After months of controversially hacking away at the Unions underachieving but popular roster, the hammer of change fell on coach Peter Nowak.
In an abruptly scheduled press conference on Wednesday, manned only by CEO and Union Chief Operating Officer Nick Sakiewicz at PPL Park, the team announced that Nowak has stepped down as coach and team manager. Coach John Hackworth will replace Nowak on an interim basis.
"Over a period of time, we determined that we were no longer on the same page between ownership and Peter's philosophy of managing the team," Sakiewicz said.
The move doesnt come as a surprise, with the Union taking a step backwards from an exciting playoff run in 2011 to a roster overhaul and eventual 2-7-2 record in 2012. Nowak, who was in his third year with the team, is a known taskmaster. He became unpopular with the fan base after trading Jordan Harvey and Danny Mwanga, along with orchestrating dramatic break-ups with fan-favorites Sebastien Le Toux and Danny Califf.
Nowaks failure came when those criticized moves didnt equal wins.
On Saturday, Nowak, 47, who has led the Union to a 21-30-24 record over three seasons, was rumored by the Edinburgh Evening News and The Philly Soccer Page to be in the running for the managing job with the Scottish Premier Leagues Hearts. Nowak denied the report.
The Union face DC United on Saturday at PPL Park.
(More coming ... )
E-mail Ryan Bright at ryanbright13@gmail.com