New York Red Bulls will not extend contract of head coach Hans Backe

Nov 10, 2012 1:30:00 AM

The Swede helped the team reach the playoffs in all three of his years at the helm, but his inability to finally deliver silverware has cost him his job

New York Red Bulls announced Friday that they will not be renewing the contract of head coach Hans Backe, nor that of assistant coach Jan Halvor Halvorsen.

The news came less than 24 hours after the club were knocked out of the 2012 MLS Cup playoffs by archrival D.C. United.

During his time with the Red Bulls, the 60-year-old Swedish manager turned the side fromthe worst team in MLS in 2009 into the top seed in the Eastern Conference in 2010. New York made the playoffs in all three seasons under Backe, but failed to win a trophy despite an array of high-priced talent.

"We want to thank Hans for his work over the past three years and wish him the best of luck in the future," said Global Sporting Director of Red Bull Soccer Gerard Houllier in a statement on club's website.

Current trainer and former player Mike Petke will take over as head coach on an interim basis, while ex-Scotland manager and Uefa technical director Andy Roxburgh will be the new sporting Director, taking over from Erik Soler, who was relieved of his duties in October.