The interim tag has been lifted from in front of Stephen Hart's name.
The Canadian Soccer Association announced yesterday that Hart, the interim head coach of the national senior men's soccer program, would be the coach looking forward to the qualification process for the 2014 World Cup.
In two stints as the interim coach, Hart led Canada on impressive runs in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, where on both occasions it was eliminated with help from some questionable officiating calls.
In between Hart's interim stints, Dale Mitchell steered Canada through a poor World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign, which saw the national squad go winless in six group-stage matches.
Canada has won 50% of the games in which Hart has coached, giving him the best winning percentage of any national team coach in the country's history.
But, with the interim tag removed, Hart knows he is on the hot seat. Frank Yallop won MLS Cups with San Jose before leading Canada to a last-place group-stage finish in CONCACAF qualifying for the 2006 World Cup. Mitchell was turfed after the miserable 2010 campaign. The job has been a coach-killer.
"I have no illusions," Hart said. "This hasn't ended well for anybody in recently."
EYE ON BRAZIL
Hart said the plan will be to be get a team ready for qualification for Brazil 2014 -- and that all tournaments leading to that point, even the Gold Cup, will be used to tinker with the lineup.
"I have no qualms about experimenting," he said. "We obviously have to give a lot of our youth playing experience at the international level and at CONCACAF."
And, even though Hart spoke to the importance of youth, he won't shut the door on veterans who have decided to turn down invites from the Canadian program in the past. Players like Toronto FC's Dwayne De Rosario or even Jim Brennan, who haven't played recently for Canada, will find the door open.
"The first thing is, I want players who want to play for Canada," Hart said. "Only then, when you have made that decision, can we move forward and see what comes afterwards ... My hand is extended. Take it if you want and commit to playing for Canada."
Canada has lost impressive young talent such as Jonathan De Guzman, and his younger brother, Julian, who has suited up for the Netherlands, but could still come back and play for Canada. The country also recently lost talented youth Jacob Lensky, who decided to pledge allegiance to the Czech Republic.
And, with young stars such David Hoilett of Blackburn Rovers, his brother Janeil at FSV Mainz, and NCAA top prospect Teal Bunbury not receiving their senior caps, there are plenty of youth options for Hart to get into the squad if those players decide to represent Canada at the senior level.
STEVEN.SANDOR@SUNMEDIA.CA
