Clint Irwin could have been forgiven for wondering what exactly 2017 had in store.
It is likely the goalkeeper had been told a deal was in place to bring him back to Toronto FC when he was selected by Atlanta United in the MLS Expansion Draft in December, but entering the process on the club’s unprotected list must nevertheless have been unsettling.
Less than two months later, though, Irwin is preparing for the new season as the Reds’ starting goalkeeper with the security of a new, improved contract. Despite his midseason injury, he provided excellent value in 2016 on a $95,625 deal that was always likely to be up for discussion this winter.