View Full Version : Whither Brian Carroll?
Hedbal
28 Dec 2006, 02:59 PM
Does anybody have an idea of what's up with Brian Carroll? I've seen no real news since his apparently unsuccessful trial with OM, but someone did post recently that his return to MLS was "doubtful," and that he was exploring other opportunities in Europe. Anyone have some real information? rumor? speculation?
FWIW, I hope he stays. He's one of our hardest working and underappreciated players.
John L
28 Dec 2006, 03:42 PM
Given the January transfer window, we probably won't hear anything until Jan 2nd or 3rd one way or the other - I'd like to see MLS and esp DCU players like Brian establish themselves over in Europe - It would be a great success story to sell to other young players to come to DC United for a few years, contribute and possibly step up to the next level
Eastern Bear
28 Dec 2006, 03:48 PM
I'd rather Brian stick it out in MLS. If he continues to get better, good enough for a top level European club, then he can be sold. I want him playing for DCU.
elconejito
28 Dec 2006, 04:08 PM
just adding fuel to the fire here... I saw his brother Jeff and a guy who I assume was his other brother (Pat, IIRC, that plays at WVU. they looked like they were related). Didn't see BC with them and I instantly thought "I wonder if he's still over yonder in Europe trialing". It wasn't a place where I would feel comfortable just walking up and asking them "Hey where's your brother at?" so left to my own imagination I assume he's on trial somewheres...
revelation
28 Dec 2006, 04:19 PM
MLS contracts end on 31 December - so he would be able to make a move anytime after 1 January...
If Carroll goes, it will provide more opportunity for Simms.
scarshins
28 Dec 2006, 04:48 PM
It will also probably be the fork for our CCC aspirations. :o
Grasscutter
28 Dec 2006, 05:44 PM
FWIW, I hope he stays. He's one of our hardest working and underappreciated players.
So is there general consensus on how high DC/MLS should go to get him back? 150k? 175k?
PJohnson
28 Dec 2006, 06:40 PM
So is there general consensus on how high DC/MLS should go to get him back? 150k? 175k?
In MLS, I think he is a $100,000 per year player. In the smaller leagues of Europe he is probably worth about 300,000 euros per year.
onefineesq
28 Dec 2006, 06:49 PM
It will also probably be the fork for our CCC aspirations. :o You really think so? I think that Simms would be fine in that spot. Have some faith! ;)
JayRockers!
28 Dec 2006, 07:33 PM
Does anybody have an idea of what's up with Brian Carroll? I've seen no real news since his apparently unsuccessful trial with OM, but someone did post recently that his return to MLS was "doubtful," and that he was exploring other opportunities in Europe. Anyone have some real information? rumor? speculation?
FWIW, I hope he stays. He's one of our hardest working and underappreciated players.
Near News and Rumors are in The Off-Season Near News and Rumors Thread :: Part III.
Thx,
Jay!
owendylan
28 Dec 2006, 08:10 PM
He had some trials in Europe. No offer happened immediately, they may or may not happen after the new year. I suspect he'll re-sign with MLS, just a gut feeling.
JJJ3
28 Dec 2006, 08:12 PM
FWIW, Ives Galarcep, responding to a reader's question on his blog over Christmas, said he thinks Carroll is all but gone, with his heart set on going to Europe.
Folks are right, though, no specific team has been mentioned, so who knows?
My opinion: I want young American players playing in one of the top European leagues to help our national team. But that is limited to EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and the Eredevise. Playing in Sweden or Norway is NOT a step up from MLS and, in that case, U.S. soccer benefits with guys like Carroll staying stateside.
Daniel le Rouge
28 Dec 2006, 08:29 PM
I'm torn.
I think we'll miss Brian terribly. More importantly, I think he's one of those "tweener" guys.
He really needs to move on to a better League if he's going to take the next step. Unfortunately, he's (in my mind) not quite good enough or high profile enough to get into a League that is truly better.
He's easily good enough for the second tier Euro Leagues, which will certainly pay better. But that's not going to help him within the context of the National Team, which is the means to get into the top Leagues. I'd like to see how MLS does with the "Beckham" players in place--if the speed of play increases enough, Brian may well be able to take a half-step or so in MLS, and in two years time be able to make the big jump.
Or not.
Now might be the best time to make the jump on a free. I don't know. I do know Brian has gone about as far as he can in MLS' current setup. I don't know if the DP rules are going to help him enough.
AlecW81
28 Dec 2006, 09:33 PM
Maybe Reading would be willing to take a chance on Brian. They've had success with American players to this point, (Convey, Hanneman) I could see him doing well with them.
Gittnbizzee
28 Dec 2006, 10:04 PM
I hope he stays. Not only is Simms a totally different style/type of player, he isn't qualified to carry Brian's jock. ;)
fatbastard
28 Dec 2006, 10:21 PM
I hope he stays. Not only is Simms a totally different style/type of player, he isn't qualified to carry Brian's jock. ;)
Ooops, accidentally posted this under gittnbizzee's account - so don't flame her for my opinions (feel free to rep her if you agree, however :))
Hedbal
28 Dec 2006, 10:40 PM
I'm torn.
I think we'll miss Brian terribly. More importantly, I think he's one of those "tweener" guys.
He really needs to move on to a better League if he's going to take the next step. Unfortunately, he's (in my mind) not quite good enough or high profile enough to get into a League that is truly better.
He's easily good enough for the second tier Euro Leagues, which will certainly pay better. But that's not going to help him within the context of the National Team, which is the means to get into the top Leagues. I'd like to see how MLS does with the "Beckham" players in place--if the speed of play increases enough, Brian may well be able to take a half-step or so in MLS, and in two years time be able to make the big jump.
Or not.
Now might be the best time to make the jump on a free. I don't know. I do know Brian has gone about as far as he can in MLS' current setup. I don't know if the DP rules are going to help him enough.
I would miss him as well. You may be right about a second tier Euro League not helping his chances with the USMNT and from there to a top Euro League, but Convey, Berhalter, Lewis, Gooch, Gibbs, et. al. prove that you don't necessarily fall out of the Team USA picture by playing Division II ball. I would love to have him back, but I think he could do well for himself if he takes an offer from one of the less prestigious leagues and gets serious playing time.
Stan Collins
28 Dec 2006, 11:05 PM
Maybe Reading would be willing to take a chance on Brian. They've had success with American players to this point, (Convey, Hanneman) I could see him doing well with them. Reading could never sign him with work permit issues.
I agree with Daniel. If he'd hooked on in France, I'd have applauded, but failing that I'm not so ecstatic about his "development opportunities" (dude's 25) in what would be his "safety" Euro leagues. (If he were 20 like Charlie Davies, a place like Sweden wouldn't be so bad. At 25, not so much.)
Eastern Bear
28 Dec 2006, 11:24 PM
Near News and Rumors are in The Off-Season Near News and Rumors Thread :: Part III.
Thx,
Jay!
Worst...Thread... Ever. More BS to wade through than it's worth.
s0ccerm0m
28 Dec 2006, 11:55 PM
just adding fuel to the fire here... I saw his brother Jeff and a guy who I assume was his other brother (Pat, IIRC, that plays at WVU. they looked like they were related). Didn't see BC with them and I instantly thought "I wonder if he's still over yonder in Europe trialing". It wasn't a place where I would feel comfortable just walking up and asking them "Hey where's your brother at?" so left to my own imagination I assume he's on trial somewheres...
I thought Pat was the younger brother....
I assume BC is in training for Nats camp that starts next week.