Bradley named top coach by US Olympic Committee

US football coach Bob Bradley was named national coach of the year for 2009 by the US Olympic Committee on Wednesday for guiding the Americans into the 2010 South Africa World Cup.

In 2009, Bradley’s squad finished first in North American qualifying for the global showdown that opens in June and also reached the finals of the Gold Cup and Confederations Cup.

Bradley became the first football coach to receive the award since its 1996 inception.

“I’m honored to accept this award on behalf of our team as recognition for their outstanding performance in 2009,” Bradley said.

“Qualifying for the 2010 World Cup and reaching the finals of two major international tournaments were certainly important achievements and represent the collective effort of this group for the past three years.”

The award was selected by a panel of professional coaches and sport educators from nominees made by US sport governing bodies.