Valour FC President & CEO Wade Miller has informed Rob Gale that he has been relieved of his duties as Valour FC GM and head coach, effective immediately.

“This morning Rob Gale was informed of the decision that we would not be renewing his contract heading into 2022 as Valour’s GM and head coach,” said Miller. “I want to thank Rob for all his work in our organization, for laying a strong foundation for the Club, and for his best efforts in coaching the club. This is a results-driven business and those results have fallen short of our expectations.”

Phillip Dos Santos has been named Valour FC’s second General Manager and Head Coach and will be taking over immediately. Dos Santos was most recently the assistant head coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS). Born in Montreal and raised in Portugal, Dos Santos played professional soccer in Portugal and Mozambique (Southern Africa).

Following his playing career, Dos Santos joined the Canadian National Team program at the FIFA U17 World Cup while holding his UEFA A License. Dos Santos has since coached at all levels in North America from the former NASL to the USL and the MLS.

“We have a good group players in our locker room and I have no doubt that Phillip will work to improve our results to make Valour fans proud in the years ahead,” said Miller. “Phillip has vast experience coaching at the professional level. We are excited to have him join the Valour FC family and work with our talented players and assistant coaches.”

Assistant Coach & GM Damian Rocke and Goalkeeper Coach Patrick Di Strefani will remain in their roles. Valour has a 7-2-9 record to date in the 2021 Canadian Premier League season and is currently three points out of the fourth and final playoff position with 10 matches remaining.