Former Chicago Fire president and general manager Peter Wilt has identified what he believes are the reasons for the lack of development of the struggling New York Red Bulls.
Speaking to ESPNSoccernet, Wilt said: "The New York and New Jersey market and new stadium give them the potential to be MLS' flagship team, but I think there are a few other teams which can credibly stake that claim ahead of the Red Bulls.
"Lack of consistency in personnel on and off the field has been their biggest challenge since the beginning.
"The most successful organizations in MLS have found ways to retain their best staff and players over long stretches of time. That's done by creating good environments, doing the little things right and treating people with respect.
"You look around the league and the clubs that have used that formula are the ones that have been successful."
Wilt was also asked about a potential return to MLS but was non-committal with his answer.
"My partners at the Chicago Red Star (Women's Professional Soccer) have known from the beginning that I would like to return to MLS some day, but I'd prefer not to comment on any specific positions."