901 FC moves quickly, hires Glass as coach

Memphis 901 FC didn’t take long finding a replacement for former coach Ben Pirmann. The team announced Tuesday that it has hired Stephen Glass as its new coach.

A native of Scotland, Glass recently was manager of Aberdeen FC of the Scottish Premiership league, where he went 14-7-20. He also coached the USL’S Atlanta United 2 in 2019-20 before an interim stint coaching 19 games with Atlanta United FC in MLS.

Glass, whose career managerial record is 32-20-54, signed a multi-year contract with 901 FC. He also previously coached four 901 FC players, including Phillip Goodrum and Laurent Kissiedou.

“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to come to Memphis and look forward to building on the success that was enjoyed last year,” Glass said in a statement.

“There is a great group of players returning who I am sure are hungry to give the fans many more nights like those enjoyed last season.”

901 FC principal owner Peter Freund said in a statement that Glass was the club’s “targeted first choice” to lead the club.

Pirmann was hired by the Charleston Battery last week after leading 901 FC to its best season and earning USL Coach of the Year honors. 901 FC reached the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time.

Glass played for Aberdeen FC for four seasons (1994-98) with 110 appearances and eight goals before being transferred to Newcastle United. In three seasons, he made 42 appearances and scored five goals for Newcastle.

Glass also played for Watford, Hibernian

and Dunfermline Athletic along with a brief stint with Scotland’s national team. He wrapped his playing career with the Carolina Railhawks in 2010-11.

“We, as a club, couldn’t be more excited for what Stephen will bring to 901 FC,” 901 FC sporting director Tim Howard said in a statement. “His knowledge of the American soccer landscape as well as his international managerial experience will allow us to continue to build on our recent success. It has been satisfying to not only land our top target but to know how eager Stephen is to get to work.”