Inter Nashville FC Announces Front Office and Coaching Staff Changes

Inter Nashville FC announced that Richard Askey has been named General Manager and Director of Soccer Operations, while Alan O’Connor takes over as the club’s First Team Head Coach.

“It has been a fantastic two years for me being head coach of Inter Nashville and I have so many great memories that will stay with me forever,” Askey commented. “The night we were crowned Southeast Conference champions in New Orleans, playing and coaching against Ronaldinho, and winning in Chattanooga and Miami are all highlights for me. I’m very proud that we have given local players the chance to shine and helped push players to the pro level.”

Askey was the first-ever head coach of Inter Nashville FC and brought huge success to the club in his first season (2017), winning the NPSL Southeast Conference title, finishing in the top eight teams of the NPSL nationally, and qualifying for the U.S. Open Cup.

“I’m excited to start this new chapter and look forward to focusing on growing the club off the field as well as on it,” Askey added. “I aim to attract sponsors, raise the attendance and fan base, put together a quality coaching staff, and make the club active in the community.”

2018 saw Askey lead Inter back to the Southeast Conference playoffs and finish as the first team in Nashville to host a playoff game and  the first team from Nashville to win a U.S. Open Cup game in over 20 years.

“I want to thank Richard for all his hard work on the field these last couple of years,” Inter Nashville owner Pedro Reyes said. “Richard has worked tirelessly  getting Inter Nashville where it is today and I am excited to see what he can do as the full-time GM and Director of Soccer Operations. I have full confidence in his abilities to succeed in his new role and for him to bring more success to the club.”

Alan O’Connor has been named the head coach of Inter Nashville FC for the 2019 NPSL season.

“Alan has been with Inter since we began in 2017, first as First Team Assistant Coach and then as First Team Associate Head Coach,” Askey continued. “He possesses everything you need to be a successful Head Coach at this level from fantastic interpersonal skills to a methodical training plan and tactical expertise. Alan already knows the top players in the area and has great contacts across the USA and beyond to help us recruit an exciting team for 2019.”

The Dublin, Ireland native had a decorated playing career that included time with Ballymun United FC (Ireland), Martin Methodist College (NAIA), Reading United AC (PDL), and Nashville FC (NPSL).  He received All-American and Conference Player of the Year honors while at Martin Methodist.  He also was the top scorer for Reading United and scored the first goal in club history for Nashville FC.

O’Connor possesses the USSF “C” License and is a current candidate for a USSF “B” license.  He also received the Level 1 Coaching License from the Football Association of Ireland.

“Alan comes on board with our full backing and we are excited to see the direction the squad will take over the next 12 months,” Reyes said. “Alan is well known in the Nashville Soccer scene, has a great relationship with our GM, and we are glad he has decided to further his career with Inter Nashville.”

He also has coaching experience with Montgomery Bell Academy and Nashville United Soccer Academy.  He has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Travecca University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Martin Methodist College.

“I am very excited to step into the head coach position,” O’Connor said. “Working with Rich for the last two years has been a great experience and I am appreciative for everything he has instilled in the club, on and off the field. We have strong leadership behind our team and I look forward to leading the team to further success.”

Contributor: Inter Nashville FC
Photo Credit: Inter Nashville FC