Lewis Neal has been appointed Assistant Coach at USL franchise Miami FC. The 41-year-old Football Careers client takes over from Max Rogers, who left the club to become Shaun Maloney’s First Team Coach at English Championship side Wigan Athletic.

Neal, a United States Soccer Federation A Licence holder, has vast experience as both a player and a coach in the States.

The former Stoke City and Preston North End midfielder — who starred for and coached with Major League Soccer outfit Orlando City — was most recently Boys Senior Director within City’s youth structure, giving his expertise as Head Coach to the U16 and U19 MLS Next boys sides.

Now he is back in the pro ranks as part of boss Anthony Pulis’ technical staff and Lewis said:

“I’m thrilled to be able to fill the role was left behind by Max when he moved to Wigan. It’s great that he got an opportunity there and I am delighted to have the chance to work in the USL.”

Neal racked up 440 professional games on both sides of The Pond and also shone for DC United in the MLS as a player.

Now he is in the mix at Miami FC with the club gunning to improve on an excellent season last time out. Pulis’ team qualified for the playoffs but lost out in the last eight to eventual finalists Tampa Bay Rowdies who were edged by Louisville City in the battle to be USL kings.

With the new USL season on the horizon, Lewis is already embroiled in his new role and with so many Football Career clients involved in this competition, it’s a league we will follow with interest in the months to come.