Guppy Joins Silverbacks Coaching Staff

English international and two-time FA Trophy winner Steve Guppy is reuniting with Silverbacks head coach Gary Smith, joining the club as an assistant coach. Guppy offers 19 years of professional footballing experience - including stops at Celtic, the Premier League’s Newcastle United and Leicester City and MLS’s D.C. United. Guppy will join Atlanta for preseason training shortly after receiving visa clearance.

Guppy also served as an assistant under Smith with the Colorado Rapids, lifting the MLS Cup in 2010. In his three years with the Rapids and Smith, the team finished 34-27-33 while earning qualification to the CONCACAF Champions League and MLS playoffs.

"I feel very fortunate to be able to say that my close friend and work colleague of more than 15 years, will join me as assistant head coach at the Silverbacks," Smith said. "Steve was an integral part of such a successful three years in Denver, which culminated in an MLS Cup in 2010.   His energy and drive along with priceless guidance was an immeasurable tool in the development of our roster."

Since last working with Smith, Guppy worked closely with current Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill - first at Sunderland AFC and then with Ireland. While working in Atlanta, Guppy will remain chief scout with Ireland and assistant coach to O’Neill and the Irish senior national team.

As a player, the winger achieved 554 appearances with 51 goals from 1989-2008. Starting his senior career with Wycombe Wanderers in 1989 he made 178 appearances for the club, helping Wycombe win promotion to the Football League and the FA Trophy in 1993. Guppy was also a part of Stevenage FC’s FA Trophy-raising run in 2007.

"Guppy brings with him experience from his Premier League and international playing days along with recent roles as assistant coach at Sunderland and as chief scout of the Republic of Ireland, working alongside one of the best managers in the modern era, Mr. Martin O’Neill," Smith said. "His presence will inspire the players and staff alike and is yet another extremely positive step toward the new season."