FC Whitehorse Freezers held a press conference today to announce the hiring of their new full-time manager, long time CSL manager Raley Treffle. The 52 year-old Treffle, who grew up in Yorkton, SK, spent the last 6 seasons, S95 to S100, as the manager of FC Saskatchewan before resigning that position at the end of last year. Previously, he was the manager of Three Lions FC, leading the team from S84 until S93 when that club closed operations and left the CSL. As a player, Treffle spent 11 seasons in the CSL playing in the midfield.
Club President Jaheem Byam addressed those gathered at the press event, praising his new manager. "Mr. Treffle has a long history of success at this level" said Byam. "Our long term goal is to get up towards the top of the table and we wanted to add someone who can be the steady hand to guide us there. Mr. Treffle is absolutely the man for the job." When asked about interim manager Corwyn Westlake, Byam spoke highly of the outgoing head man. "I spoke with Mr. Westlake about the decision yesterday. I have to give him full credit. Mr. Westlake stepped into an impossible situation and did incredibly well to get us back on track. He did interview for the full time job, and while we ultimately decided to go in a different direction, I want to wish him all of the best in the future." Westlake leaves FC Whitehorse with a 5-4-15 record as the interim manager, having previously served as the club's assistant manager.
During his time at the podium, new manager Raley Treffle talked about his excitement to be in Whitehorse with a new challenge to face. "Every opportunity like this is a chance at a new adventure" said Treffle. "The early years for a new club in this league are always tough. It's highly competitive and everyone is pushing to try to build and work towards a title. I'm no different. I have been doing this for a while now, but that fire hasn't left me. I still don't have that championship trophy either, and I want to change that here in Whitehorse. That's the Whitehorse spirit right there: thrive through adversity. That's what it's all about."
Treffle did not wait long to announce his coaching staff that will be joining him with the Freezers. Khaled Martin, Treffle's assistant manager at FC Saskatchewan for the last 4 years, will be joining FC Whitehorse in the same role. The 40 year-old Martin was a former striker for 10 seasons in the CSL playing for a number of clubs. Martin spent two seasons at Three Lions under manager Treffle towards the end of his career, scoring 46 goals in 58 matches there. After being introduced as the new assistant manager, he spoke briefly at the press conference as well. "I am very happy to be in this position" said Martin. "Working with Raley has been fantastic. We have formed a solid partnership over the years, and I am ready to get to work with the players after we're done here."
Kemal Perrin was named the team's new first team coach, finding a new permanent role with the Freezers. Still only 32 years old, Perrin was a midfielder for FC Whitehorse last season and took on a coaching role with the club at the start of this year. After Corwyn Westlake took over as the interim manager, Perrin became the interim assistant manager, and held that position until his new assignment today. As expected, goalkeeping coach Pardo will remain with the club in that same role.
Manager Treffle's first league match comes later this week as the Freezers are on the road to face Real Workers FC.