Orlando City Soccer Club announced Tuesday that Head Coach Adrian Heath has signed a new three-year contract. The deal will keep Heath with the organization through October 2015. The 51-year-old has been a coaching target of several MLS teams (most recently Toronto F.C.) after leading the Lions to another successful season, but Orlando City management worked hard to retain Heath as the head coach.
“We are thrilled that Adrian has signed a new contract with us.” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “When you have a coach of Adrian’s ability and track-record, he is bound to attract attention from other clubs. It’s no secret that several MLS clubs have enquired about Adrian but we have been fighting hard over the past few months to keep him as our coach. We believe in his style of play, his philosophy and his leadership of the players. We want to keep Adrian at the helm as we make our own push to bring Major League Soccer here in Central Florida."
Heath has been with Orlando since they began operations in late 2010, leading the Lions to records of 15-3-6 in 2011 and 17-1-6 in 2012 during regular season play. In just two seasons with City, Heath has led the Lions to two regular season championships and one postseason title.
“I want to thank the club for their support and belief in me,” said Heath. “I am delighted that we have been able to reach an agreement on a new contract.
The former Everton star is also a key component of Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS), leading the youth club in a new style of play and direction in their first season under direction of OCSC.
"I am looking forward to building on the two regular season titles we have already won and in playing my part in helping Orlando achieve its goal of MLS. I also want to thank the fans for all support over the past two years, they have been terrific!” said Heath.
-story info courtesy: Chris Jones/Orlando City S.C.