The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they have signed General Manager of Soccer Operations John Doyle to a contract extension for the 2011 season. The extension includes an option for 2012. Doyle was originally named general manager on Oct. 3, 2007.
“From an expansion team in 2008, John Doyle has done an excellent job building the club from the ground up,” said Earthquakes President Michael Crowley. “He has built a strong team for this season that is in the heart of the playoff race right now and there is also a very strong foundation for the future. John also deserves a lot of credit for getting our youth academy started this season.”
Doyle oversaw the return of San Jose to the field in his role as general manager since 2007. He was instrumental in the hiring of Frank Yallop as head coach in 2007 and the building of the team staff. Doyle and that staff oversaw a very successful return to San Jose as the Earthquakes posted more wins (8) and points (33) than any other expansion team in the past decade. After a slow start to 2008, he revamped the roster with the signings of English star Darren Huckerby, Brazilian Francisco Lima and trades for Scott Sealy and Arturo Alvarez. The team made a run for the playoffs that ended in the second-to-last game of the year.
“I am thrilled to continue my role here with the Earthquakes,” said Doyle. “I would like to thank the ownership group for their commitment to this team, especially for the construction of the first-class Nutrilite Training Facility this year and the support to create our own youth academy. We have worked hard for the past three years and I believe that we have built a solid foundation to be a successful team year in and year out in MLS.”
Following an injury-plagued start to the 2009 season for the Earthquakes, Doyle overhauled the team again during the summer transfer window as the Quakes put together a solid finish to the season. The core of that team, including 2010 MLS All-Star Bobby Convey, has been the key to San Jose’s resurgence as a playoff contender in 2010. Prior to this season, Doyle oversaw one of the most successful drafts in team history, as he added three players, including 2010 Rookie of the Year candidate Ike Opara. He also added key performers Joey Gjertsen and Jon Busch to the roster. The Quakes equaled their best start in team history (5-2-1) this year and the much-improved defense currently ranks fourth in the league in goals allowed.
Recently, he made one of the biggest transactions in club history, signing Brazilian star Geovanni on Aug. 20. Geovanni, who is the team’s first designated player in team history, has played for FC Barcelona, Benfica, Manchester City and Hull City in his career. He made his debut on Aug. 21 in the team’s 1-0 win over the LA Galaxy.
Under Doyle’s guidance, the team also launched the Earthquakes Youth Academy in 2010 with US Soccer Academy teams at the U18 and U16 levels. The academy made its debut at the 2010 SUM Cup at the MLS All-Star Game in Houston.
Doyle, a native of Fremont, has been involved with the Earthquakes organization every year since 1996. He played and served as captain from 1996-2000. From 2001-03, he served as an analyst on the team’s television broadcasts before moving to the sidelines as an assistant coach for the 2004 and 2005 seasons.
