[Homebrew4U]

Goff reports that RW has interviewed with DC, as has Onalfo. He also reports that Onalfo is on the list for NYRB sporting director.

Now, given that RW can't go to DC while under contract, and that we know he is a strong candidate in NY, I'm not creating a "OMG we can't let RW go to DC!" thread.

Instead, I ask this question. Does an Onalfo/Williams combination seem like a possibility for the Red Bulls? The team has repeatedly said that chemistry and communication between the SD and the head coach is of extreme importance. Onalfo and Williams were teammates at UVA for three years, they are both from the Bruce Arena school. They are both born and raised in the Tri-State area.

Might this be the direction we go? What do you think if it is?

Edit: sorry, Onalfo was not born in the Tri-State area, he was born is Sao Paulo, but he was raised in Connecticut.

[Blue Note]

Originally Posted by Homebrew4U

Goff reports that RW has interviewed with DC, as has Onalfo. He also reports that Onalfo is on the list for NYRB sporting director.

Now, given that RW can't go to DC while under contract, and that we know he is a strong candidate in NY, I'm not creating a "OMG we can't let RW go to DC!" thread.

Instead, I ask this question. Does an Onalfo/Williams combination seem like a possibility for the Red Bulls? The team has repeatedly said that chemistry and communication between the SD and the head coach is of extreme importance. Onalfo and Williams were teammates at UVA for three years, they are both from the Bruce Arena school. They are both born and raised in the Tri-State area.

Might this be the direction we go? What do you think if it is?

Yeah I mentioned this below in the new coach speculation thread but BS seems to be acting strange today. I think I'm on record as saying that I like Richie as manager. As for Onalfo as an SD I'm not so sure. I'd want to know more about his role in KC and how much power he actually had versus how big of a role Vermes played. His teams never overachieved and he did make the playoffs in two of his three years in charge there (could have been all three I suppose but we will never know, as he was dismissed in August).

Is he a decent talent evaluator? People have said so, but is there any evidence of it? What other roles would he be expected to fill as RBNY SD?

Your point about Williams and Onalfo knowing each other and having prior experience together is a good one.

So I'm gonna punt on this one for now I guess.

[cleansheetbsc]

Originally Posted by Homebrew4U

Goff reports that RW has interviewed with DC, as has Onalfo. He also reports that Onalfo is on the list for NYRB sporting director.

Now, given that RW can't go to DC while under contract,

Why can't he? Most sports leagues allow coaches to take jobs that are considered promotions. Richie is only an 'interm' coach, so I would think if DC were to offer the job he would be allowed to take it.

I could be wrong about this, maybe MLS contracts are iron-clad in these situations.

[cleansheetbsc]

Originally Posted by Homebrew4U

Onalfo and Williams were teammates at UVA for three years, they are both from the Bruce Arena school.

And just to piss in your Cheerios, yes they were teammates at UVA along with some fellow named Jeff Agoos.

[Homebrew4U]

Originally Posted by cleansheetbsc

Why can't he? Most sports leagues allow coaches to take jobs that are considered promotions. Richie is only an 'interm' coach, so I would think if DC were to offer the job he would be allowed to take it.

I could be wrong about this, maybe MLS contracts are iron-clad in these situations.

It is the norm in most leagues that coaches are allowed to move on to take promotions--but it still requires the current team to release him. I'm just assuming that, since he's under consideration for the job here, and he himself as expressed a desire to be the head coach here, that RB is not going to release him until they make their own decisions.

But what to you think of an Onalfo/Williams possibility?

[Q*bert Jones III]

Originally Posted by Homebrew4U

Now, given that RW can't go to DC while under contract

I keep reading this, but only in this forum. From what I've heard elsewhere it's not true. Is there an independent source that confirms it?

If it were indeed true, and Williams signed on with DC, wouldn't it mean that DC sends NY a first-round draft pick, as that was the Osorio precedent?

[Homebrew4U]

Originally Posted by cleansheetbsc

And just to piss in your Cheerios, yes they were teammates at UVA along with some fellow named Jeff Agoos.

Speculation about the moves a team might make is the furthest thing from pissing on my Cheerios (but I'm glad my post stuck with you.)

OK, so what does that mean to you? What's the implication? If you're suggesting that Agoos remains in charge, what would his role be if Onalfo is SD and Williams is head coach?

[Homebrew4U]

Originally Posted by Q*bert Jones III

I keep reading this, but only in this forum. From what I've heard elsewhere it's not true. Is there an independent source that confirms it?

If it were indeed true, and Williams signed on with DC, wouldn't it mean that DC sends NY a first-round draft pick, as that was the Osorio precedent?

You may be right about this. He can probably resign, but would not be allowed to sign with another team until the term of his contract would have expired, without the new team compensating the Red Bulls, ala Osorio. But this is speculation; I'm not 100% on the league rules about this.

[Onionsack]

Originally Posted by Homebrew4U

Instead, I ask this question. Does an Onalfo/Williams combination seem like a possibility for the Red Bulls? The team has repeatedly said that chemistry and communication between the SD and the head coach is of extreme importance. Onalfo and Williams were teammates at UVA for three years, they are both from the Bruce Arena school.

You could say the same for Agoos and Williams.

Might this be the direction we go? What do you think if it is?

I think its what Williams is looking for, if we are infact keeping Williams, as I know he thinks what you mentioned above. That said, strictly speaking as to Onalfo...i am unsure of his ability to scout and identify good young talent (picked Chance Myers #1 in 2008) which will be key because he will have to work with Bob Montgomery on academy pro signing potential.

I also am unsure of his ability to sign players and find good players to build a squad. His performace in KC with Vermes for the last few seasons has been rather sub par. He made the playoffs in 2007 on the back of Eddie Johnson but could only replace him with an aging Claudio Lopez and then his remaining singings didn't really make any lasting impact...as a result his team skidded out of making the playoffs in 2008 and was in the bottom four this year when they deceided to part ways.

I like that they get along and can work together, but outside of chemestry we need talented people who are sharp and can find talent and use MLS rules to plan out a strategy and beat others to the punch...like looking at returned US players down the road and how to use that #2 allocation spot, and can develop a long term plan to build on youth and trade draft picks wiselt to sign missing vetern pieces to build champiosnhip rosters.

Is Onalfo smart enough to plan that out? Does he have the kind of contacts to get a leg up on the competition? Does he trust DaSilva to scout for him or do the hire an actual professional scout?

I am lukewarm on it. Could be worse...but i am wearly of hiring a failed MLS coach to be GM of this team.

[Blue Note]

KC made the playoffs in 2008 and lost to the guys who beat us (remember?), Columbus.