NERevolution on twitter: The #Revs have added long-time soccer coach Jay Miller as Heaps' primary assistant and former D Nick Downing as strength & conditioning coach.
Nothing against the guy, but why is the newest item in his bio 2002? What has he done in the past 10 years? I could see a guy with that kind of background being a good hire in the early MLS years, but is he really the guy who can recruit players from good quality leagues in Latin America and second-tier leagues in Europe?
So...Jay's new assistant was working in the State Department? Maybe he can get the visas faster for our new DP's?
I'm sure there's a reason this was on a Tampa TV station web site, but besides Miller, the Revs have hired Nick Downing as strength and conditioning coach.
Interesting. Can't really say much else because there's not really a lot about him out there as far as I can tell.
Why does that name ring a bell? Did he used to play for us back in the old days? EDIT: Just read the bio on the site in Firstshirt's post. Yep, he was one of our draft picks in 2001.
Here is the official link from the team's website with more info http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2012/01/revolution-fills-out-team-staff
This is what got him the gig... Under the "Pro Endorsement" section on Nick's website. “Nick has been a tremendous help to me throughout my professional soccer career. His knowledge and techniques have given me the extra bit of strength and sharpness I need. It is a pleasure to train in an environment where Nick and his PPT colleagues enjoy what they do and make it a very warm and welcoming place to be. - Khano Smith, Professional Soccer Player, New England Revolution
Sounds like a good guy to have around when Academy players are training with the professionals. Heaps seems high on him from a tactical perspective, which we certainly could use. I think I would have preferred a bit more experience with professional clubs. Not clear if we're "settling" or if we're thinking outside the box.
I think it has more to do with the fact this team has a lot of young players who could use some coaching. Besides bringing in new talent, I think Heaps wants to see if he can get more out of what the team already has.
C'mon Tom, wipe off those mental cobwebs! I believe he was one of our first Project-40 (remember that?) signings but saw limited time for the Revs... played in only a handful of games. This was back in the Halcyon days when the Riders were getting harassed and profiled by the State Police, Craig Tornberg still had a ponytail and Daryl Groff was still brewing some wicked home brew.
Well after reading his bio this guy certainly knows the sport. I kind of like this appointment, this guy's assumed tactical experience and knowledge could partner Jay's knowledge of the league as a whole well. Can't complain about hiring a fitness coach either, I remember hearing some players had said training sessions were a bit of a joke under Nicol.
I think you also have to consider the networks he likely has with US Soccer and Youth programs. That's going to be important when your identifying young players to bring into the program over the next couple of years.
Evan, did the P40 program eventually morph directly into the GA program or was their a break in time between the two programs?