The only coach Orlando City SC has ever known is set to continue well into their Major League Soccer existence, a Adrian Heath has inked a contract extension that keeps him signed with the Lions through 2017.
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Heath, 53, is a well-traveled manager and former English player. After a playing career spanning nearly two decades at Stoke City, Everton and Manchester City amongst other stops, he was a manager or caretaker manager at several stops including Burnley, Sheffield United and Coventry City.
The English-born coach has had big success in Orlando since the club began play in 2011, winning the regular season title in three of four seasons.
From MLSSoccer.com:“Adrian has been an integral part of the Club since day one and has been key to our success both on and off the field,” said Orlando City president Phil Rawlins in a statement. “His track record with us has been remarkable, and we believe that Adrian as our head coach will provide us the best chance of being competitive in MLS. We’re delighted that we were able to finalize a deal with Adrian that extends his contract for several more years.”
During his time at the helm of Orlando, the 53-year-old Heath has helped the Lions win three USL PRO regular-season titles (2011, 2012 and 2014) and two USL PRO Championships (2011 and 2013). He also captured two USL PRO Coach of the Year awards (2011 & 2012).
Heath’s 18-year-old son Harrison, a former Houston Dynamo and Norwich City trainee, is one of nine players on the OCSC roster. The biggest name on the roster is Kaka, with two-time USL PRO MVP Kevin Molino, a Trinidad and Tobago national teamer, also on the squad.