After a 2024 regular season deemed "simply unacceptable," Halifax Wanderers FC has brought Canada Soccer Hall of Famer Mark Watson on board as a senior football strategy adviser.
The 54-year-old Watson is well connected, having most recently spent four seasons as Minnesota United's technical director in Major League Soccer. He has also served as head coach of the San Jose Earthquakes and assistant coach with Orlando City.
Halifax finished sixth in the eight-team Canadian Premier League under coach Patrice Gheisar, four points out of a post-season play-in place at 7-12-9. The second-youngest team in the league, Halifax went winless in its first nine games (0-5-4).
Watson sees plenty of positives, however.
"They have a really energetic, passionate project in Halifax so I'm excited to be part of that," he said in an interview.
"Great people and they've a really special thing going there," he added. "The matchday experience, the home atmosphere, at Wanderers Park is just pretty special. I think they've done it the right way. It's grass, it's tight to the field. They get great crowds, even for the last game of the season (a 2-1 win over York United on Oct. 19) when they weren't moving on to the playoffs, the atmosphere inside the stadium was excellent.
"I think that's a real foundational piece to grow off."
A hard-nosed defender during his playing days, Watson earned 78 caps for Canada between 1991 and 2004.
“Our results this season were simply unacceptable, and as a club, we need to take a hard look at where improvements need to be made to find consistent success on the pitch,” Derek Martin, Halifax's founder and president, said in a statement.
“I'm very pleased that Mark has agreed to work with us and bring his extensive MLS experience, as well as an in-depth understanding of the Canadian soccer landscape, to our football recruiting and operations. Mark’s unique experience in launching two MLS expansion clubs and his exemplary professionalism, rigorous approach, and deep analytical skills make him a tremendous asset to our organization as we enter a crucial off-season.”
The club said Watson will support Martin "in evaluating and optimizing the strategic direction of the club’s football operations."
"I've got a lot of experience in the game and building clubs," said Watson, who helped expansion Orlando City and Minnesota in Major League Soccer. "You can't grow everything overnight. … I think it's just having a real plan in terms of how you progress, how you improve, how you connect to your fan base.
"There's obviously a World Cup coming in 2026 and I think it's a real opportunity to continue that growth."
Watson and head coach Adrian Heath were fired by Minnesota in October 2023. Heath and Watson had been at Minnesota since the club’s inaugural 2017 season. The two also worked together at Orlando City.
Watson served as an assistant coach with Canada's senior men's and youth programs from 2003 to 2009.
He was part of the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame's Class of 2012 and was a member of the Canadian team that won the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup, recognized as a Canada Soccer Team of Distinction.
Watson, named Canada Soccer Player of the Year in 1997, played for England's Watford, Oxford United and Oldham Athletic as well as Sweden's Osters.
He played for the New England Revolution, Columbus Crew and D.C. United in Major League Soccer.
Watson also had stints in the now-defunct Canadian Soccer League with the Ottawa Intrepid, Hamilton Steelers and Montreal Supra.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 28, 2024
Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
