Toronto FC are officially on the market for a new GM.
The club confirmed Thursday that it has parted ways with president and GM Kevin Payne, although the long-time MLS executive will stay on to assist with the transition.
“I have a great deal of respect for Kevin and thank him for his contributions with TFC, but he and I have mutually agreed that the team will be moving in a different direction as we prepare for the 2014 season,” MLSE president and CEO Tim Leiweke in a club statement.
Leiweke also revealed that renewals for 2014 Toronto FC season tickets would be delayed until January "to give supporters proper time to evaluate the team's offseason moves and progress before committing," according to the release.
"By delaying the season seat holder renewal process until January, we want to show our supporters that they do come first to us," Leiweke said. "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.”
Payne joined TFC in November 2012, but after hiring former D.C. United player Ryan Nelsen as head coach and overhauling the roster, the results have been slow coming. The team has a 4-12-10 record in 2013 and sits 15 points out of the final playoff berth with just eight matches to play.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Toronto and with TFC,” Payne said in the statement. “This is a great city and the team's supporters are terrific. I'm proud of the foundation we have built and am confident the team is well positioned for significant improvement. I understand, though, that Tim wants to move forward in a certain way, and it's best for all if we part ways."
