Ali stings like a bee

---------------------------Gerba: open up front

In the world of football it is rare for an active player to come out and speak openly about the reasons he is no longer with a club. It is equally rare in Toronto for a reporter to have an actual in-depth journalistic interview with a member (or ex-member) of TFC. Today both of those things occurred.

Kristian Jack, the very underrated reporter for The Score, held a one-on-one interview with the ex-TFC striker and the Canadian international was blunt, open and very direct. What Gerba has to say about Mo Johnston and Preki in particular is not quite shocking but nonetheless damning. Defenders (why would you be?) of TFC management will claim Gerba is a bitter player with a grudge but watch the whole interview and that sentiment doesn't come out once. In fact Gerba praises TFC's fans and claims he would play for The Reds again - presumably under different management.

If you have any interest in what is going on in this rapidly decaying club, watch the interview (with some great questions from Jack) and gauge your own feeling. Our impression is that Gerba came of as a gentlemen who sees that TFC will go nowhere as it stands now. Hard to disagree.

Follow the link below...

The Score's Kristian Jack interviews Ali Gerba

Toronto FC releases Ali Gerba - team chef comes out of hiding

----------"Oh my God! Someone ate Ali's 'McRib'! Look out!"

Speaking of the ever elusive McRib Sandwich, that little faux pork delicacy has had longer visits to Toronto than Ali Gerba himself. Much like Ronald's limited time offers, Mo Johnston pulled Gerba from the BMO Field shelf today too. Ironically, Gerba and the fake pigburger are both known for their brief stops in numerous locales and being oddly shaped around the middle. Come to think of it, have you ever seen Ali Gerba and a McRib in the same room? Me neither. Weird.

Also weird? The fact that Gerba, rotund or not, has managed to score goals for most clubs that he played for except TFC. MK Dons, L'Impact du Montreal dans le Bibliotheque, the Canadian National Team etc. have all managed to squeeze goals out of the Cameroon-born striker but it never happened with Toronto. Was it the TFC "style" (very generous air quotes) or was it Gerba himself?

We will never know the full truth on this dismissal as has been the case with most TFC departures. Mo Johnston's modus operandi in these situations is to quietly besmirch the character and importance of the one leaving (Carver, Cummins, Robinson, Serioux etc. etc.) until no one questions their exit. Gerba is disputing the stories of his lack of work ethic and weight problems and to his benefit, Johnston's truth metre isn't at an all-time high.

The only truth that TFC supporters will see at the moment is a striker depth chart that features the unproven O'Brien White followed by "FIFA Superstar" (again, the air quotes) Chad Barrett and possibly Jacob Peterson. There is no getting around that truth for Johnston. The signing today of low round draft pick Nane Joseph will do little to settle the stomachs of fans who will soon be singing "all we are saying - is give us a goal". For Gerba, a return to L'Impact wouldn't be too shocking and would likely last longer than the next McRib visit.

----------No Mo, "McRib" isn't a Second Division Scottish striker

THE STARTING 11: TFC's 2-week break "to-do list"

-------------------------------Gerba-licious!

All of that hard work of one match means TFC deserves a two week break. 90 minutes work over 14 days is tough you know! It's not all rest and relaxation though. It's a chance for the kinks to be worked out (i.e. an offence) and new signings to be brought in by Mo Johnston (i.e. nobody). There is a long list of duties over the Easter break that need to be completed. The BMO Field "to-do list" is long...
　
11. Evict left-over trialists living in BMO Field mensroom
　
10. Test the "Streamer-To-Field Ratio" of new North Stand
　
9. Take long drive to woods. Tell Chad Barrett to get out for a run. Drive Away.
　
8. Give up Mo Johnston for Lent
　
7. Prank-call Joey Saputo - ask if his "cheese fridge is running"
　
6. Cancel "Good" Friday practice due to false advertising
　
5. Show Jon Conway how to use new lawnmower
　
4. Install a GPS on Nick Garcia's kit pointing away from TFC's goal
　
3. Get to work on Robo-Dichio
　
2. Clear Creme Egg wrappers out of Ali Gerba's old locker
　
1. Remind supporters of 5 Year Plan. Repeat.

--------------------Robo-Dichio: 24 minutes to comply

Strike While The Plate Is Hot

Friendly matches. They are a bit like marriage. Men pretending to be interested, very little contact and any scoring usually happens by accident. Now and again, the friendly offers up something new and interesting that makes it worthwhile - kind of like when the wife has too much to drink.

Wednesday evening Toronto FC host those wacky Argentines - River Plate, in this year's Carlsberg Cup. Ah, the Carlsberg Cup - up there with the great awards like the FA Cup and the Jules Rimet Trophy - but we digress. The Reds are indeed offering up something new to their supporters. What the BMO Field faithful will get to see is a glimpse of TFC's striking (as in goal scoring not handsome) future. Not one but two new forwards will take part in the otherwise meaningless match. Strikers eh? Just like the bus. You wait for ages for your stubborn Scottish Director of Football to drive up in one - then two come along!

Indeed, Ali Gerba will make his on-field debut with TFC fresh off his strong showing at the Gold Cup with Canada and a solid 08/09 campaign with MK Dons. The very strong Cameroon-born tank will be a welcome crash-and-bang style forward in the style of Danny Dichio except able to move sideways. Gerba is a known quantity and will surely bulge the onion bag on a regular basis.

The other debut is the unknown quantity. O'Brian White, the newest member of TFC's "Scarborough Massive" is the club's top draft pick this year and comes out of the NCAA with all of college's highest football honours. He was scoring goals at a great clip and was headed towards being the 1st overall pick when he suffered a bad ACL injury. His hometown club could not resist his potential though and drafted the injured forward, immediately putting him to work with TFC's top-notch training team. The rehab is ending and the local boy is ready for the big-time.

Fans will need patience with White but he and Gerba may very well be this team's strike force for the foreseeable future. Now the questions can begin about the existing strikers. Player of the Week award aside, Chad Barrett is no better than an off-the-bench sub. His scoring ratio is simply not good enough but he comes cheap and is locked up long term. Pablo Vitti's time is simply running out. His hustle and raw talent are admirable but the numbers aren't there. Few goals and a hefty (MLS-hefty at least) wage makes the Hairy Hitman a target for the pink slip. Mo Johnston is surely thinking of sneaking him onto River Plate's plane home like a sleepy B.A. Baracus on The A-Team. Finally, the bald Messiah himself. Danny Dichio is due to hang up the boots after this season and ride off into the sunset - at least as far as Etobicoke. His future off the field with TFC seems assured - possibly team barber/ DJ.

So, on an otherwise forgettable Wednesday night by the lake, Reds' supporters may finally be getting a glimpse of the strike force they so desperately want and need. Let's just hope they are as good as former wrestling tag-team "Strike Force". In the words of Tito Santana and River Plate - "Ariba!!!"

BREAKING NEWS: Gerba Signs - Ali G In Da House!

Toronto FC officially confirmed the signing of Canadian International forward Ali Gerba. The former MK Dons man will suit up with The Reds after the MLS transfer window opens on July 15th. In the meantime, Gerba will play with Canada at the Gold Cup and work on his fitness levels.

Gerba seems excited to return to Toronto where he formerly plied his trade with the USL's Lynx. "Toronto FC have always shown me interest in the past so it was just a matter of time," Gerba said. "It's a great feeling to be back home."

THE WORD: Gerba Signed... Awaiting Transfer Window?

According to reports on Toronto sports radio station The Fan 590, Toronto FC has indeed signed former MK Dons forward Ali Gerba. The apparent delay in the signing is that he can't officially be confirmed as a TFC player until the MLS transfer window opens on July 15th.

There is confusion about the transfer process amongst fans however as Gerba was released outright by Milton Keynes and should not necessarily have to wait for the window. Adding to the delay is Gerba's inclusion on Canada's Gold Cup squad which in the least should have him match fit when and if he arrives in Toronto. There is a slight element of fishy surrounding this story. Stay connected for the latest.

Word Factor: 8 / 10

THE WORD: Gerba In, Ricketts Out?

Numerous unnamed sources (don't you love those guys - what were their parents thinking?) are reporting today that Canadian International forward Ali Gerba has agreed to terms on a contract with TFC and it is now in league hands at MLS headquarters in New York. If completed on time, Gerba may be able to suit up with Toronto as they play 9 men forward in their aim to score four goals against L'Impact de Montreal on Thursday.

In connection with the signing is word that midfielder and professional bridge-burner Rohan Ricketts is about to be moved. It is currently unclear whether this refers to a release or a transfer although what Ricketts' value on the market would be is anyone's guess. The mercurial winger has a knack for becoming a quick fan favourite wherever he goes only to have his lacklustre play and work ethic eventually rise to the forefront. He has burned bridges at Arsenal Youth, Tottenham Hotspur, Wolves and Barnsley before seemingly finding a good fit in MLS only to make the same mistakes he made in England. Rap superstar 50 Cent was unavailable for comment.

Word Factor (for likelihood): 7 / 10

Ali Bomaye!

When it rains it pours. Months of transfer silence was shattered at BMO Field when, as reported earlier, TFC picked up defender Nick Garcia and the Discovery Rights to Canadian International forward Ali Gerba from San Jose Earthquakes.

Ali, who is built like a rather small tank, was last seen plying his trade in exotic Milton Keynes with The Artists Formerly Known As Wimbledon - MK Dons. The 27-year-old scored a healthy 10 goals in 24 appearances for "The Franchise" and became a fan favourite at Stadium:MK but failed to secure a new contract. There is rumoured interest in Gerba from other lower tier English clubs but he would likely be able to command more of a starter's role with Toronto FC. Gerba had two previous stints with Toronto Lynx and has scored 11 goals in 24 appearances with the Canadian National squad despite Dale Mitchell.

TFC Director of Football, the shy and modest Mo Johnston, has hinted that a quick contract resolution with Gerba would be optimal. When reached for comment, TFC fans said "No sh*t Sherlock." So what do you think TFC supporters, are these positive moves or desperate reaction to a growing fan backlash? Are these crumbs enough to make you go back to buying $9 beers?
Leave your comments below!


In other Gerba-related news, Chad Barrett will be working on his new technique - watching the game from the bench.