Nashville got approved for the year 2020 Expansion plans in December 2017, yet the city has a long way to go to get ready to storm the Major League Soccer. US billionaire John Ingram led the initiative to have an MLS side in Nashville, aside the team in the United Soccer League (USL) – the second tier league in the US. However, they are still far behind as there is no concrete team or coach in place, no permanent stadium sorted out yet, and other necessary infrastructure.
Ayre has been tasked with ensuring a functional whole is ready by March 2020. The ex-Kopite spent years loving Liverpool, then being the managing director and chief executive before moving to Germany. He made a wrong move, in hindsight agreeing to move to 1860 Munich. He spent about two months only before he had to resign in May 2017.
The German side was on a transformational run and the ownership group was looking to turn things around. He revealed that the “discord” and “infighting” meant he would not be able to deliver on his mandate so he quickly left.
With the Nashville project, Ayre opines it is “a unique opportunity to create something from a blank sheet of paper.” He feels the great city, support for the idea and the prospects for soccer in the United States will ensure something beautiful is created. Unlike the last time, the current management structure is well-sorted and Ingram is backing his ideas fully.
Ayre is seeking a coach with a cultural fit like Jurgen Klopp for Liverpool, and then the players also have to be right. This means a lot of scouting and analysis. The club is also set to have their debut season at the 69,000-seater Nissan Stadium while their permanent home is in the works.