By AVI CREDITOR
Toronto FC announced a whole host of front office moves on Thursday, most notably officially introducing Aron Winter as its new head coach and technical director and Paul Mariner as its new director of player personnel.
Bob de Klerk, who worked with Winter in the Ajax Amsterdam academy system, will be the team's top assistant coach.
The club also announced that interim head coach Nick Dasovic, who took over after Preki was fired, will remain with the team in a different capacity, along with holdovers Jim Brennan, Danny Dichio, Mike Toshack and Jason Bent. Interim general manager Earl Cochrane was reassigned as TFC's director of team and player operations.
Here are a few more stories from around the soccer world:
In a move that could negatively affect Eric Lichaj's prospects at earning first-team playing time, Aston Villa acquired England Under-21 right back Kyle Walker on loan from Tottenham.
The loan is through the remainder of the season and effective immediately.
Lichaj has appeared to plummet on manager Gerard Houlier's defensive depth chart after Villa's poor overall performance in a 4-0 loss to Manchester City on Dec. 28, just two days after he showed well in the team's 2-1 loss to Tottenham.
RONALDINHO RETURNING TO BRAZIL
Ronaldinho has reportedly been released from his contract with AC Milan, freeing him to sign with a team in his native Brazil.
Ronaldinho, long rumored to be a target of the Los Angeles Galaxy, instead appears to be signing with Gremio, where he started his professional career.
VILLARREAL MOVES ON IN COPA DEL REY
After falling behind 2-0, Villarreal scored four unanswered goals in the second half to blow by Valencia, 4-2, and advance to the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey.
Jozy Altidore was an unused substitute for The Yellow Submarine, which received a brace from Giuseppe Rossi and goals from Marco Ruben and Santi Cazorla.
Villarreal will face Sevilla in the next round.
FREE KICKS
The Middle East claimed another FIFA victory after Jordan's Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein defeated South Korean incumbent Chung Mong-joon in the election for FIFA vice president.
Former Mexican international Jared Borgetti has fully retired from soccer.
The United States women's national team announced that April Heinrichs has been named the first-ever full-time technical director for the program.
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What do you think of TFC's hirings? Disappointed to hear of the Walker loan? Do you see Villarreal getting by Sevilla? Surprised that it appears Ronaldinho will not be coming to MLS after all?
Share your thoughts below.
