Alan McCann leaves Reading United for rival Ocean City Nor’easters

Reigning USL League Two Coach of the Year Alan McCann will be coaching against his former team next season.

McCann has been hired to helm the Ocean City Nor’easters after stepping down from his post at Reading United. McCann guided his former team to two straight USL League Two finals and was named the league’s coach of the year in 2019.

“I’m really excited to get started with the club and the staff behind the scenes,” McCann said in a news release. “Our goal is to bring a team to Ocean City that can excite the fans and showcase future professionals while adding to the club’s already successful history.”

McCann compiled a 22-3-5 record in his two seasons after succeeding current Philadelphia Union II assistant Stephen Hogan as the head coach.

The Dublin, Ireland native played for Reading in 2012 and served as an assistant under Hogan. He also currently serves as an assistant coach at Division II Palm Beach Atlantic University. He had 46 former Reading United players move on to play professionally during his four years with the club, including more than a dozen MLS draft picks.

“It will be an exciting season in Ocean City in 2021,” Nor’easters president Giancarlo Granese Sr. said in a news release. “The Nor’easters have secured one of the top coaches in the league and we’re looking forward to providing Alan with all the resources he needs to bring a championship to our great city.”