Antony Howard, former coach of New Milford’s boys’ soccer team, has been hired to run the DHS varsity boys’ soccer program after Sean Colley resigned.

Howard takes over the reins of Colley’s successful soccer program that has made it deep into states in each of the past two years.  

Last year the Hatters made it as far as the semifinals before they lost to Farmington in OT.  

Howard was asked how difficult it would be to follow up such a successful coach, and he had this to say: “It is always difficult following up a long term and successful coach. I just hope the players embrace the change.”

To his point, it certainly looks as though the players are all in again. Kevin Spennato a junior and a star player on Danbury High’s team, had this to say about his new coach:

“He has really high hopes for our team,” Spennato said, “and we think that we can go far with him. We are are fighting for the common goal of winning and he is here to help.”

Howard, who was up against two internal candidates, has a long history in soccer as he grew up playing it in England. He was good enough to play for Fulham FC and AFC Wimbledon before he moved to the U.S.

Here, Howard was the 2014 and 2015 Southwest Conference Coach of the Year, and had led New Milford High School to two SWC division titles, two top 5 rankings in the LL soccer tournament, and a top 20 national ranking in 2014.

The boys’ soccer team has evolved into a powerful program, and it is just one FCIAC or state championship away from being elite. Colley had coached the team for nine years and compiled an impressive record: 75-45-35. He took the team to eight straight appearances in the state tournament, achieving seven wins. In 2014 the Hatters were a semifinalist and made it to the quarter finals the previous year. In the fall, the team was the FCIAC regular season champ; it took the FCIAC West Division title this year and last. 

Colley, head of the Social Studies Department and a two-time FCIAC Coach of Distinction, said he resigned to make time for his career in education, particularly his administrative aspirations, and for his family. He and his wife, Kristen, are eagerly anticipating the birth of their first child later this year.

Now, players have to focus on adapting to their new coach, who has already been introduced to the team. Sophomore Jonathon Selino says, “Coach Howard knows how to win, and winning is the most important thing. We should have a great season next year.”

Hatter faithful can only hope that coach Howard can maintain his success, and lead DHS to a championship.

Athletics Director Chip Salvestrini said the search committee had strong candidates to replace the popular Colley.

“We are very fortunate to hire Antony and have him as part of our athletic program,” Salvestrini said. “Coach Howard is one of the state’s best high school soccer coaches and will continue to build on a highly successful program that Coach Colley has developed.”