"This is a transition period for me but is has been a very smooth one," pointed out DeSantis, who was assistant coach for the past two seasons, as well as the team’s interim coach in 2001. "After a career spanning 10 years as a player with the Impact, I’m ready for this new challenge."
"From the very beginning, this team’s philosophy has been to place the emphasis on local talent," said new Impact Vice President, Technical and Finance, Nick Filippone. "It’s one of the founding principles that has made this club so successful. It was only logical to apply the same philosophy when we were looking for a coach."
DeSantis, who also was a link between Impact players and coaching staff as team captain from 1995 to 2001, announced his two assistant coaches: Peter Pinizzotto, who was head coach of the A-League’s Toronto Lynx for the past seven years, and Andrea Di Pietrantonio, who is also a coach at the Canadian national training centre and with the Quebec Soccer Federation elite programs. He joined the Impact as a technical consultant over the 2003 season.
"To maintain the Impact’s tradition of excellence on the field, I wanted to surround myself with people of experience," explained DeSantis. "Our goal is to create a solid technical team to support our players."
The Impact was without a head coach since October 7, when Bob Lilley announced he would not be returning after two seasons with the club. Under Lilley, the Impact kept a record of 16-6-6 in 2003 and 16-9-3 in 2002. The team clinched first place in its division and conference last season, before being eliminated by the Rochester Rhinos in the first playoff round.
NEW STRUCTURE
DeSantis’ appointment as new head coach is part of a major team reorganization, both on the administrative and technical sides.
Impact President Joey Saputo announced that the club’s management would now be split into two specific divisions. All soccer operations are now the responsibility of Nick Filippone, who was named Vice President Technical and Finances. Similarly, the team’s administration – including sales, ticketing, communications and marketing – will be spearheaded by Tony Laurenzana, who was named Vice President Marketing and Administration.
"With the team’s success, it was time to adjust both at the technical and administrative levels to better manage this new reality," said Impact President Joey Saputo."With all these elements in place, I am confident that we will be able to successfully take on this new challenge."
LOTTO/PRIVA SPORT & HOTEL SUITES LE FAUBOURG
The Impact also announced that the company Lotto/Priva Sport was the team’s new official technical supplier for apparel and equipment for its games, training sessions and leisure wear.
"With the team’s increasing popularity, it was time to get closer to our fans," said Joey Saputo. "Lotto/Priva Sport, through their involvement in the community and their association with Sports Experts, will give the team greater in-store visibility. "
Mr. Saputo also confirmed that Hotel Suites Le Faubourg will return as the team’s official hotel for the 2004 season.
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SOURCE:
bcomm
INFO:
Stéphane Banfi
514-328-3668 (ext. 27)
