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Toronto FC has tried and failed for three straight years to make the playoffs, so finding a coach capable of getting the club over that hurdle was vital this winter. TFC has found just such a coach in one of the most sought-after coaching prospects in American soccer.
Toronto FC is set to hire Preki as the club's fourth head coach, sources told SBI on Friday. Preki would take over for former interim head coach Chris Cummins, who was not retained after taking over for former head coach John Carver. Preki and TFC have yet to finalize a contract, but a deal is expected to be reached in the coming days.
Preki's arrival in Toronto will reunite him with former Kansas City Wizards and Everton teammate Mo Johnson, TFC's director of soccer. Johnston stated that he wanted to bring in a head coach who understood MLS and Preki brings one of the best resumes around when it comes to MLS.
A former MVP and MLS Cup winner as a player, Preki guided Chivas USA to the playoffs in each of his three seasons as head coach, though the team did lose in the first round each season.
Preki had been believed to be a candidate to take over as Chicago Fire head coach, but the Fire's continued success under current coach Denis Hamlett removed that move as an option.
One interesting sub-plot surrounding Preki's hiring is how it will affect Toronto FC midfielder Amado Guevara. Preki traded Guevera from Toronto after he and Guevara had a falling out during Guevara's brief time with Chivas USA in 2007. With Toronto FC having so many quality midfield options, including Julian DeGuzman, Dwayne DeRosario, Sam Cronin and Carl Robinson, Guevara could be traded this winter.
What do you think of this development? Think Preki is the man to turn things around in Toronto? Can you see TFC being a playoff team and potential title contender in 2010?
Share your thoughts below.
