– Today, the Birmingham Hammers named Matt Thorne the head coach of the PDL team for the 2018 season. Thorne comes to the Hammers for their final season to be played at Samford University Soccer Stadium. Thorne is the current head coach at University of West Alabama (UWA) where they have won their conference the past four years in a row.Thorne had this to say about his appointment, "I couldn't be more thrilled to have the opportunity to coach the Hammers this summer. The players we are bringing in are ones we are hoping can develop into players who can play for Birmingham Legion FC starting next spring."Since launching the men's program at UWA six years ago and his overall record is (71-35-7), with four Gulf South Conference (GSC) championships, two regular season GSC championships, and two appearances in the NCAA DII tournament. Thorne also picked up a personal accolade as the GSC Coach of the Year in 2017."We are excited to announce Matt Thorne as our head coach for the Hammers' last season." VP of Legion FC, Morgan T. Copes said, "He is someone we have always had our eye on as he has developed several former Hammers' players. This summer is about development and we believe that Matt is the best man for the job."Thorne is a native of Rush, County Dublin, Ireland and is father of three daughters and husband of Ashley Thorne.The Hammers will kick off their final season on Wednesday, May 16 against Memphis. Fans can click here to purchase their season tickets now!