New LouCity boss John Hackworth spoke with Scott Stewart & www.loucity.com after his appointment was announced on Thursday morning… See below for the full interview:
John, welcome to Louisville City Football Club…
“Thanks, Scott. I’m excited and honored to be here.”
How do you feel?
“I feel humbled, but I also think it’s a wonderful opportunity. I think I’m joining a club that, in a short amount of time, has had a huge amount of success. The people that I’ve met I feel are like-minded and have the same aspirations, which is to continue the success on and off the field that LouCity has already built in the community. I’m looking forward to getting started.”
We’re all obviously very excited to have you here, but you’ll spend the next two weeks in your current role with the U-17 Men’s National Team. What will this time be like with LouCity in the back of your brain?
“Yeah, I’m going to be double-dipping, for sure. I’m going to be doing as much work as I can to be prepared when I do arrive at the club. I’ll be anxious during that time, but I still have a responsibility to the U.S. U-17 National Team and we have some tough games so I’ll try to make sure that I stay focused on both tasks.”
As you looked at this position, what attracted you to LouCity?
“The club and the community are the two things that were really impressive. I think a club is built on the foundation of the people that are there and what has happened so far. Honestly, I immediately connected to the ownership group and to Brad. Watching from afar, I had the opportunity to watch the team several times. I met with Luke Spencer and really felt like it was the perfect opportunity with a club that is well-established but has loftier goals. That meets exactly what I was looking for.”
Let’s talk about the supporters—how much are you looking forward to your new home and coaching for those fans?
“That’s one of the first things I want to do. I want to make sure I connect with the fanbase and build relationships so they understand what drives me and what I’m going to try to do with the current team and the club going forward. I want to build relationships at every level because that is what a club really is about. It’s a community and we’re all very passionate about winning and we want to continue that history that you guys have already established there.”
You’ve coached at every level in this country but the USL is raising its standards both in terms of talent on the field and organizationally off the field. Do you feel you’ll need to adapt to USL play or the way this team plays?
“I mean I’ve coached at every level in this country and have been fortunate in that regard. I really, in watching over the last several weeks, have been so impressed with the team and especially with the fact that they haven’t had a technical staff around them. That’s a credit to James O’Connor and what he has built there, and the players themselves. The coaches that have been there had done such a wonderful job of staying in a collective. That is a culture that I’m excited to join.”
What similar challenges do you think you’ll face in this position compared to Philadelphia or your time with U.S. Soccer?
“Well look, I’m jumping into the middle of the season. I’m joining a team that has lofty aspirations but one that is doing well right now. The first thing I’m going to try to establish with the players is their understanding of what I expect and to try to build the trust that I think has to be established from the get-go.”
How would you assess the squad you are inheriting?
“I look at the upcoming schedule and it’s a little daunting, but I think because the roster is built in such a way that it’s going to be a push to finish the season off strong and hopefully make a deep run in the playoffs. My goal was clear in speaking with everyone at the club is to do everything we can to win another trophy.”
Can you tell us what style of play we can expect to see?
“I want fans to want to come and watch us play. In watching the team right now, they are a good team and play a good style of soccer already, so I’m going to try and go in and add little bits and pieces to things I think we can do better. But, [the team] is clearly in a good way right now so there’s not a ton to change and I want to be careful about not disturbing what that team is already doing.”
Will you be bringing any of your backroom staff?
“That’s an ongoing process right now and it’s one that I’m currently and have already started working on. I’m excited to bring some new people in, but at the same time, that’s not done right now. First things first is to try and build this in all the right ways and connect with the people there.”
With the success of this club to this point and the opportunity we have in hand, what would you say you are hoping to achieve with LouCity, short-term and long-term?
“Look, I think it’s very simple. I think the club wants to win, I want to win, and it’s been a culture of success on and off the field and that’s something I need to make sure I go in and lead right from the start. If I can, there are lofty expectations there already but I need to raise that bar if you will and set the tone in the right way. My expectation is that the team, the Club, and the fanbase support each other and stay collective in our goals and aspirations and really try to chase another USL Championship.”
And finally, they will be just as excited to have you in town as you will to be here. What is your message to City supporters everywhere?
“I just want to guarantee the supporters that I’m going to come in there and do the job to the best of my abilities. I’m going to work extremely hard and will use all of the experience and knowledge I’ve gained over my career and try to integrate myself in that community and in the club. I know I’m part of something very special going forward.”
Brilliant. Once more, John, welcome to Louisville City Football Club.
“Thank you, Scott. I appreciate it!”
