Former Toronto Mayor David Miller didn’t mince words when he aimed a volley of criticism in a rant on the current state of the TFC on Wednesday.

Miller – in a posting on Facebook to Toronto’s pro soccer club – says his disappointment with recent front office changes, and the direction of the club, is so great, he is returning the remainder of his season’s ticket package.

Miller said he is writing “because I believe that the recent management changes at TFC, and your president’s comments on football/artificial turf, have seriously jeopardized the future of this club.

“From the moment Coach Cummins was allowed to leave, the team has jumped each year from one playing vision to its opposite, thereby preventing on field progress. At the same time, the experience of the supporters has declined – together with their passion. This is amply demonstrated by the fact that it is now necessary to have someone sing the national anthem, when previously supporters sang O Canada themselves, unaided.”

Miller was referring to former TFC coach Chris Cummins, who was dismissed under confusion and controversy after a big loss in 2009.

Miller also cites the “failed hiring of Preki,” who was sacked along with GM Mo Johnston in 2010, as having further destabilizing affects on the franchise.

Leiweke recently cleaned house at TFC, firing Kevin Payne – a move which Miller feels was bungled from the moment Payne was hired.

Miller advises TFC and MLSE management have one last chance to get TFC’s front office right. “Stablize” management, the team, and the experience, Miller writes, and don’t “start over.”

“End the speculation about the Argonauts CFL team coming to BMO. Mr. Leiweke’s suggestion that they might, and the necessary implication that they would play on artificial turf, was the wrong thing to say, at this time in particular. You risk losing the most committed supporters of TFC if the venue is changed to accommodate Canadian football, particularly if turf returns,” Miller wrote.

In turning in the remainder of his seasons tickets, Miller reflects “there once was magic at BMO Field. The latest reshuffle has made the possibility of that magic returning almost certainly disappear.”

The mayor is (was) such a fan of the TFC, he includes the team in his Twitter account bio: Interests: wilderness canoeing; equality and equity for all...(and, Toronto FC.) Tweets are personal.

Here’s the full text of the former mayor’s letter:

Dear Sirs:

TFC Management Changes

I am writing because I believe that the recent management changes at TFC, and your president’s comments on football/artificial turf, have seriously jeopardized the future of this club. From the moment Coach Cummins was allowed to leave, the team has jumped each year from one playing vision to its opposite, thereby preventing on field progress. At the same time, the experience of the supporters has declined – together with their passion. This is amply demonstrated by the fact that it is now necessary to have someone sing the national anthem, when previously supporters sang O Canada themselves, unaided.

Since the failed hiring of Preki as its coach, the club has desperately needed stability. Hiring an experienced and high level President/GM, only to fire him a few months later, is exactly the opposite of what is needed. It was either wrong to hire Mr. Payne, to fire him, or both. Similarly, either pursuing a skilled young player like Urruti for two years was wrong, trading him three weeks after acquisition was wrong – or both.

Here is my advice:

•Stabilize the management. Change simply has to stop – this is the last chance to get it right.

•Stabilize the team. Today, there are at least signs of passion and hard work on the pitch. Build on that with selective change. Don’t start over.

•Stabilize the experience. End the speculation about the Argonauts CFL team coming to BMO. Mr. Leiweke’s suggestion that they might, and the necessary implication that they would play on artificial turf, was the wrong thing to say, at this time in particular. You risk losing the most committed supporters of TFC if the venue is changed to accommodate Canadian football, particularly if turf returns.

As you know, I have been an ardent supporter of TFC since you and MLSE first had the vision to bring Major League Soccer to Toronto. I have supported the team through thick and thin, defended management, was one of the first season ticket holders, and, in my former capacity, was instrumental in building the stadium and supporting its conversion to grass.

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I am so frustrated with the latest management missteps that I am returning the remainder of my season tickets to you: it is the only way I can emphasize how serious the situation is for those of us who support TFC. Please donate them to an appropriate cause.

There once was magic at BMO Field. The latest reshuffle has made the possibility of that magic returning almost certainly disappear.

David Miller