Philadelphia Union's interim head coach John Hackworth has thanked the departing Peter Nowak for his influence.

Nowak was sacked as the Union manager on Wednesday because of differences with club hierarchy and now his grateful assistant Hackworth will take the reins.

"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Peter Nowak," Hackworth said.

"Peter's a dear of friend of mine. We did a lot of things together that I'll remember forever, and I'm very thankful for those opportunities."

Hackworth will take over for the remainder of the 2012 season and will attempt to pick the Union up from second bottom on the overall table with his first game in charge at home against DC United this weekend.

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