The New England Revolution has hired Stephen Myles as the team’s assistant coach. He will join the team for his first practice session on Monday, Feb. 8.
“We’re pleased to add Stevie to our staff,” Revolution head coach Steve Nicol said. “He’s someone who will fit in well with us in the way he goes about his job, the experience that he has and the knowledge that he’ll bring to our staff. He also has a great understanding of the U.S. soccer system, which will help us in developing our player programs.”
Myles, 48, comes to the Revolution from the David Beckham Academy in Los Angeles, where he has been the assistant director of competition since 2005. He has also spent the last two seasons coaching the LA Galaxy’s Under-16 team in the club’s youth development academy. Myles’ other previous coaching experience in the U.S. includes stints as the director of coaching with the Santa Anita Soccer Club, assistant coach with the San Jose Cyberrays (WUSA) and director of coaching for the Tulsa Thunder youth program.
In his native England, Myles spent nine years progressing through the coaching ranks of his hometown Sheffield United. He began his time with the Blades in 1991 as the head coach of the Under-14 and Under-16 teams before being promoted to director of the team’s academy program (Under-9s through Under-16s) in 1992. In 1995, he took over as youth team (Under-18) coach, winning two premier youth league titles. Myles became the coach of the reserve team in 1998 before helping coach Sheffield United’s first team as an assistant caretaker head coach during the 1999-2000 season. Following his tenure with Sheffield United, Myles had a short spell as an academy coach with Barnsley FC before relocating to Tulsa.
A former professional player himself, Myles’ 15-year career included stints with five English clubs, but was highlighted by a 10-year stay with Frickley Athletic Football Club from 1982 to 1992. He also spent time with Chesterfield, Scarborough and Boston United before finishing his playing career at Sheffield United, where he originally began his playing career in the club’s schoolboy program.
He holds a UEFA “A” coaching license.
Myles replaces former assistant coach Paul Mariner, who departed the team in October 2009 to accept a position at Plymouth Argyle in the English Championship.
The Revolution is scheduled to open the 2010 season on the road against the LA Galaxy on Saturday, March 27 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The Revs are set to open their 2010 home slate on Saturday, April 10, when they host Toronto FC. Visit revolutionsoccer.net or follow the Revolution on Twitter (@NERevolution) for more information.
