Bob Houghton will coach the Colorado Rapids in their inaugural season, the MLS franchise announced Dec. 12.
Houghton, 46, brings a wealth of experience to the Rocky Mountains, as he has spent the past two decades coaching throughout the world. Prior to taking the Rapids’ coaching job, he had been working for FIFA as one of its coaching instructors.
“Houghton’s unbridled love for the game, combined with his skillful ability to coach and lead his players, will prove to be one of the key ingredients as the Rapids move towards their inaugural season,” said Colorado president Bob Sanderman.”
Born in London, Houghton played in midfield for both Fulham and Ipswich Town of the English First Division during his eight year career.
But it was as a coach that Houghton made a name for himself. In 1974, at the age of 25, he became the coach of Swedish club Malmoe, leading them to four league titles in six years, and a berth in the 1979 European Cup final. He garnered four Coach of the Year honors and the 1979 Sweden Sports Leader of the Year award.
After short stints with Ethnikos of Greece and Bristol City of England, Hougton crossed the Atlantic to coach Toronto of the NASL, leading the Blizzard to the Soccer Bowl in 1983 and 1984.
After two seasons with Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia, Houghton returned to Sweden, coaching Gothenburg OIS from 1987 to 1989, before rejoining Malmoe until 1992.
He spent another season with Al Ittihad in 1993, and briefly coached Hugo Perez before the American returned to prepare for the 1994 U.S. World Cup.
“I am delighted to be able to return to North America,” said Houghton. “I plan to recruit the finest player talent available and showcase exciting, attack-oriented soccer. Our players will have the chance to use their full range of talents.”