Stephen Glass, formerly Atlanta United’s interim manager, has resigned as Atlanta United 2′s manager to accept the job managing Aberdeen in Scotland’s Premiership.
Atlanta United’s parent company, AMB Sports and Entertainment, owns a portion of Aberdeen. The club’s chairman, Dave Cormack, has a residence in Atlanta.
Atlanta United hasn’t decided if it is promoting from within to fill the role with Atlanta United 2 or if it will hire externally.
“We can’t thank Stephen enough for his contributions to the club,” Atlanta United president Darren Eales said in a statement from the club. “For the past three seasons, he has played a crucial role in the development of players across all levels of the club, from academy to first team. Stephen will undoubtedly be missed, but we are excited for his opportunity to lead the club where he made his professional debut.”
After being appointed manager following Frank de Boer’s departure, Glass led Atlanta United to a 4-10-4 record in MLS games. He rarely had time to work with the club on tactics because of the compressed scheduled of the league. He also had to manage through the club selling Pity Martinez, one of its most expensive players, while working in new signings Marcelino Moreno and Jurgen Damm, and an injury situation with Ezequiel Barco, another high-priced player. Following the end of the league season, Glass had a few weeks to work with the players and the team ended its campaign with a 1-0 win over Club America in the Champions League.
Atlanta United’s players and members of the front office consistently praised Glass for his work ethic and preparation.
“It is a real honor to be named Aberdeen FC manager,” Glass said in a statement posted by Aberdeen. “Since my retirement from playing, I have been focused on becoming the best coach I can be with the aim of being in a position to secure an opportunity such as this.
“Having worked with a number of esteemed managers and coaches in the game, my football education has been extensive and my time with Atlanta United 2 has afforded me the chance to develop some exciting young players and hone my coaching skills.”
Glass, a 44-year-old native of Scotland, started his professional playing career at Aberdeen in 1994. He made 112 appearances and scored eight goals for the club until leaving in 1998. His playing career included appearances for Newcastle United, Watford, Hibernian and Dunfermline Athletic.
Glass was appointed Atlanta United 2′s manager in January 2019. The team went 9-17-8 as Glass was forced to manage an ever-rotating roster. However, he was able to develop talents such as George Bello with the 2s and Jon Gallagher with Atlanta United last season.
Aberdeen is fourth in the Premiership, with 49 points from 33 games. Its next game is April 10 against St. Johnstone.
“His winning mentality, having been mentored in the ‘Aberdeen Way’ from an early age by the likes of Teddy Scott, Alex Smith and Willie Miller, and desire to embrace the club’s strategy were key factors in our decision,” Cormack said in the statement. “He is committed to an exciting, attacking style of football and maximizing our player budget so we can get the best out of, and right balance between, experienced players and, crucially, developing and playing young first team players.”
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