Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club will not be renewing manager Martin Rennie’s contract beyond 2013.
“On behalf of the club, I would like to thank Martin for his work over the past two plus seasons not only on the pitch, but in our front office, in our community, and with our partners,” said Bob Lenarduzzi, Vancouver Whitecaps FC president.
Lenarduzzi continued: “These decisions are never easy and include a lot of thought and analysis. We have made a number of improvements since joining Major League Soccer; however, in order for this club to continue to grow and reach the next level, now is the right time to make this change and move in a different direction.”
Martin Rennie at BC Place for the final time as Vancouver Whitecaps FC manager on 27 October 2013.
The search for a new head manager will begin immediately.
Martin Rennie was appointed Vancouver Whitecaps FC manger on 9 August 2011, and in two seasons with the club he recorded a MLS regular season record of 24-19-25 (Wins-Draws-Losses) and 28-22-27 record in all competitions.
Martin Rennie's Statement:
“I would like to thank Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s ownership group for giving me the opportunity to be the head coach of the team for the last two years. It has been a great experience to see the team improve its points total by 75% and to see our goal output increase by 55%. I hope the fans have enjoyed the attacking and entertaining soccer they have witnessed this season and I want to thank them for their incredible support. You have roared us on to the club’s most successful season to date and it has been an honour to represent you. I will always have a special bond with you, especially those of us who were together on October 9, 2013 when we beat Seattle Sounders FC 4-1 to win the club’s first MLS trophy.
I also want to thank all the staff and players at every level of the club who have supported me and been loyal to our mission of always giving ‘Our all. Our honour’. Every decision we have made in the last two years has been with the long term success of the club in mind, and I am convinced that the team is now poised to contend for trophies at every level and meet the expectations that everyone in Vancouver has.
In life we have different roles at different times, and although there is great satisfaction in taking a project to fruition there is also a strong sense of accomplishment from turning a team around and giving it a solid foundation for future success. It has been an absolute privilege to have played the role that I have for the Whitecaps and I look forward to watching the organization move forward from strength to strength.
Martin Rennie"