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Bruce ARENA'S THE MAN: He will be named Red Bulls coach today

July 18, 2006

Former U.S. National Team coach Bruce Arena will be named New York Red Bulls coach today.

Arena, 54, also is expected to take on the responsibilities as director of soccer operations.

Arena will oversee all of the club's soccer operations, including the first team, reserve and academy teams and youth development.

He will be introduced at a mid-town Manhattan press conference.

Arena agreed to the deal late Monday night, according to sources close to the team. His deal with the Red Bulls could be as long as four years, league sources said.

Richie Williams, who has been interim coach since Mo Johnston was fired last month, will be retained as an assistant coach. There are indications that John Harkes, who played for Arena at the University of Virginia and D.C. United, could become another assistant, league sources said.

Arena will be on the Red Bulls' sidelines for the Aug. 12 friendly encounter against Champions League winner FC Barcelona at Giants Stadium. Williams will continue to serve as coach until Arena arrives.

Arena recently completed 7 1/2 years as coach of the U.S. National Team. He guided the side to a quarterfinal finish in 2002. The team was eliminated in the first round last month.

Arena coached D.C. United to the first two MLS titles in 1996 and 1997 and directed the team to the 1998 MLS Cup.