All Star Coach in Doubt as Nowak Fired at Philly

Amid rumours that he applied to manage Heart of Midlothian in Edinburgh, Peter Nowak is leaving the Philadelphia Union.

Nowak denied the approach to the Scottish Cup winners but the Edinburgh papers were adamant he had done so.

A news conference featuring only CEO and managing director Nick Sakiewicz has just announced the decision.

Philly.com reported that ‘Nowak’s weekly press conference scheduled for this afternoon was canceled and he was not at the team’s practice this morning, according to a team source.’

His deputy John Hackworth is set to take over, writes Kerith Gabriel, author of both articles.

The 2011 Union had a successful second season and reached the semi-finals of the Eastern Conference. In 2012, poor results and the trading of popular players such as Seb Le Toux and now Danny Mwanga had lessened his popularity.

Nelson Rodriguez, Executive Vice President of Competition and Game Operations said:

“As we only just became aware of the Philadelphia Union coaching change, we will take the appropriate time to consider who should lead the MLS All-Stars against UEFA Champions Chelsea FC on July 25 at PPL Park.”