Ex-Spurs soccer star Gary Doherty swaps EPL for TPSL

Nov. 3, 2015 - PRLog -- Former English Premier league player Gary Doherty arrives in Houston to join up with fellow Irishman and play with Houston Hurricanes FC.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich player is signed up to play with the Houston Hurricanes FC and will to join up with Coach Keyes and the Houston Hurricanes squad on November 3rd.

Gary Doherty will be player/assistant coach for the remainder of the Texas Premier Soccer League (TPSL) season with Head coach of the Hurricanes Brendan Keyes saying, "This is huge for the Hurricanes and the TPSL to have someone of Gary's calibre joining our organization. As Gary's friend and agent I have talked with MLS side Houston Dynamo and some other big clubs about bringing him on board within their academy program. We will wait and see what's on offer. It's not about the money with Gary, he's willing to step into a role and grow with any club big or small once it shares his ambitions."

Doherty, now 35, began his senior playing career with Luton Town before earning a lucrative £1 million ($1.5 million approx.) move to London giants Tottenham Hotspur.

After six seasons at White Hart Lane and 78 appearances, he moved to Norwich City but in his first season with teh Canaries, saw his side relegated from the EPL into the Championship where the club spent the next four seasons.

The 'Ginger Pele' as he is affectionately known, also played 33 times for Ireland on the international scene but unfortunately missed out on the 2002 World Cup after only having returned from a serious leg break. Earlier in his career, he was however part of his countries team that won the 1998 Under 18 European Championships.

Doherty is eligible to play in this weekends Houston Hurricanes TPSL match with San Antonio Generals, which will be played at Memorial Park Soccer Complex in Houston, 2pm kick off.

Doherty joining is the biggest signing of the Houston Hurricanes modern era and he will no doubt impart his playing wisdom amongst the players within the minor league side.

"I'm really excited to get started." said Doherty, "Playing on Saturday will be throwing me in at the deep end but Brendan has told me that the weather in Texas right now is cold and rainy so that will be just like home and will help me adjust. The coaching side will also be great for me to get acquainted with the players and how I can help them progress. I really just want it to start!"

ABOUT

Houston Hurricanes FC are a professionally run mens adult soccer club based in Houston, Texas. They participate within the Texas Premier Soccer League (TPSL), classed as the 5th division within the USSF programme. The current Hurricanes are the third reincarnation of the franchise after the first being in 1978-80 in the original NASL, the second being in 1996-2000 with USL.

ABOUT

Texas Premier Soccer League (TPSL) is a professionally run men's adult soccer program involving amateur and semi-pro clubs from across the state. The league runs from September to March. The US Club Soccer sanctioned Texas State Cup also plays after the league season ends. All registered clubs ahve the opportunity to qualify for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup through qualifying stages.

If you want more infrmation about Houston Hurricanes FC or TPSL, check their websites http://www.houstonhurricanesfc.com or www.tpslsoccer.com.