Paul Dalglish Appointed Ottawa Fury FC Head Coach

Ottawa Fury FC announced Friday the appointment of Paul Dalglish as the second head coach in the club’s history. Dalglish brings extensive experience as a professional player and coach to Canada’s capital city, joining the reigning NASL Fall Season Champions from the Austin Aztex where he served as head coach and technical director. Dalglish will serve as both head coach and general manager of Fury FC.

“The head coach position at Ottawa Fury FC has garnered significant interest and, in Paul, we have attracted one of the most impressive young coaches in North America,” Fury FC President John Pugh said.

“His passion for the game is infectious and the energy and strong values he will bring to the role will have a very positive impact across the club. Paul will immediately look to further strengthen the roster for 2016 and build on our successful 2015 season.”

Following a playing career that included time in the English Premier League, Scottish Premier League and Major League Soccer, Dalglish turned to coaching with the reigning MLS Cup Champions, Houston Dynamo in 2008 in their academy. Dalglish took the reins of FC Tampa Bay (now Tampa Bay Rowdies) for the 2010 season before moving to the Austin Aztex where he led the PDL club to a North American Championship in 2013 in just his second season. That success earned him PDL Coach of the Year honors.

Dalglish returned to Major League Soccer in 2014 as the assistant coach to Jeff Cassar at Real Salt Lake where they reached the Conference Semifinals. When the Austin Aztex announced their jump from PDL to USL, Dalglish returned to Austin to lead the charge in their expansion season.

“I am absolutely delighted with the opportunity to take over an Ottawa team that is in such a good position from the work of Marc and his staff,” Dalglish said. “To get the job after this group had such a successful season is an honor and a privilege.

“This club is set up for success. The infrastructure is second to none in this league and there is a great environment here. My family and I are excited to start our Canadian adventure.”

The Scottish-born Dalglish began his youth career with clubs Celtic FC in Scotland and Liverpool FC in England, continuing as a professional player in England, Scotland, and the United States. In the US, Dalglish joined the Houston Dynamo helping the club capture back-to-back MLS Cup victories in 2006 and 2007.

The 38 year-old is the son of legendary Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish. ‘King Kenny’, as he is often called, is one of the most decorated footballers and managers in the United Kingdom.

Dalglish’s appointment takes immediate effect.