Irishman Frank Stapleton has been named as the MLS’s New England Revolution’s first head coach.
Stapleton, a former star with the Irish national team, was presented to the Boston area media Jan. 4 as the club’s choice. Other candidates had included Argentine Ozzie Ardiles and former U.S. national team midfielder Brian Quinn.
Stapleton, 39, is Ireland’s all-time leading scorer with 20 goals in 71 internationals. He played for Arsenal, Manchester United, Ajax and Le Havre, as well as serving as player-coach at Huddersfield and Bradford City in England. Most recently, he was the assistant coach at Queen’s Park Rangers.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the Revolution and in the inaugural season of Major League Soccer,” said Stapleton. “In covering the Copa America for Sky TV this past summer, I was extremely impressed with how American talent has developed. We are very lucky too have two of those very talented national team players in [Alexi] Lalas and [Mike] Burns. Being part of something new presents a tremendous opportunity.”