Former Rangers skipper hailed as key 'connection' behind ex-Hearts coach managerial appointment
Former Jambos and Dundee United coach has joins forces with Mark Warburton in the USL Championship
Former Hearts coach Liam Fox has linked up with ex-Rangers manager Mark Warburton at Sporting Club Jacksonville in the United States - and revealed how Lee Wallace opened the door for his exciting opportunity.
The former Dundee United boss has had multiple spells as a coach in Gorgie, most recently joining in 2023 as ‘B’ team manager. In the 2024/25 season, Fox was named interim boss on two separate occasions after Steven Naismith and Neil Critchley’s respective sackings.
That elevated the 41-year-old to first-team coach under the latter, before leaving upon Derek McInnes’ appointment earlier this summer. And it’s now been confirmed that he will take charge of the second-tier USL Championship club, where Warburton is sporting director and head of soccer.
The ambitious Florida-based outfit - formed just over three years ago - appointed Warburton in March as they aim to reach the MLS and the Englishman has made Fox his latest recruit as they build towards their 2026 debut season.
He is the latest ex Jambos figure to move to the league in recent seasons, with former manager Robbie Neilson recently having a spell at Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Lee Wallace plays key role in managerial appointment
Warburton received a glowing reference on Fox from his old Gers skipper Wallace, with the pair having worked closely in the Tynecastle academy.
Fox said: “I spoke to Mark at the start of the summer. he obviously knows Lee Wallace well and he was the connection for us. Mark got back in touch a couple of weeks ago. We had a couple of Zoom calls and he explained the project, where they were at.
“I then did a call with the chief executive officer Steve Livingstone and one of the ownership group. I got a really good feeling about the project and then things moved quickly from there. It is an exciting project and one I am really looking forward to.
“Mark has been really good. He has been over here for 10 months now. There is a huge academy project, as well as the women’s team and now starting up the men’s team. He has been brilliant and has done a lot of the spadework for me.
“Mark said he’ll let me get on with things and if I need anything I just need to ask. Look at the experience he has in the game, I would be stupid not to lean on him for advice.
“Mark has put together a lit of players and I have started talking with a lot of those targets this week. So from now until the end of January it is about putting together a squad that aligns with the team.”
Why has Liam Fox moved to the United States?
Warburton said: “Liam is a tremendous addition to Sporting Club Jacksonville. He’s a coach who understands the modern game and the importance of developing a clear, positive identity on and off the pitch. His energy, his communication with players and his commitment to attacking soccer make him the ideal leader to launch our USL Championship journey. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Jacksonville.”
Steve Livingstone, Sporting JAX’s president and CEO, commented: “Liam’s experience, values and coaching philosophy perfectly match our vision for Sporting JAX. He’s passionate about player development and delivering a style of soccer that our fans will enjoy. This is a major step forward for our men’s team and for professional soccer in Northeast Florida.”
Stacey Balaam, head coach of Sporting JAX Women, who currently leads the club’s side in the Gainbridge Super League, added, “It’s fantastic to welcome Liam to the Sporting JAX family. His approach to coaching and collaboration aligns with everything we’re building here. I’m looking forward to working alongside him as we continue to grow both our men’s and women’s programs.”
A club statement released earlier this week said: “Former Hearts and Dundee United boss brings player-driven, attacking philosophy to North Florida’s new USL Championship club. Sporting Club Jacksonville announced the appointment of Liam Fox as the first head coach of its men’s team, which will debut in the USL Championship league in March 2026 at the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium.
“Fox joins Sporting JAX with distinguished coaching experience from the Scottish Premiership, having served as head coach of Heart of Midlothian FC (Hearts) and Dundee United FC.
“He also held key coaching and development roles at Livingston FC. Known for his player-focused leadership style and attacking approach, Fox has built a reputation for fostering young talent and empowering creativity on the pitch.
“Throughout his career, Fox has worked alongside and been mentored by several esteemed figures in Scottish soccer, including Craig Levein, Ange Postecoglou and Jack Ross. His coaching philosophy emphasizes tactical intelligence, a strong work ethic and a vibrant team culture that aligns with Sporting JAX’s mission to develop an exciting and community-focused club.”