Town legend Paul Mariner has been appointed the head coach of MLS side Toronto FC. The 59-year-old, who was previously the club’s director of player development, takes over from former Dutch international Aron Winter, who has left by mutual consent after a start to the season which has seen them drop to the bottom of the Eastern Conference having gained just three points from 10 games.
Mariner, who previously had a long spell as assistant coach with the New England Revolution working under former Liverpool man Steve Nicol, says the Toronto team doesn’t require too much tinkering: "At the present moment we've just got to try to change things a little bit. Only a few minor adjustments need to be made, in my viewpoint.
"We've got a lot of work to do starting this week. Two very, very big games and very important games. You've just go to wait and see what happens. We're going to get results, it's just that simple."
The one-time Blues and England striker is sure he has what it takes to turn Toronto around: "I'm a very modest man but I've got unbelievable confidence in my own ability. I know exactly what I'm doing in training this week. I know exactly what the team will be next weekend, barring injuries.
"I know how we're going to play. It's almost written what's going to occur. I can't wait to get started."
Former Blues winger Reggie Lambe is a member of Mariner's Toronto squad having joined them in the summer after his release by Town.