FC Cincinnati half methods with basic supervisor Gerard Nijkamp

FC Cincinnati and General Manager Gerard Nijkamp have split with immediate effect, it was announced on Friday. Orange & Blue immediately start looking for a permanent successor.

The decision was announced shortly after the MLS secondary transfer window closed on Thursday evening.

“I would like to thank Gerard for his dedication and dedication to Cincinnati FC,” said Jeff Berding, President of Cincinnati FC, in a statement. “Gerard was a key role in developing our project – opening the TQL stadium, upgrading the squad, player development from academy to first team, and building a broader football infrastructure that positions us for success in the future.

“We sincerely appreciate Gerard’s efforts over the past two years and respect his decision to return to Europe with his family. We wish him and his family continued success. With a significant portion of the remaining season, our focus is on improving our game on the pitch and earning a playoff spot. Our search for Gerard’s successor will begin immediately and will focus on identifying the leader who best fits our ambitions to win a Major League Soccer championship. “

Nijkamp joined FC Cincinnati in 2019 and led them to a 7-20-10 regular season record. He joined the Ohio-based club from Eredivisie Club PEC Zwolle, where he had been the club’s technical director since 2012.

The Dutchman brought in head coach Jaap Stam and steered his squad through key transactions ranging from striker Brenner and center-back Geoff Cameron to midfielders Luciano Acosta and Yuya Kubo.

Cincinnati FC, now in its third MLS season, is chasing a first appearance in the MLS Cup playoffs. They finished bottom of the Eastern Conference table in both 2019 (expansion year) and 2020, while entering MLS week in MLS week 18 with 10th place in the east standings.

“I’m proud of the foundation we have here and all the hard work everyone has put into it,” said Nijkamp in a press release. “I will always be grateful to the property and the leadership that I can serve this association. While this was an exciting opportunity, I have chosen to pursue positions close to my family. I wish the team all the best for the future. “