December 14, 2023...York United FC sign head coach Martin Nash to contract extension (from canpl.ca)
York United FC sign head coach Martin Nash to contract extension
2023-12-14
York United FC announced on Thursday that Martin Nash has signed a new deal that extends his stay as head coach.
“I’m extremely happy and humbled to remain with the Nine Stripes because I genuinely feel there’s unfinished business from the past two years,” said the 47-year-old.
“2023 was a record-breaking campaign on two fronts: the most wins and most points we’ve ever accumulated in the history of the club, while we reached the postseason for only the second time. It was a challenging period for various reasons but the spirit and determination that we displayed, especially while pushing hard to make the playoffs, was incredibly encouraging.”Nash has overseen some major highlights since arriving at the club in December 2021.
In his debut season, there was a thrilling run to the semifinals of the Canadian Championship where his charges were narrowly beaten 2-1 by MLS giants Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. In league play, Nash masterminded a superb early victory over his former employers Cavalry FC – the first time York had enjoyed a win against Tommy Wheeldon Jr’s side. Despite a crippling injury crisis derailing much of the campaign, Nash carefully nurtured off-season signing Osaze de Rosario who conjured a scintillating first year in the CPL and fell just one goal shy of the Golden Boot.
The midseason capture of Mo Babouli in 2021 reignited York, who were the second-best team in the league over the latter part of the season, managing five wins and two draws from their final ten games. Under Nash’s watch, top talent was constantly given opportunities to shine. As a result, Isaiah Johnston and Chrisnovic N’sa earned moves to MLS NEXT Pro side Huntsville City FC at the end of the season, while Ronan Kratt – who only featured 14 times for York – was snapped up by Werder Bremen. Diyaeddine Abzi, one of the league’s standout performers, also secured a move to French second tier side Pau FC in mid-June.
Nash’s second term saw more impressive moments.
He navigated a difficult start before the club found an even keel and delivered something they’d never done previously: three straight wins. That wider run of form – 13 points from a possible 15 – provided a crucial springboard for the rest of the campaign. There was a crucial away win in Halifax as the playoff crunch came into view – the team’s second impressive victory at Wanderers Grounds in 2023 – while Nash’s side delivered majorly when it mattered most. A must-win home clash with Atletico Ottawa conjured an incredibly memorable finale when Kevin dos Santos netted an 88th-minute winner, before a 2-1 road win over Vancouver FC secured a playoff place.
Ultimately, despite an excellent display away to Pacific FC, there was a last-gasp defeat. Still, plenty of positivity to build on for 2024 and beyond.
“A big thanks must go to the new owners for their acknowledgement and appreciation of our accomplishments over the last couple of seasons and for continuing to believe in our abilities as a technical staff,” Nash said.
“It’s an exciting moment for everyone involved in the organization and I believe we are close to delivering something
very special for our supporters.”
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