Toronto FC names Johnston to coach
• Press Conference: 350K
Two months after being let go by the New York Red Bulls, Mo Johnston has landed on his feet north of the border. Johnston was named Toronto FC's first head coach Friday.
Johnston spent 17 games in charge of the New York Red Bulls earlier this season and late last season, compiling a 5-4-8 record. The former Scottish international took charge of the club, then called the MetroStars, with three games left in the 2005 campaign and picked up two wins and a draw to claim the final Eastern Conference playoff berth.
But the Red Bulls got off to a sluggish start this year, and with the club mired in last place on June 27, Johnston was relieved of his duties.
Toronto FC are confident Johnston's experience both as a player in Europe and MLS and an MLS coach will help him achieve more success at the helm of the league's newest team.
"Mo represents the next generation of MLS coaches who have extensive playing experience in Europe and North America," said Tom Anselmi, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. "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."
Prior to his tenure as the Red Bulls' boss, Johnston served as an assistant with the club for three seasons. Johnston also played six seasons in the league as a forward and midfielder with the Kansas City Wizards, winning MLS Cup 2000 and earning MLS All-Star honors on three occasions.
Johnston also spent 15 years playing in Europe in the early part of his career. He made his professional debut in 1981 with Scottish Premier League side Partick Thistle; two years later, he moved to England to play for Watford, but returned to his native country after less than a year to join Celtic FC, for whom he played part of three seasons.
After a two-year stint in France with Nantes, the native Glaswegian again came back to Scotland, setting off a firestorm in the process by becoming the first Catholic since World War II to play for predominantly Protestant Rangers, Celtic's Glasgow rivals. Johnston went on to help Rangers win three straight SPL titles.
Johnston also had a successful international career, scoring 14 goals -- including one at the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy -- in 38 appearances for Scotland. He tallied 310 goals in 529 career professional games.
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
