New York Red Bull have appointed Mike Petke as its head coach for the 2013 MLS season.
The 36-year old becomes the third-youngest coach in the competition behind DC United's Ben Olsen and Toronto FC's Ryan Nelsen after an extensive search left the Red Bulls to make an appointment from their own backyard.
"Ever since I joined New York in 1998, this is the club that has always been closest to my heart," Petke, who took over on interim basis when Hans Backe was sacked late last year, said in a statement.
"I am thrilled to have earned this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is truly a dream come true. I know there is a lot of work ahead and our challenge is not easy. However, I am excited to take hold of my new responsibility and hopeful that I can help build a hard-working team that our club's loyal supporters can all be proud of."
As a player, Petke spent about four years with the old MetroStars ahead of spells with DC United and Colorado Rapids prior to his return to New York 2008 where he finished his career in 2010.
