Toronto FC names veteran defender Ryan Nelsen its new head coach

CP21474046
Chelsea\'s Fernando Torres, right, jumps for the ball with Queens Park Rangers\' Ryan Nelsen during their English Premier League soccer match at Chelsea\'s Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013. Toronto FC has named veteran New Zealander defender Nelsen its new head coach. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Alastair Grant

TORONTO, Cananda – Toronto FC has named veteran New Zealander defender Ryan Nelsen its new head coach.

The former Queens Park Rangers centre back replaces Paul Mariner, who took over 10 games into the disastrous 2012 season for the MLS club.

Fran O’Leary also joins as assistant coach and director of player recruitment.

Beset by injuries and lack of depth, Toronto lurched to a franchise-worst 5-21-8 record.

The 35-year-old Nelson played for Toronto president and GM Kevin Payne at D.C. United. He also spent time in England with Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham.

Nelson becomes Toronto’s eighth coach in six years.

News from © The Canadian Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms.

Related Articles