CINCINNATI — FC Cincinnati announced Friday afternoon the club and General Manager Gerard Nijkamp have mutually parted ways effective immediately.
The search for a permanent replacement will begin immediately.
FC Cincinnati President Jeff Berding released the following statement on the decision:
“I would like to thank Gerard for his commitment and dedication to FC Cincinnati. Gerard has been a key leader in the development in our project – opening of TQL Stadium, improving the roster, player development from the Academy to the first team, and building a broader soccer 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 his family in Europe. We wish him and his family the best of luck moving forward. With a significant portion of the season remaining, our focus is on improving our play on the pitch and earning a playoff spot. Our search for Gerard’s successor will begin immediately and focus on identifying the leader that best aligns with our ambition to win a championship in Major League Soccer.”
Nijkamp has been FCC’s general manager since May 30, 2019. During his tenure, FCC has accumulated a regular season record of 7-20-10 since moving to Major League Soccer after previously playing in the United Soccer League.
FCC sits in 10th of 14 teams in the MLS Eastern Conference with a record of 3-7-6 at the time of the announcement.
Following the announcement, Nijkamp released the following statement:
“I’m proud of the foundation we have here and all the hard work everyone has put into it. I will always be thankful to ownership and leadership for the chance to serve this club. While this has been an exciting opportunity, I have decided to pursue positions closer to my family. I wish the team the best moving forward.”
FCC next hosts Orlando City SC at TQL Stadium on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
