Tim Hankinson, The Man, The Myth, The Legend?
Tim Hankinson has seen almost every level of US Soccer from his experiences in MLS with Tampa Bay, The Colorado Rapids. The NASL, with San Antonio Scorpions, Indy Eleven to the college level coaching a few NCAA schools in the late ’80’s and on top of that international experience in Jamaica and Iceland to name a few. With experience like that would make any second division soccer club like Indy Eleven top contenders to pick the man up.
“The Love”:
Coach Hank earned his spot as one of the most successful managers in Indy Eleven’s young history in 2016 earning the club’s first silverware winning the 2016 Spring Season Championship and leading Lady Victory to the Club’s first Championship Final against the New York Cosmos where they, unfortunately, lost on penalties. (Please don’t remind me) Hankinson was also honored by the NASL as the Coach of the Year.
As a manager Hankinson definitely has decent recruiting skills introducing the league to the talents of Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun, and Nicki Paterson to name a few.
The 2016 Season by far will be one of the most important campaigns this club may ever have. Of course, until the Club finally wins the title or the US Open Cup.
Hankinson also very knowledgeable about the Beautiful Game. When he finally retires his name will definitely go down in US Soccer History as one of the most experienced, and colorful manager’s of the federation’s MLS era.
If Hankinson were to leave Indy Eleven today he would easily be the Club’s most successful manager.
“The Hate”:
With every decent manager comes a few challenges. It’s hard to say who, or what is to blame for the 2017 Campaign being as bad as it has. Coming into a preseason with a lot of injuries with a huge chip on your shoulder from being a few penalties away from the Club’s first League Title in the history of the club it definitely would take a toll on you everytime you take to the pitch, or look at highlights from the prior season.
Personnel Losses:
On top of that as a manager, you have to face the harsh realities of losing key talent within the club. Dylan Mares’ exit to Miami FC may be one of Coach Hank and the Front Office’s biggest failures of the past offseason.The loss of Assistant Manager Tim Regan also hurts the mentality of the club. If Hankinson had to part ways with Regan because of a conflict of interest I hope he did his best to keep the man at the club.
Also, the loss of Duke Lacroix was a huge loss for the Club. His time at Orange County SC proves he could have had a decent shot at our Starting XI. Especially this season.
The loss of Lovel Palmer to Miami FC was also a punch in the face. This wouldn’t be Hank’s fault. However, it is a very savage move by a league rival to snatch up one of your former starting defenders.
The Nature of the League in 2017:
I’m sure many fans around the league would agree that the nature of the NASL in the 2017 season has been everything but fantastic. Teams are spread out throughout the continent. Puerto Rico, Edmonton, and San Francisco being our longest away days. Many matches this season are played in back to back matches against the same club. Given there are only 8 clubs in the league. Hankinson definitely has had to deal with the issue of trying to keep his tactics secret against these teams. He’s also done well in those reverse fixtures. The 2017 Spring Season was not kind to the club either finishing 6th with a 4-8-4 record. The 2017 Fall Season has been an absolute disaster going 3-2-6 so far. 3 of the 6 losses have been at home. Which of course by the tradition of Indy Eleven losing at home is a sin.
Some Final Thoughts:
I am really looking forward to what Tim has to offer against the Cosmos this Saturday. He may have issues with fitness when it comes to a number of games the club has played recently but I do know for a fact that matches like these are some of the most important games of the year.
Personally, I believe Hankinson would be a more successful Coach in another league like Major League Soccer or the United Soccer League. There’s more for the man to study versus having to deal with a crumbling North American Soccer League. Depending on how the season ends along with moves by the FO and the possible folding the league I do think Hankinson should be given a shot by Ersal to coach a USL side. Or in the event, he is let go by Indy Eleven he definitely should look at managing in the United Soccer League. There’s a large number of games like MLS and a diverse amount of clubs where it’s hard for other clubs to figure out your system.
As long as the Boys in Blue play for Hankinson he’ll manage to be successful at Indy Eleven. If he loses the locker room Hank will have a really hard time keeping his job.
Central State FC 