I think everyone is glad to hear that the Rev's are pushing hard for a first rate striker. It sounds like Nicol is of the opinion that adding such a player is vital to the squad's season. As a result, I don't think the angst will be dispelled, for Nicol or for fans, until that player is on-board and producing goals. We've been close before, no one should be breathing easy or patting themselves on the back until this is done.
Lets be honest...we will hear nothing concrete on the SSS until it is a done deal. The Krafts learned a long time ago not to let undone deals float out into the public (read southies reaction to the megaplex) i also found the tak about a DP to be surprising and VERY encouraging!!!....It seems like Nicol is dead on when summing up the needs of this club after last season...defense #1, striker #2!!
1) I think we all agree that not trying at all would be criminal negligence, but obviously even Man City has limits on what they can offer. The fact that Revolution FO is even talking to players of this caliber is encouraging. 1) It's not the end of the day. I know we're getting close to game on, but the news that there is a sincere effort is so refreshing that for me it buys them some more grace period. That's right.
Well, considering the season starts in a couple weeks, urgency is to be expected from those who have done little for months, years.
While I am optimistic about this information coming out of the Revs, the optimism is tempered by Revs track record. They've reached a point where the fans demand tangible results from them and not promises anymore. I really hope they are able to sign one, if not both, of those other forward DP targets they are still pursuing but it will only be good news when they announce the signing(s).
I think if you check back Nicol made it clear that they new they needed to make major changes and were committed to doing so. The urgency discussed above isn't recent. What was discussed in detail last night is just what the team was saying in more general terms at the end of last season. Do you honestly think the club isn't constantly on the lookout for player upgrades? The real hole in this is their propensity to silence which really plats the seeds for fear and distrust. To think that a man with Nicols background would settle for anything less than the best he can obtain just isn't logical.
I think the good news is that the revs are pursuing two additional DPs after the first two fell through. Do you not want a DP level striker?
I don't doubt that they have looked for players in the past. I don't doubt that they think they are working as hard as possible to find players each and every season. They have signed so few quality international players, that their track-record speaks for itself to this point. If that changes, then they will deserve credit. To this point they have not been urgent enough. Just because they say they are working hard trying to find players should not be reason to congratulate them, or consider it good *news*. It will be good news if/when they sign someone. Until then, it's all just words. Empty words. EDIT: Also, the part about Nicol's background being a reason why he wouldn't accept anything but the best he could obtain. I think their past history of signing international players refutes that statement entirely. they have obtained plenty of horrendous players in the past.
Well there was some suggestions on this board that they weren't even really pursuing a DP or a striker. And Nicol just came out and said it would be silly to start the season without one. I was getting worried, but knowing Nicol feels that DP is essential makes me fell a little better.
Of course they're not standing there lying to you or us. And if it makes you feel good to hear them essentially repeat the same things they've been saying for years and years and years, well, OK, feel better. I read the words Bilello said, and on one hand I'm encouraged that he hasn't walked his talking points back to Sunil's version of "Hey we built Gillette with soccer in mind -- so shaddup already". On the other hand, it could just as well have been words spoken in 2006. We're trying this, we're hoping for that, and maybe, just maybe, in three months, we'll have more (wait for it) ... progress. Progress? Really? And yes, I fully understand that he can't come out and pinpoint the locations, but progress? You -- feel better. Me -- at least I don't feel worse.
See, as much as you hate the negativity, this kind of blind following is just as annoying. Bringing back Khano definitely proves your point.
ON the two DP statement: did they seem to be saying they were pursuing two people with the idea that it will eventually result in one DP, or are they actually saying that they are trying to sign two DPs. Not asking what people think they will get done, but asking if they are really saying they are willing/trying to sign two DPs.
They are always looking, they are not lying, they are always going to succeed. It will be real news if they ever do succeed. So, while they are all nice people and they are trying, still no results and no really definable outlook on when they'll get results. SNAFU. Did anyone think to ask Nicol about how he sees the season panning out if they don't sign that striker? That's what I would have been interested to know.
I would actually classify the needs of this team after last year as Defense #1A and Striker #1B. They are both equally important, which is why it would be disappointing if we went into this year without addressing the Striker need (however, that is looking like it isn't the case). But other than that yes, it is great to see that the staff has recognized that we have these needs and need to fix them ASAP.
So do I. I would be really disappointed if the revs don't sign a DP/stiker this spring. Just saying that they're pursuing a DP isn't enough for me either. However, because of Nicol's specific comments, I firmly believe that the revs will sign a DP now (where as before I didn't).
No, it isn't. They've been stating that they needed to make major changes and were committed to doing so since, what, 2007 or so?
OMG you are totally drinking the Kool aid down there! JK I think the signs are mostly positive. I'm not sure if Nicol feels we NEED a DP as much as he feels we NEED a striker. He certainly sounded pessimistic about our chances without another goal scorer. He sounds very much like a "project" player and I have little confidence in their ability to nurture one of those judging by their past record. Of course with the reserve league back maybe they can do better with this one.