Toronto FC announced Friday that they have added renowned Fitness Coach Paul Winsper to their team staff as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for not only Toronto FC, but for the TFC Academy. As per club policy, financial details were not disclosed.
Winsper joins Major League Soccer for the first time having spent 10 seasons with Newcastle United of the English Premiership where he served as the clubs fitness coach at St.James' Park. At Newcastle, Winsper worked with some of soccer's biggest stars including Magpies forward and England international Michael Owen, where his work is highly respected. Former Newcastle Manager Glenn Roeder paid him a great compliment by describing him as one of the most professional people he's ever worked with.
Coveted by other top clubs such as Chelsea, the graduate of Northumbria University in Newcastle has worked with Toronto FC once before, attending pre-season training in Sunrise Florida in February of 2007 where he got his first look at the players.
"To have Paul on board is something we are very, very excited about," said Head Coach Mo Johnston. "To have a guy like this in our organization will make a tremendous difference for our players. Paul brings a lot of experience and world class knowledge about training, fitness and nutrition to this team that will make us stronger on and off the field. We are very lucky to have him."
Prior to his work with Newcastle, Winsper spent a number of years with Durham County Cricket serving again as fitness coach. He is looked upon as one of the best in his field throughout the U.K. and has previously been asked to present at the prestigious FA Fitness and Conditioning Conference held every year in England. He also offered his expertise and knowledge to the Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham serving as the midfielder's trainer just prior to his debut with Major League Soccer.
Winsper will join up with the rest of the coaching staff in Toronto before the team departs for pre-season training in February.
