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Collison to depart West Ham for USA

Jack Collison has stepped down from his role as an Academy coach at West Ham to move to the USA to join MLS side Atlanta United working under former Crystal Palace and Inter Milan boss Frank de Boer.

The 30-year-old former midfielder, who progressed through the youth ranks and made 121 first team appearances between 2008 and 2014, before returning two years ago to coach the Under-16s, is departing to take up an opportunity in America that will give his young family the chance to experience a new lifestyle and culture.

His role will be filled by Kevin Keen. He told WHUFC.com “It’s certainly mixed emotions, I think everyone is aware of how closely I hold West Ham to my heart. I’ve often spoken about being a part of that special West Ham family, and I’ve felt it even more since coming back as a coach in the last two years.

“I’ve been able to interact with the fans more than I was ever able to as a player – from doing the ambassadorial work, meeting people in the Club London lounges on a matchday, getting to know the families of the boys in the Academy, and really getting a feel for what the club means to so many people.

“For me to step away from an incredible role and a big job, it had to be something special and unique. An opportunity has come up overseas that will give me the chance to discover a completely different culture, and a chance to give my family a new and exciting life experience at the same time.

 

 

About Sean Whetstone

I am Season Ticket Holder in West stand lower at the London Stadium and before that, I used to stand in the Sir Trevor Brooking Lower Row R seat 159 in the Boleyn Ground and in the Eighties I stood on the terraces of the old South Bank. I am a presenter on the West Ham Podcast called MooreThanJustaPodcast.co.uk. A Blogger on WestHamTillIdie.com a member of the West Ham Supporters Advisory Board (SAB), Founder of a Youtube channel called Mr West Ham Football at http://www.youtube.com/MrWestHamFootball, I am also the associate editor here at Claret and Hugh. Life Long singer of bubbles! Come on you Irons! Follow me at @Westhamfootball on twitter

4 comments on “Collison to depart West Ham for USA

  1. Good luck and best wishes to a true Hammer and hope you will one day be back in the fold. On the other hand, welcome back to another claret and blue favourite in Kevin Keen and wish all the very best to you.

  2. Not sure going to Disneyland will improve his coaching skills. Going and learning in Germany, Italy or Spain and learning a new language is going to improve him as a coach.

    Still, it’s his life and if that’s what’s best for him and his family, that’s what matters. I just don’t think he’ll suddenly become management material coaching in Soccer World.

  3. Did you not read the article? He’ll be learning from Franck De Boer ! Also I think you are under-rating the level of technical ability and more scientific approach to physicality and fitness that’s on offer there.

    • Yeah I read it. Then I commented on it using my opinion for reference.

      You may be right, I can’t pretend I watch the league, but I still believe going somewhere in the main European leagues will improve him more, not to mention help with the language barrier. The reason the best coaches in the world are foreign is because they are multilingual and that has to help getting your philosophy to so many different nationalities in the dressing room.

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