James O’COnnOr

UeFa PrO LiCensed sOCCer manager

I am an ambitious young soccer manager currently leading Louisville City FC in the USL Pro League where I have achieved outstanding results with the newly formed club. A former professional player in the top tiers of English soccer for 15 seasons, I have made the transition into management by applying the lessons I learned and attitude I developed as a player - to work as a team with accountability, integrity and honesty.

At Louisville City I have established a positive club culture in which each individual knows what is expected of them both on and off the field. Respecting my players, staff and colleagues has in turn earned their respect, and I am now keen to apply this approach to a new opportunity where I can provide a strong influence in the team’s success and club’s growth.

COACHING QUALIFICATIONS

UEFA

The FAThe LMA / Warwick University

Pro LicenseA LicenseB LicenseCoaching CertificateCertificate of Applied Management

20122009200720052010

MANAGEMENT CAREER

Louisville City FC Head Coach 2014 - Present

Duties & Responsibilities - Head Coach• Deliver a structured and engaging training schedule to fully prepare the players for match day while developing their abilities.• Lead the team at all fixtures, motivate the players to perform and make tactically astute decisions in game.• Implement a well-rounded coaching program that balances the players’ technical, tactical, physical and mental progression.• Integrate sports science and performance analysis techniques with the training schedule to keep the players at peak conditioning and

enable them to take ownership of their own development goals.• Coordinate the entire recruitment process with a clear focus on players that will succeed both on the pitch and in the dressing room.• Liaise with the club’s senior management to discuss team results, development strategy, future direction, budget allocation, etc. • Contribute to daily operational tasks such as opposition scouting, staff management, contract negotiation, etc.• Present a professional presence on the club’s behalf in all communications with the media, supporters and other clubs.

Key Achievements4 The team finished 2nd in the Eastern Conference and in the combined league standings despite being a completely new club,

qualifying for the play-offs and reaching the Eastern Conference final.4 Sourced and recruited 20 players for a brand new team to compete in the USL. Identified, selected and agreed contracts with all

20 players, using my own experiences as a player to recognize complementary players and sell the club’s vision to each individual. I coordinated the entire wage bill structure and was able to sign all 20 players within the wage budget of $350,000.

4 Utilized my contacts in the game to sign the club’s international players. Limited to seven slots on the team roster, I worked pro-actively to scout and recruit the best players I could from England, Ireland, Denmark, Serbia and Israel.

4 Developed and coached an attacking and attractive style of possession based soccer finishing the season with the most goals scored in the 24 team league with 55 goals in 28 games after quickly building chemistry throughout the squad.

4 Had a tangible impact on player progression to add value to the team, including Matt Fondy - who set the league record for goals scored with 22 in 28 games and was league MVP - and right back Bryan Burke - who led the league in assists with 10. Both players were also named to the All-League first team.

4 Experienced only three muscular injuries throughout the entire season through the design and implementation of a individually tailored injury prevention program.

4 Short listed for the league’s Coach of the Year award. 4 Won the King’s Cup, a local cup between Louisville and rival club Saint Louis FC played over four games.

+14 078 028 368

joconnor17@aol.com

PLAYING CAREER

Orlando City SCSheffield Wednesday FCBurnley FCWest Bromwich Albion FCStoke City FC

Republic of Ireland

41 Appearances156 Appearances; 8 Goals149 Appearances; 11 Goals38 Appearances212 Appearances; 19 Goals

8 U21 Caps & 1 U19 Cap

2012 - 20142008 - 20122005 - 20082003 - 20051996 - 2003 1999 - 2001

TESTIMONIALS

“Having known James for a number of years now, I am very confident in his ability to successfully lead a team on the field. James’s passion, knowledge and determination are all natural characteristics that have allowed him to be successful. I expect James to continue his progress and to accomplish great things in the years to come.”

Tony Pulis - West Bromwich Albion FC Manager

“Over many years in professional soccer, James has accumulated a vast amount of knowledge and is someone who is committed to professional growth. I have always been impressed with James’s work ethic and desire to succeed. His focus and results driven mindset allow him to achieve the goals he sets out. “

Mark Cartwright - Stoke City FC Technical Director

“James is someone you want as a part of your organization. His exemplary leadership is compelling because of his unwavering work ethic, service and emotional intelligence. He puts his heart and soul into achieving the vision and goals of the club. When you come across someone who is a natural born leader it is imperative to try to bring them on board, and James undoubtedly fits this description.”

Phil Rawlins - Orlando City SC Club President & Founder

Key Achievements4 Became a regular for Stoke in the 1999/00 season aged just 20, playing 55 games in all competitions to help the club win the 2000

Football League Trophy and reach the promotion play-offs. Named the club’s Player of the Season. 4 Secured a play-off position for the next two seasons with Stoke, beating Brentford in the 2001/02 final to win promotion to the

Championship. Played a key role in the club retaining their status in the Championship in the season following promotion. 4 Moved to West Brom in 2003 and immediately helped the club finish 2nd in the Championship to seal automatic promotion to the

Premier League, as well as beating Manchester United and Newcastle on route to a League Cup quarter-final against Arsenal.4 Played a significant role for Sheffield Wednesday in the first half of their 2011/12 promotion winning season in League One before

departing in January 2012 to join Orlando City.4 Won the 2013 USL Pro Championship with Orlando SC, setting the league record for points gained and goals scored.4 Made just under 600 professional appearances across my career, playing predominantly in the top three tiers of English soccer.4 Short listed for the Republic of Ireland U21 Player of the Year award as an U21 international.