TFC boss Mo Johnston had decided Chris Cummins fate a long time ago but time is running out for Johnston himself to improve TFC's fate.
There was much that came out of Tuesday's news conference announcing the departure of Chris Cummins as head coach of Toronto FC. There were also many other things hinted at, while some things were left unsaid.
First the stated. Cummins is gone and was never going to get the head coaching position. That decision was made by TFC Director of soccer Mo Johnston weeks ago. Johnston says he will not return to the touchline himself as coach and that the new man will have MLS experience. He also said there has been no contact with anyone regarding the job.
On that note, let's move on to the "hinted at" category. As I said, Johnston admitted that the decision to hire a coach above Cummins was made weeks ago and implied that the search is now underway although in his words, nobody has been contacted. Sources have told me at least one current MLS coach has already turned it down. The search is underway indeed.
Johnston stated that his relationship with Cummins was perfect, but Cummins implied that there was interference with respect to tactics and line-ups from time to time although he played it down. Let's not be fooled. Their relationship was damaged beyond repair. Yes, Cummins wanted to go back to his family which he missed dearly but his deteriorating relationship with Johnston made it easy.
Several players have also hinted at a bad culture in the locker room. Nobody wanted to say who the bad apples are. That's natural. As I stated in a previous blog, Carl Robinson is not one of them. He is well-liked in the dressing room. Anyone who covers this team on a regular basis by attending matches and training sessions knows that. Reporters also know that defender Nick Garcia could be shipped out tomorrow and there would be few complaints.
Now to something left completely unsaid. Johnston wants someone with MLS experience. I don't know who would want it. But nobody has yet mentioned assistant Nick Dasovic. This guy's soccer resume is longer than he's given credit for. He played for many years is Scotland (not easy) and in the former Yugoslavia when that country was being ripped apart (nearly impossible). He could tell you stories that make football's worst nightmare look like a garden party. He also played many times for Canada in hot spots around the world. Yes, he has limited experience as a coach, and none as a head coach in this league. But he is well liked and diligently improving his coaching credentials. I'm not saying he's the guy. I'm not smart enough to know that. But when I take a look at what he's done, it makes me wonder if this club can attract anyone with a better shot at success.
And finally back to one more thing clearly stated. Mo Johnston said it plain and simple. One more year of failure and he'd be gone. I wonder if he even has that long.