MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC announced on Wednesday the club had signed veteran midfielder Leston Paul to a two-year contract extension through the 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval. 

Memphis’ captain will return for his 11th professional season and sixth season with the club on a player contract while additionally assuming an expanded leadership role, shadowing the coaching staff with eyes toward a managerial future.

“Eventually when I'm done playing, I want to move into coaching and now coming down to the last couple of years of my playing career, I think it’s the right time to start transitioning into that phase and shadowing the staff,” Paul said. “I think it's a good place for me to start, being here for the past five years. I'm thankful for the opportunity and look forward to grasping it with both hands.”

The Trinidadian midfielder is the only player that has been with the club since its inaugural season in 2019, appearing in 107 matches with over 7,000 minutes on the pitch for 901 FC. Paul has served as team captain since 2021.

“I see Leston as a vital part of our plans, having been with the club since day one,” said Memphs Head Coach Stephen Glass. “As well as his contributions to the team on the pitch, we’re looking forward to bringing Leston closer to the coaching staff in order to help him as he plans for the long term in his career.” 

Analysis

The thought of Memphis 901 FC entering a season without Leston Paul at its disposal in the center of midfielder is almost impossible, such has the veteran become not only an important on-field figure but one of the important leaders in the locker room. Paul’s return from injury last season midway through the campaign saw him offer positives in the middle of the park.

As importantly, the new deal in Memphis will start the 33-year-old’s move into the coaching ranks, hopefully following in the footsteps of numerous USL Championship players that have become assistant coaches and Head Coaches in the league in recent seasons. With his experience in the league and at the senior international level with Trinidad and Tobago – where he has 29 senior caps – Paul appears a great fit for opportunities on the sideline when his playing days come to an end.