Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Former Fusion player Ian Bishop helping South Florida Youth


Former Miami Fusion player Ian Bishop was one of the most solid players the team had in its final and most succesful season. Eight years have gone by and Bishop has settled in South Florida where he now has a Soccer Academy.

Jeff Rusnack of the Sun Sentinal writes: 'Eight years removed from his one almost perfect season at Lockhart Stadium, Bishop has started the Bishbosh Soccer Academy in Parkland, where he coaches under-12 and under-13 boys' teams on a weekly basis. Known as "Bishbosh" by fans at West Ham United, where he played nine seasons, Bishop has registered 33 players who also play for various youth teams in the tri-county area.'

'Bishop's staff of coaches includes ex-Fusion teammates Ivan McKinley and Pete Marino, and veteran youth directors Tony Stevens and Gary Walker. His U-13 team just won a tournament in Weston, beating the host 3-1 in the final. The focus now is on cobbling together a side for a nine-day trip (July 26-Aug. 3) to London to play four games in the Arsenal Cup Festival.'

Ian Bishop was born on May 29, 1965 in Liverpool. He began his career at Everton. He played for a time with Crewe Alexandra, Carlisle United and Bournemouth before he signed for Manchester City in 1989. He went on to West Ham United playing 284 times between 1989 and 1998, scoring 16 goals and becoming something of a cult figure. In 1998, he returned to Manchester City. He transferred to Miami Fusion in March 2001 and played in Major League Soccer(23 apps 0 goals), before finishing his playing career with a stint at the New Orleans Shell Shockers in the USL. He now resides in Florida with his wife and children.

For more information go to:
http://bishboshsocceracademy.webnode.com/
or 561-876-2538

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

He was certainly a good link between Jim Rooney and Preki in 2001. What a fantastic season that was. I have only been to two MLS games since then.

Uncle Ed said...

I haven't been to anymore MLS but I did go to lots of Miami FC games. I almost didn't go last season due to work and stuff but I am buying season tickets this time around.

Burrito said...

Burrito love when el Señor Bishops play, he real good with balls and play with them muy good n he always shares his balls with other players. He nice like thats!
Burrito remember Ray Hudsons never yells at el Señor Bishops, maybes they were homeboys?
But Burrito hate that chingado MLS, if it not for Cuahtemoc Blanco Burrito never see MLS game agains!
Vamos Barcelona Miami!