John Herdman will leave his post as Canadian national team manager to lead Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC.
He replaces former head coach Bob Bradley, who departed the Canadian MLS team near the end of June after a dismal first half of the 2023 season. Assistant coach Terry Dunfield acted as the interim manager before the Eastern Conference side found their permanent option in Herdman.
Herdman previously guided Canada to just their second FIFA World Cup appearance in 2022, and will still remain with the national team until October 1.
“I am keen to start this new opportunity with Toronto FC. Personally, it’s the right time for me to step into a new challenge in my career, and the structure of a club environment is a context I’ve aspired to operate in,” said Herdman in a release.
“Having access to connect and collaborate with the staff and players daily allows for a different depth of development and connection, both on and off the pitch.To continue my coaching journey in a Canadian city that I know well, playing at BMO Field – a stadium where I’ve experienced some of my favorite sporting moments, with incredible fans, is quite amazing. I want to thank President Bill Manning and MLSE for trusting me with this project. I am motivated to work with this team and an organization of this caliber.”
Herdman has his work cut out for him as Toronto currently sit in last place of the Eastern Conference table with just 19 points in 23 games and a record of 3W-10D-13L.
As the Reds sit in last place (15th) in the Eastern Conference table with 19 points, they will have some hope that Herdman can work some magic to get them back into the playoff picture. Toronto will need the likes of Lorezno Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi to be in top form if they are to catch up to Chicago Fire, who currently sit in ninth place in the East with 32 points, the last playoff position in the table.
The Reds are back in action on August 30 as they take on Eastern Conference rivals Philadelphia Union at BMO Field.
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