Timbers name Grabavoy as new General Manager

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by Jonathan Rest

Ned Grabavoy has been rewarded with a promotion to General Manager of Portland Timbers ahead of the 2023 season kick-off.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue working with [head coach] Gio Savarese, the assistant coaches, and all of the incredible individuals that help make up our support staff here with the Portland Timbers. I believe our collective efforts will lead us to achieving success together.

Ned Grabavoy

General Manager, Portland Timbers

Grabavoy (pictured at a TransferRoom Summit) has been interim Chief Soccer Officer since the dismissal of Gavin Wilkinson in October 2022.

The 39-year-old played 13 seasons in MLS, including one with the Timbers at the end of his playing career. He joined the Timbers front office a year later in 2017 as Director of Scouting and Recruitment, and was promoted to Technical Director in 2018.

During the off-season Grabavoy finalised a club-record $10m transfer of Brazilian midfielder Evander from FC Midtjylland in Denmark.

As Technical Director he managed and oversaw all aspects of scouting, recruitment, and potential player acquisitions for the club, working closely with Wilkinson on squad management, construction and player contracts.

Grabavoy said: “I would like to thank [owner] Merritt Paulson for his continued belief and support in me personally. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue working with [head coach] Gio Savarese, the assistant coaches, and all of the incredible individuals that help make up our support staff here with the Portland Timbers. I believe our collective efforts will lead us to achieving success together.”

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