Ex-Loons coach Adrian Heath returns to Allianz Field for first time as hard feelings soften

Adrian Heath is only 5-foot-6, but the English manager known as “Inchy” stood prominently on Minnesota United’s sideline for seven seasons as the club went from a fledgling expansion franchise and tenant in the Gophers’ football stadium to a perennial MLS Cup Playoff team in tailored digs at Allianz Field.

Then with two games left in the 2023 season, club owner Bill McGuire fired Heath as Loons manager, and Heath didn’t make another trip to the St. Paul stadium for more than two seasons.

On an invitation from McGuire last weekend, Heath returned to Allianz for the first time and he was inconspicuous to most while observing the Los Angeles FC match from the suite level.

“Enjoyed coming back,” Heath told the Pioneer Press this week. “About time.”

In 2023, Heath felt he had built up the equity to see the  regular season out, but a winless skid that stretched to seven matches with an enormous 5-1 defeat to LAFC led to his sacking. Hard feelings broiled under the surface.

“I was really disappointed that I didn’t get the opportunity to see the season out and say a few goodbyes,” Heath said in an interview before the 2025 season.

Heath has worked to move on. “Enough water has passed under the bridge,” he said Tuesday.

During his return to Allianz, the club refrained from a shoutout over the public-address system or an on-field honoring. But Heath appreciated the chance to reconnect with some club employees.

“Got a great reception from all the people I met and it’s nice to see so many of the people who I really hadn’t got really much of a chance to say goodbye to,” he said. “It was nice to see them and see some of the other (club) directors. It was a good day, other than the result,” a 1-0 loss to LAFC.

Later this summer, the Loons will host a “Celebration Match” to commemorate its first decade in MLS. It will be held against fellow 2017 expansion side Atlanta United on Aug. 19.

Heath said Tuesday he didn’t know if he will be invited back for that anniversary, but a club source said Thursday he will be among the dignitaries asked to RSVP.

Heath posted an overall record of 91-101-56 with United and led the club to its two primary heights: the 2019 U.S. Open Cup final and the 2020 Western Conference final. He oversaw two bleak years in 2017-18, when the club was setting MLS records for goals allowed, but he built them up to a then-MLS high of four straight playoff appearances (2019-22).

Heath still lives in Minnesota will occasionally go to dinner with McGuire. The former Orlando City head coach is contemplating a move back to Florida.

He makes a few weekly appearances on SiriusXM radio to commentate about MLS and top-flight European levels, including the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga.

But the 65 years old still wants to get back into coaching.

“It’s a case of getting back to work now,” Heath said. “I’ve turned a couple of little things down, which I didn’t think were right for me. … I was always going to take a year off (in 2024) because I hadn’t had any time off since I virtually left school. …

“I certainly want a coach. I’ve still got the buzz to coach and when I see Bruce Arena going along at (age 74 with San Jose Earthquakes), it makes me feel like I’ve got another 10 years in me.”