FC Cincinnati part ways with general manager Gerard Nijkamp

FC Cincinnati parted ways with general manager Gerard Nijkamp effective immediately as the search begins for a permanent successor, the club announced Friday. 

Nijkamp joined the MLS side in 2019 from Eredivisie club PEC Zwolle, where he served as technical director since 2012. He managed a 7-20-10 regular-season record during his inaugural run before results began to dwindle. 

“I would like to thank Gerard for his commitment and dedication to FC Cincinnati,” FC Cincinnati president Jeff Berding said in a release. 

“Gerard has been a key leader in the development in our project – opening of TQL Stadium, improving the roster, player development from the academy to the first team, and building a broader soccer infrastructure that positions us for success in the future.

“We sincerely appreciate Gerard’s efforts over the past two years and respect his decision to return to his family in Europe. We wish him and his family the best of luck moving forward.”

“With a significant portion of the season remaining, our focus is on improving our play on the pitch and earning a playoff spot. Our search for Gerard’s successor will begin immediately and focus on identifying the leader that best aligns with our ambition to win a championship in Major League Soccer.”

As general manager, the Netherlands native hired head coach Jaap Stam and influenced several of the team’s key signings over the past three years. During his time, forward Brenner Souza da Silva, center back Geoff Cameron and midfielders Lucho Acosta and Yuya Kubo joined FC Cincinnati. 

“I’m proud of the foundation we have here and all the hard work everyone has put into it,” Nijkamp said in a release. “I will always be thankful to ownership and leadership for the chance to serve this club. While this has been an exciting opportunity, I have decided to pursue positions closer to my family. I wish the team the best moving forward.”