FOOTBALL-Veteran Paul signs contract extension with Memphis.

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, CMC – Veteran Trinidad and Tobago international Leston Paul has signed a two-year contract extension at Memphis 901 FC. It will take up an “expanded leadership role” with a view to a future managerial career.

The 33-year-old midfielder joined Memphis for their inaugural season in 2019 and has remained in the southeast for the last five seasons, racking 107 appearances in over 7,000 minutes of playing time.

The current club captain, Paul, will shadow the coaching staff during the upcoming United Soccer League Championship season as he prepares for life following his playing career.

“Eventually, when I’m done playing, I want to move into coaching, and now, coming down to the last couple of years of my playing career, I think it’s the right time to start transitioning into that phase and shadowing the staff,” Paul said.

“I think it’s a good place for me to start, being here for the past five years. I’m thankful for the opportunity and look forward to grasping it with both hands.”

The last remaining member of the first-ever Memphis squad, Paul is a well-respected figure in the setup and has led the team since 2021.

He oversaw their trip to last season’s conference quarter-finals, where they lost on penalties to Louisville FC, and was also at the helm when they were knocked out in the semi-finals by Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2022.

In his first season as captain, Memphis also faltered at the quarter-final stage.

Head coach Stephen Glass said Paul remained critical of Memphis’s plans and said the upcoming season would also help the player’s managerial ambitions.

“I see Leston as a vital part of our plans, having been with the club since day one,” Glass said.

“As well as his contributions to the team on the pitch, we’re looking forward to bringing Leston closer to the coaching staff to help him as he plans for the long term in his career.”

Paul was one of two Trinidadians on the Memphis roster last season, defender Jelani Peters having left at the end of the campaign.

The new championship season gets underway on March 9.