Exeter City is delighted to announce the appointment of Ali Hines as the Club’s new Goalkeeping Coach.
A highly respected coach with more than two decades of experience in the professional game, Ali arrives at St James Park after a long and successful spell with Bristol City, where he played a key role in developing goalkeepers and supporting the club’s performance pathway from academy to first team.
Having served as Head of Goalkeeping within Bristol City’s academy structure, Ali also held senior coaching and player development roles, helping nurture a number of young players into the professional game.
Speaking after joining the Grecians, Ali said: “It feels brilliant to be here. I’d like to thank the Club and the manager for the opportunity, and I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the players and staff over the coming days.
“I used to play with Matt Taylor a long time ago. His playing career went very well, mine not so much! When the opportunity came up to work with the first-team goalkeepers, it was too good to turn down.
“I’ve spent the last 19 years at Bristol City in a variety of roles. Goalkeeping coaching has always been a big part of what I’ve done, and I’ve also worked as a senior Professional Development Phase coach, alongside gaining experience with the first team.
“I’m a big believer in hard work and honesty. My aim is to help the goalkeepers develop, improve and achieve something. This football club has clear ambitions, and everyone is pulling in the same direction to create something special.”
Having completed his first day at the Club, Ali has already been impressed by what he has seen. “It’s been fantastic. Everyone has made me feel so welcome and the facilities are excellent. It’s been a great first day and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”
Ali will begin working with City’s first-team goalkeepers, Jack Bycroft and Frankie Phillips, this week and has already started preparing for the challenge.
“I’ve been watching footage of both goalkeepers and speaking with people around the Club. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and hitting the ground running.
“There are some fantastic people working here and a clear vision for what the Club wants to achieve. With the staff and players we have in place, there’s every reason to be excited about the season ahead.”
Exeter City Manager Matt Taylor added: “I’m delighted to welcome Ali to Exeter City. He brings a wealth of experience, particularly in goalkeeper development, and his character and values align perfectly with what we’re building here.
“Ali has an excellent reputation within the game and will be a valuable addition to our coaching staff. I’m looking forward to working with him again and seeing the positive impact he can have on our goalkeepers and the wider squad.”