Football: Toronto sack Nelsen after Kiwi's broadside at club boss

Ryan Nelsen.

Former All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen has been fired byToronto FC after an outburst directed at the club's boss, according to reports.

Nelsen, in his second season as Toronto manager, was one win away from matching the club's best ever high of 10 victories in a season - with 10 games to go in the MLS season.

After finishing ninth out of 10 teams in the MLS Eastern Conference last season, the side are currently fourth and still a chance to make the playoffs. But after yesterday's 3-0 loss to New England, Nelsen blasted the club's general manager Tim Bezbatchenko, putting the New Zealander's job on the line.

Bezbatchenko responded by firing Nelsen and his entire coaching staff, the Toronto Star reports.

"I think everyone would agree - the coaches, the players - that over the last 12 or so games, it hasn't been good enough, at least for making a run in MLS," Bezbatchenko said before the encounter against New England.

However, Nelsen responded through the media.

"I've been in some pretty pressure situation games and this wasn't one but it was made into one," Nelsen said. "To be fair, we've got to be better than that. We're used to - as most Toronto teams are - hearing it from the outside, that's why it should never, ever come from inside. Ever."

Bezbatchenko was said to be unimpressed with Nelsen's comments and fired the 36-year-old.