I worked as a bricklayer aged 17 to fund dream of becoming manager… now I’ve guided minnows to top-flight aged just 27
JOE ARMAS has gone from bricklayer to the big time with Imbabura SC.
When his dream of becoming a footballer ended as a teenager, Armas turned his attention to making it as a manager, such was his burning desire to be involved in the game.
During his student days he was able to visit the likes of Real Madrid, Ajax, Athletic Bilbao and PSV, all the while soaking up valuable information.
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In 2021 he returned to Ecuador determined to get his start in football management.
He pinged his CV over to 300 clubs, even offering to work for FREE just to get a chance.
Eventually an opportunity came with third-tier Imbabura SC... and it's fair to say he's seized it.
In his first season at the helm he guided his side to promotion.
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Then in his second his side reached the Copa Ecuador quarter-finals, knocking out Liga de Quito on their way.
Liga de Quito are among Ecuador's biggest clubs, and even faced Manchester United in the 2008 Club World Cup final.
This season things have got even better for Armas, who has taken his team to promotion to the top flight aged just 27.
Upon winning promotion, Armas burst into tears, letting his raw emotion out.
After completing his fairytale journey, he said: "First I want to thank God, because we have had faith in every day, in every training session, in every game.
"I also want to thank the most important people who are the boys… Without the players all this would not be possible.
"Thank you to the entire work team, because this is an achievement for everyone, not just one person."
Next season, Imbabura SC will grace the Ecuadorian top flight.
And Armas has already marked himself as a young manager to watch.