TORONTO (CP) _ Former Scottish star Mo Johnston was named head coach of the expansion MLS Toronto FC on Friday.
Johnston, 43, was fired by the New York Red Bulls in late June. In eight months, his record was 5-4-8. The Red Bulls were 2-3-7 and sat in last place in the Eastern Conference when he was fired.
His deal with Toronto FC runs through the 2009 season, based on a team option.
``Mo represents the next generation of MLS coaches who have extensive playing experience in Europe and North America,'' said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and COO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. ``He brings tremendous passion as well as strong leadership abilities to the sidelines.''
Johnston finished a distinguished playing career in 2001 following six seasons in Major League Soccer, earning three all-star selections with the Kansas City Wizards.
Prior to coming to the U.S., Johnston played 15 seasons in Europe. He scored 310 goals in 529 games for Scottish clubs such as Partick Thistle, Hearts of Midlothian, Falkirk, Celtic and Rangers, as well as Watford (England), Everton (England) and Nantes (France).
The Glasgow-born forward-midfielder scored 15 goals in 35 appearances for Scotland in an international career that included the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
In 2002, he joined the MetroStars, who later became the Red Bulls, as an assistant coach.
