Just days after being named as a candidate for the Union’s Director Of Soccer, the current AZ Director Of Football has reportedly flown to the USA for a three day trip, staying in New York with his family.
The length of the stay and the choice of location do indicate that he may well be meeting with the Philadelphia Union board. Now at this stage, it is just speculation as it could just be a coincidental family visit..but the timing is awfully suspicious. Whether he has been offered a job or if he is about to be offered one remains unknown. The three day duration would also infer that he be in the country when the Union play the final game of their 2015 MLS Campaign against Orlando City on the 25th of October at PPL Park.
The report comes from Netherlands based source telegraaf.nl. With AZ playing and being successful in the highest echelon of Netherlands football the Eredivisie, we have no real reason to doubt this information.
The article also talks about the “Moneyball” philosophy. Which is almost like a Football Manager esque’ way of looking at things. (The video game, not an actual coach). The outlook basically sees coaches and scouts examine statistics to look for overlooked/cheaper players who still boast great potential. It’s an outlook that would sit very well with Union fans who are not only aware of their teams financial status but would build confidence after a lot of criticism came following a season of transfers with a lack of direction.
Stewart has had great success with his current team, leading them to Europa League quarter finals and semi finals in recent years and go into a game against FC Augsburg after defeating La Liga side Athletico Bilbao.
The guys at the BrotherlyGame have produced a great article looking into his affiliation with the USMNT and the MLS and his recent success in the Netherlands. All signs are pointing towards Philadelphia at this stage, but we will have to wait and see if any further statements are to be released by a Netherlands news source or indeed a Union one.
