Adrian Tucker

Adrian John Tucker (born 26 September 1976) is a Welsh former professional football goalkeeper who is currently a goalkeeping coach at Sunderland in the FA Premier League. Tucker was also manager of the Wales women's national football team between 2007 and 2010.

Born in Merthyr Tydfil, Tucker began his playing career with Torquay United. His debut came in December 1994, during an FA Cup second round replay at home to Enfield, when regular Torquay goalkeeper Ashley Bayes was sent off.

A shoulder injury reportedly spoiled Tucker's professional career. After leaving Torquay in 1995 he played for a series of Welsh clubs and spent 12 years working for the Football Association of Wales in their technical department.

In October 2007, Tucker took charge of his first match for Wales women, following the resignation of Andy Beattie the previous August. After a two-year spell in charge Tucker was replaced with Jarmo Matikainen in August 2010.

Tucker joined Swansea City in July 2009 as a goalkeeping coach under incoming manager Paulo Sousa, replacing Iñaki Bergara who had followed Roberto Martínez to Wigan Athletic. After Sousa's departure Tucker remained as part of Brendan Rodgers' backroom staff, as the Swans gained promotion to the FA Premier League. Following Rodgers' departure to Liverpool, Tucker continued in his role under Michael Laudrup where the Swans won the Capital One Cup in 2013 and entered the Europa League. After five seasons working for Swansea City, Tucker was replaced by Sevilla goalkeeping coach Javier García on 27 June 2014.

Tucker then took up the position as the goalkeeper coach of England under-20s managed by Aidy Boothroyd and the Academy goalkeeping coach/consultant at Birmingham City FC.

On March 16, 2015 Tucker joined Dick Advocaats www.safc.com/news/club-news/2015/.../black-cats-appoint-advocaat back room staff at Sunderland following the dismissal of Gus Poyet and helped secure Premier League survival.