Lambe eager to impress at Toronto

From left to right: Former professional Kyle Lightbourne, Toronto FC's Paul Mariner, Bermuda international Reggie Lambe, Bermuda Hogges co-owner Paul Scope and BFA player development committte chairman Mark Wade.

(Photo by Akil Simmons)

(Photo by Akil Simmons) Big opportunity: Toronto FC new boy Reggie Lambe (right) shakes hands with the club's director of player development at Café Ten, Dundonald Street, last night. Lambe starts pre-season training with the Canadian outfit next week.



Toronto FC new boy Reggie Lambe admits the new MLS season cannot come fast enough for him after spending the last eight months in the footballing wilderness.

Lambe, who was released by English side Ipswich Town last summer, agreed a four-year contract with Toronto last month and is expected to join up with his new team-mates for pre-season training next week.

The move signals the end of a frustrating period for the 20-year-old, who had hoped to make a speedy return to the pro ranks, but insists he is hungrier than ever to kick-start his fledgling career.

“It's been a long wait for me and I've been anticipating this move for so long. I just want to get training and start playing and (pre-season) can't come fast enough,” said Lambe, who was able to dust off a few cobwebs during Bermuda's World Cup qualifying campaign late last year.

“It's been a frustrating time for me because I haven't been able to train like a professional, although I have been kicking a ball about by myself and going for runs.”

Determined to make his mark in the MLS, Lambe is adamant he can have an immediate impact at Toronto and doesn't foresee any problems in adapting to a new league with a different style of play.

“I'm feeling good about kick-starting my career and I don't think fitting in at Toronto will be a problem for me,” he said.

“I think I should be able to get in the team and as long as I work hard I'll be all right. l always look forward to playing in front of big crowds; I think I can handle it and I think I can impress the supporters as well as the coaches.”

Lambe, who was joined at Cafe Ten last night for his farewell reception by Bermuda Hogges owner Paul Scope and Toronto FC's Paul Mariner, admits he is some way short of match fitness.

However, he is determined to work hard so he can hit the ground running when Toronto take on David Beckham's LA Galaxy on March 7 in their opening game of the season.

“I need a few weeks to get back to where I was, although I feel confident that I will be able to get through pre-season quite easily,” he said.

“It's always tough when you have to prove yourself to a new team, but I'm confident in my ability whenever I get out on the field.”

The pacy winger sought guidance from his Bermuda team-mate Khano Smith, who made 85 appearances for MLS side New England Revolution, prior to agreeing to the move.

And he expects Smith to be a trusted source of advice while he settles in at the BMO Stadium.

“Me and Khano have been talking a lot, he's the captain of the national team so we talked quite a bit when we went on trips during the World Cup qualifiers,' added Lambe.

“When I get out to Toronto I'm sure I'll be giving him a few calls about what I should do in different situations.”

Lambe made four Carling Cup starts and two Championship substitute appearances during his time at Ipswich. He also played seven games while on loan at Bristol Rovers last term.