We’ve been so busy here at Orlando City UK recently that one piece of news almost slipped through the net but we simply couldn’t forget the fact that Lewis Neal is STAYING in Central Florida!
Lions supporters received the fantastic news last week that the veteran midfielder of over 40 City appearances spread over both Major League Soccer and USL is embarking on a new role for the club having been cut from Adrian Heath’s roster following the conclusion of the 2015 campaign.
The Leicester native will now represent Anthony Pulis’ Orlando City B as a player while also assuming an academy coaching role, not to mention broadcasting duties.
It’s some responsibility for 34-year-old English midfielder Neal who has now signed a new two-year deal in the Orlando City fraternity but it’s clear both the club and player share a mutual respect for one another.
During a couple of weeks whereby several Lions supporters were starting to become disillusioned with the decision making of the new Armando Carneiro regime, at least Neal hasn’t been totally cast adrift like Ian Fuller who of course departed the Citrus Bowl recently.
You only have to look at what Lions supporters have been saying on Twitter in recent times to reaffirm just how delighted everybody is to see Lewis remaining in purple for the foreseeable future. Good luck sir…
@kyldonia @lewis_neal24 I’m thoroughly impressed by the versatility of his new role. OCB player, 1st team broadcaster, and youth coach!
— OC Lions Fan TV (@OCLionsFan_tv) December 18, 2015
@lewis_neal24 to stay in Orlando plus Star Wars in the same day? Christmas came early. #ForeveraLion
— Mikey Z (@filmguymike) December 18, 2015
@lewis_neal24 welcome back home to the OCSC family. You’ll always be my favorite Lion. #foreveralion
— Jeremy Caldwell (@bluesman502) December 18, 2015
And his new manager at Orlando City B and former team-mate from the club’s USL days, Anthony Pulis also welcomed Neal with open arms…
Huge signing for us today securing @lewis_neal24 his experience and quality will be invaluable for our group.
— Anthony Pulis (@antpulis) December 18, 2015