Ex-Man City star Reyna named new NYCFC exec

22 May 2013 21:17

Former Rangers and Manchester City midfielder Claudio Reyna, who won 112 caps for the USA, was named the director of football for Major League Soccer's new New York City Football Club on Wednesday.

Reyna was the first employee hired by the club, which was announced as the MLS's 20th expansion team on Tuesday, and is expected to begin play in 2015.

English Premier League club Manchester City are the majority owners of the new outfit, with Major League Baseball's New York Yankees also holding an ownership stake.

Reyna will be responsible for building the football elements of the club, including recruiting players, coaches and trainers, and other support staff, in preparation for the team's inaugural MLS season.

In announcing the appointment of Reyna, Ferran Soriano, chief executive of Manchester City, noted Reyna's significant contributions to football in the United States, both as a player and as the Youth Technical Director of the US Soccer Federation.

"Finding the right person for this role and getting him in place from the start was a priority," said Soriano.

"The football culture of New York City FC will be built from this decision, and we believe Claudio is the man who uniquely understands what New York soccer should mean, and how it can benefit from the relationship with Manchester City FC."

Source: AFP