TORONTO - Mo Johnston is giving up his head coaching duties at Toronto FC to become the team's manager and director of soccer.
John Carver, a former coach at Luton Town of England's First Division, will take over as head coach, the Major League Soccer team announced Friday.
Johnston will continue to be responsible for all aspects of soccer operations and devote more time to player transactions and the management of off-field decisions. Carver will collaborate with Johnston on roster decisions and managing the team on the field, but will run the day-to-day training of the team.
"I am delighted to have John Carver alongside me as we start to prepare for the 2008 season," Johnston said. "He brings a lot of experience with him in all aspects of the game and I'm looking forward to working together.
"We are committed to making this team better in every way, and John will be a big part of that."
Johnston coached the team to a 6-17-7 record in Toronto FC's inaugural season last year.
"We're confident with Mo at the helm and John on board, our performance on the pitch will quickly approach our success off the pitch," said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment.
Carver, 43, also previously worked as an assistant manager at Newcastle United and Leeds United.
"I was asked, why are you coming across the water to join Toronto? The main reason is I spent three days here just before Christmas and I saw the ambition of the club and I wanted to be a part of that," Carver said. "Last year was the first year and I think it's important if you're starting something big for the future that you get on board early."
Toronto FC will open the season on March 29 in Columbus.
