PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced that Sean McAuley has been named an assistant coach with the club. McAuley joins the Timbers from England’s Sheffield Wednesday FC, where he served as a head coach in the club’s academy. Timbers general manager/interim head coach Gavin Wilkinson made the announcement.
McAuley, 40, began his coaching career at Sheffield Wednesday in 2005 and spent six seasons as the club’s academy head coach. McAuley also served as the caretaker manager for Sheffield Wednesday’s first team on two occasions during the 2006-07 and 2009-10 League Championship seasons, compiling a 3-2-2 record over seven matches. He returns to Portland, where he played for the second-division Timbers in 2002 during his 15-year professional playing career.
“Sean has a wealth of knowledge and coaching experience,” said Wilkinson. “He understands our club philosophy and objectives and will help maximize the potential of our young players. Sean will be a tremendous addition to the coaching staff.”
During his time with the Sheffield Wednesday academy, McAuley oversaw the development of several youth players who went on to sign with the first team.
“I’m extremely excited and honored to be joining a great organization in the Timbers,” said McAuley. “When I was presented the opportunity to join the staff there was no hesitation in my mind that it was the right career decision for me. I have seen the growth in the club since I played there in 2002 to where it is now; it’s phenomenal. I am leaving a club in Sheffield Wednesday that is on the up, and I wish the people there every success and they have been very understanding of my decision. I hope the best for them in the future.”
McAuley, a native of Sheffield, England, played professionally for 15 seasons from 1990-2005 as a defender before joining the coaching ranks. He started his career with Manchester United and played a majority of his career for clubs in England, including St. Johnstone, Hartlepool United, Scunthorpe United, Rochdale and Halifax Town. McAuley played for the Timbers in 2002, appearing in 16 matches and logging two assists while helping the club make a postseason appearance in United Soccer Leagues.
