Orange County Announces Richard Chaplow as Assistant Coach
England native Richard Chaplow has been named assistant coach of Orange County SC of the United Soccer League (USL). Chaplow joined OCSC as a player in 2016 and quickly embraced being a mentor to his younger teammates at the club.
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USL Soccer News: Orange County Soccer Club has announced that veteran midfielder Richard Chaplow will join the club’s coaching staff as an assistant coach to Braeden Cloutier.
“I am delighted to add Rich to the technical staff after his successful playing career at OCSC,” said OCSC General Manager Oliver Wyss. “His vast international experience will have a profound impact on our staff and players on and off the field. Rich is the perfect role model for our younger players and our pathway to professional soccer here at Orange County. I know our fans and the soccer community will be excited to see and support Rich in his new role as a professional coach.”
During his time with Orange County, Chaplow served as a dedicated mentor to his younger teammates — sharing his experiences, and being a leader both vocally in the locker room and by example on the field.
“I’m very happy and fortunate to have Rich join my coaching staff,” said Braeden Cloutier, OCSC head coach. “He has been a big part of the growth of our club on and off the field these past few years. He’s a top class professional that is eager to start the next chapter in his soccer career.”
Chaplow, 33, began his career with Burnley FC in 2003 when he was 18 years old. After sixty-six appearances in the Championship, he was signed by Premier League club West Bromwich Albion in 2005. Chaplow made forty-four appearances for the Baggies before being loaned by the club to Southampton FC.
He moved to Championship’s Preston North End FC, making sixty-eight appearances and contributing eight goals, before returning to the Premier League with Southampton FC. Chaplow helped propel the Saints to promotion in 2010 and played alongside world-class players such as Adam Lallana (Liverpool FC), Morgan Schneiderlin, Luke Shaw (Manchester United FC), and Gareth Bale (Real Madrid FC) during his tenure.
In 2015, Chaplow went to play for Ipswich Town FC in the Championship before heading to Doncaster Rovers FC in League One. It was amidst the 2016 season when Orange County SC, then looking to return to the USL Playoffs, would acquire the driven Chaplow. He contributed two assists in the crucial season finale, helping Orange County SC win the match and move into the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
“Having been part of the growth of this club for the past 3 seasons, I am delighted that I now have the opportunity to continue my journey as assistant to Braeden,” said Chaplow.
“I can’t wait to get going, and I’m excited about getting out onto the fields to help build another successful season in 2019.”
Chaplow retired at the end the 2018 season after playing 400+ professional soccer matches.
Photo Credit: Orange County SC
