When the York United FC squad returned to Toronto after the eight-game 'bubble' in Winnipeg came to a close last weekend, Jimmy Brennan wasn't with them.

He'd caught an earlier flight and for good reason.

"It was my daughter's birthday and my two boys have football matches on Sunday mornings," says the team's Head Coach.

"So I got to take them to their games and it was nice for them to have me watching from the sideline. And for my daughter, turning 10, it was nice to just have Daddy back."

"It's great to be back, absolutely it is. Good to see the family, spend some time with friends and sleep in your own bed. A hotel bedroom is good for a few nights but not six weeks."

As a player with the likes of Nottingham Forest, Norwich City and Southampton, Brennan was used to missing out on special occasions. Boxing Day and New Year's Day carry full fixture lists right across the UK and it meant the festive period, in particular, was always a toll on his family. Now as a coach, the level of dedication intensifies even further.

"You're used to it," he says.

"New Year's Eve and everyone is out partying and you're in a hotel room preparing for a game the following day. And when you have kids, that stuff is the hardest part. I really love being a father, I'm a family man and I love spending time with my kids. Being away from them for six weeks was the hardest thing for me. We're fortunate that we have FaceTime and all of that but it's not the same. You can't give them a kiss or see them in the morning while you make them breakfast".

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