Toronto FC president Bill Manning backs head coach Greg Vanney
New Toronto FC president Bill Manning says the club will retain Greg Vanney as its head coach despite considering possible alternatives in the offseason.
Manning, who took over as the president of the team near the end of the 2015 MLS regular season, said in his season-closing press conference that Vanney will be allowed an opportunity to continue as head coach, even though former New York City FC coach Jason Kreis is also available.
"I think Greg deserves the opportunity to continue what he started," Manning said.
Kreis was let go from his position as head coach of expansion outfit NYCFC on Monday night. He and Manning worked together at Real Salt Lake, where Manning was president and Kreis head coach. The two won the 2009 MLS Cup in that time.
Manning said he talked to Jason Kreis last night.
— Kurtis Larson (@KurtLarSUN) November 3, 2015
Vanney took over from Ryan Nelsen with 10 games to go in the 2014 MLS season. He guided the Reds to their first-ever playoff appearance in 2015, but they crashed out of the playoffs in a humiliating 3-0 loss to bitter rivals Montreal Impact.
Manning said when he took over at RSL people calling for him to fire Kreis. But he stood by him. Said same applies with Vanney. #TFC
— John Molinaro (@JohnMolinaro) November 3, 2015
Interestingly enough, though, being given a vote of confidence in the world of soccer is often proceeded by a managerial change, so until the 2016 season kicks off, anything can happen.