Stephen Hart is expecting a vibrant atmosphere in downtown Halifax when HFX Wanderers host Forge FC at Wanderers Grounds in the club’s home opener on May 4.

Hart, who is no stranger to occasions of this magnitude, said he’s “quite excited” for his team’s first bow in front of a home crowd for a match that will prove significant for professional soccer in the Maritimes.

“I’m hoping to see the place absolutely sold out and for the players to feel wanted,” Hart told CanPL.ca when asked about his home opener. “Really and truly, I’m hoping we put on a good performance.”

It won’t be easy.

Forge FC head coach Bobby Smyrniotis is quietly assembling a talented group boasting significant MLS, USL and European experience.

As such, Hart’s test “will be a big one,” he explained, adding he expects Forge FC will “hit the ground running” this season.

But he also expects Halifax, with all its charm and uniqueness, to embrace the game and help push his side.

“It’ll be about this team; how it performs, how it excites, you hope that will be the main focus,” Hart said. “You also hope that the crowd brings something to the game – and I don’t think the atmosphere will be intimidating, but hopefully it’ll be loud and festive and it can be an enjoyable experience.”

This home match will also be Hart’s return to the sidelines, having previously managed the national teams of both Canada and Trinidad and Tobago.

The experienced bench boss isn’t feeling too nervous, though he added that “nerves are normal,” explaining that it’s “more in anticipation of the game than a fear.”

He continued: “You want to know what the game will bring. But my approach has always been let’s see what the game brings. It’s not a situation that I sort of dread.

“Some coaches love the training and they don’t like the gameday,” he continued. “For me, gameday is everything.”

This match will also prove as something of a reunion on the field, as Hart brings on four players from Trinidad and Tobago, all of whom he expects will help lead a young Canadian core through the trials of professional football.

“It’s all about adaptation,” Hart explained. “I brought those four players because I know them well. I’m familiar with them. I know they have a tendency to settle easily. They don’t complain much. They just enjoy playing football, and for me, that’s important.”

How well they show on the field will be revealed on May 4, when HFX Wanderers FC kicks off CPL soccer at Wanderers Grounds.

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