Orlando City appoints retired midfielder Anthony Pulis as academy coach
By Gavin Ewbank
A day after announcing his retirement from playing professional soccer, former Orlando City midfielder Anthony Pulis has been appointed as a coach in the Lions’ academy system, effective immediately.
“I’m very grateful to Phil, Paul and Adrian for giving me this opportunity to work for such a fantastic organization as it transitions into MLS,” said Pulis in a club statement. “It’s sad to finish playing, but I’ve always taken a keen interest in coaching and it’s something I’m passionate about. It’s a really exciting time to be a part of this club, and I can’t wait to get started.”
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Pulis joined Orlando City in 2012 after spending the first 10 years of his playing career in England, where he was a part of Premier League clubs like Southampton and Stoke City — although most the playing time in his career came with Orlando. He was also a part of Adrian Heath’s gameday plans, scoring four goals in 44 appearances. He was also apart of three championship celebrations –two regular season titles and a postseason championship.
“Anthony has been a model professional, and we are delighted that he has agreed to stay with the club and begin his coaching career here,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “I am sure that he will bring the same hard work and dedication to the Academy he has showed through his playing career.”
I’m glad to hear that Pulis will be sticking around with the club as a coach, and it’s even nicer that he’ll be here as an academy coach. Witha good knowledge of the game, I’m sure he’ll have a lot to share with the young players he’ll be coaching.