Waiting for Jürgen.

We're now at day 4 since the rumours of Jürgen Klinsmann coming to Toronto were first published, and still there's no official announcement or press conference confirming the appointment and detailing exactly what his role will be.  So what's a blogger to do in the absence of information other than comment on other rumours, this time of coaching candidates as divulged by Sportsnet's Gerry Dobson in this article. 

Some very eye catching, if flawed names there.  Starting with Roberto Donadoni, former Italy coach, with a few coaching jobs of varying success in Serie A.  Carlos Quieroz, former Real Madrid and Portugal coach, though not with much success there, his reputation still mainly resting on his work as assistant to Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.  Franco Baresi was a magnificent cerebral defender for AC Milan and Italy, but hasn't had coaching experience beyond the youth sides at Milan.  I'm not all that confident any of them would be the answer for TFC, but they would certainly get people's attention, which is probably the point at this stage of season ticket selling season.  Iain Dowie is also somewhat incongrously mentioned, he's not really a big name that would be well known to those fans that don't follow British football, and even to those that do, his lacklustre record and unsightly style don't exactly impress. 

Whether any of these names end up in Toronto is anyone's guess, but it's at least a good sign that MLSE is prepared to spend the money to get a high profile coach, and it's not the only impressive action they've taken recently.  The 2010 relocation event for TFC season ticket holders started today, and the most interesting information to come out so far is that seats in section 112, 113 and 127, ie where the main supporters groups gather, are being treated differently and not given out to just anyone.  Though details of exactly how it will work haven't been made public, the obvious implication is that unrenewed tickets will instead be assigned one way or another with help and input from the supporters group in those sections. 

Having previously dismissed as impractical the idea of the supporters groups getting more control over their sections, this is another promising sign that the front office is ready to work more closely with the supporters groups to nurture the atmosphere that they bring and that has been marketed so enthusiastically.  Free home opener, 2012 price freeze, giving supporter's groups more control over their sections, rumours of big names coming in, it's been an impressive couple of weeks from Anselmi and Co.  However, the big names are still rumours at this stage, it's been 4 days and we're still waiting for Jürgen.

Edit:  Tweeted by Paul Beirne just after 11:00:  Finally announcing Jürgen today. Yes, we're on a first name basis. Hüge day for TFC... Looking forwards! 

Excellent