After spending time at Reading United AC as both a player and as an assistant coach, Alan McCann steps into a leading role after being named the fifth head coach since the club joined the PDL in 2004.

The affiliate club of MLS’ Philadelphia Union and the USL’s Bethlehem Steel FC has a history of success over the past 14 PDL campaigns, including a wealth of alumni who have gone on to play professionally. Reading has won the Mid Atlantic Division four times, most recently in 2016 under departing head coach Stephen Hogan, and has qualified for the U.S. Open Cup for 10 consecutive seasons including the upcoming 2018 edition. In addition to big-name alumni such as the Union’s C.J. Sapong, FC Dallas’ Matt Hedges and the Houston Dynamo’s Andrew Wenger, Reading has 37 active alumni competing in MLS and the USL in 2018.

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McCann now takes over that run of success, after serving as a player for Reading in 2012 and more recently as Hogan’s assistant coach. In addition to his appearances with Reading, McCann played professionally in Ireland’s top flight with St. Patrick’s Athletic and has coached at the collegiate level as an assistant for Keiser University’s men’s team.

During his transition to his head coaching role, McCann spoke to USLPDL.com about the club’s history, what he’s learned throughout his career and what he hopes to bring to the table in 2018.

Alan McCann

Reading United AC Head Coach

PDL: You take over a program with historic and recent success in the PDL since joining in 2004, what does it mean to be trusted with control of such an organization?

Alan McCann: It’s an honor to be trusted by the organization to continue building what we started in 2016 under Stephen Hogan. Being part of the recent success in 2016 and 2017 has only made me hungry for more so I’m looking forward to getting our players in to continue to add to the tradition of success.

PDL: Reading United has won four Mid Atlantic Division titles since joining the PDL, including in 2016, has made the playoffs nine of the last ten seasons and has competed in nine straight U.S. Open Cups, reaching the third round twice. How do you hope to continue that legacy of success?

AM: Winning the division in 2016 was great for us and then missing out by a point to Red Bulls in 2017 hurt but it goes to show just how good this division is. Ensuring that our standards continue to stay high in the professional environment we set will help to continue the legacy in arguably now the toughest division in the country.

PDL: Reading United have also produced a number of future professionals such as Matt Hedges, Alex Bono and, most recently, No. 10 overall 2018 SuperDraft selection Mo Adams and No. 12 pick Paul Marie. How will you ensure the continued production of talented pros?

AM: Continuing the process of effective talent identification and then creating an environment that prepares these players for the professional ranks is a big part of it too.

PDL: You have experience within the Reading organization, having been an assistant under Stephen Hogan since 2016, who has moved to a new role with Reading’s partners Bethlehem Steel FC and the Philadelphia Union, and played for the club in 2012. How does your familiarity with the organization help your transition to head coach?

AM: The familiarity with the organization has ensured an easy transition and has meant minimum disruption to the process. It also means everyone within the organization is very familiar with the way I operate and this meant we didn’t lose any time on preparing for the upcoming season. Our returning players being familiar with me also helps us to carry on the culture we’ve been building since 2016.

PDL: You’ve also coached collegiately, as an assistant with Keiser University’s men’s team, and have played professionally in Ireland’s top flight with St. Patrick’s Athletic. How do your own experiences elsewhere help contribute to your role with Reading?

AM: At the university I was lucky getting to learn from a great coach, Gavin Oldham. Keiser is a very diverse group with many different cultures, languages and backgrounds so that helps to work with the diverse groups we get at Reading. My own experiences, along with the experience my assistants will bring to the players will help to open our players’ eyes to what is actually necessary to make that jump to the next level and some harsh realities that they may need to learn before taking that step.

PDL: We’re just a few months away from the start of the 2018 PDL season. What are you most looking forward to in the months to come?

AM: I’m looking forward to the day to day work with the players and staff. The enjoyment of challenging each other every day in training and games to be better than the previous day. The hunger that can be seen in these driven players and where it then takes them in their career. Being back in the environment of having to be your best every day because the other guy wanting your position is just as good as or is better than you.