Toronto FC announced Wednesday that defender Jim Brennan has retired. The captain and Canadian international will be moving upstairs to take on the role as Assistant Manager, working alongside Mo Johnston
“Jim Brennan was my first signing when I came to the club,” said manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston. “From the first day he’s been an ambassador not only for Toronto FC, but for the city as well. We can’t thank him enough for the contributions he’s made to this team both as a captain, and off the field as well. Jimmy has been thinking about his next step for awhile, and has come to me to talk about what that might be numerous times. We’ve decided the time is right, as we continue to build and move forward.”
Brennan, 32, was the first player signed by the team on September 8, 2006 and has been the club’s only captain. In the team’s first season in 2007, he was awarded both the Defender of the Year, and Co-MVP Honours. He followed that up in 2009 with another team honour as the club’s Humanitarian of the Year. In 2008 he was named to the MLS All-Star squad and appeared in the sold-out match at BMO Field against English Premier League side West Ham United.
The defender finishes his career in Toronto having played 84 games, and logging 7,460 minutes scoring four times and adding four assists. An ironman for the club, he has played through injuries like broken ribs, and a broken wrist that have further endeared him to Toronto FC fans.
“I have been talking about making a move upstairs like this for awhile,” said Brennan. “Mo and I have spoken about my future within the organization and I jumped at this chance. I want to thank all the fans for their support; they’ve been wonderful to me – as well as Mo and the coaching staff for supporting me in my decision. I am very excited to get started in my new role with the club.”
Brennan ends a long and successful career after turning professional at the age of 16, leaving Toronto at the age of 14. He signed with his first club in England, Bristol City at the age of 17. From there he made a record move to Nottingham Forest with the club paying a record fee for a Canadian ($2.6 million). He also spent seasons with Norwich City and Southampton before making the move back home to Toronto.
Brennan made his debut for the Canadian National team in April of 1999 in Belfast in a 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland. He was capped 49 times by his country, scoring six goals. He was a member of the 2001 Confederation’s Cup and the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup squads.
