“I knew because I know how hard I work. I knew given the time and the ability to grow in the position that we could get to a very positive outcome,” continued Vanney. “I also knew that given the staff they allowed me to bring in, between assistant coaches, our performance staff and all that, we were going to get things moving in the right direction.



“It was a matter of going through the process. I don't think you can rush yourself to success and have it be sustainable. You have to take a long-term approach.”



Reflecting on his personal development upon receiving the award, Vanney said: “I've learned a ton.”



“I was a naive, but confident, first time coach when I took this job,” continued Vanney. “Our training sessions have gotten better, we've learned a lot on the sport science side, a lot about the individual players, what they need, the rhythms that they work best in. We've found a good shape, system, that make sense for our group.



“You learn and evolve; that's what continuity is also about. It's been a process. I can't define how much I've grow. It's immeasurable... with a lot of room to still grow on the other side.”



Bill Manning, who joined the front office as Club President toward the end of the 2015 season, spotted those qualities in Vanney when their paths first crossed at Real Salt Lake.



“My first impression was very positive,” recalled Manning. “Sometimes you meet ex-players and they're not ready to make the next step. Greg was very studious, very bright. And when I came to TFC, he was very cerebral about how he approached coaching.”