TORONTO - Jim Brennan was the first player ever signed by Toronto FC and one of the hard-nosed defender's main goals was to help his hometown team qualify for the MLS playoffs.

He'll have to accomplish that from the front office now.

Betrayed by a body that he says could no longer handle the rigours of professional soccer, the 32-year-old retired Wednesday to become assistant general manager under Mo Johnston.

The former Canadian international made the announcement amid rumours of a dispute with new head coach Preki, who has aggressively remodelled the club since his November hiring.

Brennan strongly denied that, saying an intense bout of navel-gazing since playing in TFC's season-opening 2-0 loss at Columbus convinced him the time was right to trade in his uniform for a suit.

"That's all a lie, there was never a bust-up between me and Preki, I've got respect for Preki, I know he's going to do a great job for this club, and I never said anything like that," he told a news conference that the head coach did not attend.

"I thought I could play another season," Brennan added later. "I did pre-season, (but) I just didn't feel right, I thought my body was a bit tired and I didn't feel like I did every other season."

Johnston -- who also dismissed talk of a rift as "a total fabrication" -- spent lots of time talking to Brennan about his future in recent months, helping guide the player through his decision.

Brennan went to him when he felt his body wasn't bouncing back the way it should following the Columbus game, and the exit strategy was hatched.

This was always to be his last season anyway, so Wednesday's decision simply sped things up. Toronto's next game is Saturday at the New England Revolution, with the home opener set for April 15 against the expansion Philadelphia Union.

"After that one game, I just felt this is it, I don't want to keep pushing it, not being able to give 100 per cent every single game," said Brennan. "I don't want to be that guy hanging on and only offering 60 per cent because I don't feel right, and that's the reason why I said enough is enough."

Brennan's departure follows those of fellow Canadian defender Adrian Serioux, midfielders Carl Robinson, Amado Guevara and Lesly Fellinga and forwards Pablo Vitti and Ali Gerba, but his will hit closer to home for fans.

He was a local kid who came to play at home after a successful career in England with Southampton, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest and Bristol City. The team captain, he played through broken ribs and a broken wrist during his 84 games for TFC, and was also a stalwart with the Canadian national team.

But Brennan notes his move upstairs carries many potential benefits, too.

"We're still a young club and now you're getting players coming up and working with the club," he said. "I'd like nothing more than seeing local boys playing for Toronto FC, and for them to see ex-players working at the club, they'll know there's an opportunity for them one day."

Duties for the new executive will include helping oversee the team's academy, working on international scouting, handling day-to-day team business, watching game tapes, and handling player acquisitions.

Brennan isn't the first TFC player to stick with the club after retirement. Former striker Danny Dichio is an assistant coach.

Johnston said Brennan's retirement freed up some $60,000-$70,000 dollars under the salary cap and added that the team is "looking at two or three different players to add probably before Saturday, if not it will be Monday or Tuesday."

While filling his jersey and locker stall will be easy, filling his shoes will not.

Brennan was also a dependable part of the national team, earning 49 caps highlighted by a championship in the 2000 Gold Cup.

"I've got those medals hanging up and those jerseys hanging up," he said. "For me, every game you walk out and represent your country is a massive moment, I played against top teams like Brazil, Cameroon, you name them I've played against them, I had some fantastic times.

"But beating Colombia 2-0 in the final to win the Gold Cup was absolutely fantastic."