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MLS FC Dallas

Mike Jeffries Replaced As Dallas Burn Head Coach

September 15, 2003 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Dallas News Release


DALLAS - The Dallas Burn, in the midst of their poorest season in team history (4-16-4), announced today that they have asked Mike Jeffries to step aside effective immediately as Head Coach. Jeffries, who was in his third season at the helm, finished his Burn coaching career with a 23-36-16 record. Current Burn Assistant Coach Colin Clarke will fill the vacant head coaching spot on an interim basis.

John Wagner, President of Hunt Sports, made the announcement in the wake of a disappointing season in which the team is currently in last place in the Western Conference standings, 13 points behind the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Kansas City Wizards.

"Mike and his staff have worked very hard and we had all hoped for a turnaround, but it doesn't seem to be happening," said Wagner. "We have an obligation to the fan base of the Dallas Burn and Major League Soccer to put a competitive team on the field. We still have six games remaining in the 2003 schedule, including three home games at Southlake Dragon Stadium, and our goal will be to see the organization put its very best effort into resurrecting the remainder of the season. We are appreciative of the efforts that Mike has put into his position, but it is one of the realities of sports that a team must be expected to be competitive."

"We obviously cannot expect miracles, but Assistant Coach Colin Clarke has agreed to take immediate control of the team. Clarke is a native of Northern Ireland and brings strong playing and coaching credentials to the Burn. He has been with the Burn for the last three years as an Assistant Coach. His position will be as Interim Head Coach, and he will be considered among other candidates for the future head coaching position."

Prior to joining the Burn, Clarke spent the 2000 season as the Head Coach for the A-League's San Diego Flash, guiding the team to a 16-9-3 record and a second place finish in the Pacific Division, and two years as Head Coach for the Richmond Kickers of the same league. From 1998-99, he guided the Kickers to a 38-18 regular season record and two playoff appearances.

As a player, Clarke had 38 appearances with the Northern Ireland National Team, where he scored 13 goals, including one in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. From 1981-93, he played professionally in the English Leagues with six different teams, including Portsmouth, Southhampton and Queens Park Rangers. During his 12-year career, he played in 361 English League matches and tallied 146 goals.

"Despite what has proven to be a very difficult season, the future is very bright for the Dallas Burn," concluded Wagner. "We are just over a year away from what will undoubtedly be one of the crowning moments in team history with the opening of the finest soccer complex in the country."

In April of 2005, the team will open in their new home in Frisco, TX. At the centerpiece of The Frisco Soccer Complex will be a 20,000-seat stadium, the third of Major League Soccer's Soccer Specific Stadiums. Adjacent to the north end of the stadium will be a 17-field soccer complex. Upon its completion, the complex will be the most unique endeavor linking professional soccer and amateur soccer that this country has yet to see. The Complex is a joint project between Collin County, the City of Frisco, the Frisco Independent School District and the Dallas Burn.

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