TORONTO, Ontario (AP) — Toronto FC has hired its eighth coach in six years, veteran New Zealand defender Ryan Nelsen.
The former Queens Park Rangers center back replaces Paul Mariner, who took over 10 games into the 2012 season for the MLS club. Fran O’Leary also joins as assistant coach and director of player recruitment.
Toronto had a franchise-worst 5-21-8 record last season, beset by injuries and a lack of depth.
The 35-year-old Nelson played for Toronto president and GM Kevin Payne at D.C. United. He also spent time in England with Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham.
Nelsen was the captain of the New Zealand national team at the 2010 World Cup. He spent the second half of last season at Tottenham.
