Paul Barber "I like the smell of grass, as always, you kind of crave that"

You would think that would be enough to keep the avid snowboarder in Vancouver. Unfortunately the outgoing CEO was not talking about his dealings with the VPD from earlier in the morning (for which he was dealt a J Walking ticket), but answering a question regarding the field at BC Place.

Barber and Club Representatives announced today that he will be stepping down from his position as CEO, effective towards the end of February.

While today's news came as a big shock to everyone following the team, and a press conference was called, there were not a lot of details that came out of the mouthes of the suits on hand.

Whitecaps co-owner Jeff Mallett stated that he expected to run into Barber, saying that

"it's a small football world, as we all know... and with my Derby County investment over in England we'll be seeing each other a lot."

Barber brought an uncanny ability to side step difficult questions and spin positives out of negatives during his two years on the West Coast. He brought a refined swagger to the club as it made it's transition from the second division. He played a role in acquiring several of the major partners. Keeping all this in mind his relationship with the both the club and the supporters appeared to have been strained.

While we are unable to divulge our sources, it sounds like several long standing employees had their feathers ruffled by the Englishmen during his time on Water Street. With some going so far as to say that this was a good thing. His relationship with the Southsiders could be described as strained to say the least. One only need take a look at their discussion forum to see the dislike for Barber.

All the F/O members said that everything seemed to be ticked off their list as far as Barbers responsibilities went. Strangely enough the club still seems to be without a Training Facility and Barber surely had that as one of the top orders on his to do list. He even announced some time back that there would be more news on a deal for property acquired to build the facility but then nothing more was ever said.

The fact that Rachel Lewis will be taking on more of the responsibilities she once held during the Second Division Days bodes well for everyone involved. While Lenarduzzi is inevitably the face of the club, Lewis has had a hand in every financial move the club has made while remaining in the background. She has a firm understanding of the market and strong relations with many local businesses.

Are you glad to see Paul Barber gone? Confused as to how a club could go through 3 managers and it's CEO before it's second year in the league?

Photo Credit to Ian Azariah