New York City boss Nick Cushing outlines Everton dream amid Man City challenge
Managing boyhood club Everton has always been a fantasy for New York City FC boss Nick Cushing.
But after 19 years of first-class coaching experience, that ambitious proposition is no longer considered a pipedream for the 39-year-old from Chester.
"It's not fantasy to me but based on the fact it's Everton, maybe it is still fantasy," explains Cushing. "I was a season ticket holder there right the way through from three to 18, I also took my two sons to Goodison Park in December to watch us lose to Fulham on penalties in the Carabao Cup.
"I went to the 1995 and 2008 FA Cup finals, was at Wimbledon when we stayed up and my dad goes to every game. My ambition is to work at the highest level and every time I have gone up, I've never felt it was a challenge greater than my capabilities."
It's been a wild ride to prominence in the Big Apple for Cushing. He initially joined NYCFC as Ronny Deila's assistant in 2020 after spending seven successful years in charge of Manchester City Women following a promotion from the academy where he coached the likes of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer.
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But Deila's departure to Standard Liege in 2022 saw the highly-rated Englishman handed the chance to lead the side as interim head coach - a test he passed with flying colours.
He would later land the role on a permanent basis and is now harvesting a reputation as one of the finest young coaches in MLS.
Cushing adds: "If you gave me a crystal ball, I would be a football player 10 times out of 10. But I didn't have the ability to be a football player so I invested my time in being a coach at 19 and have nearly 20 years' worth of experience.
"It's slightly bipolar because when I stop and think 'wow, I'm at Yankee Stadium leading a team in the greatest city in the world', it is slightly surreal. Yet at the same time I don't really feel it, you have to be clinical. What my wife would say is 'what makes you a great head coach makes you a terrible husband'."
Nick Cushing has made a huge impression at NYCFCWorking as part of the City Football Group has also proven invaluable. But leading a club that is part of a prestigious footballing network presents obvious challenges.
Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Manchester City are reigning world champions while Girona are hot on the heels of Real Madrid in the La Liga title race.
Cushing feels obliged to ensure NYCFC do not damage the City Group's image, stating: "Nobody has ever made me feel like I'm letting the business down but that pressure drives me. If you've got five brothers and they're professional footballers and you're unemployed, I'm sure you're going to feel inferior."
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