Brennan named coach of CPL’s York 9

Former TFC captain is also part owner of new team

TORONTO — Growing up, Jim Brennan began his soccer career on teams in his native Newmarket and Woodbridge in suburban Toronto.

Brennan had to leave home at 17 to pursue his soccer dream. His original destination was Glasgow Celtic, but the manager got fired on the eve of his arrival, ending the Scottish powerhouse’s interest.

Brennan found himself headed to Bristol City instead, kicking off a distinguished pro career that also took the gritty fullbackmidfielder to Nottingham Forest, Huddersfield Town, Norwich City, Southampton and finally Toronto FC.

Now 41, Brennan is looking to help young Canadians achieve their goal at home.

Brennan is head coach and executive vice-president of soccer operations for York 9, the Toronto-area entry in the new Canadian Premier League, which also includes Pacific FC of Victoria.

“Never in a million years would I have thought we would have a professional league in this country,” Brennan said. “I mean we did try before, but this time I think it’s here to stay.”

“With TFC, Montreal and Vancouver, I think they’ve paved the way so to speak for us to make sure it’s sustainable.”

Brennan, part of the York 9 ownership group, was named head coach on Friday in addition to his previously announce front office duties.

York’s 9 moniker comes from the nine municipalities in the York Region north of Toronto: Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and WhitchurchStouffville.