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Mo Johnston named first-ever Toronto FC coach

World Class

Joined: 24 Oct 2005
Posts: 7281
Location: Paradise
Post Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 12:42 pm Reply with quote
Former Celtic and Rangers striker Mo Johnston has been named the first-ever head coach of expansion Major League Soccer club Toronto FC.

The 43-year-old was unveiled by the new club's owners in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment on Friday.

The former Scotland international was widely tipped to take charge of the league's only Canadian-based franchise following initial reports early last month.

The former Watford and Everton hit-man comes to his new club with experience of America's top flight - both as a player and a manager.

Johnston finished his career in MLS with Kansas City Wizards before taking charge of New York Red Bulls last October.

His spell as Red Bulls boss proved brief, as New York sacked him in late June after a poor start to the current 2006 season.

The Scot has now been handed the task of leading what will be a predominantly Canadian squad of players in their inaugural MLS season next year.

"Mo represents the next generation of MLS coaches who have extensive playing experience in Europe and North America," Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment chief operating officer Tom Anselmi told Toronto FC's official website.

"He brings tremendous passion as well as strong leadership abilities to the sidelines.

"His tenure with the League gives him a sound understanding of its players and teams, which will serve us well as we prepare for the upcoming expansion draft and our inaugural season."

Johnston himself is determined to secure the services of Canada's top players, as he looks to shape his squad for the 2007 season.

"We're going to try and secure most of the Canadian kids straight off the bat," Johnston told Canadian sports television network The Score.

"We're going to do that very, very quickly. We'll be making announcements, we'll be holding press conferences.

"I'll be going up to the Jamaica game (against Canada in Montreal on September 4). I'm obviously excited in seeing that, I want to see both sides and I was at the Montreal (Impact) game the other night.

"I won't stop until we make this thing good."

Johnston relishes the idea of taking on some of the best MLS clubs as the lone Canadian-based outfit.

"I know going up against the Americans is even better, it's great," he added. "Everybody is looking at it in a way going 'Damn, this is home'.

"The Canadians have never had this. Everybody wants home."

The former striker showed his commitment to his new post, despite admitting strong ties to his Scottish roots.

"Everything for me is strong across the water, but that's across the water," he said.

"Let's build this right now. Let's make this home."

Senior Pro

Joined: 17 Jun 2006
Posts: 3412
Location: France
Post Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 9:11 pm Reply with quote
i remenber him, he had played for Nantes.

Young Pro

Joined: 14 Aug 2006
Posts: 2498
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Post Posted: Tue May 01, 2007 10:37 am Reply with quote
good luck to MO!

Mo Johnston named first-ever Toronto FC coach
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