Guppy Departs

Posted by: Tom Dunmore in John Guppy on Apr 11, 2008

John GuppyIn the past year, the Fire have had two different owners, three different head coaches, and now the club will soon have a new GM and President as well.

The Chicago Fire announced today that they had parted ways with John Guppy, who replaced Peter Wilt in 2005.

Backdraft wants to know what you thought of Guppy's time with the Fire, and who you'd like to see as a replacement.

The official press release explains the departure:

Chicago Fire Soccer and President and General Manager John Guppy agreed to part ways today. The Fire also announced that Andell Sports Group Managing Director Javier Leon will serve as interim President and GM. The team will begin the search for a new President and GM immediately. [..]
“John’s professionalism and dedication has been valued and appreciated by the Fire organization for the past four years, but I believe it is in the team’s best interests to go in a new direction with its senior leadership and management,” said Fire Owner Andrew Hauptman.
Backdraft will be back with more analysis and commentary on the situation now. But for now, we want your input on the following -- (1) What did you think of Guppy's tenure as a whole? and (2) Who do you think should be the replacement?
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Pedrag
April 11, 2008

as if there is any doubt. Hire Mr. Wilt by noon Monday.

He's the most qualified available candidate. Let's get back to business.
Matt Zaucha
April 11, 2008

Peter Wilt
John Bosch
April 11, 2008

No, Peter Wilt is running a Chicago women's team that's going to draw very few people and tear up the Toyota Park turf even more for the Fire. Forget him!
Krasny
April 11, 2008

I think the women's team hired a GM? Do they really need Peter anymore?

There is only one candidate qualified, available, and with a proven track record in Chicago and with the Fire. His initials are P.W.
Buffalo Mike
April 12, 2008

Paul Williams?
Jay-Z
April 12, 2008

Paolo Wanchope?
mdyson
April 12, 2008

From Goff:

"I'm hearing that a possible replacement for the ousted John Guppy in Chicago is Ilja Kaenzig, the former sporting director at Hanover, GM at Bayer Leverkusen and front office executive with Grasshopper. The last two years he has been running a Zurich-based consulting firm, Boutique Football. (Any relation to Ruud Gullit's Sexy Football?) He has ties to MLS and American soccer through player moves and partnerships between clubs. Just a name to watch as the Fire's search progresses....."
Chad
April 12, 2008

Easily Peter Wilt. Guppy should never have been GM, he's a business man to the core.
m
April 13, 2008

Am I the only one thinking that Guppy will join NY?
Prison Mike
April 13, 2008

We can only hope for as much. They deserve him.
Jim in Chicago
April 14, 2008

If only there were someone who had a history of bringing championships to this team....

Duh! Paging Peter Wilt!!!

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