Anthony Hudson was born in the USA and has now fulfilled a lifelong coaching ambition.
Hudson, 41, revealed his “pride” of taking charge of the United States national team, being on the touchline when the national anthems were sung and taking another step on his remarkable and impressive coaching journey.
Former West Ham trainee Hudson, son of Chelsea legend Alan, has had a good luck call from Gareth Southgate after being put in temporary charge for the United States’ January training camp and two friendlies this week.
Hudson said: “The situation is strange but I’m immensely proud and it’s a humbling situation. I’m very proud, excited for these games, excited to help the players and it’ll be a proud moment.
“I feel like I don’t belong anywhere because over here they say I sound British, over there they say I sound American! My old man played out here for the Seattle Sounders at the end of his career and I was born in the United States. So to be stood on the touchline during the national anthem is a really, really proud moment.
“My family are very, very proud. My old man and my mum loved living in America and I grew up listening to stories of their time here so it feels very, very special.”
It is a strange situation because his friend and former boss Gregg Berhalter is currently embroiled in blackmail allegations which emerged after the World Cup involving US player Gio Reyna.
The United States federation is carrying out its own investigation and Hudson is in temporary charge while Berhalter - whose contract expired on January 1 - waits to see the outcome.
Hudson became one of the youngest ever coaches to get his UEFA Pro Licence 11 years ago, has managed Newport, went to Bahrain, took the New Zealand national job, coached the Colorado Rapids and then went into the US national set-up with Berhalter.
They enjoyed a good World Cup, progressing from the Group - including a goalless draw with England - and then went out after a close last 16 tie with Holland.
Hudson said: “The World Cup can do amazing things because it connected my whole family. My old man would be walking down the street in Chelsea and people would come up to him and say: ‘We’re all supporting America!’
“My old man told me he went into a pub in Chelsea and he made them put all US flags up and they watched games in there. It brought my mum, my brother and my whole family together. That’s how powerful World Cups are and what they can do for people.
“It has made my whole family proud and that feels so good. Management is very tough. There’s so much pressure and stress and you are always focused on the next game, the next job or the next thing.
“But I’m now a little bit older, I’m now able to appreciate and take a moment to understand what it can do for you, your family and I feel very proud, that’s for sure.”
This US training camp is in Los Angeles and gives a chance to younger players and while the European stars are not available, the MLS has not restarted and there are plenty to pick from. They lost 2-1 to Serbia in the early hours of Thursday and face Colombia this weekend.
Hudson said: “It’s a strange situation, I still speak to Gregg, we get on very well and, for me, it’s about being honest, working as hard as I can and Gregg is a good man. But all my focus is on preparing the players.
“Just to be there, experiencing the World Cup was a big challenge for us because we had lofty ambitions. It was a great experience, playing against England and we were super proud of the boys.
“We’ve got young players coming in, some more experienced players and my challenge is to put on a demanding, challenging camp to get the best out of the players and inspire them because historically these camps do produce players and give them opportunities.”
Jordan Henderson leads by example
Brighton's FA Cup tie with Liverpool is a repeat of the fixture two weeks ago when Jurgen Klopp’s men suffered a 3-0 defeat to the Seagulls.
However, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson insisted upon doing all of the post-match player media duties which is just typical of his sense of responsibility and being a great example.
Premier League clubs hoping for United or Newcastle Carabao Cup win
Manchester United or Newcastle winning the Carabao Cup would be good news for the Premier League.
The winners are rewarded with a place in the Europa Conference but if both of them are already in Europe then it gets transferred to the next place down in the Prem.
Premier League puts on new shoots
There is always a photo and filming session at each club in the summer before every Premier League season which produces the headshots and graphics you see on the TV.
For the first time ever, there have also been a round of winter photo shoots this week to stay up to date presumably because of the number of new signings and possibly a few players have lost their summer tans in this cold snap.
