It's a step in the right direction to have a lower team not too far away. I would like to see them use this as a "2" team, where the younger players can go and get minutes in a system similar to how the Revs play. But the cynic in me is thinking that this will be another Rochester WInos situation, where an independent team with their own coach who has his own ideas grudgingly takes a few Rev fringe players where they may or may not get significant minutes.
Remember, this is just a "partnership." It's still not the Revs actually having their own USL club. Of course, that would require spending money...
Thats why it's not a high end MacBookPrp This could be a huge plus or it could be a bust For now color me excited at the possibilities My bet is Brad F because of his experience in Europe will want to make max use of the potential
The location an obvious improvement over Rochester. The competitiveness of USL2 an improvement over Boston’s. The management is an unknown to me. Ideally, Revs can have some influence on technical staff.
Yes, I think this is a major advantage. I think the recent Rev coaches have preferred to have their players practicing with them and that's been part of the reluctance to loan them out. With a team 90 miles away, they easily be in either location on any particular day.
I certainly hope the deal involves some sort of guaranteed playing time for Rev players that are farmed out to them. I plan on getting season tickets for Hartford. Be nice to see how Rev players progress during their loan spells
I really think the lack of credibility of Heaps had a lot to do with Rochester failing. He was in over his head and the revs were sending below average talent to a team that's well established and already successful. That's a tougher situation already. IMO it's hard to fault Rochester's staff for sort of giving the FO partnership platitudes then not following through by playing those guys. None of the Rochester guys stuck around the revs organization very long so they clearly weren't that good. Moving forward, hopefully Friedel's credibility and clear style of play combined with much closer proximity to Foxboro and a desire to get the team off to a good start on and off the field will make a difference in Hartford.
From a practical point of view, I don't think "guarantees" are really possible. What is possible is a good, working, cooperative relationship.
It's a step in the right direction, so I will applaud the Revs for that. Keep in mind that 3 MLS-owned USL teams have folded or gone on hiatus: MON, ORL and VAN. Plus, Sounders 2 is in the process of moving from Seattle to Tacoma.
Low expectations fir this one. If it's more successful than Rochester (let alone Sporting) then I will be happy.
Hartford Appoints Donovan Powell as Chief Operating Officer Joins 2019 USL expansion club from Drexel University and Detroit City FC By USLSoccer.com Staff 08/06/18, 10:38AM EDT