The Final 24: Danny Dichio's playing career comes to a sudden end

From the first time Danny Dichio stepped on the field for Toronto FC you could see the difference. There was a fire in the belly of a man who was enjoying his football curtain call. Dichio didn't come to TFC for one last paycheque, he came here to prove to himself and to the football world that he was still the physical force that made him a fan favourite with such big clubs as QPR, Sunderland and West Brom. His short-term impact was immediate, steel in the line-up and of course the club's first goal that caused a cascade of seat cushions nearly three years ago. His long-term affect can be heard, like it or loathe it, sung out loud at the 24th minute mark of every home match TFC plays at BMO Field. Dichio reached a level of affection and recognition in this city where such love is usually reserved for the most rare of professional athletes - fewer still, those who don't wear skates to work.

The hulking striker was destined to be a hero in Toronto. An immigrant, English with a mix of Italian, like the multicultural mixed blend of so many here. The size, power and true blue collar work ethic Toronto fans love in any sportsman. The fact that he loved the city right back and brought his family here to live, and become Canadians, sealed the deal. The truth on the pitch is that Dichio was a fair striker on a bad team. His size and target man skill was never utilized enough due to the rotating door of poor striking partners he was offered. Like with so many big men in football, the knees and the back began to fail. The grueling wear put on his aching joints was multiplied largely by the state of BMO Field's truly embarrassing pitch and this year it was obvious that time had caught up to him. Surely the proud but shy man would have liked to see the year out as a player but in true "team-first" style, he hung up his boots early so that his club could apparently move forward.

Dichio has accepted an immediate role as a TFC roving coach where his emphasis will be placed on Academy duties while he learns the coaching trade and also as a team ambassador, something he already was whether he knew it or not. His selfless act of early retirement may well pave the way for Julian De Guzman's signature which may be the most valuable assist Dichio could add this season, again the sign of a team-player. At times, the London native seems almost uncomfortable with his level of adoration from TFC supporters and in fact it does go over the top at times. Dichio never asked and never expected to be this team's messiah but that is just how fan favourites are made. Star players, blessed with an overabundance of skill are expected to do great things - they also have a tendency to come and go. When a guy comes along who has to work hard to make the most of his chance, the supporter can see themselves in him. Add to that mixture a fiery pride in the name on the front of the shirt and a devotion to the city and indeed you have the makings of a team legend.

Supporters and teammates alike will miss Danny Dichio on the field but one gets the feeling that the past three seasons were Chapter 1 of his Toronto story. His quest to become a fully-trained coach is admirable and hopefully the temptation to thrust him up the ladder like a Canadian Kevin Keegan will be avoided by TFC brass. No one will be surprised if Dichio becomes manager of this club one day, it seems like a foregone conclusion, but supporters won't want to see him parachuted in during a desperate stretch much like Chris Cummins has been and be doomed to failure. The one slice of poetic justice that may come out of this is the snowball effect on Mo Johnston. Mo needed a favour from Dichio and offered him the coaching role to soothe sore feelings in the player and in the fans. However, in a not-to-distant future, a time may come when Mo's job is finally on the line and suddenly MLSE realizes they have a man who knows football and that the fans adore. Mr. Johnston you may have just created a monster. Keeganstein if you wish. Happy retirement Danny, we will be seeing you around for a long time.