Locomotive FC New Head Coach John Hutchinson to Add Speed to Club

For three years, El Paso Locomotive FC delivered a trio of postseason finishes that established a high bar for an expansion club. Now, the team has its second head coach and technical director in its history. John Hutchinson, who spend 19 years as a professional player in Australia and has also coached overseas as well as with Seattle Sounders S2 was named the club's new head coach and technical director today.

Alan Ledford, President of MountainStar Sports Group said his international search delivered some terrific coaches. Specifically, he wanted someone who is progressive, embraced technology, is cutting edge, with a coaching pedigree. He also wanted a family man who will play a big role in the community along with his club. Hutchinson checked off all of those boxes for him.

Fans will want to know what to expect from their new leader. Coach Hutchinson told the media assembled at today's Zoom press conference that he will play an attacking style of football and create that kind of identity with his team. His message to the fans is to expect lots of shots and goals because that is what he believes will excite the supporters. He will play a 4-2-3-1 formation, with four defenders, a pair of defensive midfielders, three attacking midfielders, and one striker. Specifically, he wants to add speed on the wings and he plans to sign an additional eight players to the club. That style is in contrast to the possession-based system that Mark Lowry had installed for the first three seasons, which was more focused on offensive chances up the middle rather than on the wings. Defensively, Coach Hutchinson said his club will be aggressive and pressure the ball so they can win it back.

Although he will inherit a roster of about 14-16 players, El Paso's new head coach plans to sign eight more players. Hutchinson also believes in quality over quantity as he projects 22 to 24 players on his roster. He also spoke at length about adding young players to his team, and would like to promote local El Paso footballers into his system. He also wants a group of ambitious athletes, who have dreams of playing in MLS as well as oversees.

John Hutchinson will be arriving in El Paso next month along with his family and he is excited about the opportunity. Mark Lowry set the bar extremely high during his three seasons with the club. Now, Locomotive FC's new leader plans to take this group to new heights in USL beginning next spring.