Toronto FC have fired president and general manager Kevin Payne just nine months after handing the job to the former D.C. United Executive. The move which had been rumored for several days was confirmed by MLSE president and CEO Tim Leiweke on Thursday afternoon.
Leiweke said that he spoke with Payne and that the two have agreed that the club should move on in a different direction. He also stated that season ticket holders will now be given extra time, until January 2014, to decide on renewals with the franchise. The move is being made due to the limited success of the club who are just 4-12-10 this season, 18th place in the 19 team league and the frustrations that club supporters have had throughout TFC’s existence and their inability to build a team identity or make the MLS playoffs.
“I know the turnover has been frustrating to them, but my goal with every move we make this off-season is to return the tremendous support that they have shown this team,” Leiweke said in a statement.
Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail reports that a big factor in the decision was Payne’s inability to bring in high value designated players during the summer transfer window. Despite the MLSE board authorizing Payne to spend up to $25 million on such players, luring a high-profile star to TFC was something that Payne just could not accomplish. The team reportedly had interest in Diego Forlan, but was rebuffed; and Payne refused to make a bid for Tottenham Hotspur striker and United States International Clint Dempsey, who ended up with Seattle.
Leiweke also re-iteriated a promise made to TFC reporters last week that head coach Ryan Nelsen will continue to have the reigns for the club in the 2014 season.
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