Eric Wynalda has been named technical director of the Atlanta Silverbacks, responsible for the club's player development and scouting.

Silverbacks name Eric Wynalda Technical Director

Eric Wynalda, the Atlanta Silverbacks new technical director at the recent Silverbacks naming party

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Photography by Andrew Snook

Former U.S. international soccer player and current Fox Soccer Channel presenter, Eric Wynalda has been named technical director of the Atlanta Silverbacks, responsible for the club's player development and scouting. This latest move, announced Monday, extends Wynalda's relationship with Atlanta'sNASL soccer team for the 2013 NASL season.

Wynalda was originally brought in as interim head coach of the Silverbacks during the second half of the 2012 season to turn around a team that had managed only 8 points in 14 games. Wynalda hired Brian Haynes as head coach and, together, they guided the team to the NASL's best record over the last nine games of the season. With that improvement Silverbacks management were keen to keep the new management team intact and this agreement allows them to do just that.

"We couldn’t be more excited to introduce Eric as our new technical director,” said Silverbacks General Manager Andy Smith. “He has a tremendous knowledge of the game, great connections within the soccer community, and a true understanding of what we’re trying to accomplish on and off the field here in Atlanta.”

For his part Eric Wynalda is looking forward to the challenge and to resuming his working relationship with Brian Haynes.

“I’m thrilled to continue my relationship with the Silverbacks, and I’m just excited to try and help the club achieve the success on the field that they’re striving for,” Wynalda said. “I know how serious the organization is about winning a NASL championship and also making a run in the U.S. Open Cup, so I’m looking forward to working with Brian Haynes and the rest of the organization to meet those goals.”

The Atlanta Silverbacks will open their 2013 season at Silverbacks Park on Saturday April 13th with a game against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.