A familiar name from Toronto FC's early days may be soon returning to run the club's USL-Pro team.
With construction delayed at Vaughan's Ontario Soccer Centre's main field (where plans are underway to build a 3,000 seat stadium) until next Spring, TFC is in need of another option if it is to start USL-Pro play in 2015.
As previously reported on CSN, the plan was to partner with the Ontario Soccer Association to operate the team out of the new stadium. However, it is now clear that the stadium will be not be completed until next Fall.
Negotiations are now well underway to partner with Wilfrid Laurier University women's head coach and player agent Barry MacLean to operate the team out of Waterloo, Ontario.
MacLean was front and centre in the early days of the club as the player agent of several of TFC's Canadian players. Former GM Mo Johnston was criticized for over utilizing MacLean as a source of players.
Although it is important to stress that there was never any proof of improprieties having occurred, the MacLean-Johnston relationship became synonymous in many fan's minds with the struggles and problems during the early days of TFC.
A source close to the situation suggested Waterloo's RIM Park as a possibly location for the stadium. There are several high end playing fields located there, but stands would need to be built to accommodate the USL-Pro minimum requirement of 3,000 seats.
WLU's University Stadium could already host the team. That stadium seats 6,000, but has permanent Canadian football lines on the artificial playing surface.
CSN contacted MacLean Friday for comment. As of this time he has not responded.
Previously Toronto FC confirmed to CSN that Waterloo was one of the sites being considered.
We will update as more information becomes available.