Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Chris Woods becomes US goalkeeper coach

Former English national team goalkeeper Chris Woods has joined the U.S. staff under new coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

Woods was at the U.S. team training session Monday, ahead of an exhibition game against Ecuador. Woods has been Everton’s goalkeeper coach for 13 years, and Klinsmann says Everton manager David Moyes had given permission for Woods to take the U.S. job while continuing his role with the Toffees.

Tim Howard is the No. 1 goalkeeper for Everton and the U.S. national team.

“I have a ton of respect for him,” Howard said. “He worked nearly a lifetime under (Peter) Shilton, so he knows what it’s about. He’s got to be one of the best in the world. In the Premier League, he’s so, so respected.”

The 51-year-old Woods had 43 appearances for England from 1985-93, making his debut and his final appearance against the United States. He was England’s starter at the 1992 European Championship.

At the club level, Woods spent most of his career in England and Scotland but was with Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids in 1996.

U.S. Soccer Federation spokesman Neil Buethe said a formal contract with Woods was still being worked on.

No comments:

Post a Comment