Re: International Friendlies: New England vs. Manchester United and U.S. vs. Spain Sharlie = Rooney all ugly contest they are both hideous. I'll give Rooney the edge on a drinking contest.
I would say Holland was the biggest friendly we've played at home, with Ireland and England right behind. But I'm with Monty - this is the defending WC champs not even a year removed facing off against the USMNT who just so happen to have a slightly bigger public presence/Q factor than 10 years ago.
I liked Haiti. Ireland had people arriving in limos, waving the irish flag out the sunroof. Buses of drunk Irish supporters arriving... never saw anything like it Wonder if they'll bring in grass? Hope so. I will go to the USA game with a small group im sure. Probably join the local outlaws too ASAP lol They look like more fun than Sam's army (already in that) On another note.... will Foxboro's new law stop the pregame parties or is the stadium private property and they can only come in there if there's a problem?
The new law doesn't prevent any pre-game parties, but it will also be enforced in the Parking Lots by Foxboro PD so just beware that if you make an ass out of yourself pre or post game then you might get fined $200. Let's hope fans and police officers use their best judement when adhering or enforcing the law.
Just throwing this out there but apparently the parent company who owns Manchester United, Red Football reported a net loss of $171.5 million last year. There have been rumors floating around that the Glazers might be willing to sell if there was a competitive offer made. Any chance that the Krafts might even be willing to throw an offer out there considering that John Henry made a big splash by netting Liverpool FC?
Kraft has no interest in getting involved with European football. He's said countless times that he hates transfer fees and thinks that they'd be better off with a salary cap as well.
Ya like I said just thought it might be interesting considering Kraft said he might be interested in owning an EPL club but that the rules would have to be different with some type of salary cap. Manchester United is the biggest club in the world so one would think a guy like Kraft would have some interest.
I don't think he's got that much money. Once you subtract his interest in fixed assets like the Pats, the stadium, Patriot Place, the Revs, Kraft enterprises, etc., I don't think there remains the means for that kind of bid (especially considering he's going to need some money for this new stadium).
In other words, he's the epitome of American Capitalism, a dyed-in-the-wool free marketer. I'm happy to rake in all the money as long as there are tight controls on things like labor. And if the council won't take money from hospitals and schools and police so they can build him a new stadium (to be fair, this is most other US owners, not Kraft), he'll just hold a gun to their head and move the team to London. That should work! For what new stadium? Old Trafford has a pretty large capacity and has been renovated piece by piece several times over the past few years...
I knew someone was going to pick on that. But, as long as they're saying they're going to build a new stadium, they better be keeping some funds set aside for it.
Why do we have to keep having the team play friendlies in the midst of the season? I understand the problem with our season being at the wrong time, etc. But why risk injury and waste energy with these games? If the goal is to win new fans, then it darn well should be a double header with a Revs regular season match. Let two big name teams play each other to draw the crowd. And if it is only about making money, then play that match as a stand alone. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see the Revs embarrass ManUre. In fact, I'd love to see ManUre lose to anyone, but as a Revs fan I want to protect the team I support. OTOH, US-Spain...well done!
Yes, but I wish it didn't include the Revs. What I meant was do a stand alone game with two big name teams if it is only about the money. If the goal is to recruit fans have that match as a draw in a double header with a Revs league match.
That wouldn't help the following at all. In this situation, I think it's safe to say that the majority of the fans would either show up only in time for the non-Revs game (if Revs play first) or leave early after the non-Revs game (if Revs play second). If your goals are to produce revenue and brand (team) awareness via a friendly involving a "major" club, the best way to do that is to have the Revs play that club.
Personally, I don't think either way has been shown to get new fans. And putting that as a doubleheader will generally keep most people in the seats only for the non-MLS game (as we saw when we had to move our game to 6pm or whatever on a Friday night so Brazil could play in the second game).
I never said it would work LOL My feeling about the Revs playing a friendly like this is that it risks injury and it ends up painting them in a bad light. I don't see the value. Although, I must admit that being present at the "Where in Ireland is Glasgow?" song was well worth the price of admission.
I really like seeing the Revs play teams for other leagues (I wish we were in Superliga again this year). It's pretty entertaining to see a different style than the same ole/same ole MLS - and I think it helps the team's development in being exposed to different ways of playing. Last year we got beaten pretty badly in our friendlies, because we were severely undermanned. But, over the years, that's been the exception to the rule. We've done well in some, been beaten in others, but not too often embarrassed.
I agree completely. Often the foreign matches are the highlight of the season for me...after playoffs. Don't forget about the added atmosphere in Gillette. Although it is usually anti-Rev...it fuels my fire to really want to beat the opposing team. Difficult for me to do vs. RSL when 12 travelling fans come out due to distance and cost.