The Vancouver Whitecaps announced Sunday that the club has re-signed head coach Carl Robinson, assistant coaches Martyn Pert and Gordon Forrest, and goalkeeper coach Marius Røvde to multi-year contract extensions. Per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
"In just one year, Carl and his staff have done an exceptional job in establishing a foundation, bringing in quality players and people, and taking this team to the next level," said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi in a statement. "They are all highly respected not only within our club, but also around the league and the soccer world. We are confident that their eye for talent, dedication and hard work will continue to yield positive results."
Robinson and his staff receive extensions after leading the 'Caps back to the MLS Cup Playoffs in their first year together. Under the current coaching staff, Vancouver hit the 50 point-mark in 2014, which was the club's highest-ever point total in MLS and the most ever by a Canadian MLS club. The 'Caps also set a new MLS club record with 18 road points, recorded their fewest amount of losses in a single MLS season, won the Cascadia Cup, and qualified for the CONCACAF Champions League for the first time in club history.
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"I'm proud to be the head coach of this team and I know I speak for the rest of my staff when I say how delighted we are to re-sign with Whitecaps FC on a multi-year extension," Robinson said in an open letter addressed to fans. "I am thankful to everyone involved – from fans, to players, to front office - for having faith in that vision, for being a part of it and for supporting it since day one."
Robinson, 38, was named Vancouver's head coach on December 16, 2013, after two years as an assistant. Prior to joining the Whitecaps, Robinson began his coaching career as a player/assistant coach in his second and final season with New York Red Bulls. Robinson also played three seasons with Toronto FC, where he served as the co-captain from 2007 to 2009, and was twice named the club's most valuable player.
In addition to his MLS experience, the native of Llandrindod Wells, Wales, played for more than a decade at the top levels in England and on the international stage with Wales. Notably, the former midfielder enjoyed stints at Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Portsmouth FC, Sunderland AFC, and Norwich City FC, in addition to having earned 52 caps with the Welsh national team.
