New York City FC have sacked manager Nick Cushing after losing in the MLS play-0ffs.
NYCFC reached the Eastern Conference semi-finals of the play-offs before losing to same-city rivals New York Red Bulls 2-0 on Saturday.
Englishman Cushing was first appointed interim manager in June 2022 before landing the role on a full-time basis the following November.
The Pigeons finished sixth in the Eastern Conference in 2024, with the 40-year-old posting a record of 40W-40L-27D during his two-and-a-half years in charge.
Sporting director David Lee said: “We would like to thank Nick for his incredible dedication to the club and this city.
“During his time at New York City FC, Nick has been a true professional, playing an important role in delivering the Club’s first MLS Cup as an assistant coach and then leading the team as Interim Head Coach to a Campeones Cup victory in 2022.
“After being appointed as Head Coach for the 2023 season, Nick built a collaborative, high-performance environment at the training facility that has allowed us to continue to evolve as an organization.
“Whilst we are incredibly appreciative for all [Cushing] has done for the club, at this current time, we believe it’s best to move the team in a new direction as we plan for the 2025 season and beyond.
“We would like to sincerely thank Nick for his contributions and wish him and his family all the very best in their future endeavors.”
From Assistant Coach to Head Coach, thank you for everything 💙 pic.twitter.com/9VTe0rQUcM
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) November 26, 2024
Cushing’s Arsenal links
If recent reports are to be believed, Cushing’s departure from the Big Apple could pave the way for him to return to England to take charge of Arsenal Women.
The Gunners are currently without a full-time boss after Jonas Eidevall resigned from his role just a month into the WSL season in October.
Renee Slegers in currently in interim charge with Cushing previously distancing himself from the vacant post – but speculation could well resurface now he is available.
Cushing previously spent seven years in the women’s game in England as Manchester City manager between 2013 and 2020, winning the WSL in 2016.
