Reid balancing technical director, interim head coaching duties for Athletic

Jul. 5—HARTFORD — Six months ago, Ray Reid was enjoying the early stages of his retirement following a 33-year career coaching collegiate soccer.

But a lot can change in six months.

The 62-year-old Reid now finds himself as Hartford Athletic's technical director, and as the team's interim head coach as he searches for a replacement for Harry Watling.

When Reid was asked if he ever thought he'd be coaching again, he chuckled.

"No. No," he said. "I thought I'd do something with soccer, not at the hours of UConn because of my parents. I'm not putting in those hours, but right now, this was the right move until we hire somebody."

Reid, a native of Brentwood, New York, retired from the coaching ranks Dec. 2 following 25 seasons with the UConn men's team in order to help care for his parents.

He spent the previous eight seasons at his alma mater, Southern Connecticut State.

Reid posted a 457-149-78 record and won four national championships — three with the Owls, one with the Huskies.

He was hired as Hartford's technical director on May 13. In that role, his duties include selection of coaches and technical staff, personnel decisions, player identification and scouting, as well as overseeing Athletic's academy program.

Reid equated the position to being the general manager of an NFL team.

When Watling resigned from the head coaching position in the midst of his second season June 25 to attend to family matters in his native England, the team immediately named Reid interim head coach.

In Reid's first game in the new role and second overall — he coached the team to a 1-1 tie with Memphis 901 FC June 15 while Watling was serving a one-game suspension due to a red card — Athletic topped the Colorado Springs Switchbacks 2-0 June 28.

"It's a great group of guys," Reid said. "I've said this for two months: I think they're better than their record. I think Coach Watling did a really good job getting them in order. I'm just a caretaker. We're still in the middle of the search to get a coach. Hopefully that will come sooner than later.

"But I'm enjoying it. I enjoy being around the guys. I'm enjoying the coaching. ... I was really happy for the players after Colorado last weekend. Really happy for the boys."

As technical director, Reid was at every practice and each of the team's home games. He said that made the transition into his interim coaching role easier.

"We'll see tomorrow night, but I think they're moving in the right direction," Reid said. "They're playing hard, they're defending. They're good with the ball and they're making smart decisions."

When asked if his Long Island accent has made it difficult for the players to understand his direction, Reid laughed.

"The words I use are universal. They know the words," he said. "But they're great. They're respectful guys. They're pros, they're older. ... They've been respectful, they've listened and that's all I can ask."

Midfielder Conor McGlynn said that Reid has brought a new perspective to the team.

"I think it's being shown in the training sessions with the way that we train," he added. "So, overall, I think it's been positive for sure. I'm excited for what the future holds."

Reid is doing everything he can in the meantime to make sure that future stays bright when a full-time coach is hired.

"I want to find the right guy," he said. "I said this to Bruce Mandell, one of the owners. I could be here 10 more years (as technical director). This is the most important decision I'm going to make. I've got to get this one right."

As his search has continued, Reid has a few candidates in mind.

"Jürgen Klopp from Liverpool, (Pep) Guardiola and (José) Mourinho. We've got to see if we can buy them out from Chelsea or Liverpool. If we do, one of those guys will be alright," he joked. "But it's like you're dating again. You're dealing with people, you're dating. You're trying to get to know them."

Joking aside, Reid said he's already talked to a couple of candidates and is focusing his search on the United States.

"A leader. Somebody that can coach plays, lead plays," he said of the qualities he's looking for. "Somebody that understands the system of the USL, understands the MLS, understands America. Can get international people. Somebody that can touch a lot of bases."

Reid hopes to return to his technical director duties on a full-time basis as soon as possible. But he added that he will coach the team "until we get the right guy."

"If I can't get the right guy until December, I will finish the season," he said. "If I can get the right guy in the next two weeks, I will gladly step away."

Hartford is at Detroit City FC tonight.

For coverage of the Connecticut Sun and professional women's basketball, Hartford Athletic pro soccer team, as well as area high school and local youth sports, follow Adam Betz on Twitter: @AdBetz1, Facebook: Adam Betz — Sports Writer, and Instagram: @AdBetzJI.