Harry Watling named Hartford Athletic coach after West Ham United stop

Hartford Athletic during a 2020 game against Philadelphia Union II. (USL Championship)

Hartford Athletic has made no secret of its desire to give young players a chance, and now that approach has trickled into deciding the club’s third head coach in as many years.

Harry Watling, 31, was announced Wednesday as the USL Championship side’s head coach for 2021, replacing Radhi Jaidi after the former Premier League defender returned to Southampton FC.

It’s Watling’s first appointment at the senior-team level, as the Englishman arrives from West Ham United’s academy ranks. He also had stops at Chelsea and Millwall, focusing on developing younger players.