Manning out

[Will]

As per Dave Naylor on Twitter.

[shayman]

Just got this email from Keith Pelley - I assume all season ticket holders did

Dear Steve,

Throughout the first three months in my role as President & CEO of MLSE, I have been busy learning and evaluating all aspects of the company’s business and I have spent a considerable amount of time focused with our teams and doing everything needed to ensure the future success of each club.

As part of that process, MLSE announced today that the organization and team President Bill Manning have mutually agreed to part ways effective today. Bill will always be an important part of the Argos’ championship history and we thank him for his commitment to the club and many contributions during his six years overseeing the franchise. As we evaluated the path ahead, however, it was determined that a new direction was required.

During this transition, Toronto Argonauts General Manager Michael Clemons will report directly to me, and with the support of MLSE ownership and the full organization, we will work to deliver on our winning promise to our fans, both this season and in the seasons ahead.

Your passion and support is a critical part of the Argos’ success, and on behalf of the entire club, thank you for being with us. We look forward to creating many celebrations at BMO Field together in the months and years ahead.

Yours truly,



Keith Pelley


Keith Pelley
President & CEO, MLSE

[kellynjk]

MLSE parts ways with TFC, Argonauts president Manning

TORONTO — Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment has parted ways with Bill Manning, president of Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts.

MLSE says Manning's exit was by mutual decision.

“On behalf of MLSE’s Board of Directors and the entire organization, we want to thank Bill for his many contributions in his nearly nine years with the company,” said MLSE President & CEO Keith Pelley. “Bill will always be an important part of the championship history for both clubs, but as we evaluate the path ahead, and measure against our ambition to consistently deliver contending teams, it was determined that a new direction was required. Bill is a very accomplished team executive, and a good man, and we wish him and his family the very best in the future.”

Toronto FC (7-13-3) is sliding down the MLS Eastern Conference standings having lost six straight in league play and is winless in nine (0-7-2). News of Manning's departure comes the morning after a 2-1 loss to CPL champion Forge FC in the first leg of the Canadian Championship semifinal.

The Toronto Argonauts are 2-2-0 this season.

Manning was named TFC president in October 2015 and later added the title of Argos president when the Canadian Football League franchise was acquired by MLSE in January 2018.

While TFC won the treble in 2017, the club has not made the playoffs since 2020, when it lost in the first round.

As part of the transition, Toronto FC general manager Jason Hernandez and Argonauts GM Michael Clemons will report directly to MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley.

[Argoriffic]

I think this has to do with TFC than the Argos. They just had a big lose to a lower league opponent in the Canadian Championship Semis.

Hopefully MLSE will give both TFC and the Argos each their own President.

[paulwoods13]

Huge news, obviously. I'm surprised Pelley spent any time at all thinking about the Argos, but once we did it would have become obvious that the fanbases of both teams wanted change at the top.

[AngeloV]

I personally have noting against Manning. MLSE basically pawned the Argos on him. It was not ideal.
If Pelley can get a separate president for each team, he will have won me over. I know he talks a big game, but to me, he smells kind of phony, and not in a Seinfeld good type of a way.

[gilthethrill]

Argos President fired after a loss to Hamilton. But to the Forge? Makes sense the CFL team gets a shakeup because a bunch of overpaid "Footies" lose to a semi pro team.
Use your common sense MLSE..hire separate Presidents. Now the Argos Front Office just got thinner with Pinball taking on extra work. What a joke.

[Will]

I doubt that Pelley decided this morning to part ways with Manning.

It is something that fans of both the Argos and Toronto FC have been clamoring for, though.

A single president for each would be the most ideal situation, obviously, it goes without saying that the fanbases don't get along.

[paulwoods13]

I am not counting on this leading to a more robust front office. Pinball moving up to president makes a certain amount of sense, but if that were to happen, who -- if anyone -- comes in below him? We've already lost (and not replaced, as far as I can tell) two key members of the front office this year. Is Pelley going to want to increase salary costs for the Argos -- which presumably would happen if there are two team presidents replacing one -- or will he be inclined to cheap it out? While I'm not sorry to see Manning depart (other than on a personal/human level; he's a good person), I'm not counting on this move being the harbinger of bigger and better things for MLSE's fourth-most important franchise.

[gilthethrill]

I am not counting on this leading to a more robust front office. Pinball moving up to president makes a certain amount of sense, but if that were to happen, who -- if anyone -- comes in below him? We've already lost (and not replaced, as far as I can tell) two key members of the front office this year. Is Pelley going to want to increase salary costs for the Argos -- which presumably would happen if there are two team presidents replacing one -- or will he be inclined to cheap it out? While I'm not sorry to see Manning depart (other than on a personal/human level; he's a good person), I'm not counting on this move being the harbinger of bigger and better things for MLSE's fourth-most important franchise.

I have complete faith MLSE will hire a knowledgeable soccer man to fill the President's position for both teams.

On that note, TFC would like to thank Mr Manning for his contributions and wish him well him well in his future endeavors.