Brennan goes home

Former Norwich City and Southampton midfielder Jim Brennan has become Toronto FC's first signing.

The Canadian international will return to his hometown to play for the expansion Major League Soccer club when they enter America's top-flight league next season.

The 29-year-old's return home comes after 10 seasons in English football, having started out his career with League One club Bristol City.

A £1.5 million move to Nottingham Forest followed in October 1999 before Brennan was handed the chance of playing in The Premiership after joining Norwich in the summer of 2003.

The midfielder remained at Carrow Road until the last January transfer window when he moved to Southampton to finish out the previous campaign before being released from St Mary's back in May.

With Brennan struggling to find pastures new for the current British and European season, the midfielder opted to continue his career in North America after signing a multi-year contract with Mo Johnston's side.

"We are very excited to have someone of Jim's experience and talent join our organization," Johnston told Toronto FC's official website.

"His career in England and internationally with the Canadian team will certainly prove invaluable to our squad next year.

"The combination of his experience and the fact that he has shown a great desire to return home and play for Toronto FC makes Jim the perfect first signing, and the first piece of what will be a very exciting team."