(PhiladelphiaUnion.com)

The Union announced Thursday they've removed the interim tag from John Hackworth's title and made him their team manager.

Hackworth took over in June, following the dismissal of Peter Nowak.

Hackworth has directed the Union to a 5-6-2 record, with 17 goals in 13 games. Nowak led the Union to a 2-7-2 mark, with 8 goals in 11 games.

Said Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz, on the timing of removing the interim tag after a deflating 2-1 loss to Columbus: "It was just waking up this morning and a very lousy feeling about last night and how we dominated the game. John really created what that product was yesterday and we need more of it to get better. He’s the guy to do it. 

"He’s got a great plan. He presented a plan to me yesterday. We had a planning meeting for next year before the game, on how to make the team more effective and the development of the younger guys. Not that I wasn’t going to take the interim tag away, but that plan was impressive. I said to myself, ‘Why wait? Do it. Let’s go.'"

For more on Hackworth, pick up Friday's Daily Times.