Portland, OR (Sports Network) - John Spencer became the third head coach to be
fired in Major League Soccer this season as the Portland Timbers let him go on
Monday.
The Timbers have gotten off to a poor start this season under Spencer, posting
a 5-8-4 record that sees the club sitting one place above the basement in the
Western Conference.
Portland joined MLS in 2011 with Spencer as head coach, and he leaves with a
mark of 16-22-13, with general manager Gavin Wilkinson taking over for the
remainder of the season.
"I strongly believe any coach needs an adequate runway to be properly
evaluated and that too many owners make coaching changes hastily," Timbers
owner Merritt Paulson said. "Given our record last season and the fact we are
only halfway through the 2012 campaign, there will be some on the outside who
believe the decision to part ways with John is impatient. What I will say is
that it is essential to me that the Portland Timbers brand be personified by
continuity and commitment to long-term growth. Over time we will demonstrate
that.
"However, I am a firm believer that when any personnel decision is made and
final there is little to be gained from waiting to put it into effect."
The decision comes following Portland's 3-0 defeat against Real Salt Lake over
the weekend, and Spencer joins former Toronto FC head coach Aron Winter and
Philadelphia Union boss Peter Nowak on the chopping block.
The Sports Network