Rangers legend Nacho Novo has taken up a coaching role with ambitious USA side Lexington Sporting Club, it has just been announced.
The Ibrox hero will be the assistant manager at the Kentucky outfit, who currently play in United Soccer League, League One, in the USA’s franchise-based league system.
An emerging player in the global game, it’s an exciting moment for football in the USA ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which they will share with Canada and Mexico, and Nacho Novo is delighted to be on board.
With Lexington Sporting Club only founded in 2021, the USA side will play their inaugural season in USL League One in 2023 and Nacho will also be the manager of the club’s U23s.
Rangers legend Nacho Novo to join Lexington Sporting Club
“Not many times you have the chance to build something from scratch, so for me, it was an opportunity I could not turn down,” said Nacho Novo [Lexington Sporting Club].
“Everyone here, including the ownership, is very serious about what they want to do, making this a proper soccer team that connects with the community and does well.
“I have been fortunate to play at a high level, and since I started as a youngster in my hometown, I’ve been able to learn from many different managers.
“I want to take that experience and help all the players in Lexington. This is a new club, but it’s a new club that is like family, and I really enjoy being here with everybody on the staff.”
Nacho Novo remains a hugely popular figure in the Rangers support and has always held a close affinity with the club’s supporters.
The now 43-year-old spent six years with Rangers between 2004 and 2010, playing 255 times for the club, scoring 73 goals and winning six major honours, including three league titles.
An Ibrox Hall of Famer, the former striker’s crowning moment was that winning penalty in Florence to take the club to the 2008 UEFA Cup Final with Nacho Novo also playing in Spain, Poland and the USA in his career.
Meanwhile, there will only be one Rangers representative at this summer’s World Cup.
