MEMPHIS, Tennessee – Memphis 901 FC has named Minority Owner and U.S. soccer legend Tim Howard as sporting director, Principal Owner Peter Freund and President Craig Unger announced Wednesday.

“Tim has been integral to our pursuit of excellence,” said Freund. “There is no one who cares more deeply about this organization, this soccer community and its future more than Tim does.”

Howard will join the front office full-time and direct Memphis 901 FC in selecting players, developing club and technical staff philosophy and setting the benchmark for soccer operations.

“As a minority owner it’s nice to sit up there in a suite,” Howard said. “[But] by the nature of who I am, my competitive spirit, the goalkeeper in me, this role (of sporting director) has given me an excitement that mimics playing.”

Howard brings years of soccer experience to this role within the USL Championship Club, both in the US and internationally, including 121 US National Team caps and 13 years of playing experience in the English Premier League.

“The wealth of knowledge and experience Tim brings to this role cannot be replicated,” Unger said. “I look forward to working with Tim to building upon our success of our inaugural season.”

Memphis 901 FC also brings Assistant Sporting Director James Roeling on as an addition to the executive staff. Roeling previously held the position of Senior Manager of Team Operations for the Colorado Rapids, where he spent the last six seasons.

Memphis has already announced nine returning players from last season. Both Howard and Roeling will be tasked with filling the roster before 901 FC’s home opener on March 7 at AutoZone Park.

“I have a vision of what I want the club to be,” Howard said. “My goal is to learn, get better and keep pushing. I want to bring this team a championship.”

Memphis 901 FC hopes to ­build on a successful inaugural season where they averaged over 6,500 fans per game—the ninth highest attendance in the league, second among expansion teams.

For the latest information on the team, visit www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. To secure season tickets for the 2020 season, visit www.memphis901fc.com/seasontickets or all a 901 FC representative at (901) 721-6000.