Lexington Strengthens Staff Naming Kirkup, Goodhind as Technical Directors
October 18, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Lexington Sporting Club News Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington Sporting Club continues to build its performance staff with the addition of Alan Kirkup and Warren Goodhind, it was announced today.
Kirkup will serve as the Women’s Technical Director, while Goodhind joins as Men’s Technical Director.
Technical Directors provide leadership in player development and coaching education, focusing on the long-term success of a club. They will help promote the true pathway for Lexington’s players, communicating with coaches on identifying talent and overseeing seamless growth within the phases.
Kirkup heads to Lexington with a wealth of experience in both the professional and collegiate game. A former Manchester United FC player, Kirkup has spent the previous 16 years with the women’s soccer program at the University of Florida, including the last five as Associate Head Coach.
During his tenure in Gainesville, the Gators reached the NCAA Tournament in all but one season, reaching the NCAA Quarterfinals twice (2014, 2017) while claiming 12 combined Southeastern Conference regular season and tournament titles. With gigs at Arkansas, Maryland and Southern Methodist, Kirkup compiled 224 wins and a .614 winning percentage as a head coach before his time with Florida.
“I am really excited to be part of the growing Lexington Sporting Club team,” Kirkup said. “The ownership vision and the direction that Michelle Rayner and Sam Stockley are taking us is an experience and challenge that I am truly looking forward to.”
“It is an absolute privilege to announce Alan as our Women’s Technical Director,” said Rayner, Lexington’s Senior Director of Operations. “This position is an integral piece that holds a great deal of responsibility to ensure we take care of our female soccer players. Alan’s reputation, knowledge and expertise that he brings with him from having coached within the female game at various higher levels across the United States is invaluable.”
Goodhind likewise brings an extensive soccer experience to Lexington. Originally from South Africa, he made over 300 professional appearances as a player, including more than 200 in the English Football League for four clubs. He crossed paths with Stockley while the two played for Barnet from 1996-2001.
Since his retirement in 2012, he has held various coaching positions, including stints with Carolina Velocity FC, a youth soccer club in Raleigh, N.C., and Southall FC in London, England.
As Men’s Technical Director, Goodhind will serve as Associate Head Coach of the USL Academy team alongside Sam Brooks and will also be an assistant on Stockley’s USL League One staff.
“I was drawn to the idea of being part of something that is still in its infancy, and to help deliver on the vision of what the club wants to be in terms of cultivating homegrown talent, developing all the youngsters under one crest, and connecting with the first team,” said Goodhind. “Obviously, the bonus for me is the exciting prospect of one working with Sam and everybody connected with the club. It’s evident the community is a primary focus, and football is where we can give back to that community.”
Stockley, Lexington’s Sporting Director and USL League One Head Coach, said, “Warren’s primary responsibilities will be to help educate the coaches and implement the Player Pathway Program. Since he’ll also be an assistant coach on the first team staff, he will be someone that can understand our philosophy when it comes to identifying players throughout all age groups. The way that he values developing the player and the person is why he will be a key asset to our football club moving forward.”
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