By DAN KARELL
Columbus Crew owner Anthony Precourt is focused on the club’s future, and president Mark McCullers won’t be a part of it.
After going through a busy offseason with plenty of change to the club, the Crew announced on Monday morning that McCullers had agreed to part ways with the club. He will remain until April 30 to help with the transition but Precourt has taken over day-to-day duties effective immediately.
“Mark and I had the chance to speak this past weekend, and based upon that conversation, I told him that we would not be extending his contract with the Crew,” Precourt said in a statement. “When we purchased the Crew, we said that we would evaluate the club in a thoughtful and thorough manner. After nearly eight months at the helm of the club, Mark and I both agreed that it would make sense for the organization to go in a different direction, so he offered me his resignation, which I accepted.”
On a conference call, Precourt said that he and McCullers differed on their future vision for the club and that the new club president will take care of the business side of the club while head coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter will control soccer side.
Precourt also said he has begun consulting with many people, including MLS executives, to begin searching for the new president.
Here are some more notes from around the league:
GILLETTE INSTALLS NEW TURF SURFACE
The New England Revolution have received an early-season boost.
On Monday morning, both the New England Patriots and Revolution announced that the Gillette Stadium field turf has been replaced with a new version. The new turf from company FieldTurf is called “Revolution” and will be completely installed in time for the Revolution’s home game on April 12 against the Houston Dynamo.
FieldTurf Revolution is also being used by the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field and Portland Timbers at Providence Park.
Artificial turf was first installed at Gillette Stadium in 2006.
FORMER MLS DEFENDER MCDONALD LANDS IN SWEDEN
American centerback Brandon McDonald has found a new home.
McDonald, who most recently played for Real Salt Lake in 2013, has signed a one-year deal with Swedish Superettan (second division) club Ljungskile SK, according to a report in Sweden. It’s the 28-year-old’s first professional club outside the USA, after playing for the LA Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes, D.C. United, and RSL.
Since being drafted by the Galaxy in 2008, McDonald has gone on to make 146 appearances in all competitions. McDonald was traded mid-season last year from D.C. United to RSL. Following the season his contract option was declined.
Ljungskile kicks off the 2014 season on April 6 against Östersunds.
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What do you think of this news? Surprised to see McCullers part ways with the Crew? Do you expect the Revolution’s new field to play up to standards? Do you think McDonald can succeed in Sweden?
Share your thoughts below.