I agree that doing a good job scouting is important---but--- the best way to scout is far from clear (example--having a designated scout vs the coachs doing the scouting). But even with a good scouting process it still boils down to the people in the head office making decisions and I think thats the real weak spot (Burns) in the Revs personnel management system
I wanted to go to this pre-season tourney last year and ended up vetoing it. I'm not making that mistake again. I'm thinking I'll go to the second round of group stage games on the first Saturday, leave and go a back for the finals the next Saturday.
ESPNBoston.com's Brian O'Connell did a 4-part series on the Revs Off-season checklist: Goalkeeper Nov 7th Defense Nov 15th Midfield Nov 16th Forward Nov 19th Also: Top Five Offseason Questions Nov 25th
I think it's fair to question Burns, or anyone else for that matter, but the problems exist higher up than him. I know, I know, I'm beating the dead horse BUT there has never been adequate investment in acquiring players from a financial perspective OR from an organizational perspective. It's not just about payroll or who picks the players. It's about a strong, unified and invested organization that is committed to winning. I know you'll argue that you think Kraft is invested. However, there are years of evidence that point to the contrary. So, until that attitude or philosophy changes at the top, in whatever way it manifests, I won't have faith in anything they are doing.
Not to defend the league (or the Revs) but I'd bet that if you lopped off the top 30 salaries in 2006 the average salary would have dipped significantly from $85k. So probably not the doubling of salary that's touted, but more than the 15-20% increase that's implied by the article.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/12/07/2012-review-new-england-revolution I'm sure it's just me, but I am getting stale on Kyle a little bit...
A different perspective: Armchair Analyst: Revs a new kind of consistent these days December 7, 2012 Matthew Doyle MLSsoccer.com
hahahaha awesome. Where is rkupp to tell us how good the D was, and how this team was good in possession?
I almost puked after reading the first sentence. "Marlboro native Mike Burns is a true pioneer of soccer in America and one of the most accomplished athletes New England has produced." Where did this writer, Carl Setterlund, go to school? Kim Il-Sung University?
Ousmane Dabo - $200,000, 5th on Revs Didier Domi - $150,000 8th on Revs That tells me they were supposed to be lock starters, week-in and week-out.... And $200,000 certainly meets my standard of "significant salary."
Its always nice to read about other teams making moves and signing players on Ive's blog... I never see the Rev's in there though. Must be Burn's is to busy searching the dumpsters of the world for castoffs to sign Same crap, different year
The fact that we have already signed two players and a rumored to be signing another major addition doesn't count in your book?
nope...signing no name Euro players means little and Im not holding my breath on a "major addition" since major is a relative term and the Rev's definition of major is far from mine. Revs major = anybody making 6 figures
As I said on another thread. Even when the Revs do something right some posters on this Board still will find something to complain about
I'm still waiting for that "do something right." And you're still saying TY for what ever crumbs fall off the Revs managements plate. Other teams are making moves.... we suck and arent doing much They NEVER do enough to make this team competitive and Im tired of waiting. If that's finding something to complain about then I'm guilty and proud.
Q&A with Jay Heaps and Mike Burns http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/12/07/2012-review-qa-revs-jay-heaps-michael-burns Thought this was interesting from Heaps: FAIL. Bolding mine. This type of commentary from Heaps who is experienced but not stupid is unbelievable. He's ignoring the many Burns-selected players have been abject failures on the revs, consistently through out his tenure. Lauding Burns's experience?!? The fact Burns played in the league forever ago shouldn't make a damn bit of difference. He should be judged based on the success or failure of players he brought in. The only thing Burns is experienced on is bringing is failures year after year - it drives me nuts that his otherwise quantitative boss either isn't aware or doesn't seem to notice/care/measure Burns's performance. Un-freakin-real. In regards to Heaps trusting Burns's notion of value - that gets to Doc and many others' point that Burns has a major impact on player personnel decisions and is perpetuating the problem. Protesters (is anyone still doing that?) take note - Burns should NOT be deciding on the value of a player in any capacity, period. Hey Heaps, still trust Burns to find an experienced defender after the Lozano bust? Yeah, it's great to say you want to add another defender. We'll see if that actually happens.
You could argue that Heaps has no choice but to support and back Burns, especially in a public interview.