Adrian Heath may stand just 5-foot-6, but for seven seasons, the English manager known as "Inchy" was a towering presence on the Minnesota United sideline. He guided the club from its humble beginnings as an expansion team playing in the Gophers' football stadium to a perennial MLS Cup Playoff contender in the state-of-the-art Allianz Field. That journey, however, came to an abrupt end with two games remaining in the 2023 season, when club owner Bill McGuire made the difficult decision to part ways with Heath.
For more than two years, Heath didn't set foot in St. Paul's Allianz Field. But last weekend, at McGuire's invitation, he finally returned—quietly watching LAFC's match from the suite level, mostly unnoticed by the crowd.
"Enjoyed coming back," Heath told the Pioneer Press this week. "About time."
The 2023 season had been a rollercoaster for the Loons. Heath felt he had earned the right to finish the regular season, but a seven-match winless skid—culminating in a crushing 5-1 defeat to LAFC—led to his dismissal. Hard feelings simmered beneath the surface. "I was really disappointed that I didn't get the opportunity to see the season out and say a few goodbyes," Heath reflected in an interview before the 2025 season.
Time, however, has a way of healing old wounds. "Enough water has passed under the bridge," Heath said Tuesday.
During his return, the club chose not to make a public announcement or honor him on the field. But for Heath, the real reward was reconnecting with familiar faces. "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 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 narrow 1-0 loss to LAFC.
Looking ahead, Minnesota United will celebrate its first decade in MLS with a "Celebration Match" against fellow 2017 expansion side Atlanta United on August 19. Heath said he didn't know if he'd be invited, but a club source confirmed he'll be among the dignitaries asked to attend.
Heath's legacy with the Loons is undeniable. He posted an overall record of 91-101-56, leading the club to its two greatest achievements: the 2019 U.S. Open Cup final and the 2020 Western Conference final. After enduring two tough seasons (2017-18) that saw the club set MLS records for goals allowed, Heath rebuilt the squad into a powerhouse that made four straight playoff appearances from 2019 to 2022.
Still living in Minnesota, Heath occasionally shares dinner with McGuire. He's now contemplating a move back to Florida, where he previously coached Orlando City. In the meantime, he stays connected to the game through weekly appearances on SiriusXM radio, offering commentary on MLS and top European leagues.