Andy Roxburgh is leaving RBNY

Today, the New York Red Bulls officially announced that Andy Roxburgh is leaving the team after 2 years as the team's Sporting Director. Roxburgh leaves the team in better shape then when he started. He took over direction of the team at the end of the 2012 season, when the Red Bulls were bounced from the playoffs by D.C. United. What followed was a major shakeup as most of the players in Hans Backe's last year did not return, including leading goal scorer Kenny Cooper. He named Petke head coach before the 2013 season and helped shaped the team that won the 2013 Supporter Shield and made it's deepest playoff run since 2008 this year. Roxburgh also helped break ground on the teams' new training facility in 2013.

"After two wonderful seasons with this great club and with my contract at an end, it is time for me to move on to a new challenge," said Roxburgh. "When I came to New York, I was given the remit of raising professional standards on the sporting side and bringing success on the field. With the support of everyone at the club, I feel that these objectives have been achieved."

"I want to thank Mr. Mateschitz, the owner, for the opportunity to work with so many talented people, players and staff. I wish all of them every success in the future."

"Finally, I must pay tribute to our magnificent supporters. They have been our 'twelfth man' and a truly inspirational force. With their backing, and a professional structure in place, New York Red Bulls will surely go from strength to strength."

The team will obviously miss his veteran presence, but the question now is who will lead them? His replacement will probably be named either in the next week or in the beginning of January. We can only hope whoever is named knows how MLS and it's byzantine rules work to bring the best possible squad to New York.