MLS Toronto FC

Toronto FC Names Cummins Interim Head Coach

Published on April 29, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Toronto FC News Release


Toronto FC announced Wednesday that Chris Cummins has been named interim head coach after the resignation of John Carver. As a result of the promotion of Cummins, Nick Dasovic takes over as first assistant coach. The remainder of the staff will remain unchanged.

"We are pleased to announce that Chris has accepted the role of interim head coach," said manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston. "After speaking with the coaching staff, we felt this was the best decision for the team moving forward. I want to thank all our coaches as it's been a tough few days for all of us, however we've got a great group here and we'll continue towards our goal of making the playoffs."

Cummins, 37, joined Toronto FC in May of 2008 from English League One side Luton Town where he worked with former Toronto FC head coach John Carver. As director of football at Luton, Cummins helped establish the side as one of the best youth systems in the country.

He began his professional coaching career in 1996 with Watford Football Club as the youth development coordinator. Hired at Watford by former England manager, Graham Taylor, he was later promoted to Watford's assistant academy manager in 1996 and went on to become director of youth - youth and reserve team until 2007. One of Cummins greatest achievements at Watford was the development of forward Ashley Young. Young played under Cummins from the age of ten, and in January of 2007 Young was sold to Premiership side Aston Villa for 9.6 million pounds, Watford's highest transfer fee for a home grown player. Now a full England international, Young was also honoured with the prestigious PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) Young Player of the Year Award this past Monday.

Cummins holds both his UEFA "A" and UEFA "B" coaching license.

Dasovic, 40, was hired in May of 2008 as TFC Academy head coach, and assisted with the first team reserves. At the start of the 2009 MLS season he was promoted to second assistant with the first team.

The former Canadian international joined Toronto FC after having spent five years with the Canadian National team program. His most recent roles were that of assistant coach of the Men's National team (2007-2008) and assistant coach of the U-20's (2002-2007). Dasovic also served as the head coach of the Men's Olympic Team in 2008, and also holds both his UEFA "A" and "B" license.

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