Backe released by Red Bulls

The New York Red Bulls have announced that they will not renew the contract of coach Hans Backe or his assistant Jan Halvor Halvorsen.

GettyImagesBacke's contract was not renewed by the Red Bulls

The announcement comes just 24 hours after the club was eliminated from the 2012 MLS Cup by DC United.
Backe had a successful time at New York with the Swede taking the Red Bulls from bottom place in the MLS in 2009 to the Eastern Conference top seed in 2010.
The Red Bulls managed to make the play-offs in all three seasons under Backe, but failed to win a trophy despite the likes of Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill arriving at the club.
Red Bulls global sporting director, Gerard Houllier thanked Backe for his time with the MLS franchise.
"We want to thank Hans for his work over the past three years and wish him the best of luck in the future," said Houllier.
Current trainer and former player Mike Petke has been installed as interim head coach, while ex-Scotland manager and UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh will be the new sporting director, taking over from Erik Soler.