Miller, 'Caps Agree to Part Ways

The Vancouver Whitecaps and veteran striker Kenny Miller have agreed to part ways, the club announced today. The 34-year-old  former Scottish International star had made it known he was interested in extending his contract with the club earlier this season, but with the clock ticking on his deal, the 'Caps obviously felt they had more than enough talent on their roster already.

Miller started the season with a bang, bagging two goals in the 'Caps season opener against the Red Bulls. However, he would score just once more in his next eight games, despite playing his butt off. He didn't figure into the 'Caps starting 11 during this weekend's tilt with the Earthquake, but was a substitute in the second half. He was largely uninspired.

Wishing Kenny Miller all the best. Class act on & off the field. The wee lad will be missed! #GoCaps

— Jay DeMerit (@D6MERIT) May 4, 2014

You can see the Whitecaps full press release here, with more updates to come after a conference call with the club this afternoon.

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club has parted ways with striker Kenny Miller. The club and Miller have mutually agreed to a contract termination.

"We are thankful for the contributions Kenny made both on and off the pitch during his time in Vancouver," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "He has been a great role model, a constant professional, and someone who I consider a very good friend. We wish him and his family all the best."

Miller, 34, joined Whitecaps FC in June 2012 and during his time with the club the native of Edinburgh, Scotland, made 45 appearances in all competitions, registering 13 goals and adding three assists.

Conference call audio from head coach Carl Robinson and Kenny Miller will be posted on whitecapsfc.com this afternoon.

UPDATE

A conference call with both Carl Robinson and Kenny Miller has shed some more light on the situation. According to both, it was Miller's decision to leave the squad, citing issues with MLS contracts. Namely, Miller didn't like the lack of long-term contracts given out in MLS, along with issues surrounding the semi-guaranteed options. He also stated he had not been in contact with his old Scottish side Rangers FC, despite the usual speculation that he was set to join them. Miller asked for the contract to be terminated now to give him a few weeks to find a new club. You can hear both conference calls here.

God bless Laura Miller, wife of Kenny. When she tweeted this out this morning, she became the subject of much ridicule and anger.

Today's the day

— Laura Miller (@Laura_Millerx) May 4, 2014

It's unfortunate that Miller was the target of vitrol, but she really didn't do herself any favors with tweets like that. Hopefully the late experience hasn't soured her opinion of Vancouver too much. She also took to twitter a little bit later to clear up any confusion about her attitude towards the city,

Our family has loved Vancouver and our experience with most of the ppl has been amazing. Yes I moaned and got home sick which I think is

— Laura Miller (@Laura_Millerx) May 4, 2014

Understandable considering I was alone alot of the time while my husband was on the road and also 5000 miles away from any1 I knew!

— Laura Miller (@Laura_Millerx) May 4, 2014

But like I said this is a great city and the Whitecaps are an amaing club filled with amazing people!!

— Laura Miller (@Laura_Millerx) May 4, 2014

Other outlets have bemoaned the fact that Miller didn't get a proper send-off, and I agree. Eric Hassli got a cheer when he returned to play Vancouver a few weeks after his trade, but it's doubtful if Miller will end up back in MLS, so any further celebration of honor seems unlikely.