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Does Toronto FC need a new captain?

June 16, 2009 01:26 PM | Posted by   Nigel Reed  

I like Jim Brennan - I like him a lot. It’s difficult not to like him. He’ll always stops for a chat after practice and, in my experience, has never declined an interview request.

On the field he’s an immensely proud Canadian who is genuinely passionate about leading his hometown team - Toronto FC. Brennan, like many of his fellow countrymen before him, was forced to travel abroad to make a living in soccer and, as a youngster, never imagined he’d have the chance to do so in his own backyard.

He was the original Face of the Franchise - its first signing and its first captain - an armband he wears with integrity to this day. As the team has evolved, often painfully through its infancy, Brennan has remained a constant. He’s soldiered on through fractured ribs and broken fingers with honesty and objectivity, always willing to put the team first, perhaps at the expense of his international career.

His commitment to the cause cannot be questioned. His tenure as captain of this team, however, is drawing to a close.

Brennan is a popular figure in the dressing room – perhaps too popular for his own good. Confrontation is simply not his style; he’s a friendly man who enjoys life and doesn’t take it, or himself, too seriously. These are all wholesome Canadian qualities but, to put it bluntly, not what Toronto FC needs in a leader on the field.

Halfway through year three in Major League Soccer, we have a collection of individuals in need of strong direction and my sense is there are other equally qualified candidates to take on the role of ‘skipper’ should coach Chris Cummins decide it’s time for change.

Carl Robinson - He’s captained the team in Jim’s rare absences so understands the role and responsibility. He’s a vastly experienced player and has acted as mentor to Maurice Edu and Sam Cronin among others. Robinson is a calming, articulate influence, but at the same time, doesn’t offer excuses when the team under-performs.

Dwayne De Rosario - Like Brennan, De Rosario is a fiercely proud Canadian, desperate to win silverware with his hometown team. DeRo is a proven winner in MLS and leads by example on the field, a tireless worker with the skill to score and create important goals. He’s not afraid to voice his opinion or point the finger if he feels improvements can be made. Driven by passion, De Rosario commands respect from his peers.

Nick Garcia - Many teams are led by a captain who plays in central-defence so Garcia could fit the bill. By his own admission he brings experience and leadership to the franchise, a quality few players can match. He knows MLS inside out and how to handle most of his opponents after 10 years in the league. He’s new to Toronto, so he could handle the job with impartiality as far as his teammates are concerned.

Giving up something we love is never easy. Relinquishing the captaincy would hurt Jim Brennan, but he’s a professional and I believe he would do so if he felt it to be in the best interests of the team. Free of the burden of responsibility, Brennan could concentrate on his own game which, at times, has been brought into question this season.

Brennan, like few others, has developed a genuine bond with many of the TFC faithful - an attachment which will not be broken by the passing of the baton. The famous Brennan smile, which has endeared him to so many and helped sell the franchise long before there was a team or a stadium, will not be gone for long.

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