Tulsa Roughnecks Name David Irving As Head Coach

Professional soccer will make its return to Tulsa next year with the Tulsa Roughnecks. The team will compete in the USL PRO league. The new head coach played for the original Roughnecks' team back in 1980.

Irving previously coached the USL PRO team the Wilmington Hammerheads. There he coached for 14 seasons, before leaving this August. While he was in North Carolina, the Hammerheads became one of the most notable franchises in USL PRO play. Due to their success Irving was inducted into the league's Hall of Fame. He led them to ten playoff appearances and three trips to the championship game, winning a title in 2003.

Irving, a native of Workington England, began his professional career in his home town. He later transferred to Everton FC, in what was then the English First Division, and what is now the English Premier League. After that, he spent time with other teams before coming to the United States and joining the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers.

Irving stated that he is thankful and excited to be a part of the Roughnecks' organization. “After all these years, I feel privileged to be back in Tulsa, and I look forward to meeting and talking with those fans,” he said.

Roughnecks' Vice President of Public Relations, Brian Carroll, said, “We feel very fortunate to obtain a coach with David's experience.” He also said, “His knowledge and understanding of how to construct a team to compete in the USL PRO is invaluable. The fact that he played with the original Roughnecks is an added bonus. The entire Roughnecks' organization looks forward to working with David, [and] to build a team that Tulsa fans will enjoy and take pride in supporting.”

Irving's role will begin immediately, overseeing the team and signing players.