Academy

Reds Make Front Office Changes

Jim Brennan & Bob De Klerk

Photo: Jim Brennan (left) and Bob de Klerk given new positions on Monday.

Toronto FC Head Coach and Technical Director Aron Winter announced Monday restructuring moves that will see First Team Assistant Bob de Klerk promoted to Technical Manager and Toronto FC Junior Academy Coach Jim Brennan move to the First Team as an Assistant Coach.

In this new role de Klerk will be responsible for Toronto FC’s technical program, including advance and international scouting, as well as serving as the technical conduit between the First Team and Academy program. He will also assist players transitioning from the Academy into the First Team and support the education of Toronto FC coaches at all levels.

Brennan joins Toronto FC’s First Team after spending the last 15 months coaching TFC's (U-17) Junior Academy Team. Brennan became Toronto FC's first roster player and team captain in club history in September 2006. He retired as a player in 2010. Brennan joins First Team Coach Jason Bent and Goalkeeping Coach Stewart Kerr.  Additionally, Director of Player Development Paul Mariner will take a more active role on the pitch, occasionally coaching the team’s strikers, in addition to his regular responsibilities.

“We believe these decisions will benefit our club from top to bottom.  Bob’s new position will allow the team to benefit more from his technical expertise and have him play a more active role in the day-to-day operations of the club off-the-pitch,” said Winter. “Our U-17 Academy program has done well under Jimmy's direction. The goal of our Academy is provide growth and development for our players and our coaches. This promotion is a well-deserved opportunity for Jimmy.”