Philadelphia Union have announced John Hackworth as their permanent manager.

The club on Thursday announced that it has removed the "interim" tag and named him as the permanent manager "with immediate effect," providing him with a long-term contract at the club.

"We have a very talented and committed group of players in our locker room and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to continue working with them long term as they and the organization continue to develop," Hackworth said in a club statement.

Union CEO and operating partner Nick Sakiewicz said: "His skilled leadership has reinvigorated our players in recent months and there are some very promising signs that we are moving towards a style of soccer that is in keeping with our respected Union brand.

"The principal reason for making this move right now is because John has a plan to move our team forward and toward the upper reaches of Major League Soccer. That stability is important to our whole organization as we look to finish this season strongly and build again for the next.