The day’s of Martin Rennie have come and gone and now the Vancouver Whitecaps are writing a new chapter in their legacy.
They made it official and announced Carl Robinson as the club’s new head coach well prior to the start of the 2014 Major League Soccer season. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Carl Robinson brings seven (7) years of MLS experience to the team, which include three (3) as an Assistant Coach. In addition he has over a decade (10) years of playing experience at the top levels in England and has represented Wales 52 times on the international stage.
Holds a highly regarded Union of European Football Associations Pro License which enables him to Coach at the highest level of the game.
President Bob Lenarduzzi stated “We are thrilled to announce Carl Robinson as our new head coach and during his time with the club, he (Carl) has shown the qualities you look for in a successful head coach.”
He continued “he is a strong leader, great communicator with both youth and experienced players, high soccer IQ, technical and tactical intelligence, and a great work ethic. We are confident that Carl is a coach who will bring out the best in his players and help our club achieve success this season and beyond.”
For the past two (2) years he has served as an Assistant Coach with the club’s first team and has primarily worked with the midfielders, as well as finishing.
Last season the ‘Caps finished tied for the fourth (4) most goals in the league with 53.
In addition, he (Robinson) spent a considerable amount of time working with the younger first team players, as well as the top players from the club’s Residency program.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my first two seasons in Vancouver, and am looking forward to the start of the 2014 season – the club’s 40th anniversary,” said Carl Robinson, Whitecaps FC head coach. “We have an exceptional fan base, a solid core of youth and experience, and a committed ownership group. I’m really excited about the opportunity to drive this club forward.”
Prior to joining Whitecaps FC Robinson began his coaching career as a player/assistant coach in his second and final season with New York Red Bulls.
Robinson also played three (3) seasons with Toronto FC, where he served as the co-captain from 2007 to 2009, twice being named the club’s most valuable player.
Over his five (5) seasons as a player in MLS, Robinson played just under 7,000 minutes in 86 regular season appearances.
In addition to his seven years of MLS experience, the native of Llandrindod Wells, Wales played for more than a decade at the top levels in England and at the international stage with Wales.
Notably, the former midfielder enjoyed stints at Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Portsmouth FC and Norwich City, in addition to having earned 52 caps with the Welsh national team.
The 37-year-old holds a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Pro License – the highest and final coaching qualification available. Robinson and his wife Laura have two children, Lowri and Milo.
Robinson becomes the 15th head coach in the club’s history: Jim Easton (1974-1975 — Scotland), Eckhard Krautzun (1976-1977 — Germany), Holger Osieck (1977 — Germany), Tony Waiters (1977-1979 & 1980 — England), Bob McNab (1980 — England), Johnny Giles (1981-1983 — Ireland), Alan Hinton (1984 — England), Bob Lenarduzzi (1987-1993 — Canada), Carl Valentine (1994-1999 — England), Dale Mitchell (2000-2001 — Canada), Tony Fonseca (2002-2004 — Portugal), Bob Lilley (2005-2007 — United States), Teitur Thordarson (2008-2011 — Iceland), Martin Rennie (2011 – 2013).
Whitecaps FC 2014 season tickets start at just $349, subject to applicable fees.
The ‘Caps are also offering a flexible range of ticket products, including half-season tickets ($244), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets ($199), and a youth soccer half-season ticket ($100).
For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
Thanks to the Vancouver Whitecaps for the media press release.
