Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the additions of assistant coaches Carl Robinson and Jake DeClute to the club’s Major League Soccer coaching staff. Per club policy, terms of their contracts were not disclosed. Robinson and DeClute complete head coach Martin Rennie’s staff, which also includes assistant coach Paul Ritchie and goalkeeper coach Marius Rovde.
Carl Robinson – Whitecaps FC assistant coach
- Over a decade of playing experience in England’s top two divisions
- Five years of playing experience in Major League Soccer
- Former Welsh international with 52 caps
- Currently working on a UEFA Coaching Licence
Jake DeClute – Whitecaps FC assistant coach and scouting coordinator
- Captained his college team to a national championship
- Over a decade of college coaching experience in the United States
- Professional coaching experience in North America’s second, third, and fourth tier
- Holds a UEFA ‘B’ Coaching Licence and currently working towards a UEFA ‘A’ Coaching Licence
“Carl and Jake are great additions to the club, as both bring a unique skill set that will complement our current staff,” said Rennie. “Carl has played the game at the highest levels and has a strong understanding of Major League Soccer. Meanwhile, Jake has risen through the North American soccer coaching ranks, while also bringing coaching experience from his time in Scotland, and has also shown a keen eye for talent.”
Robinson, 35, joins Whitecaps FC after a distinguished playing career that included more than a decade in the top two divisions in England, as well as the last fiveseasons in MLS with Canadian rivals Toronto FC and New York Red Bulls.
From 2007 to 2011, the former central midfielder made a total of 86 appearances in MLS. This included 74 appearances during Toronto FC’s first three seasons in the league, with Robinson being twice named Most Valuable Player with the Southern Ontario-based outfit. Prior to moving to MLS, Robinson spent 12 years playing in England, having started his career as a youth trainee at Wolverhampton Wanderers FC. Between 1995 and 2002, Robinson made over 180 appearances forWolves before moving to England’s south coast when he joined Portsmouth FC. He was part of the Pompey side that won promotion to the English Premier League during the 2002-03 season. Robinson then joined Sunderland AFC in June 2004, and remained with the Wearside club until January 2006, when he moved to East Anglia to join Norwich City FC.
A native of Llandrindod Wells, Wales, Robinson made 52 senior international appearances for his country between 1999 and 2009. Robinson is currently working towards a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Coaching Licence.
“I am thrilled about this new opportunity to continue my career in the sport I love,” stated Robinson. “I have known for a long time that once I was done playing, I would transition to a coaching role, and have been actively working toward my licences. Whitecaps FC are an excellent club with a great tradition and fantastic supporters. I am excited to start my coaching career with Martin Rennie and the rest of the staff in Vancouver.”
DeClute, 35, comes to Whitecaps FC in the role of assistant coach and scouting coordinator after serving as the men’s team head coach at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. During his five seasons with the Fighting Scots, thenative of Wheaton, Illinois, helped build a highly-respect program at Gordon College. In addition to coaching at the college level, DeClute has previously worked as an assistant coach under Rennie. They were together at Cascade Surge during the 2005 United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League season before he assisted the Scotsman at Cleveland City Stars. DeClute then assisted Rennie at Carolina RailHawks during the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
DeClute also had a successful four-year playing career at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, where he served as captain of the Thunder for two of those years,which included a national championship. The holder of a UEFA ‘B’ Coaching Licence, DeClute is currently working towards his UEFA ‘A’ Coaching Licence with the Irish Football Association in Northern Ireland.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Martin for a number of years and I am excited to now join him and the staff in Vancouver as a member of Whitecaps FC,” said DeClute. “I have been impressed with Vancouver as an organization, and I am looking forward to working as hard as I can for the club and city.”
Whitecaps FC 2012 Major League Soccer season tickets start at $329, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, including loge seats and suites, call 604.669.9283 or visitwhitecapsfc.com/tickets.
