Rob Gale

Robert Peter Tabo Gale (born 3 August 1977) is an English former professional footballer and coach. He served as the head coach for Portland Thorns FC in the American National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

As a player, Gale began his career in England with Fulham before taking a break to focus on his coaching qualifications. He later appeared for Canadian clubs Winnipeg Alliance, Winnipeg Lucania and Sons of Italy. Gale has also coached the Canada national team from Under-16 to Under-20, and became the first head coach and general manager of Valour FC in June 2018. On 23 September 2021, the club announced that Gale would be relieved of his duties. He then served as a coach with New York City FC's academy. On July 14, 2026, it was announced that the Northern Super League's expansion team for the 2027 season would be based in Winnipeg, with Gale as its co-founder alongside Desiree Scott.

Playing career Gale was signed by Football League Third Division club Fulham as an associate schoolboy aged 14. After moving to Bedfordshire to study at university, he trained with Football League Second Division side Wycombe Wanderers for a year.

After an injury ruled Gale out for a full season and he graduated from university, he turned his attention to coaching and earned qualifications in England and the United States. In 2010, he became assistant coach for the Canada U17 men's national team and saw the team qualify for successive FIFA Under-17 World Cup tournaments.

In March 2014, Gale took over as the head coach of the Canada U20 men's national team.

Valour FC On 26 June 2018, Gale was announced as the first head coach and general manager of Canadian Premier League club Valour FC. He was relieved from his duties on 23 September 2021.

Portland Thorns FC On 23 March 2023, Portland Thorns FC appointed Gale as an assistant coach under head coach Mike Norris. The club qualified for the NWSL playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by NJ/NY Gotham FC. The Thorns also finished second in Group B of the 2024-25 CONCACAF W Champions Cup group stage under Gale and qualified for the semifinals.

On Nov. 25, 2025, the Thorns announced that Gale and the club had agreed to part ways, with assistant coach Sarah Lowdon to serve as interim head coach.

Winnipeg NSL Franchise In July 2026, it was announced that Winnipeg had been awarded an expansion franchise in the Northern Super League, with Gale as a co-founder alongside fromer Canadian international Desiree Scott. Gale was announced to be the new Winnipeg team's Chief Sporting Officer.

Personal life Gale was born in Zambia to English parents while his father was working as a football coach. He also spent part of his childhood growing up in Tanzania before moving to England aged five.

In 2000, Gale visited Winnipeg, Manitoba for work and met his future wife Erin. After moving to Winnipeg permanently a year later, Gale and his partner married in 2003 and now have two daughters. Five members of his family have UEFA coaching licences, including brother-in-law John Peacock.

He is a lifelong Arsenal supporter.

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