At 3:30 pm this afternoon via conference call, the Sky Blue FC announced they have promoted former assistant coach Christy Holly to become the team's new Head Coach. He will also assume player personnel responsibilites, beginning with this Friday's draft.
"We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Christy Holly to head coach of Sky Blue FC," stated team co-owner Steven Temares. "Christy’s character, leadership and experience with our team and the league, together with his inter-personal skills and training capabilities, make him the right coach for Sky Blue FC."
"I am excited to lead this exceptional group of players, on and off the field," Holly remarked. "Through my years with Sky Blue FC, I have come to know our current players and the amazing talent and heart they possess. As a team, we will be looking to build on this tremendous foundation and supplement it with new talent to help us reach the next level."
It's a smart hire for the New Jersey side, keeping someone familiar with the squad while also making sure Holly will make his own mark. During the announcement, Holly stressed the desire to build "a better balanced roster," something that is key when the international players as well as the USWNT players leave to compete in the Summer Olympics. When asked what type of style he wants the team to play, Holly replied "I want to play an exciting, progressive brand of soccer, play the majority of the game in the final third. I am looking for very technical players, to build a deep roster that can withstand injuires and losses of personnel due to the Olympics."
Sky Blue finished last season in eighth place in the nine team league with 22 points, missing out on the playoffs by eight points to the Washington Spirit.