On Wednesday, Memphis 901 FC announced that Leston Paul signed a contract extension to keep him with the team through the 2025 season. In addition to his role as the team captain, Paul will be taking on an expanded role in which he will shadow the coaching staff with an eye towards a future in managing once his playing career is over.
“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.”
Paul has been with 901 FC since it’s inception. Not only is he the last remaining player from 901 FC’s inaugural season in 2019, but he was one of the very first players signed to that inaugural team. Over the course of his five seasons in Memphis, he has amassed 107 appearances for the Beale Street Boys totaling over 7,000 minutes played on the field. His last three seasons as captain have seen 901 FC make the playoffs for the first time in 2021, win a home playoff game in 2022, and make the playoffs again in 2023 (to go with a nice run in the US Open Cup as well). His leadership on and off the field is something head coach Stephen Glass is happy to be bringing back.
“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 in order to help him as he plans for the long term in his career.”
Paul returns to a 901 FC team that has already made some key moves this off-season. They were able to retain ten players from last season’s team that finished 4th in the Eastern Conference and hosted a home playoff game. Additionally, they brought back forward Kyle Murphy, who bagged 21 goals for the first playoff team in 901 FC history back in 2021.
“I’m looking forward to having a great group of guys who are bought in to the culture and philosophy of the club and the city,” Paul said. “I’m going into my 11th professional year. I’ve been around the game for a while, but I think this is something new for me and I’m open and ready to learn.”
More news regarding new signings and players with options on their contract will be announced in the near future.
The season for 901 FC kicks off on Saturday, March 9 down at AutoZone Park against the Las Vegas Lights, with another home game the following Saturday against Indy Eleven.
2024 season tickets are on sale now and information regarding single game ticket sales will be made available soon.