Mo Johnston has moved to the executive offices at BMO Field and brought in a veteran of the English football scene to handle the coaching duties.
Johnston will be the de facto general manager of the team as manager and director of Soccer. Englishman John Carver, 43, will be the new coach. In the club's inaugural year, Johnston managed and coached the team.
Johnson said he was ecstatic with the chance to manage the club full-time and devote his time to finding the best available players for Toronto FC.
"I'm really excited at the chance to try a totally new challenge," he said. "It's a great opportunity to step into a job like this having been involved with the team from the outset."
Johnston coached the club to a 6-17-7 record last season but presided over the drafting and development of MLS Rookie of the Year Maurice Edu. Under Johnston, the club was a success at the gate but Toronto FC suffered from injuries and a lack of depth common to expansion teams.
Carter comes to Toronto from Luton Town of England's Coca-Cola Championship (second tier) where he served as head coach. The Newcastle native was the assistant manager to English football legend Bobby Robson at Newcastle United beginning in August of 2004.
He was appointed caretaker manager in July of 2005 at Leeds United and was promoted to assistant manager in July of 2006.
Carter told the Toronto Star that a visit to Toronto cemented his desire to come.
"I spent three days here just before Christmas and I saw the ambition of the club and I wanted to be part of that," Carver said. "Last year was the first year and I think it's important if you're starting something big for the future that you get on board early."
"John is someone who is very organized and he has a good eye for talent," Johnston said. "He brings extensive experience from the Champions League and the Premiership."
Toronto FC officials say the move brings the club in line with management structures overseas. Carver will consult with Johnston over personnel decisions but run the team at field level. Johnston will work on player procurement, long-term planning, drafting and also tend to the business side.
"We are pleased to expand Mo Johnston's duties to club manager and director of soccer operations," said Tom Anselmi, chief operating officer for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. "Mo will continue to be responsible for all aspects of soccer operations and we are providing him with more resources to support his objectives."
Toronto FC open their preseason Feb. 4 in Bradenton, Florida. The season kicks off March 29 in Columbus against the Crew. The club's home opener is set for Sat. April 19 against Real Salt Lake.
Mike Ulmer is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
