Ex-Chicago Fire head coach Denis Hamlett has admitted he is proud of the work he did at the club.

"I was proud of my work in Chicago. We had two successful years. One year, we were one penalty kick away (from reaching the championship game). We lose to Columbus and Salt Lake, and eventually those teams ended up as MLS champions," Hamlett said.

"I'd go out with my coaching staff and try to do the best job we were able to do. At the end of the day, (management) felt it wasn't good enough. They wanted to go in a different direction, and they have the right to do that."

Hamlett has been interviewed for the head coaching position at incoming expansion franchise Portland Timbers and believes his experience would be ideal to help the club get off the ground in MLS.

"I know what it takes and what's required to build a team from the ground up," Hamlett said. "I think Portland's got a good starting point as far as the players they have."