Legendary Coach Ron Newman Passes Away

The San Diego Sockers family are deeply saddened by the loss of Ron Newman, a legendary figure both on and off the soccer field, and remembered specifically as the most successful and innovative head coach in indoor soccer history.

"We have lost someone who had a major impact on the sport of soccer, both indoors and outdoors, in the United States," said Sean Bowers, Sockers General Manager. "I had the honor to play for him in San Diego and Kansas City (MLS). He was a tremendous leader and knew how to get the best from his players. The roots and growth of indoor soccer in San Diego and throughout the country are embedded with his name, and so is our franchise."

Current Sockers Head Coach Phil Salvagio stated, "He meant so much to me, professionally, personally, and to the organization. He made the indoor game everything, the sport is what it is today because of him. If it wasn’t for him I would not have played in San Diego. There will never be another coach like him. He will forever be part of our storied history." 

The Sockers offer heartfelt condolences to the Newman family.

RON NEWMAN CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Born: January 19, 1934 - Died: August 27, 2018 (Per His daughter Tracey's Facebook post)
- Played professionally in England and in the U.S. with the Atlanta Chiefs and Dallas Tornado
- Won 10 indoor championships with the Sockers
- Won an NASL title with Dallas in 1971, an ASL title with Los Angeles in 1976
- Coached the MLS Kansas City Wiz  (aka, Wizards & Sporting KC)
- Inducted into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame in 1992
- Last visited the Sockers and Valley View Casino Center on November 5, 2017
- Retired in 1999

Sockers meet with Coach Newman in Florida on a mid-February 2018 road trip.

Coach Newman at the San Diego Hall Of Champions, where he is inducted.

Coach Newman coached the MLS Kansas City Wiz (Now Sporting Kansas City).

Courtesy of ChatSports