TFC Adds Speed

Record-setting Welsh midfielder Gary Speed worked out with TFC today, wearing jersey number 35.

Two years ago Speed became the first player to appear in 500 English Premier League games, and he ranks first all time in games played in the Premiership.

He's here on a fact-finding mission. As part of his UEFA coaching certification process, he had to connect with a club, spend a few days with them then return to Wales and make a presentation to the Welsh FA. Speed, who scored four goals while splitting last season between Bolton and Sheffield, chose to study Toronto FC.

So, no, this is not an Abdus Ibrahim/Olivier Tebily type situation, where a a guy shows up "unofficially," practices with TFC for a while, then eventually becomes part of the team. This is a few days of Speed's life designed to bring him a few steps closer to becoming a certified coach. He's still under contract to Sheffield United and I'm guessing he makes a bit more money there than he would in MLS.

SUTTON, BRENNAN, DEFINITE MAYBES

With goalkeeper Greg Sutton and defender Jim Brennan each scheduled to suit up for the national team's World Cup qualifier Friday night in Montreal, their presence for TFC's Saturday afternoon home game against Kansas City seems doubtful.

But head coach John Carver says the team is working hard to give the pair a chance to play Saturday at BMO Field. He said the team has lined up a Saturday morning flight that would get both men to Toronto in time for the game. If they don't play Friday against St. Vincent -- neither one saw the field during last week's 3-0 victory -- he'll add both to the lineup. If they play a lot then they'll sit out again.

But with the qualifier still more than a day away their status is still uncertain.

-- Morgan Campbell

Comments

[patrycja]

just heard a rumor that mcbride situation is settled pending fianl approval from MLS big wigs. Mcbride for 1 payer, allocation money and draft pick. Can you confirm?

[James]

For the record, Morg, Brennan was actually a late-game sub last Sunday, coming on in the 85th minute for Radzinski.

[ballerz]

Can't Carver ask for a favour from Mitchell and ask him not to play them now that you have a 3 goal lead? Can't Tannebaum send his private jet?? After all, they are playing for your team and your country!