[Editor's note: This is Part 1 of a two-part interview. In part 2 we interview Cliff Gorski - Director of corporate communications with Alliance Soccer and Sports Legacy, owners of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.]
As we all know by now, Coach Kowalski's contract was not renewed by the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Shocking both the Pittsburgh soccer community as well as the whole A-league. Rumors are par for the course in a case like this. I recently had the opportunity to ask John Kowalski about this, the state of the Riverhounds, the draft and his plans for the future. Hopefully this will put some of the rumors to rest.
Coach Kowalski, how did you react to your dismissal?
I would not call it a dismissal. We had some minor contract disputes and the Riverhounds decided not to renew my contract. It was unexpected and puzzling. Paul Heasley, owner of the Hounds, wants to take the team in a new direction. It was a business decision
What reasons were you given for the Hounds not renewing your contract?
We were just not able to solve some minor problems. Plus he said that with Dave Kasper (former GM now with the NE Revs of MLS) leaving through him for a loop. He wanted to take the team in a new direction.
None of what was discussed was really a deal breaker. Like I said, I'm surprised that they did not renew my contract. There were minor disagreements on bonus's and cost of living. Only about 2 or 3 grand total.
We keep coming back to a 'new direction' for the Hounds. Do you have an idea what that might be?
You would have to ask Paul Heasley about that. But he is very dedicated to soccer and the team. I'm sure that he is doing what he feels is best. It should be interesting to see where the team goes.
Last year was a disappointment for the team. Do you think that this had something to do with the team not renewing your contract? What would you do different this year?
We certainly should have won more games. A lot a games we played well and only lost by a goal. Like I said, their was nothing that was really a deal breaker. I thought the team played well and that was never an issue in the contract. Nothing we discussed was a deal breaker. It was more of where the ownership wants to take the team.
As far as doing things different, I would try not to have so many back to back games. Try to prevent injuries more. A lot of our players played indoor or overseas, they came back banged up. You have to consider if the experience is worth it.
You're in Florida now for the draft. How does your, I hate to use this term again, but can't think of a better one right now - dismissal - affect the strategy of the Hounds?
They will rely on Paul Child, interim coach, who knows the players well. I don't know if they will rely just on him. It all depends on what the new coach wants, if he wants to reorganize the team.
Pittsburgh may lose some very good players, John Jones, Phil Karn, T-bone (Tenywa Bonseu) in the draft. They will need to take a look at who is likely to stay and build around that.
It sounds like you know who the new coach is. Care to elaborate?
No, I have some ideas but am not allowed to say.
How much input did you have on this years schedule?
100% It was worked out between Dave Kasper and myself. We had a very good working relationship. I had a very good relationship with the Hounds front office, it is a first class organization.
The league gave us some guidelines as far as the Open cup games were concerned. We had to schedule two games with western teams. Which we did with El Paso and San Diego.
How do you prepare for a team you've not faced before, such as El Paso?
You call other coaches, look at league tapes. Read.
What can you tell us about stadium plans, there are always rumors?
Not much, the Riverhounds are looking at two or three different sites. There should be some announcement soon concerning the stadium.
The stadium being discussed is for 10,000 people. Do you think that the Hounds can attract those figures? After all we average only about 3 - 4 thousand per game.
Three to four thousand a game in a High School Stadium. That's not easy to get to that! The Spirit (indoor soccer team during the 1980's coached by John Kowalski) used to get 10 - 12 thousand a game. I think that if you put the stadium near a highway or more towards the city that number is not unreasonable.
What's next for you?
I already have a job. We're still in negotiations so I can't say who with. Its in the Pittsburgh area which is good for me and my family. It will be announced by the middle of next month.
In conclusion, how would you describe your time here with the Riverhounds?
Terrific! It was a terrific job. I left with a handshake. We had a great relationship with the media. I'll remember my time with the Hounds fondly.
