TORONTO — York9 FC’s international contingent is about to grow.
Head coach Jimmy Brennan spoke with Sportsnet‘s James Sharman on Sunday about a few prospective international signings, as well as the make up of his squad and how he plans to line up in the inaugural Canadian Premier League season, and said the club is now looking to South America to add to their ever-growing roster.
Referring to Swedish striker Simon Adiej and Japanese midfielder Wataru Murofushi, Brennan pointed to Venezuela in particular as one spot he’s been scouting.
“We’re looking at signing another Venezuelan player,” Brennan told Sportsnet. “We’re very fortunate we live in a beautiful country with a great lifestyle here in Canada so the minute you say ‘come to Canada and play professional football’ right away they are intrigued.”
With two internationals signed and room for seven in total on the final roster, Brennan has a lot of room to work with on the international player front.
“When you put together a team, you have a number of players that you look at. These targets, you need to go out and get.”
Brennan also said the club had “about 19 to 20 players” signed or ready to sign ahead of their inaugural campaign — only 13 have been officially announced so far.
“We know the formation and style of play we want to implement and it’s finding the players that will suit that model,” Brennan continued. “We’ve been fortunate that we’ve gotten the No. 1 targets we’ve wanted.”
Brennan also hinted at what York9 supporters can expect to see on the field in Year 1, starting with the inaugural CPL match on April 27 against Forge FC.
“We’re on a blank canvas. We have no idea how the opposition is going to play,” Brennan admitted. “That’s the fun part.”
“I’d like to think my style is going to be a little bit different. I do want to play attack-minded football in the right manner, on the deck and whatnot.
“Hopefully, we’ll be a good team that people will enjoy watching.”