Former Arsenal midfielder and Manchester City reserve manager Patrick Vieira has been appointed as New York City FC's new head coach, signing a three-year contract with the MLS franchise on Monday.  

The team confirmed the news on its official website. Club president Tom Glick expressed his delight at bringing the former France international into the club:

The open position of head coach at New York City FC has prompted significant interest and I have no doubt that in Patrick, we have one of the most impressive young coaches I have encountered. Patrick’s ability, vision and the respect in which he is held by everyone who works with him, speaks volumes for his character and capacity to succeed. I am excited to work with him and I know the energy he will bring to the role will have a hugely positive impact across the Club.

As reported by Mark Booth for City's official website, Vieira is excited to get started:

I am delighted to take up the role of Head Coach of New York City FC. To work with this squad, with Claudio Reyna and Rob Vartughian and the fantastic support team that is in place is an exciting prospect for any coach. 

I would also like to thank everyone at Manchester City and most of all Brian Marwood, my coaching and support team and of course the wonderful young men who make up the Elite Development Squad, for all of their support and commitment and for making my time here so stimulating and enjoyable. 

Vieira finished his playing career with City, which falls under the same ownership structure as NYCFC. Upon retiring, he turned to coaching, finding plenty of early success with the Citizens' youth squads.

The 39-year-old moved to the reserve squad in 2013 and continued to make a name for himself, leading to plenty of speculation regarding where he might end up next. The Manchester Evening News' James Robson thought Fulham may have been an option after the team parted ways with Kit Symons on Sunday.

Ultimately, the move to New York City FC makes sense. It gives Vieira the chance to stay within the same structure he has worked in for the last few years, and he'll continue to communicate with the same people who have guided him to success ever since he turned to coaching.

Mark Ogden of the Daily Telegraph still thinks it's a risky move, however:

NYCFC is a wildly ambitious project and one that's expected to yield results before too long. Former head coach Jason Kreis was relieved of his duties at the end of the club's first-ever MLS season for failing to make the play-offs, a feat that would have been almost unheard of for an expansion team.

With the likes of Andrea Pirlo and David Villa plying their trade in New York, Vieira won't be that much older than his star players, something he's not used to after years of working with City's youth teams. He has limited experience at the senior level, so the move is risky from NYCFC's perspective.

Likewise, this could make or break Vieira's coaching career, and some may think he's taking the step up to a major club a little too soon. But the Gunners' legend is yet to show any signs of not being up to the task, so fans of NYCFC should be excited about the future after his appointment.

Vieira will start as the club's new head coach on January 1 2016. 

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