TORONTO — Fans are getting restless again in Toronto.
Following Wednesday’s decision by the club to pass on selecting a player in the Stage 2 Re-Entry Draft, many supporters – and even local media members – reacted with frustration and it was even suggested that current interim GM Earl Cochrane does not have the authority to make significant player personal moves.
But Cochrane has dismissed that claim outright.
“I absolutely have the ability to make decisions,” he told MLSsoccer.com. “But I do not think making those decisions in a vacuum is the best thing to do.”
Cochrane suggests that the decision to pass on the draft was every bit as strategic as selecting a player would have been, and that it was in TFC’s best interests to say “no thanks” on Wednesday.
“As a group, we analyzed the guys available and collectively decided that selecting a player from this draft was not the best way to add to our squad as we head into 2011,” he said. “We have key needs in key positions and are actively pursuing other players to fill these voids.”
He said that the club is pursuing several discovery players and while he understands fans frustration he’s not about to make a move for the sake of it.
Former Reds defender Nick Garcia was not selected in the draft. He is now a free agent and can negotiate with any club he wishes. Cochrane said that although he has not completely ruled out bringing Garcia back at a lower cap hit, he does not think it’s likely.
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