January 27, 2005 Share newspaper
Busby new Lynx head coach
By RON FANFAIR
A rising young Canadian soccer administrator is returning to coach the team he played for seven years ago.
Hubert Busby Jr., 35, has been appointed the Toronto Lynx Soccer Club's new head coach. He was the club's starting goalkeeper in 1998 ahead of such other talented goalies as Jim Larkin and Theo Zagar.
He posted three shutouts and his goal against average was a miniscule 1.22 goals in 16 games.
"It's definitely an honour to be back with a club in the community that I was once part of," said Busby who developed his love and talent for the sport with Scarborough's Maple Leaf Soccer Club.
"To get a coaching position is special. But to coach in an area where I grew up and played most of my soccer is unique and exceptional. I know there will be a lot of people pulling for me to do well."
Busby inherits a team that missed the play-offs last year, finishing seventh in the A-League Eastern Conference with a record of 10-16-2.
"I know this season will be a challenge for me, but I intend to raise the level of expectations in the soccer community and ensure that our team is taken serious and that we play with pride and purpose," said Busby.
"The nucleus of last year's team is back and I expect us to be competitive in a league where consistency equates to success. I don't think we are far off from becoming a side to be reckoned with. We will play an up-tempo and entertaining style and make the game very attractive."
Busby's former teammate and friend John Williams said maximizing the talent of the players in a financially-challenged league could prove to be Busby's stiffest test.
"He's bright and he has the knowledge and technical ability to go in there and make a difference," said Williams who played in last weekend's Toronto Legends festival at the Air Canada Centre. "However, winning consistently and getting the best out of players who don't make a lot money could be a bit of a challenge for Junior."
Busby is the Toronto Lynx's third head coach in the franchise's eight-year history. Peter Pinizzotto coached the club from 1997-2003 before Duncan Wilde took over last year. Wilde however stepped down at the end of last season to concentrate on the club's academy and its expanding programs.
Born in Kingston, Ontario, Busby represented English first division sides Milwall and Crystal Palace and second division team Oxford United. He also played for Caldas in the Portuguese second division and United Soccer League teams Montreal Impact and the Vancouver Whitecaps.
In 2001, Busby - whose mother is Jamaican - was invited to join the Jamaican Reggae Boyz squad in a World Cup qualifying fame against Trinidad & Tobago.
Busby is well prepared for his new role with the Toronto Lynx, having served as an assistant coach with the Ottawa Fury in the W-League and the University of Michigan men's program. He also worked with the women's programs at Queen's University and Fairleigh Dickinson in New Jersey and was the head coach of the now defunct Ottawa Wizards of the Canadian Professional Soccer League.
Last year, Busby was appointed the Canadian Youth team coach for the National Training Centre in Eastern Canada and the technical director of the Kanata Soccer Club.
"Junior has coached in various settings, building an impressive progressive coaching background," said Nicole Hartrell, the Toronto Lynx Owner and Chief Operating Officer. "He has a tremendous personality to go along with a strong international and domestic professional playing background. His intuitive nature and superior interpersonal skills will enhance his contribution to our organization."
Busby, who holds a Sociology degree from Queen's University and sports management credentials from the Professional Footballers Union in London, says he relishes coaching.
"After my playing days were over, I thought I would do something else," he recalled. "But I found that the sport was firmly in my blood and I could not be separated from it. I chose coaching because I love teaching both soccer and life skills. Teaching, for me, is the best way of educating the masses."
The Toronto Lynx opens its 2005 schedule on April 23 on the road against Portland Timbers. The team's first home game is on May 15 against defending A-League champions Montreal Impact.
Fans interested in watching Toronto Lynx home games can call 416-251-4625 ext. 31 or visit the club's website at www.lynxsoccer.com for ticket details.
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