Lambe set to sign Toronto deal

Reggie Lambe is set to complete his move to Toronto



Reggie Lambe is set to put pen-to-paper on a lengthy contract with Major League Soccer side Toronto FC within the next few days.

Lambe will complete his move sooner than expected having met the discovered player criteria as an out-of-contract who has never played in the MLS.

It was thought initially he wouldnt be able to join Toronto until the MLS transfer window opens in the new year.

The 20-year-old will be hoping to relaunch his stuttering career at Toronto having been a free agent since his release by English Championship side Ipswich Town at the end of last season.

Lambe, a regular during Bermudas recent World Cup qualifying campaign, spent a week training with Toronto when he sufficiently impressed their head coach Aron Winter and director of player development Paul Mariner.

Paul Scope, a close friend of Mariner, first alerted the club of Lambes availability and believes the youngster can make a strong impression in the MLS.

From now until January Reggie has been secured as a discovered player for Toronto FC, said Scope, owner of Bermuda Hogges.

I expect Reggie will be able to sign for them within the next few days. I think its a good deal for Reggie and will get his career back in gear and I know Toronto are very excited about the signing.

Scope said he felt it was important for Lambe to return to the pro ranks as soon as possible having been out of the game for almost seven months.

I was always confident we would get (Reggie) a club but the longer you stay out of the game it gets harder and harder, he said.

Its been long enough but for a guy of his age there was plenty of interest but it was a case of finding the right deal with the right club.

Lambe has sought advice from his Bermuda team-mate Khano Smith, who made 85 appearances for MLS side New England Revolution, prior to agreeing to the move.

The guys advising Reggie, including Devarr Boyles, Khano Smith and myself, all feel that his game is suited to the MLS and think he will do very well, Scope said. I think he will bring a bit more speed to Torontos side.

Despite finishing eighth in the nine-team Eastern Conference, Toronto had a strong run-in last season, qualifying for the Concacaf Champions League where they will meet LA Galaxy in the quarter-final round in March.

And with Toronto strengthening their squad with the recent captures of German international Torsten Frings and former PSV striker Danny Koevermans, Scope believes Winters second season in charge should be an intriguing one for the success-starved side.

They had some great results in the second half of the season so Im sure theres a lot of optimism around the club, Scope said.

This season will be Aron Winters second in charge and theyve made some great signings including Torsten Frings, who has made a huge difference. I know people at the club believe this can be the teams breakthrough year.

Lambe made four Carling Cup starts and two Championship substitute appearances during his time at Portman Road.

He also played seven games while on loan at Bristol Rovers last term.

Toronto forged links with Hogges last summer as part of a mutually beneficial agreement.