Fresno‘s prospective expansion team in the USL has made a major personnel decision, hiring former MLS coach Frank Yallop as its general manager.
The announcement was made earlier this week by Ray Beshoff, the club’s lead investor. Fresno’s expansion team is expected to launch for the 2018 season.
“I am delighted to introduce Frank Yallop as the General Manager of Fresno’s new professional soccer team,” said Beshoff. “I have known Frank for many years and have always been impressed with his outstanding work ethic, commendable character and unquestionable athletic and coaching abilities. He will be a tremendous asset to our team and his wealth of experience and knowledge will bring Fresno the greatest opportunity for professional soccer success.”
Yallop has enjoyed an outstanding career as a player and coach at the highest levels of global professional soccer. He featured in the English Premier and Championship leagues at Ipswich Town, and prior to coming to the United States, made 52 appearances for the Canadian National Team.
Since coming to the U.S., Yallop has had an exemplary coaching career in Major League Soccer (MLS), leading the San Jose Earthquakes to two MLS Cups and a Supporters Shield. Yallop was named the MLS Coach of the Year twice, and managed the Canadian National Team during FIFA World Cup qualifying.
“This is an exciting time for professional soccer in Fresno,” said Yallop. “We have a very strong and knowledgeable soccer community here, and our goal is to build a USL club of which they will all be proud. I’d like to thank Ray for the opportunity, and look forward to a successful future for the club.”
Yallop also brings experience in the USL, having most recently been President of Soccer Operations and Head Coach for Phoenix Rising FC prior to his return to Northern California.
“If I had to choose one person to develop soccer at the pro level, I couldn’t have asked for a better General Manager than Frank Yallop,” said Beshoff. “This is a very exciting moment for soccer fans in Fresno and throughout the greater Central Valley.”
Image courtesy Fire Squad Fresno, the supporter group of the PDL’s Fresno Fuego.
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