Since I ventured into the gloom and doom thread and now feel like I need a little silver lining for the cloud that is the Revolution, here's a thread for the positives from this year and our hopes for next year. Positives: Alston, Barnes and Osei were all better than we expected. It looks like we have the nucleus of a solid back four for some time to come. We made as many international signings who actually played and played well (2) as I can remember in any season in the past. Mansally has distinctly improved from last year, since he was put on the left. Hopes: Our injured core players will come back and have healthy seasons (note this is a hope, I'm not counting on it). The team is encouraged by the positive impact of Osei and Janny this year and does more in the international market. In a backhanded way, not making the playoffs (should it happen) may make us more active in the international signing market.
If they're still doing the "You suck" allocation, then that might also help get a player in next year.
Hopes: Joe-Max Moore takes over Mariner's job Philly takes Albright in the expansion draft Revs hire a full-time scout
Hopes: Wells is released once the season is over. Nyassi learns to put in a good cross during the off season
So, where's the hope? The bitch is in St. Louis... but I digress. Since the beginning is Steve Nicol's reign in New England I've never once called for him to be replaced....Until now. I don't think that Stevie is a bad manager, in fact I think he's damn good. If The Revs let him go his phone would be ringing off the hook from half of the MLS clubs remaining... But, as close as we've come in the past we just haven't gotten it done! And if this move were made I wouldn't stop at Stevie. If I were Bob Kraft I'd remove everyone that's involved with soccer operations from "soup to nuts" as PM says....And we start over. So I guess that's my hope. In reality.....Stevie Nicol will be the head coach next year and everyone else will return as well...
Hopes: - SN does not get to pick his assistant - Regardless who picks, the REVs get a good assistant with an offensive focus to offset SN (my perception of SN) - The Krafts re-define a successful season for SN to be "at least 45 points and make the playoffs." (Yes I know only Columbus is currently above 45) - They don't count on Twellman - Twellman is "loaned out" so they can find out in January if he can really play - If he can't play, that MLS/Krafts find an income neutral way for TNT to retire - Badilla, Tierny, Wells, and Albright go via expansion draft or trade - That the REVs pick 0 defenders in the Draft, violating the rule of picking the best available in favor of picking the best available at positions they need filled.
Good stuff. I think I agree with every point you've made. My only quibble is that I'd still like to see what Badilla can do as a Rev. Really like the idea of getting Twellman in condition and evaluated before training camp if there's any way it can happen.
hopes: kraft sells the club to someone who will give a shit and treat it like an investment worth investing in no nyassi no albright a true striker (to replace TnT as #1) TnT can get healthy -i'm not counting on it though
I agree about Alston and Barnes. They have earned another year of development. Hopefully with some competition for their jobs. Osei...not so much...he is just too loose on the ball. I am heartened by Mansally; I think he showed a real ability to play in quality balls from the wing.
Man, your hatred of Hope Solo is hilarious. Wowzers Anyway, the hope...well, as a Newcastle United fan and a lifelong Sox fan (as in, I didn't start paying attention in 1999) I can always find some granule of hope. But really, the way i feel right now about this team? I got your hope right here...
This is where I have my most hope, he's only 20, so he can still grow and be a descent player for MLS standards. Nyassi also 20 years old, I still think he has potential but disappointed that he didn't improve much from the previous year. I would give him one more year maybe two if he's cheap. I also hope that Thompson goes, nothing personal just business.
Hopes: We won't be seeing a SSS anytime soon..so could they please just put the GRASS back!!! And don't allow any passball practice on it..just games!