Shanahan put on notice after MLSE President Keith Pelley fires another executive

Bill Manning was the President of both the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto FC. This marks Pelley's first significant action since taking the helm at MLSE on April 1st.

This decision underscores Pelley's earlier declaration of his impatience for success and a thirst for championships. The firing should be perceived as a clear cautionary signal directed at the higher echelons of the Toronto Maple Leafs, particularly targeting the team's President and Alternate Governor, Brendan Shanahan.

Bill Manning's dismissal came after a less-than-stellar start to the season by both teams under his purview. Toronto FC currently lingers at the ninth position in MLS' Eastern Conference following a disheartening streak of five consecutive losses. Meanwhile, the Argonauts, although holding a somewhat decent 3-2 record, have fallen short of their previous season's near-perfect performance. These outcomes evidently did not align with Pelley's vision of immediate and palpable success, prompting Manning's abrupt departure.

This change serves as a stark warning to Shanahan, especially as he enters what is rumored to be the final year of his contract. Under his leadership, the Maple Leafs have managed a meager single playoff round victory in nine years. Another early exit in the upcoming season could very well spell the end for Shanahan and the so-called "Shanaplan" era in Toronto.

The fate of the Maple Leafs' "Core 4" — a term often used to describe the team's key players — is closely tied to Shanahan's strategies. His role in keeping this group intact has been a topic of much debate among fans and analysts. As the season progresses, it will be crucial to monitor how the team performs and to speculate on Shanahan's future, especially if the Leafs falter. There's even talk that Shanahan could be replaced before his contract concludes if this season doesn't meet MLSE's newly set high standards.

Keith Pelley's actions have set a new tone of urgency and accountability at MLSE. The coming months will be pivotal in determining the future of its franchises, including the fate of some of the most prominent figures in Toronto sports management. The message is clear: performance and results are paramount, and patience is wearing thin.

Source: The Athletic
Toronto FC president Bill Manning parting ways with MLSE after disappointing stretch