The term “North Star” is one that Richard Nightingale admittedly uses a lot.
On a day in which he and Mark Steffens were announced as the Riverhounds’ new president and head coach, respectively, he kept coming back to that idea.
“I’m a big believer in having a vision for where we want to go, not only for soccer in Western Pennsylvania, but, ultimately, we’d become renowned nationally for what we do here,” Nightingale said. “We’ll set the benchmark, whether it’s for developing players, innovative training or a game experience.”
Those two hirings represent the beginning of a new era for the Riverhounds after a difficult year in which the franchise filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and make an in-season coaching change.
With Nightingale and Steffens, the organization believes it can move forward to a new, more successful chapter.
Nightingale brings a lengthy sports business background to Pittsburgh, one that includes stops at Nike and Umbro. He will use that experience to try to rebrand the Riverhounds.
That already has begun, as he announced that the franchise dissolved its partnership with the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer and will operate without a an MLS franchise partner to achieve more flexibility for roster moves.
Nightingale also said he wants to have a pro women’s team here in the next three years. “When we do it, we’re going to go hard and do it well. It’s not something we’re just going to dip our toes into. I think it’s a natural progression and evolution for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.”
Steffens is coming off a successful run with the Charlotte Eagles, a fellow USL Pro team. In 18 years in Charlotte, he made the playoffs 14 times and captured two championships. He was twice named coach of the year (2004, 2008) while heading a franchise with one of the lowest player budgets in USL Pro.
Despite the Riverhounds’ struggles last season (9-14-5), Steffens sees potential in what he’s inheriting.
“Leaving here last week, I knew that this organization is headed for even better things,” he said. “I know it’s stable now. I love the facility and I love the people here. I see great things for this organization.”
The club also announced that Niko Katic, the team’s interim head coach in 2014 after the firing of Justin Evans, will return as an assistant coach.
Craig Meyer: cmeyer@post-gazette.com and Twitter @CraigMeyerPG.
First Published: December 18, 2014, 5:00 a.m.
