Former Donegal GAA manager Jim McGuinness has parted ways with Charlotte Independence.
The 2012 All-Ireland winning boss had only taken charge of the USL club in December when he signed a three-year deal.
But results had not gone Charlotte's way. The club from North Carolina had won just once in 14 games, sitting second bottom of the USL Eastern Conference.
Speaking to us in January, the 46-year-old had emphasised his ambition for his team to press the opposition intensely.
But Charlotte Independence have released a statement, confirming the parting of ways.
STATEMENT
"The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced the club has parted ways with Head Coach Jim McGuinness. From the inception of the club, the organization’s aim has been to raise the profile of soccer in Charlotte and the Independence applauds Coach McGuinness’ innovative approach assisting in the creation of Independence SC and the journey toward American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Charlotte Independence appreciates Jim McGuinness’ commitment to the organization during his time with the club.
"Jim McGuinness has improved our club in many ways, including bringing talent to our roster and instituting new training methodologies - both of which we hope to continue moving forward,” said Jim McPhilliamy, Independence President and Managing Partner. “As a club, our performance is measured on the pitch and collectively, we’ve fallen short. On behalf of ownership, front office and team, the Charlotte Independence organization thanks Coach McGuinness for his service to the club.”
"Independence General Manager Mike Jeffries will assume head coaching responsibilities, and maintain his current role. The successive technical staff will remain unchanged."
In his soccer coaching career thus far, McGuinness had coached at Celtic and was assistant at Beijing Guoan.
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