Beckham, left, said players were sad and disappointed to see coach Yallop, right, leave the Galaxy
David Beckham said Galaxy players were "sad" after Frank Yallop resigned as head coach of the Los Angeles-based MLS team on Sunday.
"Obviously, we're disappointed," England international midfielder Beckham told reporters following a charity match for Southern California's wildfire victims.
"We felt that he was the right man. We felt that he's a good manager and a strong character with the team.
"But, we've all said, he's not walking away. He's looking after himself and he's looking after his family. It's what we would all do. We're sad to see him leave and we wish him all the luck and all the best."
Yallop has left to return to San Jose and coach the Earthquakes.
"Frank steered our team through a unique and challenging period in our history," Galaxy president and general manager Alexi Lalas said in a statement.
"He is a friend and a gentleman, and I want to personally thank him for his contributions. We wish him nothing but the best in his return to San Jose."
The Earthquakes, who will return to MLS in 2008, signed Yallop to a three-year contract after acquiring his rights from Galaxy for a third-round pick in January, Quakes general manager John Doyle told media.
"As we're starting anew, this is a step in the right direction," Doyle said. "Frank has history here, his best years of coaching were here, and he has a great way with players. We needed a good name and good coach, and we have that in Frank."
Former Ipswich Town player Yallop, hired by the Galaxy to replace Steve Sampson in June 2006, was 18-21-12 in two years with the L.A. club and failed to earn a playoff berth.
The arrival of Beckham from Real Madrid threw the club into the spotlight, but the ex-Manchester United star's contribution was restricted by an ankle injury.
Yallop told his players of his plans on Sunday -- three days before the Galaxy play an exhibition game against Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada.
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