PORTLAND, Ore. –
The Portland Timbers today named
Adam Smith
as the club’s goalkeeper coach for the 2010 season. Timbers head coach and general manager
Gavin Wilkinson
made the announcement.
Smith, 38, will work with the goalkeepers for the Timbers first team and development team, the Timbers U-23s, as well as assist with the club’s extensive youth soccer camp program.
A native of Liverpool, England, Smith has more than 19 years of coaching experience at the youth, collegiate and professional levels in both the United States and England. Previously, he was an assistant coach and director of youth development for the former United Soccer Leagues club, Wilmington Hammerheads, and spent time coaching in the academy for Crewe Alexandra in England. He also worked with the coaching staff of the U.S. National Team in 2008.
Smith holds several coaching certificates, including USSF “A” and Goalkeeping National licenses. He earned a degree in business studies and sports coaching at Manchester Metropolitan University in England.
“We are happy to have Adam on board this season,” said Wilkinson. “He has a great background in the game and a strong knowledge of the position from his playing career. As the franchise takes the step to Major League Soccer, Adam has the opportunity to come in and earn a spot on the coaching staff for the 2011 season.
“Also, I’d like to thank Jim Brazeau for his service to the club over the years as our goalkeeper coach. He has been tremendous, and we wish him well in his continued work in the Portland soccer community.”
Smith’s playing career began in the academy of English Premier League club Everton and spanned 14 seasons. He played for clubs in the United States, England, Scotland, Malaysia and Singapore. As a youth, he represented England at the Independent Schoolboy U-16 and U-19 levels.
The Timbers begin the 2010 USSF Division-2 Pro League season Saturday as they play host to the Rochester Rhinos at PGE Park; kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Tickets start at $12 and are available for purchase through the PGE Park box office, area Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000.
