Wizards keep Vermes as manager
Kansas City hires technical director as fourth full-time head coach
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In addition to becoming the fourth head coach in Kansas City's history, Vermes will also continue to serve as the team's technical director, a position he has held since November 2006.
The Wizards completed a disappointing 2009 season with a 8-13-9 record, sixth in the Eastern Conference. Under Vermes, Kansas City finished 3-6-3 but showed substantial technical improvement as the team made a late-season run at the MLS Cup Playoffs. That run fell short, however, and the team faces several major questions as it heads into the offseason.
Before Tuesday, naming a coach was one of those questions, and Wizards president and CEO Robb Heineman said Vermes' professional characteristics are what makes him fit as manager.
"Over the past three years as the Wizards technical director, Peter has demonstrated strong work ethic, leadership and creative management of our team roster," Heineman said. "As the club's new manager, we believe Peter has the technical and tactical qualities, attention to detail and determination necessary to bring championship soccer back to Kansas City."
Vermes first joined the Wizards in 2000 via trade from the Colorado Rapids. He anchored a defense that allowed just 29 goals in 32 regular season games and posted a MLS record 17 shutouts, including eight straight at home.
The new manager also said he is excited for the opportunity to move forward with several changes he began implementing months ago.
"I have a strong understanding of where we are currently and where we need to go, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to lead the team on the field next season," Vermes said. "There will be a certain mindset and spirit in the locker room moving forward, and I am excited for what lies ahead."
What lies ahead, Vermes reiterated, includes changes to the Wizards roster.
"We will add different players to the equation and continue to develop from within our current roster," Vermes said. "But, we will all be eagerly anticipating preseason, which is less than three months away."
The Wizards begin the 2010 MLS regular season against D.C. United on March 27 at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
Curtis Kitchen is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
