CHESTER, Pa. – For the second straight game, David Moyes was spotted at PPL Park.
Given the fact that the Philadelphia Union are in the market for a new manager, one could draw the conclusion that the former Everton and Manchester United boss is a candidate for the position.
But when asked about Moyes attending Philly’s US Open Cup final loss to the Seattle Sounders on Tuesday – as well as their league draw with the New York Red Bulls on Saturday – Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz offered a statement to MLSsoccer.com that should defuse those rumors.
“David Moyes is a friend and colleague of a number of us within our club and he was visiting our youth academy and club setup on his way to another location in the US,” Sakiewicz stated. “We played Everton FC in 2011 at PPL Park and since then we’ve had a friendship with David. He is an outstanding individual and we are honored to know him and have an ongoing relationship.”
Sakiewicz has stayed mostly quiet on the coaching search since firing John Hackworth in early June and naming Jim Curtin as the interim.
In an interview with MLSsoccer.com last month, he confirmed that former Montreal Impact head coach Jesse Marsch and former US national-team players Tony Meola and John Harkes were on the shortlist. Reports have also surfaced that former Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen is a leading candidate for the position.
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But in a recent interview with philadephiaunion.com, Sakiewicz lent credence to the idea that he may end up sticking with Curtin, who owns a 9-3-5 record following Tuesday’s 3-1 loss in the US Open Cup title game.
“I may or may not resume the coaching search,” Sakiewicz told the club's website before the Open Cup final. “The team is in good form. We’re winning games. I’ve been very much in communication with Jim and the other staff members. They all know what the mission is and what the clear objectives and goals are for the club.
“And that’s not going to change. If there are additions to the technical staff, they’ll only be made to add to the current situation because the current group of guys running the club is doing a pretty good job.”
Moyes was sacked by Manchester United in April after 10 months on the job. He previously coached Everton for 11 years.
Dave Zeitlin covers the Union for MLSsoccer.com. Email him at djzeitlin@gmail.com.
