Alan Merrick

Alan Ronald Merrick (born June 20, 1950) is a retired professional soccer player who played as a defender in England, the North American Soccer League and the Major Indoor Soccer League. Born in England, and a former England youth international, he played for the United States national team.

Club career Merrick was born in Selly Oak, Birmingham, but grew up in North Warwickshire, where he attended Water Orton Junior School and Coleshill Grammar School. He joined West Bromwich Albion in July 1966, turning professional in August 1967.

Coaching career In 1983, Merrick retired from playing and joined the coaching ranks with the Minnesota Strikers. At the time, the Strikers played in the NASL, but after the collapse of the league in 1984, the Strikers moved to Major Indoor Soccer League. Merrick continued to coach them through the 1987–1988 season. He is the head coach of the University of Minnesota men's club team. Additionally, he continues to train coaches and young players through his Minneapolis-based academy. In April 2012, Merrick was named head coach of the Eagan High School boys soccer team.