Houston Dynamo Appoint Phil Hughes as Goalkeeper Coach
January 23, 2015 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release
HOUSTON (Friday, Jan. 23, 2015) - The Houston Dynamo have appointed Phil Hughes as goalkeeper coach, the club announced today. The former Wigan Athletic and Northern Ireland goalkeeper completes Owen Coyle's technical staff entering the 2015 season.
Hughes appeared in over 200 games as a player, primarily with Wigan, Bury F.C. and Leeds United after time as a youth player with Manchester United and Burnley. The Belfast native made three appearances with the Northern Ireland national team and was backup to Pat Jennings at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.
"Phil comes with fantastic experience at the highest level of the game, having worked with and developed international goalkeepers," Dynamo head coach Owen Coyle said. "He is excited at the opportunity to work with Tyler (Deric), Joe (Willis) and Michael (Lisch) and help to continue their improvement and be part of the Houston Dynamo."
Hughes retired as a player at 27 after recurring shoulder injuries. Following his playing career, Hughes served as head Academy goalkeeper coach at Leeds before moving to Grimsby Town (Football League Championship). Hughes, 50, continued as goalkeeper coach at Burnley before Coyle's arrival as manager and helped the Clarets gain promotion to the English Premier League in 2009. He later moved with Coyle to Bolton and Wigan.
"We are pleased to add Phil to our coaching staff," Dynamo vice president/general manager Matt Jordan said. "His experience and knowledge of the position will be important for our group of goalkeepers moving forward."
In 20 years as goalkeeper coach, Hughes has helped produce or manage several national team goalkeepers, including: Scott Carson (England), Danny Coyne (Wales), Gábor Király (Hungary), Ali Al-Habsi (Oman), Jussi Jaaskelainen (Finland), Diego Penny (Peru), Andy Lonergan (England U-20, U-21s), Paul Robinson (England) and Adám Bogdán (Hungary). Hughes holds a UEFA A coaching license gained in attendance with the English Football Association.
The Dynamo open preseason on Monday, Jan. 26 and begin the 2015 season on Saturday, March 7 against Columbus Crew SC at BBVA Compass Stadium. For tickets for the Dynamo's tenth season, including full-season plans starting at $380 and partial-season plans starting at $99, visit www.HoustonDynamo.com or call 713-276-GOAL.
• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...
Major League Soccer Stories from January 23, 2015
- Jurgen Klinsmann Raves About Oscar Sorto Ahead of Olympic Qualifying - LA Galaxy
- Real Salt Lake Signs Jamaican Defender Demar Phillips - Real Salt Lake
- Orlando City Kicks-Off Inaugural MLS Preseason with Fan Events - Orlando City SC
- Trio of Veterans Set to Return to Philadelphia Union - Philadelphia Union
- Marcelo Sarvas thankful for an "amazing" journey in Los Angeles but excited for new challenge in Col - LA Galaxy
- Houston Dynamo Appoint Phil Hughes as Goalkeeper Coach - Houston Dynamo FC
- FC Dallas Hires Fabian Bazan as Strength and Conditioning Coach - FC Dallas
- Sounders FC Hires Ante Razov as Assistant Coach - Seattle Sounders FC
- KMYU the New Home of Real Salt Lake - Real Salt Lake
- Toronto FC Set to Open Camp Ahead of 2015 MLS Season - Toronto FC
- Chicago Fire Soccer Club Single Game Tickets Now on Sale - Chicago Fire FC
- Crew SC Signs Defender Hernan Grana - Columbus Crew SC
- Revolution Re-Sign Midfielder Donnie Smith - New England Revolution
- D.C. United Announces 2015 Preseason Roster - D.C. United
- Preseason Already in Full Swing for Many Crew SC Players - Columbus Crew SC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Houston Dynamo FC Stories
- Houston Dynamo FC to Face Detroit City FC in Round of 32 of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
- Houston Dynamo FC Secure Multi-Year Contract Extension for Head Coach Ben Olsen Through 2026
- Ben Olsen and Ethan Bartlow Named to MLSSoccer.com Team of the Matchday
- Franco Escobar and Artur Named to MLSSoccer.com Team of the Matchday
- Houston Dynamo FC Defeat San Jose to Extend Winning Streak to Three Games