Ex-Rangers striker Nacho Novo has overcome a dramatic health scare to land his first manager’s job with Lexington SC in Kentucky, USA.
The Spanish coach, 44, has been appointed as the USL1 side’s interim manager after a stint with the U23s and as assistant under Sam Stockley.
With Sam Stockley previously holding a dual manager and sporting director role, the ex-Colchester man has moved upstairs permanently and Nacho Novo has taken the reins at Lexington.
It marks a spirited and emotional comeback for the popular ex-Rangers star, who suffered from a near fatal heart attack and a stroke within weeks of each other in back in 2018.
Nacho Novo takes appointed manager at Lexington SC
Having initially wanted to move into coaching earlier in his career, chances have evaded the former Rangers star with the opportunity in the USA his first coaching role.
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Since 2022 Nacho Novo has been out in the US and his appointment as manager of Lexington SC means the ex-Rangers star can now embark on a career in management.
Taking charge of his first game as the main man at the weekend, Lexington drew 2-2 with Charlotte Independence and the club currently sit 9th in the USL1.
Given the last few years for the Spaniard it is impossible not to be delighted for Nacho Novo and Rangers fans will be wishing the striker every success at Lexington.
That’s even if the club are nicknamed “the boys in green”.
Rangers fans have very fond memories of Nacho Novo, with the little striker first joining the club in 2004 after spells with first Raith Rovers and then Dundee.
Famously choosing Rangers over Old Firm rivals Celtic, the striker went on to play six seasons for the club, winning three League titles, two League Cups and one Scottish Cup.
Nacho Novo is also immortalised by the winning penalty kick in Fiorentina which sent Rangers to the UEFA Cup Final of 2008.