Toronto FC announced Friday a restructuring within the club's soccer operations that broadens the scope of responsibility for Mo Johnston and adds additional European coaching experience to the soccer staff. Johnston's new title will be Toronto FC Manager and Director of Soccer. John Carver has been named head coach of Toronto FC. The moves put in place a structure that is similar to that of most European clubs.
In his expanded role with the club Johnston will continue to be responsible for all aspects of soccer operations and devote more time to the procurement of talent, player transactions, and the management of off field decisions. Carver will collaborate with Johnston on roster decisions and managing the team on the field, but will run the day to day training of the team.
"We are pleased to be able to expand Mo Johnston's duties to club manager and director of soccer operations," said Tom Anselmi executive vice- president and chief operating officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, and Alternate Governor Major League Soccer. "Mo will continue to be responsible for all aspects of soccer operations and we are providing him with more resources to support his objectives. John Carver has been added to serve as head coach of Toronto FC, which will enable Mo to devote more time to manage the assessment and procurement of talent which is even more important now with the expanded international player mix available for MLS teams."
"I am delighted to have John Carver alongside me as we start to prepare for the 2008 season," said Johnston. "He brings a lot of experience with him in all aspects of the game and I'm looking forward to working together. We are committed to making this team better in every way, and John will be a big part of that."
Carver, 43, joins Toronto FC from Luton Town of England's First Division 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. Following the firing of Robson in September of that year, he was given the interim role of caretaker manager for one game before the club hired Graeme Souness as manager.
Carver was appointed caretaker manager in July of 2005 at Leeds United taking over from the departed Adrian Boothroyd, and was promoted to assistant manager in July of 2006. In September of that year he was named caretaker manager after Kevin Blackwell was fired and held that position through October of 2006. Carver was reunited with Blackwell at Luton Town where he has been manager since March of 2007.
Toronto FC opens their 2008 preseason February 4 in Bradenton, Florida where they will begin preparations for the upcoming season. TFC will kick off the MLS season on March 29 in Columbus against the Crew. Their first home game is scheduled for Saturday, April 19 when Real Salt Lake visits BMO Field.
