UPDATED AT 4:50 P.M. ON SEPTEMBER 25
VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that the club has released head coach Carl Robinson, assistant coaches Martyn Pert and Gordon Forrest, and goalkeeper coach Stewart Kerr effective immediately.
Whitecaps FC Academy technical director Craig Dalrymple will lead the team as the acting head coach, with the support of club coaches Rich Fagan, Steve Meadley, and Raegyn Hall, for the remaining matches this year. The comprehensive search for the next head coach of Whitecaps FC will begin immediately.
“We have a lot of respect and appreciation for Carl and his team, and are thankful for the contributions they have made to this club. A lot of thought and consideration has gone into this decision, which was made with the best interests of the club moving forward," said Bob Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps FC president.
Lenarduzzi continued: “With five games left, we remain focused on our opportunity to make the playoffs. As we look to 2019 and beyond, we are committed to being a championship contender and a global search for a coach to lead this vision will start today.”
Robinson was appointed Whitecaps FC head coach in December 2013, following two seasons as an assistant coach. During his time at the helm, Robinson recorded an MLS regular season record of 64-59-42 and 78-71-50 across all competitions. Robinson guided Vancouver to three playoff appearances, including two Western Conference semifinals, the 2015 Canadian Championship, and a semifinal appearance in the 2016-17 Concacaf Champions League.
Forrest joined Whitecaps FC in October 2012, Pert arrived in Vancouver in January 2014, and Kerr was hired in January 2017.
Dalrymple has served as the Academy technical director since the start of 2014, having initially joined the program in 2010 as head coach before spending time as the assistant technical director. Prior to the club joining MLS, Dalrymple played four seasons with Vancouver from 1995 to 1998 and was a first team associate coach in 2008.
Whitecaps FC have five MLS regular season matches remaining including a pair of crucial road fixtures at LA Galaxy this Saturday, September 29 and at Toronto FC on October 6 before hosting Sporting Kansas City on October 17 at BC Place.
