Memphis 901 FC announced on Wednesday Leston Paul has signed a contract extension with the club through the 2025 season, pending league and federation approval.
The team captain will return for his 11th professional season and sixth season with the club on a player contract while additionally assuming an expanded leadership role, shadowing the coaching staff with eyes toward a managerial future.
“Eventually when I’m done playing, I want to move into coaching and now coming down to the last couple of years of my playing career, I think it’s the right time to start transitioning into that phase and shadowing the staff,” Paul said. “I think it’s a good place for me to start, being here for the past five years. I’m thankful for the opportunity and look forward to grasping it with both hands.”
The Trinidadian midfielder is the only player that has been with the club since its inaugural season in 2019, appearing in 107 matches with over 7,000 minutes on the pitch for 901 FC. Paul has served as team captain since 2021.
“I see Leston as a vital part of our plans, having been with the club since day one,” Head Coach Stephen Glass. “As well as his contributions to the team on the pitch, we’re looking forward to bringing Leston closer to the coaching staff in order to help him as he plans for the long term in his career.”
Paul returns with a strong Memphis midfield including Bruno Lapa, Samuel Careaga and Emerson Hyndman along with new addition Zach Duncan.
“I’m looking forward to having a great group of guys who are bought in to the culture and philosophy of the club and the city,” Paul said. “I’m going into my 11th professional year. I’ve been around the game for a while, but I think this is something new for me and I’m open and ready to learn.”
SOURCE: memphis901fc.com