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James Easton named Canadian Premier League vice-president of soccer operations

Jan 31, 2018 | 1:45 PM

TORONTO — The Canadian Premier League has named former Canadian international James Easton its vice-president of soccer operations.

Easton, 52, played professionally for the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the NASL, Scotland’s Dundee United and the Vancouver ’86ers. The midfielder was inducted into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame in 2004 as a member of the 1989 Vancouver ’86ers.

The new domestic league is scheduled to kick off in spring 2019.

Easton will be responsible for all on-field matters including competition standards, player management and development, officiating and scheduling. He will also work with regulatory groups to ensure the league is in full compliance with FIFA, CONCACAF and Canadian Soccer Association standards.

“James is a long-standing champion of Canadian men’s soccer and he possesses an intrinsic understanding of what is required to make the CPL a long-term success on and off the pitch,” CPL commissioner David Clanachan said in a statement. “To have James’ technical expertise, knowledge and vision in our corner will allow the CPL to deliver some compelling competition.”

The Scotland-born Easton won seven caps for Canada between 1987 and 1992.

Following his retirement from pro soccer, Easton founded Rethink Management Group – a sports and culture consulting group. In 2013 he headed a study into the viability of Division 2 soccer in Canada

Easton holds an MBA in executive management from Royal Roads University and is a former head coach of the Capilano University men’s soccer team.

The Canadian Press