Coaching Staff
DAVID IRVING
HEAD COACH/GENERAL MANAGER
Email Coach796.0076 ext 26
Coach Irving returns for his ninth season as Head Coach and second season as General Manager of the Hammerheads. Holding an English F.A. Coaching Badge, Irving has an overall record of 93-47-19 since beginning his reign with the Hammerheads. Coach Irving began his career in coaching with OPS Finland where he served as player/assistant coach. He brought his knowledge of soccer back to the United States in 1988 when he signed on with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers as the Director of Player Personnel/Assistant Coach. The Strikers won the National Championship in 1989.
His professional playing experience includes tenures with Everton of the English Premier League, Sheffield United, Oldham Athletic Football Club and the Shamrock Rovers. He played in the U.S. for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Tulsa Roughnecks, San Jose Earthquakes, and the Atlanta Chiefs. Irving has played with such legendary players as George Best, Gordon Banks, Gerhard Mueller and competed against opponents such as Pele and Franz Beckenbauer.
Irving's personal successes have been a big influence on the Hammerheads organization. He's brought an international flair to Wilmington both with the team as well as helping to orchestrate friendly matches with teams from the United Kingdom.
During the off season David enjoys spending time with his wife Pam, son Jeremy, daughter-in-law Jen, and their granddaughter Annie Kate.
ANTHONY HUDSON
ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/PLAYER
Email AnthonyAnthony Hudson joins the Hammerheads for his second season as Player/Assistant Head Coach. Anthony was born in Seattle, WA but spent most of his life living in England where he played as an apprentice for West Ham United. At the age of 19 Anthony signed a 2 year professional contract with NEC Nijmegen in the Dutch First Division. As well as playing, Anthony's interest turned to coaching, bringing him to the U.S.. He currently holds a UEFA 'A' License from the English F.A. and a USSF B license.
JACKIE BLACKMORE
ASSISTANT COACH
Returning to the Hammerheads coaching staff for his eleventh season, Wilmington native Jackie Blackmore has been with the Hammerheads organization since its inception and was also a pioneer in the founding and development of local youth soccer. Coach Blackmore holds a class A Coaching License from the USSF and has completed an audit of the NSCAA Advanced National Diploma. He has served as head coach at New Hanover High School, Cape Fear Academy, and UNC Wilmington.
Over the years Coach Blackmore has been very active in teaching the game. In addition to directing camps for UNCW and Cape Fear Youth Soccer Association he has served on the camp staffs of Clemson, USC, Duke, and Coastal Carolina. For many years he was a staff member for the N.C. Olympic Development program. As a player, he was named Most Improved Player at New Hanover High School and was a four year starter for UNC Wilmington being voted captain and named MVP.
Very active in amateur play, Coach Blackmore has won five state championships with Michelob of Wilmington Soccer Club. Being part of Hammerheads professional soccer is a natural fit for one of the Port City's own.
ANDY HAJEK
COACHING/SALES
Email AndyAndy Hajek joins the Hammerheads for his first season as a member of the coaching staff. Andy was born and raised in Munich Germany where he played 4 years for TSV Allach 09 before moving to North Carolina. He is very active in the soccer community and enjoys coaching goalkeepers of all levels. In his time off Andy enjoys spending time with his wife Allison and son Sebastian.