Meet John Spencer, New Head Coach Of The MLS Portland Timbers

Written by Ben Bradea | 10 August 2010

There is a new head coach in town.

Spencer will be leading the franchise and the city of Portland in their inaugural Major League Soccer season in 2011.

Speculation of his hiring began weeks ago when Spencer resigned from his position with the Dynamo and was thought to be owner Merritt Paulson and technical director Gavin Wilkinson’s top choice for leading the new MLS franchise.

Two years after ending his 18-year playing career, Spencer became an assistant with Houston in 2006 and helped build a contender. An understudy of head coach Dominic Kinnear, Spencer was integral in the Houston Dynamo winning back-to-back MLS Championships in 2006 and 2007. His reputation as a coach should really help the new MLS Timbers and their young team.

Respected for his fiery personality and ability to command a locker room, Spencer will be a good fit to ushering a new era in Timbers soccer.

His resume as a player includes a long and successful stay at English powerhouse Chelsea, with short stints with other English outfits Everton and Queens Park Rangers. As a forward, Spencer scored 36 goals in 103 appearances for Chelsea. His prominence at Chelsea earned him 14 caps with the Scottish National Team. Spencer finished his playing career in the states, playing 4 years for the MLS Colorado Rapids.

Spencer becomes the 7th European MLS head coach and is in the process of relocating his family to Portland, where he will be accompanied by his wife, Amanda, and his three children. A dedicated family man, his goal celebration rituals once included a kiss of his wedding ring as a salute to his family.

Outside of soccer, Spencer keeps a close eye on another field; he’s an NFL fan who pulls for the San Francisco 49ers.

The new head coach will be officially introduced to the media in Portland on Wednesday morning.

photo: life.com