especially with the team taking a hiatus for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014" class="sbn-auto-link">World Cup</a>.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2014/06/john-hackworth-relieved-union-team-manager-duties-jim-curtin-named-interim">Per the Union's press release</a>, Oreland, PA native Assistant Coach Jim Curtin has been named as the interim manager. Curtin spent nine years in MLS as a player - mostly with the <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Fire</a> - from 2001 through 2009 before being hired as an Assistant Coach on November 29. 2012 by the Union.</p>
<p>Curtin's first test as Union manager will be the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/us-open-tennis" class="sbn-auto-link">US Open</a> Cup match on June 17 against USL PRO affiliate Harrisburg City Islanders at PPL Park. It remains to be seen if the Union are exploring managerial options at this time.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2014/6/10/5797020/breaking-news-john-hackworth-fired-as-manager-of-the-philadelphiaEugene Rupinski