A former Middlesbrough player who was given his debut by Gareth Southgate has made history by becoming the first black manager to win the NWSL.
Seb Hines became a league champion after guiding his Orlando Pride side to the NWSL title with three games to spare.
To make matters more impressive, Hines has led his side to the title without tasting defeat so far, conceding just 13 goals in 23 games.
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Ex-Boro star Seb Hines reacts to historical title win
Hines is one of two black managers in the top flight of American women’s football and the former Boro star hopes that his historic achievement can inspire others to follow suit.
He said: “It means a lot.
“When I stepped into this role you always have doubters and people who say that you may not be ready but now I can be a person who was given an opportunity to be successful with the backing of the ownership and Hayley Carter coming in as well.
“You can see that with great support staff you can be successful and you can achieve something and that’s really important to me to have people around.
“Hopefully I can be an advocate for many more black head coaches around the world.”
Seb Hines’ memorable Middlesbrough debut
It was at the Riverside Stadium where Hines began his professional career, making his debut in January 2007.
Hines’ debut was one to remember as he scored a long-range beauty against Hull City in the FA Cup.
Unfortunately for the defender, his time on Teesside would be marred by injury, restricting him to just 87 appearances.
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He finished his professional career at MLS outfit Orlando City, joining in 2015 before retiring two years later.
After hanging up the boots, Hines began coaching the club’s youth team before joining Orlando Pride as their assistant coach in 2020.
In June 2022, he was appointed as an interim coach before being handed the job permanently in November the same year.