SISTER side Orlando City have received a huge boost following the culmination of another impressive campaign . . . with the news that Coach Adrian Heath has penned a new three-year deal with the Club.
The former Stoke City midfielder has inked the new agreement with the Lions, despite interest from several Major League Soccer teams. The deal means that the 51-year-old is tied down to the Central Florida based Club until at least October 2015.
Announcing the news late on Tuesday evening Orlando City President Phil Rawlins told their official website; “We are thrilled that Adrian has signed a new contract with us.
“When you have a coach of Adrian’s ability and track-record, he is bound to attract attention from other clubs. It’s no secret that several MLS clubs have enquired about Adrian but we have been fighting hard over the past few months to keep him as our coach.
“We believe in his style of play, his philosophy and his leadership of the players. We want to keep Adrian at the helm as we make our own push to bring Major League Soccer here in Central Florida."
Heath, who was born and bred in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, has enjoyed two hugely successful campaigns in the United States, leading Orlando to two regular season championships and one dramatic post-season title.
“I want to thank the club for their support and belief in me,” he said. “I am delighted that we have been able to reach an agreement on a new contract.
"I am looking forward to building on the two regular season titles we have already won and in playing my part in helping Orlando achieve its goal of MLS. I also want to thank the fans for all support over the past two years, they have been terrific!”.