Clint Peay Named Interim Coach of New England Revolution
The New England Revolution announced on Tuesday night that Clint Peay will be the new interim coach of the team, effective immediately. Peay has previously served as the head coach of the Revolution’s MLS Next Pro side, New England Revolution II. This appointment comes after former interim head coach Richie Williams took over when former coach and sporting director Bruce Arena was placed on leave last month due to an investigation into his “inappropriate and insensitive” remarks. Arena resigned on Saturday.
Uncertainty Surrounding Richie Williams
The future of Richie Williams as a member of the coaching staff is currently unknown. Williams, who took over as interim coach after Arena’s departure, has faced questions about his reported involvement in the investigation into his former boss. The Revolution players refused to train on Tuesday following a meeting where Williams was asked about his role in the investigation. Williams later framed the team’s absence from training as a collective decision in a news conference. It remains to be seen what role Williams will have moving forward.
Departure of Assistant Coaches
In addition to the coaching changes, the Revolution also announced that they have parted ways with assistant coaches Dave van den Bergh and Shalrie Joseph. Both coaches had posted messages of support for Arena on social media after he was placed on leave. Their departure further adds to the uncertainty surrounding the coaching staff of the Revolution.
Backstory: Bruce Arena’s Resignation
Bruce Arena, 71, resigned from his position as coach and sporting director of the New England Revolution after an MLS investigation confirmed “certain” allegations against him regarding “inappropriate and insensitive” remarks. The investigation focused on comments Arena allegedly made behind closed doors and to his coaching staff. Arena’s resignation marked the end of a long-standing relationship between him and Richie Williams, which began during Williams’ playing days at the University of Virginia in the 1980s and 1990s.
Internal Strife Within the Club
The internal strife within the Revolution team has led to several instances of players refusing to train. Assistant coaches Shalrie Joseph and Dave van den Bergh have also walked out of training on multiple occasions since Williams took over as interim head coach. The locker room has been fractured over the investigation into Arena, with some members of the coaching staff publicly expressing their support for him. Sources within the club have indicated that neither Joseph nor Van den Bergh are expected to return after this season ends.
Upcoming Match Against Colorado Rapids
Despite the turmoil within the club, the New England Revolution are currently second in the Eastern Conference with a record of 13-9-5. They are set to face the Colorado Rapids this Saturday. The team will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming match as they navigate through this challenging period.
Conclusion
The New England Revolution have appointed Clint Peay as their new interim coach following the resignation of Bruce Arena. The future of Richie Williams, who took over as interim coach, remains uncertain. The departure of assistant coaches Dave van den Bergh and Shalrie Joseph further adds to the changes within the coaching staff. The team will need to overcome the internal strife and focus on their upcoming match against the Colorado Rapids. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Revolution navigate through this challenging period and strive for success on the field.