Hamlett adds MLS experience to Vancouver staff

Soccer America's Ridge Mahoney writes of the Vancouver Whitecaps' hiring of Denis Hamlett to add some MLS experience to their coaching staff.

During its job search the Vancouver Whitecaps made it clear to potential candidates that it needed someone with MLS experience to join the staff as an assistant. Former Fire head coach and assistant coach Denis Hamlett fills the bill, and after a few weeks of negotiations Vancouver has announced his addition to the staff of head coach Teitur Thordasson. He also rejoins former Fire colleague Tom Soehn, who signed on last year as Vancouver’s director of soccer.

Hamlett, 41, served as a Fire assistant from 1998 to 2007 and then worked as its head coach for two seasons.

The native of Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, played college soccer at George Mason University and began his professional career with the APSL Fort Lauderdale Strikers in 1992. He played indoor soccer for several seasons before joining Colorado for the inaugural MLS season in 1996. He was forced to retire the following year after suffering a stroke.

Vancouver has also retained assistant coach Colin Miller and goalkeeping coach Mike Salmon. Miller joined the staff last year, Salmon has been with the club since 2007.