FCD players relieved with hiring of new coach

FRISCO, Texas -- For the FC Dallas players, the announcement that Schellas Hyndman would be the club's new head coach was met with relief, more than anything else.

Nearly a month had passed since Steve Morrow was dismissed as head coach. Assistant Marco Ferruzzi filled in admirably on an interim basis, but the club announced Monday the 58-year-old Hyndman, who had coached at nearby SMU since 1984, had accepted the job.

"It's funny because before today, I didn't feel like we didn't have a coach," Hoops defender Drew Moor said. "It was just a feeling of not having a clear direction. You prepare for each game the same for yourself but it's a little different when you have a head coach. You know your direction and know who he is. It's definitely a feeling of relief that we have a leader. I think we're ready to go. Guys will respond to him. This is such a talented team. I think we could go on a little run here and Schellas is the right man for the job."

FCD veteran Bobby Rhine, who has played for four different head coaches since being drafted in 1999, agreed.

"It was kind of hanging over our heads, wondering what was going to be next," he said. "That being said, I think Marco did a great job in his time just setting up the ship and we all took personal responsibility among ourselves to make what could be a rocky time less difficult. To have this now really puts it to bed and now we can go forward. That being said, I think Schellas inherits a team with really good players and a lot of guys with great ability. I think many coaches would like to be in his position."

One player on the FCD roster, second-year developmental midfielder Chase Wileman, has played for Hyndman. That made him a popular guy once the Hoops heard his name surface as the likely choice as many of his teammates wanted more information about the man who would be their new coach.

"I think it's great," Wileman said. "I played four years under him at SMU and that was a great experience. He's a staple here in Dallas. He's been here a long time and has built a great program there. When he comes here, he's going to do a great job. He's a disciplinarian who expects the best out of everyone. I think that can only be good for us."

Another player very familiar with Hyndman is Dallas native Kenny Cooper, who nearly went to SMU before joining the Manchester United youth system a few years back.

"I'm excited for the team and for him," Cooper said. "He has a great reputation and I have a ton of respect for him. I'm looking forward to him coming in. It's great to know. Marco has done a great job in the past month and it was great to get a win (Sunday)."

Dallas native Moor wasn't heavily recruited by Hyndman but still has an immense amount of respect for his new boss.

"I think in the past, he has had very disciplined teams and I think that is one thing that our team could use," he said. "It's not that we're not disciplined, but a clear path and direction for the rest of the season is good for a team that has been without a head coach for the last month. Players have really learned to step up and hold themselves accountable. I think that is Schellas' philosophy. You go in, do the dirty work and do the little things right. The past has shown that successful coaches do the little things right."

Current starting goalkeeper Dario Sala agreed that Hyndman will bring much-needed leadership to the Hoops.

"I think he has a lot of experience coaching," he said. "I don't think it matters right now that he's jumping from the college to the pro level. He knows what players can play and at what level. We respect a coach who has a good eye and who can command leadership. They hired him because of his leadership and that is what we were looking for."