Not sure. I don't feel great about everyone who is leaving so far. The quality of the new co-owner should give us an indication of the caliber of coach and players coming in. If he's an unknown who owns a couple local flea markets or something, we're screwed. So far it looks like a fire sale...
As good as Barrera was, he was also a bit of a liability in that he's a constant red card waiting to happen. Three for violent conduct this year, and it really should have been four when you consider that he got away with that late challenge that left Edmonton's Albert Watson without a couple of teeth.
I'm hoping that's not the case. A few decent signings to replace the departures would alleviate a lot of fears.
I still can't believe they Fired Haynes and let go of all of Wynalda's Cal FC guys. I don't want to see the backs drop back to the bottom like they were before Wynalda and Haynes.
In ex-ASFC news: Klute training at Everton. http://www.coloradorapids.com/news/...te-clint-irwin-and-dillon-serna-train-everton To think, not so long ago he was driving a limo and telling Wynalda he wasn't sure he could make a living playing pro soccer. (To which Wynalda apparently replied, "Then you have no idea how good you are.")
I tried to squeeze SOMETHING out of Michael at the ticket office yesterday but he wouldn't spill the goods. He did say "Andy talks to Eric Wynalda every day and he's trying to find us great players. He wants us to succeed." Not a lot, but at least Eric hasn't given up on us? Hopefully we'll hear some good news in the coming week or two.
Good, because their Facebook posts about visiting Hawks practice and auctioning jerseys are doing nothing for me. A lot of the others clubs are putting out good news daily and we get fluff so far.
While the club hasn't officially said anything, West Coast Goalkeeping says Eric Ati is back with Atlanta: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...5309678.136670.502510573111046&type=1&theater Makes sense since he's around town having fun with the Hawks.
Good interview with Haynes in latest Reckless Challenge NASLCast: http://www.recklesschallenge.net/naslcast-december-12th-brian-haynes-atlants-silverbacks-ny-cosmos/ From the way he talks about it, it sounds like Wynalda was on board with Boris regarding the decision to let him go.
Should've uploaded that to Imgur, oh well. Anyway, new interview with Andy Smith: http://www.atlantasilverbacks.com/fc/news/item/q-a-with-president-gm-andy-smith-part-i Nothing incredibly revelatory but he says they want to have something regarding the coaching situation announced by mid-January. Also they hope to finalize the ownership deal before Christmas which would make a nice gift.
Here is part 2: http://www.atlantasilverbacks.com/fc/news/item/q-a-with-president-gm-andy-smith-part-ii
"In 2017, who knows what will happen? Could we get acquired by a MLS ownership group like we’ve seen with the majority of their recent expansion teams? Could we be affiliated with them on some level? Could we be just one of multiple professional teams in the market, like in NYC? I think all three of those are possibilities." From all this it sounds like they are still actively working with Eric Wynalda, and that he is helping us recruit, which is very good. It also sounds like they have talked to Arthur Blank, and that there may be a chance for a Silverbacks team, in some capacity, if and when MLS arrives. So far, so good. I at least have some reasons for hope. I am still anxious to learn more about this new ownership. That will say a lot about our future.
Well what I got is that they will keep playing and trying to get people to the games, what ever happens in 2017 or later, time will tell. That is better than just giving up for sure. Hopefully they are able to find a nice following and if MLS comes to town, maybe they can keep some of that following (enough to survive). I think I asked this before, but I forgot, how far is Silverbacks Park from the new proposed Stadium?
“@ATLSilverbacks: ATTENTION: The Atlanta Silverbacks will make a major announcement at 10 a.m. tomorrow.” Wynalda as Manager?
Probably ownership. They said manager announcement more likely in January. (BUT Wynalda didn't get the RSL job, so who knows, maybe he's ready to sign on.)
1. Will ASFC be pissed their announcement got scooped by AJC? 2. Can't find any net worth info on the Hardins. If anyone does, please post. (I was hoping for the wildcard of Ted Turner, lol. Oh well.)
Very good news for the Silverbacks. So Traffic is completely divested of an interest in the team now with the 2 co owner groups at 50/50. That leaves Traffic with only the Carolina Railhawks to find owners for as they've planned all along to keep the Strikers as their team.
I think having the new owners is good, but it remains to be seen how they act AS owners. Honestly the coach and some new signings will say quite a bit. Will they go the cheapie route and sign a bunch of clowns or go after some names (hell, apparently Shriver, Mulholland, and Denissen are all free agents right now)? Remains to be seen.
I think that's all we can do. Given my other connection to ownership gone wrong (Venky's at Blackburn), I'm probably not as quick to greet this with open arms as others might be. It has the potential to be good for the club, but on the other hand...