Soc Takes understands that ex-USMNT international John Harkes is the current front-runner to be Greenville Triumph Soccer Club’s first head coach.

Harkes has previously coached in the United Soccer League (USL) at FC Cincinnati — currently a D2 franchise — from 2016 to 2017. If confirmed, this would be Harkes’ first coaching role since that time. Harkes has also done extensive media work with Sirius XM FC.

Soc Takes understands that Harkes is Greenville’s first choice as head coach, and will take over at Greenville unless a D2 opportunity presents itself in the near future. Greenville is expected to have a very strong player budget for 2019.

USLD3 is expected to apply for United States Soccer Federation (USSF) divisional sanctioning before the August 15th deadline.

Greenville Triumph SC president Chris Lewis responded to Soc Takes’ request for comment via email.

“As we mentioned during our brand unveil, we are in advanced stages of our coaching search. We have had multiple candidates in to Greenville to have discussions with us,” Lewis wrote, adding, “We expect to make an announcement in the near future that will have all the details. Please stay tuned!”

Meanwhile, Tom Soehn is expected to be the first manager for Birmingham Legion SC, a news story first reported by Soc Takes on Twitter.

Soc Takes understands that new USL D2 franchises in Memphis, Hartford and New Mexico are close to finalizing their managerial searches as well.

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