DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Dothan United Soccer Club announced a new era Wednesday with the introduction of Ricky Davey as the club’s new head coach during a special press conference.
General Manager Aaron McCreight opened the event by focusing on long-term goals for the organization. He said the club is committed to its future and the leadership that will guide that vision forward.
Club President Steve Donner said the moment carried emotion, calling it a reunion of a close soccer family. Donner noted that Dothan stands apart from other USL markets, pointing to strong support from players at every level, community leaders, sponsors, fans, and families.
Donner said the club has worked to build an organization that helps players and coaches advance. He highlighted that within two years, one Dothan United player was drafted into Major League Soccer, while another was recently signed by a different MLS team.
Davey received a warm welcome from those in attendance and said he was overwhelmed by the support he experienced during his first 24 hours in Dothan. He added that having family ties to Alabama made the move especially meaningful.
“To be in state is a really cool thing for me and my family,” Davey said, adding that the welcome has been positive since his arrival.
Davey said his coaching background, including his first collegiate job at Alabama Huntsville, will help him succeed in Dothan. He also confirmed he will bring in an entirely new coaching staff made up of people he trusts and has worked closely with in the past.
“It’s important that I can have people I trust around me and people that I know do really good work,” Davey said, noting that staff decisions are nearly complete.
Davey also confirmed that four former Dothan United players will return this season, though names have not yet been released. He added that game strategy will continue to depend on each opponent.
