Lambe to stay with Toronto FC

Reggie Lambe has kept his place on the Toronto FC roster for the 2014 season.

The Bermuda winger has had an indifferent season in the MLS as the Reds look to build a competitive side under new manager Ryan Nelsen, the former Tottenham Hotspur and Blackburn player.

Lambe, who has just one assist to his name this season with the club finishing way short of the playoffs in ninth spot in the Eastern Conference, is one of 12 ‘core’ players who have had their contract options exercised.

He is not a relative big earner at the club, with a basic salary of $67,500 for the 2013 season according to the MLS Players' Union, and some of the club's more expensive players like Bobby Convey, Darel Russel, Michael Thomas and Robert Earnshaw have had their contract options declined — an indication Nelsen will look to bring in fresh marque signings for 2014. Danny Koevermans, Justin Braun and keeper Stefan Frei are out of contract.

“We are writing a new story for TFC, and it begins with our current players,” Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko told the club website.

“We have not had a solid core group like this in a long time, and this core is prepared and excited about taking this club to the next level. We will continue discussing the possibility of returning next season with those players whose options were declined.”