Red Bulls part company with Backe

New York Red Bulls have announced they will not be renewing the contract of coach Hans Backe, or that of assistant coach Jan Halvor Halvorsen.

The news came on Friday, less than 24 hours after the club were knocked out of the 2012 MLS Cup play-offs by archrival DC United.

During his time with the Red Bulls, the 60-year-old Swedish manager turned the side from the worst team in MLS in 2009 into the top seed in the Eastern Conference in 2010.

New York made the play-offs in all three seasons under Backe, but failed to win a trophy despite an array of high-priced talent.

“We want to thank Hans for his work over the past three years and wish him the best of luck in the future,” said Red Bulls global sporting director Gerard Houllier in a statement on club’s website.

Current trainer and former player Mike Petke will take over as head coach on an interim basis, while ex-Scotland manager and UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh will be the new sporting director, taking over from Erik Soler, who was relieved of his duties in October.