Memorial University is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex McNutt to lead the Sea-Hawks men's soccer team, becoming the 10th head coach in program history. Originally from Liverpool, England, McNutt has called Newfoundland and Labrador home since 2016, currently serving as the Manager of Soccer Operations with the Paradise Soccer Club. His credentials are highlighted by a UEFA A Coaching License awarded by the English FA in 2006, and a PhD in Physical Science from the University of Liverpool in 2001.
McNutt brings an extensive coaching background, including U-Sports experience. From 2009-2014 he was the head coach the Carleton University women's soccer program. During this spell in Ottawa, he progressed the Ravens from a non-playoff qualifier to the OUA final four. From 2014-16 he served as an assistant coach in the U-17 & U-20 women's national team programs, representing Canada at the 2016 FIFA Women's U-20 World Cup. Alex has also formerly worked for the Ontario Soccer Association in a lead role within the high-performance player development pathway. He has coached provincial teams both in that province as well as in Newfoundland & Labrador. Prior to coming to Canada, he worked for Liverpool Football Club, coaching both in the Development center program and assisting the Women's Premier league steam.
"We are delighted to attract and welcome to Alex to Memorial" said Dr. Karen Murphy, Director of Varsity Athletics. "His coaching pedigree, leadership experience, and roots in the local soccer community make him an outstanding fit for this role. We're confident the direction of this program will continue in a positive trajectory under his guidance."
"It's a huge honour for me to take on this role" said McNutt. "I recognise and respect the work that has gone into building this program by Coach Stanford and those before him. I am excited about the opportunity to work with this group of student-athletes to continue to grow and improve the Sea-Hawks Soccer program. The opportunity that we have, to play our own part in the history of the Sea-Hawks soccer, is something we won't take lightly. My goal will be to run a program that Memorial University and Newfoundland & Labrador can be proud of!"
McNutt becomes the successor to Coach Jake Stanford who has retired from U-Sports coaching.
"We're deeply grateful to Coach Jake Stanford for his decade of service and exemplary leadership," said Dr. Murphy. "He leaves behind a program in a strong position, and we are confident that Alex is the right person to carry that momentum forward."
Memorial would also like to extend sincere appreciation to assistant coaches Carter Mackey and Jake Warren for their outstanding contribution to Sea-Hawks athletics and their notable advancement of the men's soccer program. Goalkeeper coach Thomas Pieroway will continue with the program.
The Sea-Hawks are coming off their most successful season in 20 years where the team finished 2nd in the AUS regular season and reached the conference semi-final for the second consecutive season. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Memorial will begin their campaign with an away encounter versus the Dalhousie Tigers on August 29th at Wickwire field in Halifax. Memorial's home opener will kickoff at 3:30pm on September 6th as they host the visiting UPEI Panthers.