CINCINNATI — FC Cincinnati introduced Chris Albright as its new general manager during a news conference Wednesday afternoon with plenty optimism about the future.
"The ultimate goal that we all share is to be the winning organization that FC Cincinnati and its fans are deserving of," Albright said.
Albright has more than 20 years experience in American soccer, including 15 seasons in Major League Soccer, winning three Cup titles along the way.
He most recently served as the Technical Director of the Philadelphia Union and looks forward to implementing a three-part plan to identify the FC Cincinnati head coach, assess the first team roster and begin to build a strong culture inside the club and the city.
"We understand that this club with facilities that are second to none and a fan base that is passionate and unwavering needs to deliver on the pitch," said FC Cincinnati President Jeff Berding.
FC Cincinnati (4-15-8), which is in last place of the Eastern Conference standings, plays host to Philadelphia Union (11-7-9) at 8 p.m. Saturday at TQL Stadium.
Albright will oversee roster management, salary cap budgeting, player scouting and acquisition, as well as oversight of the coaching staff, performance staff and medical staff.
FC Cincinnati managing owner and chief executive officer Carl H. Lindner III said with Albright's hiring the club will set its sights on the future with success in mind.
"I want to thank our fans for your remarkable patience with us," Lindner said. "We're going to get this right. Today's announcement is really a big step towards bringing this great city a winner."
FC Cincinnati had mutually parted ways with previous general manager Gerard Nijkamp in early August after yet another sluggish start to the season. The team also relieved former head coach Jaap Staam of his duties in late September.
