February 15, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Orlando Pride News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines has announced two additions to his support staff for the upcoming campaign, as the former Orlando City defender gets set to lead the Pride in his first year as the club’s full-time head coach. Giles Barnes, who served as Hines’ interim assistant last year, will return as first assistant. Additionally, Paul Crichton will join as the team’s goalkeeper coach.
“We want to bring success to this city and the fans, and having a staff that is driving that message is really important to us. I could notbe more thrilled to have two coaches who not only fully support that goal, but who are going to be great resources for our players,” Hines said. “We are proud of what we achieved last year but feel we have some unfinished business to accomplish going into the 2023 season. I’m looking forward to this season with both the new and returning staff we have in place.”
Barnes made his professional debut at 17-years-old and spent four years with England-based side Derby County as a consistent starter during their time in the Premier League. During his tenure there, Barnes earned Derby County Young Player of the Year in 2007 and was the Championship Player of the Month in March of 2007. Following his stint with Derby County, he then helped West Bromwich Albion gain promotion to the Premier League, where he played for them until transferring to Doncaster Rovers FC.
Barnes transitioned to Major League Soccer in 2012 after signing with the Houston Dynamo. Playing a vital role in the Dynamo’s starting lineup, the London, England, native was the Dynamo’s leading scorer in 2013, scoring nine regular season goals. The 2014 season was Barnes’ best season with the Dynamo, earning four Club awards including Most Valuable Player, Players’ Player of the Year, Ironman of the Year and the Budweiser Golden Boot with 12 goals across all competitions. Barnes was then traded to Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2016, eventually landing at Orlando City SC in 2017. He would go on and appear in 34 games for the Lions during the 2017 season, netting three goals and tallying two assists.
“Last season Giles came in as an assistant midway through the year, and the players immediately respected him and bought in to the new identity we’ve been striving for,” Hines said of his first assistant. “Giles brings a high-level of knowledge for the game through his playing…