Stephen Glass lands interim MLS role as former Hibs midfielder takes reins at Atlanta United

Stephen Glas (inset, during his Hibs days) has been named interim head coach of Atlanta United, replacing Frank de Boer

Stephen Glass has been named interim manager of MLS side Atlanta United.

The former Hibs midfielder replaces ex-Rangers and Netherlands defender Frank de Boer, who left the club by mutual consent after a poor showing in the MLS is Back Tournament.

De Boer won the US Open Cup and the Campeones Cup and reached the Eastern Conference final during his first season in charge but three 1-0 defeats to NY Red Bulls, Cincinnati FC, and Columbus Crew since the return of football after its coronavirus-enforced hiatus spelled the end for the Dutchman at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Glass, who initially joined the Five Stripes as an academy coach in August 2018, was named head coach of the club’s reserve side in January 2019 and will replace de Boer on an interim basis.

Club president Darren Eales told Atlanta United’s website: “Stephen not only has professional experience as a player at the highest levels of the sport, he is a proven leader and is well respected as a coach by his players and staff.

“We have great confidence that Stephen will re-energize the team and move the club in the right direction during this transition period.”

Glass added: “I am honored to take over as interim head coach for the Atlanta United first team.

"I am committed to continuing the hard work the team has done to establish itself as a top club in MLS, and to meeting the high standard expected of us both on and off the field.

"I look forward to quickly establishing a structure and rapport with the players as we prepare to return to play in our home market.”

Glass began his playing career at Aberdeen, and had spells with Newcastle, Watford, Hibs, Dunfermline, and Carolina Railhawks in the USA.

He had a brief stint as assistant manager at Shamrock Rovers between 2012 and 2014 before making the move to the Peach State.

Glass will have former Hearts winger Jake Mulraney and ex-Hibs loanee Emerson Hyndman in his squad as well as Jon Gallagher, who spent last season on loan at Aberdeen.

His appointment comes just days after former Easter Road striker Jonatan Johansson was named the new boss of Veikkausliiga side TPS Turku, joining another ex-Hibee in Jarkko Wiss, who manages fellow Finnish top-flight side Ilves.

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