Home NASL & USL FC Edmonton Saiko’s time with FC Edmonton comes to a close

Saiko’s time with FC Edmonton comes to a close

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Shaun Saiko’s time with his hometown FC Edmonton side is coming to an end.

The club’s all-time leading scorer wasn’t at training at Clarke Stadium Friday. And Eddies’ coach Colin Miller confirmed that supporters won’t be seeing Saiko with the team again. Saiko will finish the season training with the youth side, and won’t be brought back next season.

“There were a number of different reasons,” said Miller. “Things didn’t just work out for Shaun here. He won’t be back with us next year and he isn’t going to train with the first team.

Shaun Saiko
Shaun Saiko

“I wish him well, wherever he will be next season.”

Saiko, an NASL First XI selection in 2011, and the team’s leading scorer in both 2011 and 2012, had been relegated to a bench role in the fall season.

Saiko has been the face of the club since 2010, when the former Middlesbrough youth player decided to come home and perform for his new hometown professional club. He’s been part of FCE since the team played its campaign of friendlies in 2010.

But Miller has proven himself to be anything but a sentimentalist. Before the season began, he made the decision to cut Alberta product, NASL Best XI defender and fan favourite Paul Hamilton. The Canadian centre back has found a new home with the Carolina RailHawks.

But Saiko, who was a member of the Canadian U-23 team that tried to qualify for last year’s Olympics, has always been the first player fans think of when they think of FC Edmonton.

Saiko declined to comment directly about the situation, but told The 11 that he’s grateful for the support he’s received in his hometown.

“The supporters have been nothing but fantastic for me.”

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21 Comments

  1. Alec

    January 21, 2014 at 1:13 am

    Good luck, Shaun. Sometimes, things need to break before they get better.

    What I’ll miss is your true soccer sense on the pitch. Slowing down, speeding up, moving to sides – build.

    FC Edmonton is turning into a kick and chase team. One dimension. It doesn’t work.

  2. Baldrick

    October 7, 2013 at 12:42 am

    He’ll probably get another NASL gig, but won’t get an NT call up.

  3. FCE Fan

    October 5, 2013 at 5:12 pm

    Get rid of this arrogant joke of a coach. Bring back Dwight. The only coach that got the best out of the players.

    We made the playoffs in the first year with him consisting of a squad almost completely with local/Canadian players.

    Ever since then, the teams play has been total rubbish to watch.

    • Steven Sandor

      October 5, 2013 at 5:24 pm

      The team’s first playoff season wasn’t with Dwight at the helm; Harry had already taken over as coach. But a lot of the core outside of Ilja van Leerdam was made up of Dwight’s players.

  4. soccer101

    October 5, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    I’m sad to see Shaun go but only because I was hoping to see him reach form again. Shaun hasn’t looked good for a while and when you watched him this year there was times when he was showing his bad attitude to his fellow players on the field. As a coach you never want that and after reading an Article by Alex Ferguson I realize its stupid to get attached to players as you always need to stay on top of who is playing well and those who are losing form. Also you cannot lose control of your club and if there is a player causing issues. Even if he’s your number one player you must move him as soon as possible so you don’t lose complete control. I hope this move works out for both parties.

  5. James

    October 5, 2013 at 7:59 am

    Well, Colin Miller managed to alienate Paul Hamilton in a completely selfish and truly classless fashion… and finally got rid of him. I suppose that was our early warning sign. Now Hammy is starring for Carolina, a team that is miles ahead of us in the standings. He was MOM, I lost count of how many times for FCE. It became comical. He was the best. And he was an Alberta boy. One of the best defenders in the league and he was one of our own. Brilliant move there, Colin.
    And now it’s home town hero, Shaun Saiko? Year after year, one of the NASL’s most talented, creative, hard working and best producing players? I suppose we need to realize he doesn’t fit into a boot it down the field and chase the ball sort of game that was never very good and never wins much of anything outside the scottish 3rd division(circa 1985).
    Miller has no sense of what works on the field as is more then evident by looking at how he’s dismantled the core of what should have been a contending team. We don’t really need a midfield in this type of football, do we? I’ve followed Miller’s career from the start, and I can truthfully say that he was crap as a player but what he’s done as a manager, is downright criminal. He shouldn’t be allowed within 3 miles of a football pitch. Anywhere. What he’s done here is a disgrace.
    And then, I realize Colin Miller’s history and current role in the CSA program, and it all makes sense there too.
    It’s hard being a fan of Canadian soccer with guys like this fumbling around, running things.

    • Soccerfan

      October 5, 2013 at 5:20 pm

      Well said.

  6. #alexclark1944

    October 5, 2013 at 5:35 am

    Sad to see Saiko go – played out of position, he did not respond particularly positive. The team clearly are grafters but lack creativity and and penetration. Jury out on CM so far. Sincerely wish Shaun finds another high level professional team somewhere. He would do well in the English or Scottish lower leagues and will always be part of the FCE foundation. Best of luck to Shaun.

  7. right back

    October 5, 2013 at 3:07 am

    Saiko led Fc Edmonton in points in both 2011 and 2012 and he’s a midfielder. In 2013 he is clearly not playing well at all and is second highest on the team in points. You may have a point saying he has played poorly but why ? Why is he struggling and still 1 point off the team lead for points?

  8. Al

    October 5, 2013 at 2:27 am

    So long Shaun. You’ll do well on another team.

  9. Tomas

    October 4, 2013 at 11:40 pm

    Not surprised at this decision-Saiko hasn’t played well this year at all and he didn’t show much last season either.He’s had a problem with 2 coaches now as well which says something about his attitude.Can’t live off his past glory,wish him well though,I used to be a big fan of his.

    @left back – San Antonio is actually dead last,and Saiko was the number 1 guy 2 years ago and hasn’t been for the last 2 years.Its not like hes been contributing much at all.I guess your a Saiko supporter and not an FCE supporter since you won’t be going to anymore games.

    • James

      October 5, 2013 at 8:10 am

      You’re insane, right? He didn’t show much last year? or do you mean the spring season?Last season, I seem to remember him scoring more goals in one game than this years entire team can manage in 3 or 4. He had a great year in 2012. And 2011. I suppose you thought Hammy wasn’t good enough anymore either? I hope Saiko ends up in Ottawa… He will rip us in two, if Miller is still at the head. I’ll take bets on that fact.

  10. john anderson

    October 4, 2013 at 11:16 pm

    Saiko needs to try playing at higher level…3 years in the NASL, professional games, playing time, full-time training, why not take the shot now? I’m sure the Impact or TFC could use him, where are those Dutch coaches… Matt Lam landed in Asia, who knows where Saiko could end up playing

    Miller needs to win games next season or that will be that

    • BCM

      October 5, 2013 at 6:57 am

      Matt Lam is in Hong Kong, not exactly the big time. I live in Hong Kong and am guessing – and being completely serious here – that his monthly rent is more than his monthly salary.

      • James

        October 5, 2013 at 8:13 am

        You’d be wrong. I’d bet Lam is earning significantly more than almost every NASL player and much more than a lot of MLS players.

    • Dan

      October 5, 2013 at 11:14 pm

      there is no way Shaun could find himself onto an MLS roster if he gets labeled as an “issue”. Best bet is to get on with the Fury next year if he stays in North America. Impact and #TFC are spending Millions on strikers and midfield talent.

  11. Scott Savage

    October 4, 2013 at 10:21 pm

    Wow disappointing news out of FC Edmonton. Wondering if Miller wants out of Edmonton and this is the way he has chosen to do so. His decisions match his record with the team.

  12. Soccerpro

    October 4, 2013 at 8:39 pm

    Saiko hasn’t looked like he belonged on the pitch when I saw him play this year with the Eddies. Although it could be because he was on the wing, but his effort certainly seemed to be lacking.

  13. left back

    October 4, 2013 at 8:03 pm

    To add… i will never go to another FCE game after hearing this… i can’t support that nonsense… can anyone really?

  14. left back

    October 4, 2013 at 8:00 pm

    You have to think C Miller has lost the plot. The team is dead last… absolutely horrible to watch in terms of possession and passing… has had run-ins with the homegrown talent that puts people in the seats… this has to be the beginning of the end for this franchise.

    I don’t care what has happened off the pitch… you can’t treat the club’s No.1 guy ever like this and expect there to be no fall ut….

    Have to think this is the beginning of the the end for Colin and possibly FCE…

    Shaun has been a real great role model and a very good player for the club… what a shame… really sad to read this article and that Shaun will be moving on.

    No doubt he will find a new home and will be scoring goals again very soon.

    Jeez Colin… not making many friends… are you mate?

    • Davor

      October 5, 2013 at 3:44 am

      As already pointed out, he had problems under the former coach, so it isn’t just a Miller thing.

      What he needs to do is get another gig and prove that his previous coaches were wrong. The onus is on him.

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