MLS: Is Laurent Robert the "Right" Signing for Toronto FC?

The Laurent Robert signing could prove to be make or break in Mo Johnston's reign as Toronto FC's manager and director of soccer.

Brought in to replace the vacancy out on the left midfield position, it appears Johnston's staff has taken a chance on the former French international after TFC confirmed their newest big-name addition to the second year football club.

The former Derby County left-winger was given mutual consent after making only three starts and one appearance as a substitute under current boss Paul Jewell. Failing to insert himself into a team struggling to survive in the Premier League for much of the season, Robert was just another big-name waiting for a chance at first team football.

The Frenchman arrives at Toronto FC with an impressive resume after stints with some of Europe's most prestigious clubs at Newcastle United, Benfica, Paris Saint-German and Portsmouth. Furthermore, Robert brings some vastly needed depth and experience to a relatively thin TFC squad.

The signing of the left-winger is Johnston's first big acquisition this season after the TFC manager and director of soccer decided to unload fan favorite Ronnie O'Brien to the San Jose Earthquakes earlier in the off season in exchange for a first round draft pick and allocation money.

The move was received as more of a step backward for a team lacking in depth and facing serious roster problems. That's not mentioning the international competitions that key players from TFC will be taking part in come August.

Integral players Marvell Wynne and Maurice Edu will be with the United States U-23 team in Beijing for Men's Soccer in the Olympics. Carl Robinson could find himself travelling across the pond provided he is still picked for the upcoming friendlies and World Cup Qualifiers that Wales will be involved in.

However, on top of that Ronnie O'Brien was a class act. Never once did he blame his consistent knee injuries on the artificial turf of BMO Field nor did he ever put his head down and mope endlessly hoping for a better fate. He continued fighting on and the loss of O'Brien can only be seen as San Jose's gain and Toronto's loss. 

This puts added pressure on Robert to produce right away as he will be relied on heavily to provide Toronto with some much needed flair and ability that seems to be lacking throughout the squad after Ronnie O'Brien's abrupt departure.

If Robert hasn't lost his touch, Jeff Cunningham and Danny Dichio should see their goal totals rise through the Frenchman's superb quality through crosses and free kicks.

There also have been rumors of possible character issues with Robert after fallouts with both Sir Bobby Robson and Graeme Souness. He made it no secret that he was disillusioned with life at St. James Park and in doing so criticized the rest of the Newcastle squad.

Possible character issues could be the very last thing Toronto FC need at the moment considering the lack of quality and depth available in John Carver's squad.

Having spent time with the former French international at Newcastle United, Carver is sure that he has found the man who could provide a much needed lift to his football club.

"I've spent a lot of time with him, and I know a lot about his game. He'll be a big asset to the team, he's got pace, his ability on free kicks is top class and he's a great finisher," said the Toronto FC head coach.

The move comes at a time when TFC was also rumored to be interested in Sunderland outcast Ross Wallace and former Portuguese international Joao Pinto was thought to have been close to signing with Toronto. 

After being shown the door by Black Cats manager Roy Keane, Ross Wallace was apparently keen on the possibility of moving abroad to North America to play his club football. The former Celtic man is currently trying to recover from a knee injury that has hampered him from gaining fitness this season for Sunderland. 

As for Joao Pinto, he recently terminated his contract with SC Braga and joined John Carver in a training session but was not offered a contract at the end of his trial. Pinto does bring about some controversial baggage with him as he was involved in an altercation with the referee during the 2002 World Cup while still a member with the Portuguese national team.

Carver and Johnston will be crossing their fingers and hoping that Laurent can deliver in what many consider to be TFC's biggest gamble in their short existence as a franchise.

It could be signs of a Major League Soccer franchise devolving or it could be the beginning of the end for the tandem.

Only time will tell as to whether or not the Red Patch Boys will be cheering or jeering Laurent Robert's name at BMO Field.