Shiny new Austin, TX

For former Everton and Burnley legend Adrian Heath, the stars at night are indeed big and bright.  Deep in the heart of Texas (as the song goes) Heath is taking control of United Soccer League First Division side Austin Aztex FC.  Heath enjoyed a successful playing career, winning England’s top division with Everton twice, winning the FA Cup and UEFA Cup Winners Cup along the way.  Having done the coaching rounds in England, he now faces the challenge of taking charge of a fledgling club in their inaugural professional season.

Austin, Texas is a sprawling major city that enjoys fantastic weather most of the year, has a stable economy and tellingly has no major sports teams.  The perfect location for a soccer team to develop perhaps?  The great food and restaurants, numerous bars and expansive nightlife that make the city a great place to live are now complimented by the arrival of a new set of sporting heroes to follow.

The Aztex were founded in 2008 and are owned by British born businessman Phil Rawlins, a board member of Stoke City of the English Premier League.  A formal agreement has been made between the Aztex and Stoke, the two clubs will share players, coaches, training advice and more in an attempt to aid both teams development, they even play in similar kits.  Already a smattering of players with English league football experience graces the Aztex roster, and they look to be a strong side in their first USL season.

Puerto Rico and Vancouver will doubtless be the top teams in the division again this season after dominating last.  Already the Aztex have drawn 1-1 with Vancouver, and the early signs are promising.  Two draws and their first victory over the Cleveland City Stars their record after three games, albeit all played at home.  Indeed they beat Real Salt Lake of MLS in a friendly recently, and also drew 2-2 with perennial MLS powerhouse the Houston Dynamos in March.

The current team should help to inspire interest.  The more ardent Manchester United fans may remember attacking midfielder Eddie Johnson, who scored twice against Cleveland.  He made several League Cup appearances and was at one point touted as a player of great potential, earning England youth international recognition.  A technically gifted midfielder with an eye for goal, he is perhaps the key creative player for the Aztex.

Watford, Stoke and maybe even Real Murcia fans will remember Gifton Noel-Williams, the tall, rangy centre forward.  Along with Brazilian forward Sullivan Silva and former Houston Dynamo Kyle Brown he will add more firepower.  There is talent throughout the squad, from a variety of backgrounds.  They have a healthy mix of the young and hungry, with the experienced and wily.

Already a couple of supporter’s groups have emerged, Chantico’s Army are the most prevalent and have routine gatherings for home games.  That the city has taken so quickly to the Aztex bodes well for the future of the team.  The question remains though, can they garner enough interest to become a viable business?  With sustained growth and support the Aztex could well help Austin’s case for a future MLS expansion team.

Diminutive striker, midfielder, and now manager Heath has a tough task ahead of him yet has already made great steps towards assembling an exciting side.  The developmental under-23 side have contributed several players as well.  With continued input from Stoke and a well operated youth set up, perhaps the next Stanley Matthews will come from Austin, Texas?