Yallop out at Buck Shaw

Wow.

Did not see this coming at all.

For those who follow MLS soccer, last year's supporters shield winner is now in the tank. Just surviving the table and likely out of the playoffs. Even though questions were being asked in every direction, not many questioned if coach Frank Yallop was the reason for the struggle. Most agreed it was early season injuries, poor player performance, that stuff.

Now, Yallop has "left" the team in a "mutual agreement."

Smell something fishy? Yeah, me too.

First, it's mid-season. Not a lot of coaches quit mid-season. Second, as good as last year was, Yallop's overall record with the Quakes is near .500 over the course of several years. Third, Yallop hasn't made an interview since the announcement. He's being awfully tight-lipped about all this.

Hey, if the guy wanted to pack it in for whatever reason, that's on him. He can do as he pleases just like any other. But I can't help the feeling like this is the scene in the beginning of "Skyfall," y'know, Ralph Fiennes says retirement planning to Judy Dench and she replies "you're firing me?" I'm sure that's how this went down, it's all too peculiar.

I wish Yallop the best and hopefully and change will turn this team around. With Champions' League coming up, they'll need a boost back to the better of times.