Cary, N.C. – The Vancouver Whitecaps announced today the addition of Paul Ritchie to Martin Rennie’s coaching staff. Ritchie originally joined the RailHawks organization in 2009 as a central defender in Martin Rennie’s first year in Carolina. An injury sidelined him for much of the 2009 season and Ritchie eventually became Rennie’s top assistant for the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
Prior to his arrival in Carolina, Ritchie enjoyed a successful playing career in Europe, where he starred with Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premier League from 1992 – 2000. His club playing career also included time with Rangers and Dundee United of the Scottish Premier League and Machester City, Bolton Wanderers, and Walsall in England. From 1999 to 2004 Ritchie made seven appearances for the Scottish National Team, scoring one goal.
“I loved my time at Carolina and it truly was a fantastic place to start my coaching career,” said Ritchie. “The facilities, the people and the supporters will live with me forever and make it difficult to leave. I wish the organization, the players and the supporters all the best for the future.”
Ritchie used his previous experiences as a player to help lead the RailHawks to their most successful seasons, including an NASL Conference title and Championship Finalist finish in 2010 and a NASL Regular Season Championship in 2011. This past season, the RailHawks had the stingiest defense in the North American Soccer League, only conceding 26 goals in 28 matches.
“Paul has been an integral part of the on-field success of the RailHawks over the past couple of years,” said RailHawks President, Curt Johnson. “We wish him and his family well and thank him for the excellent work he has done while an assistant coach with the club.”
The search for the next head coach is ongoing as the RailHawks seek a replacement after Martin Rennie’s departure for the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer. More information on a head coaching announcement and press conference will be made in the coming weeks.
Cary, N.C. – The Vancouver Whitecaps announced today the addition of Paul Ritchie to Martin Rennie’s coaching staff. Ritchie originally joined the RailHawks organization in 2009 as a central defender in Martin Rennie’s first year in Carolina. An injury sidelined him for much of the 2009 season and Ritchie eventually became Rennie’s top assistant for the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
Prior to his arrival in Carolina, Ritchie enjoyed a successful playing career in Europe, where he starred with Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premier League from 1992 – 2000. His club playing career also included time with Rangers and Dundee United of the Scottish Premier League and Machester City, Bolton Wanderers, and Walsall in England. From 1999 to 2004 Ritchie made seven appearances for the Scottish National Team, scoring one goal.
“I loved my time at Carolina and it truly was a fantastic place to start my coaching career,” said Ritchie. “The facilities, the people and the supporters will live with me forever and make it difficult to leave. I wish the organization, the players and the supporters all the best for the future.”
Ritchie used his previous experiences as a player to help lead the RailHawks to their most successful seasons, including an NASL Conference title and Championship Finalist finish in 2010 and a NASL Regular Season Championship in 2011. This past season, the RailHawks had the stingiest defense in the North American Soccer League, only conceding 26 goals in 28 matches.
“Paul has been an integral part of the on-field success of the RailHawks over the past couple of years,” said RailHawks President, Curt Johnson. “We wish him and his family well and thank him for the excellent work he has done while an assistant coach with the club.”
The search for the next head coach is ongoing as the RailHawks seek a replacement after Martin Rennie’s departure for the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer. More information on a head coaching announcement and press conference will be made in the coming weeks.
