I’m a little bit behind with this announcement, but a key member of our 2018/19 title-winning side has been named as head coach of Austin FC II.
That is the head coach of Austin FC’s reserve side, which participates in MLS Next Pro, a division III league in the American soccer pyramid. They’re now managed by none other than Jason Shackell.
A familiar name making waves across the Atlantic
Shackell will always occupy a warm place in our recent history, a leading presence in our title win. His leadership, experience, and calm authority were central to our win in 2018-19, a season that still stands as one of the most complete and controlled campaigns City have produced in the modern era. Shackell’s performances earned him a place in the PFA League Two Team of the Year, a fitting recognition for a player who helped lay the foundations for our rise.
Of course, when he left, it was under a bit of a cloud, a falling out with Michael Appleton following our 4-3 defeat against Accrington. The writing had been on the wall after criticism following the 3-1 defeat at Sunderland, but he left under a bit of a cloud, a shame for a guy I had a lot of time for. It’s odd because he even scored in that 4-3 defeat.
Now, he has taken on a major step in his post-playing career. On November 21, 2025, Austin FC II confirmed that Shackell has been appointed as the club’s second head coach. It represents a significant vote of confidence from a side that has been developing promising young talent since Austin FC joined MLS. Shackell has been embedded in the system since 2021, starting as a U15 assistant and working his way up to U16 Head Coach in 2024. His progression has been steady, credible, and earned through coaching the same way he played, with clarity and structure.
From Sincil Bank to the United States
Before his coaching journey began, Shackell enjoyed a long and decorated playing career in England with more than 500 professional appearances between 2003 and 2020. His CV reads like a tour through the upper levels of the English game. He helped Wolves, Norwich City, and Burnley climb into the Premier League, winning the Championship with Wolves in 2009 and earning a spot in the PFA Championship Team of the Year with Burnley five years later.
For us, though, he is remembered most fondly for his time at the Bank. I’ve often searched his name, but it’s never come up, so it’s nice to know where he is! I’d love to tell you how Austin are doing, but I can’t make head nor arsehole of it, with three divisions, playoffs and all sorts of factors.
Have a look here for yourself!
You must be logged in to post a comment.