PORTLAND, Maine - Portland Hearts of Pine today announced the addition of Alex Ryan to Bobby Murphy's coaching staff as an assistant coach. Ryan most recently led Seacoast United Phantoms to the 2024 USL League Two title as head coach.

Originally from Newcastle, England, Ryan's soccer journey began with the Sunderland AFC Academy before he went on to play for Gateshead FC in the English National League. Seeking new opportunities, Ryan earned a college scholarship to NAIA's Campbellsville University in Kentucky, where he served as team captain and led the team to a conference championship, earning all-conference honors along the way.

Ryan's connection to the American soccer landscape began during his time as a player with Seacoast United Phantoms in USL League Two. It was in New Hampshire with Seacoast United that he transitioned into coaching, laying the foundation for a promising coaching career. Over the past decade, Ryan has served as Seacoast United's MLS NEXT Academy Director, and since 2020, Ryan has served as the head coach of the Phantom's first team in USL League Two.

In his four seasons leading the Phantoms, Ryan guided the 29-year-old club to four consecutive USL League Two Playoffs appearances and three consecutive Northeast Division titles. He ended his tenure in New Hampshire last season by leading the club to an Eastern Conference title and its first-ever league title, topping Peoria City, 3-2 after extra time, in the 2024 USL League Two Final.