C | A-Z of Players | Players | Player Pictures | Other players who never played a game | Forum
Personal
Name: Martin Coughlin
Date of Birth: 12 April 1977
Birthplace: Paisley
Nationality: Scottish/American
Height: 5' 7" (170cm)
Position: Left Midfielder
Signed: YTS early 1994, signed as pro 9 June 1995
International Caps: 0
International Goals: 0
Celtic Career Review
Reserve Team player; Paisley born Scot brought up in the USA, was noticed by scouts in a game on a return to Scotland in 1994 and signed as a 17 y.o. on YTS forms; he was released from contract on 31/5/96 but he had a contract for another year and therefore did not have to leave – similar to the situation with Ray McStay. After being released in '97, returned to San Diego area and became an U11 youth team coach with Panasquitos Youth Soccer Assoc. San Diego S. California. He is currently involved as a Youth Coach with the USA National team.
Prior to Celtic had been playing for Rancho Bernardo HS and La Jolla Nomads whilst pencilling in a 'soccer' scholarship to Stanford University.
Despite having dropped out of High School to join Celtic, the cerebral Coughlin later returned to study and soon racked up a degree in sociology as well as postgraduate qualifications in teaching. This followed some mild local success with his brothers' rock band Square Go upon his immediate return Stateside. Throughout his time at Celtic he had been known to sport a trendy bandana whilst in action.
In January 1996, with media speculation over new signings at fever pitch, Tommy Burns mischievously invited the press pack to behold his new signing "Lombardo" – actually Coughlin with his shaven head concealed beneath a towel!
Ultimately it was Coughlin's poor eyesight, as well as niggling knee and ankle injuries, that put paid to his pro career and brought about his move into youth coaching. Considered a bright and innovative tactician, he now also teaches European history at the school which first hired him as a 'soccer' coach and is simultaneously involved with running several local teams. To this day his classroom is adorned with a Celtic FC team poster.
His father also played professionally, and is believed to be Jimmy Coughlin who turned out for Albion Rovers, Hereford United and Queen of the South after stepping up from Arthurlie Juniors. In 1974 while an Albion Rovers player Jimmy played for the Scotland semi-pro XI against Italy in Pescara and he later emigrated to America in the mid 1980s.
Playing Career
| League Appearances | League Goals | ||
| 1994/95 | Celtic | 0 | 0 |
| 1995/96 | Celtic | 0 | 0 |
| 1996/97 | Celtic |
0 | 0 |
Awards
United States ODP (Olympic Development Program) team 1990-1993.
Further Links
2008 interview in his school newspaper
Coaching CV @ PQsoccer.com
Pictures
Media
- Do we have further photos?
- Do we have videos?