The Portland Timbers have introduced John Spencer as their first head coach in the club's MLS history. After five seasons as an assistant coach with the Houston Dynamo of MLS, Spencer will lead the Timbers in their inaugural MLS season in 2011. Timbers technical director Gavin Wilkinson made the announcement.
Spencer, 39, was introduced formally at a news conference Wednesday morning in Portland.
Prior to beginning his MLS coaching career, Spencer played professional soccer for such noted English clubs as Chelsea, Everton and Queens Park Rangers, and Scotland's Rangers. In MLS, Spencer starred for the Colorado Rapids from 2001-04, becoming the only player to be the team's MVP and scoring leader in the same season more than once.
"Standing here today, I think there are a few hundred people all around the world that would like to be standing in my position as head coach for the Portland Timbers," Spencer said during a news conference Wednesday at the adidas headquarters in North Portland. "I'm hoping to be here for a long, long time."
Spencer said his Timbers will be going all out to win and make Portland proud of their players and team.
"On that field, we're gonna work for you and we're gonna die for you," Spencer said.
The Scot has promised fans big names, excitement and a winning culture from next season.
"With the expansion draft, drafts coming up and players being available all around the world; with a tremendous city with tremendous backing, good foundation and a fantastic stadium next year, there's gonna be a lot of (players) from all over the globe wanting to come here and play."
