Pittsburgh United FC names 1st head coach

Pittsburgh United FC, the newly formed United Premier Soccer League club, has found a coach to lead the team into its first season.

The team announced former Scottish Premiership manager and Dundee FC legend Barry Smith as its head coach.

“It’s an honor to become head coach of this unique new franchise, Pittsburgh City United FC,” Smith said in a statement. “After speaking to the owner Mr. (Michael Anton) Monsour and seeing his enthusiasm and professionalism, not only for football, but also to promote Alzheimer’s awareness, I knew it was a project I wanted to be involved in. I’m looking forward to the challenge and intricacies of leading Pittsburgh City United FC into their inaugural season and also building foundations on and off the pitch.”

It is official former Scottish Premiership Manager and Dundee FC Legend Barry Smith is our New Head Coach. #upsl #ussoccer #fifa #scottishfootball #pittsburghcityunitedfc #legend #alzheimersassociation pic.twitter.com/hfN8ZkJPT0

— Pittsburgh City United FC (@pittcityunited) July 19, 2021

Smith, 47, played for Celtic, Dundee, Valur, Partick Thistle, Greenock Morton and Brechin City and was admitted into Dundee’s Hall of Fame after making 400 appearances for the club and leading Dundee FC to a Division Championship and a Scottish Cup Final as captain.

He later became Dundee’s manager in 2010 and guided the team to a club record 23-game unbeaten streak in the league and promotion into the Scottish Premiership.

He has since managed Alloa Athletic, Aldershot Town, East Fife, Raith Rovers and Brechin City, accumulating a record of 115-133-70.

“Coach Smith’s decision to join our team reflects the overwhelming support we have received since announcing our presence in the United Premier Soccer League just six weeks ago,” owner Michael Anton Monsour said in a statement. “Coach Smith has not only honored us, but the entire world of football, with this selfless decision to join Pittsburgh City United in our quest to be the healthcare worker’s champion not only on the field, but in our healthcare community.”

Pittsburgh City United FC, which will debut this fall, has agreed to donate 50% of all profits from ticket sales and merchandise to the Alzheimer’s Association as well as commit a minimum of four hours of community service per player, coach and executive staff member each fall and spring season.