D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid to work out with English club West Brom “It’s a good opportunity to train and get better, take in the Premier League atmosphere,” Hamid said before his flight to London. “I’m just going to work hard.” Not a "formal trial", but obviously some interest there.
Im sure JK did help. He wants his players playing and the MLS off season is way too long. But it was only a matter of time before he went training during the offseason. He was bound to gather interest as he's a formidable young gk'er.
It will be interesting to see where all these MLS players go. I wonder how many of these guys gets offers after their training spells. I know the intent is just training, but there might be guys that draws more interest after training.
I'm not sure if he was involved, but these MLS offseason training trips have been going on for years.
Klinsmann has already said he wants players on the USMNT to train abroad as MLS offseason is too long and players lose sharpness.
Has he? Plenty of MLSers have been training abroad in their offseasons for many years now so I don't see how Jurgen being USA's coach changed that. Regardless of who the coach was, I think there would still be players practicing with teams abroad. Hamid training with West Brom though is a great thing for him. He should learn plenty and Hogdson is a brilliant coach.
This article says "Tryout" as in "Trial." Is there really a difference? As a DC fan, I like the sound of "Training" better.... http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/10/28/dc-goalkeeper-hamid-heads-west-brom-tryout
Doubt he'd qualify for a work permit, and he's going to need some time until he's ready for a top 4 league. But, these clubs don't waste their time bringing guys over just to do them a favor and stay in shape, it's definitely for evaluating purposes.
From 2008......... http://www.potomacsoccerwire.com/news/458/3105 At the time Hamid was in contract negotiations with Celtic..............and it appeared he had the ability to get a Euro passport. Don't know about the validity of this, though. So the whole work permit issue may not be relevant. You guys are right, though. Clubs don't waste their time. It may not be an official "trial," but this is certainly an evaluation process.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/west-brom-impressed-dc-united-keeper-bill-hamid-2168131 Yes, I know it is tribalfootball..... but they have a couple quotes...so there ya go.
I guess his time at West Brom is over, but something else may be on the horizon. Goalkeeper Bill Hamid, who trained informally with West Brom this month, might return to Europe for additional work.
No chance in hell D.C. lets him go. A starter, young, loads of potential, marketable. He'll demand a good-sized fee later on in his career and can still benefit D.C. on the field for years to come.
It depends on where he is in his contract. If, say, this coming season is the last in his contract, then they might accept a bid. It would be better than getting nothing when his contract expires.
Although it would be better for D.C. to keep him, I would prefer he go abroad sooner rather than later for the benefit of his development. Hopefully they do not hold on to him too long.
West Brom currently doesn't have a long term goalie. Scott Carson left and Ben Foster is on loan. If they could sign Hamid and have him learn from Foster this season, then they could potentially try his as their #1 next season. The chance to play in the EPL is worth the risk.