'I don't think it's something where I can do both': Tides head coach Stephen Hart to part ways with club at season's end
The Halifax Tides announced head coach Stephen Hart will depart the club at the conclusion of this season, with conversations about the former Canadian Men's National Team gaffer's future going back over a month.
Hart, who missed time this season due to a family medical emergency, said he needs to be with his loved ones.
"Basically, it was one of those situations where it's pretty difficult for me to continue," Hart told HFX Football Post. "It's as simple as that. I don't think it was fair to the club, I thought I might be able to do it, but as a family we went through a lot for almost three months.
"I don't think it's something where I can do both."
Although Hart didn't reveal his familial situation, he noted the Tides had been very supportive throughout the process. He said he was honest with the club about what he needed to align before he could commit to full-time coaching duties.
Ultimately, Hart decided to be with his family.
But he said that doesn't diminish what the Tides are trying to accomplish this season, with arguably the two biggest matches in club history — versus the Montréal Roses and AFC Toronto receptively — on the horizon.
The Tides, who currently sit fifth on the Northern Super League table, trail the Vancouver Rise by one point for the last playoff spot.
"The whole objective this season was to do our best to get into the playoffs and we're still in a fight with the club that won the whole thing last year. You can't just push that aside and say: 'Well, you're fighting for playoffs.' We just finished playing the first and second team in the league," said Hart.
"We didn't win the games but we didn't lose the games and now we're in a fight with Vancouver to get that playoff spot."
Whether the Tides make the playoffs or not, there's no doubt they're a transformed side from the iteration that finished at the bottom of the Northern Super League table last year.
Under Hart, the Tides have tightened up defensively, conceding only 21 goals through 23 matches so far (they led the league in goals against with 43 last year). They've been marginally better in the final third (21 goals this year, 17 last year) and could punch their ticket to the playoffs for the first time in club history.
Tides vice-president Ruth Fahy said Hart's time changed the club for the better.
"Stephen has made a tremendous impact on this club, and his contribution extends far beyond what happens on the pitch," said Fahy.
"He has built meaningful and lasting relationships with our players, staff and supporters, and has brought a genuine sense of care and belief to the Tides throughout his time here. Hearing our fans chant his name and seeing the warmth they have for him speaks volumes about the person Stephen is and the way he has embraced both this club and our community."
Hart said he looks forward to seeing supporters for the club's final regular season home match this Saturday at the Wanderers Grounds.
"We need you for this game that's coming against Montréal. We need that 12th player, maybe even the 13th!" he said.
Further reading:
Josh Healey
Josh Healey
Josh Healey
Cover Photo Credit: Halifax Tides FC
