SoccerNews.com

Chicago Fire have released coach Denis Hamlett after an 11 year relationship, although the Costa Rican was in charge for only 2 years at Toyota Park.

Hamlett took Fire to two consecutive Conference finals during his reign as head coach, but was unable to make the MLS final, losing this year to eventual champions Real Salt Lake.

The former Colorado Rapids player took over one of the most talented squads in Major League Soccer following the depature of former coach Juan Carlos Osorio. However, with expectations of the league title not met as well as no trophies plus rumours of off-pitch trouble the board at ‘The Fire’ decided it was time to part ways.

“Denis has a long history with the club and has been a part its success since our inaugural year in 1998,” said Fire technical director Frank Klopas, who will take over team decisions until a new coach is found.

“We are grateful for his commitment to the Fire and his leadership throughout his career with the club. We wish him the very best and he will always be considered a part of the Fire family. Right now, the Fire has decided to take the team in a new direction in 2010.”

Hamlett joined the club in its inaugural year, working his way up from the coaching staff, to assistant coach before finally recieving the job as head coach in 2007.

[Source: Chicago Tribune]

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