PORTLAND, Ore.
- The Portland Timbers announced today that general manager Jim Taylor has resigned his position with the USL First Division franchise and that the team has relieved head coach Bobby Howe of his duties with the club.
Both Taylor and Howe had been with the Timbers since the team’s inaugural United Soccer Leagues season in 2001. Taylor will continue to be involved with the organization in an advisory capacity.
“Jim Taylor and Bobby Howe were instrumental in helping shape the franchise during its first five seasons,” said John Cunningham, president of the Timbers. “As the team heads in a new direction, the Timbers would like to thank Jim and Bobby for their dedication and all that they did for the organization in that time.”
The Timbers will begin an immediate search for a new general manager and head coach.
"It's never an easy decision to leave something you enjoy doing so much, but I've decided it's time for me to pursue other opportunities," said Taylor. "Six years ago I had the dream and goal of bringing professional soccer back to Portland and I'm proud of what we've accomplished in that time. I have so many people to thank and I could never show them enough appreciation, but first and foremost I want to thank our terrific fans, season ticket holders, suite holders and sponsors, who are by far and away the best in the league. I also want to thank ownership and management for the incredible opportunity they've given me to lead this storied franchise and to our great staff for all of their hard work. And, finally, a heartfelt thank you to our coaches, Bobby Howe, Jimmy Conway, and Jim Brazeau and our players."
