FORMER Scotland and Aberdeen ace Stephen Glass has described being named as interim boss of Atlanta United as the proudest moment of his career.
And he is determined to stake his claim for the post on a permanent basis despite acknowledging that that ‘biggest club in North America’ is guaranteed to attract heavyweight applications.
Glass has taken the helm of the MLS giants for the foreseeable future following the dismissal of Dutch icon Frank de Boer, stepping up from his role in charge of the club’s Atlanta United 2 in the United Soccer League [USL].
His temporary appointment affords the Georgia-based outfit time to carry out a thorough search for de Boer’s successor.
However, Glass will seek to use his time in the top job to convince Atlanta president Darren Eales – also a director at Aberdeen – and owner Arthur Blank that he deserves to be in the frame.
He said: “This is probably the biggest club in North America. It has a great group of players and people want to work for this club – so I’m under no illusions about the amount of people who will want this job.
“The opportunity I have is to show what I can do with a great group of players. From that point onwards, I’m not the man who decides who the next Atlanta United manager is. Others are paid to do that.
“I’ll try to make it difficult for them, and it would be nice if it happens, but I’ll just enjoy the challenge, make the team successful and see where that leads.”
Atlanta United were dumped out of the MLS is Back Tournament earlier this month, prompting de Boer’s exit, and there is yet to be a firm date for the 2020 campaign to resume, having been paused after two rounds in March.
However, reports from the States suggest league fixtures could start again towards the end of August.
And Glass, who also turned out for Hibernian and Newcastle in his playing days, added: “I’m humbled by the opportunity and the fact Darren [Eales] and the leadership trust me with it. I think that’s because they know this can be successful.
“In terms of my playing and coaching career, this ranks right up there. It’s probably the proudest moment that I’ve had.”
