Halifax Tides confirm Stephen Hart as head coach, add Ruth Fahy as vice-president of football
The Halifax Tides announced on Thursday that the club had hired Ruth Fahy, previously of Major League Soccer's (MLS) Colorado Rapids, as vice-president of football and confirmed Stephen Hart as head coach "following a successful interim tenure."
The announcement also provided a roster update, with key players like the Northern Super League's (NSL) Goalkeeper of the Year Anika Tóth and midfielder Megumi Nakamura signed for next season. Addy Weichers, Annika Leslie, Éva Frémaux, Julianne Vallerand, Karima Lemire, Saorla Miller, Sydney Kennedy and Tiffany Cameron are all also signed for 2026.
Hart returns to the Tides following a campaign which saw him replace inaugural Tides head coach Lewis Page after only eight matches. Although he started well, earning two wins in quick succession, the Tides struggled to create offensively under Hart and went winless in their final 15 matches of the season. Their paltry 17 goals on the season — equaling a goals per match of 0.68 — made them the worst offence in the NSL by some distance.
The Tides also struggled with their defensive coverage as they were the most carded club in the league (46) and allowed the most goals against (43). Their goal differential finished at -26.
Although the club needs to recruit several players, one of their biggest additions may be off the pitch as Fahy strengthens the front office following three seasons in Colorado.
"Ruth brings experience, ambition and belief in what this club can become,” said Halifax Tides president Valerie Malone in the release. “We learned so much from our first year – now we’re building on that. We’re not standing still.
"These changes give us clarity, confidence and a renewed path forward. Halifax deserves a team that matches the heartbeat of this city, and we’re determined
to deliver that."
Among the other staff additions is Gary Ohanessian, who joins as the club's new physical performance coach. The club noted they're currently looking for a second assistant coach.
Cover Photo Credit: Northern Tribune
