(PhiladelphiaUnion.com)

There's been plenty of talk bandied about lately, regarding John Hackworth and whether the 'interim' label will be removed from his title with the Union.

For now, it won't be. But that's not to say it'll never be.


“Right now, John's our coach,” Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz told me Friday, in a phone interview. “He's done a great job and he has my 110-percent, full-faith confidence. He's got all the decision-making power and he's in charge."

“I'm not interviewing, and I'm not entertaining resumes.”

Hackworth, who served as an assistant coach for Wednesday's MLS All-Star Game, has guided the Union to a 4-3-0 mark since taking over the club June 13. And while the Union remain in ninth place in the Eastern Conference table, the same spot they occupied when Hackworth succeeded Peter Nowak as the club's manager, they are only 11 points (four victories) out of a playoff spot, with 15 of their 16 remaining matches against East foes.

It's not insurmountable and it's clear how Sakiewicz feels: Until further notice, this is Hackworth's team.

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The MLS midsummer international transfer window closed Friday, with the Union standing pat. That was the best-case scenario, too.

Here's why: Both Hackworth and Sakiewicz had said that adding a player to the Union, who at midseason have endured more than a season's worth of roster turnover, would hinge solely upon the ability of that player to make a huge, immediate impact. There's reason to believe in the players on this club, who have posted a 4-3-0 mark since Hackworth took over. And there's no reason to doubt that the Union turned over every stone in search of adding such a player.

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On the missing-player front, Hackworth said Freddy Adu should be back for Sunday's match after missing the previous one due to "an internal team matter." Also, Hackworth let on that Bakary Soumare --- who is still on the mend --- is healthy enough to consider putting him on the 18-man gameday roster. So stay tuned.