Toronto FC's ironman plays on

Jim Brennan (right) was Toronto FC's first player, and is likely its most crucial as well.

Southampton, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest, Huddersfield and Bristol City.


He wants to log every possible minute because...well, because he does.


"My goal is to play as many games as I can for the club. I want to be a part of everything. It's a great feeling to walk out on this pitch and I want to be a part of it as long as I can," he said.


"You've got to take your hat off to him," said TFC assistant coach Bob Gansler. "He's that kind of a competitor. He has been money in the bank. What I like too is his demeanour. One look tells you that he enjoys this game. Not only when you've got this place filled and they're screaming his name, he enjoys every moment out there."


And so Brennan acts like a hockey player he once was.


"I felt I could play with the rib injuries and the wrist. Sure it was sore, but it was all upper body, it wasn't my legs. I haven't taken a ball in the ribs but I've had a couple of knocks on them and it hurts ... We've rigged up some padding to make it easier."


The sense of being the only TFC player in town hasn't completely left Jim Brennan.


"You feel an ownership of your work. I was the first signing, then it was another four months before the next one. You feel like you're a massive part of it. With this club I want to be here for a very long time, even after finishing my career. I want to get into coaching and be a part of the whole TFC thing.


"I've been on the wave since day one and I don't want to get off it."