Jurgen Mainka, the Revs chief media guy and bona fide good guy, has accepted a position a similar position with the Colorado Rapids. His new title will include the word 'Director,' and is a significant promotion [As in more bling bling]. Personally, I'm deeply saddened by Jurgen's imminent move to the Rocky Mountains, but this is further proof you can't keep a good man down. Jurgen, the only person I know of Mexican and German heritage [fluent in both languages, too], has made a decided difference with the Revs. It's funny. Turnover with the Revs isn't just limited to the people who show up on pitch. If I'm not mistaken, he was the Revs third PR flak [Rafael Morfi and Derek Aframe came before him. The lesson here, boys and girls: basically, you work for the Revs, you better take a seat next to the door]. The Revs are actively searching for his replacement. Jurgen: Tu es cara de picha. And, I'm going to whoop your ass the next time I see you! Good luck, my man!
That's too bad. Jurgen IS a good guy. Just a quick request to the Krafts: Please, please, please, PLEASE don't let one of your Patriots flunkies take over this job. Not that I've got anything against the Pats - in fact, I love the Pats. But anyone who takes that position MUST know at least a little about soccer.
Damn, that's a shame. Jurgen is a genuine good guy, always willing to step in to do whatever was needed. He would serve as a Spanish translator to Gringo press types like me whose only words to Leonel Alvarez he could understand were "No hablo espanol, hablo frances. Aprendro el incorecto linguica en escuela." Jurgen, best of luck to you with the "Black and Blues" Tom
very disturbing to see yet another revs person of quality leave. i know everyone kept bashing me last year for using the rapids as an organization that seems like its "on the way up".....but it seems to be bearing out. btw...did the revs just lose a 3rd goalie here in case singer doesn't make it.
Damn. Another sad day in Revs history...another good guy leaves. Best of luck Jurgen, I wish you well. -john
Nothing to be embarassed about. For one thing, you're absolutely correct. What they're doing makes too much sense, especially in world where shortsightedness is endemic to many MLS franchises. In a lot of respects, Colorado should be a model for the rest of the League. You're also right on the 'keeper deal, too. The Revs have some big 'boots' to fill [I nominate Brian 'One Hung' Lowe as JM's replacement].
Definitely a loss to the Revolution. Juergen always seems to keep his cool and keep things functioning. It's a loss for the entire Revolution staff, as well as the media that cover the team.
I too wish Jurgen the very, very best in Colo. He's a fine person. Why, oh why does the team with "the greatest fans, blah, blah, blah" keep losing (read that as either a passive or active verb) good people? And Mike, I DON'T like the Pats very much at all and desperately pray we get a soccer person as PR honcho and not a lower echelon gorilla ball type. JIM DOW
I think it's the nature of the beast. The Revs are a money-losing operation, in the midst of a lousy economy with falling wages, so I imagine they are very tight with salaries and expenses, particularly those that don't DIRECTLY relate to the team's performance on the field. I'm guessing that another factor is that there is a pretty good supply of people interested in working for the team (at below market $$) because they love soccer, the Revs, pro sports, etc., or because they see it as an entry-level foothold in the pro sports world. All of this lends itself to high turnover, and isn't likely to change until the team and league get into the black.
You may be right. I suspect that if I was just out of school, on my own and looking to start out I'd try to get a job with the Revs. Of course now, in my declining years with two kids about to start college, well it is quite another matter. But your analysis of the situation makes sense. JIM DOW
At yesterday's practice, I was introduced to the individual who will be taking over Jurgen's duties. It is someone who is already a member of the Kraft's staff, and also has previous experience working on the Revs side of things. All I'll say here is, as handsome as Senor Mainka is, the new person is much better looking. Thanks to Jurgen for all his hard work over the last few seasons. We will be losing yet another hard working, passionate soccer person, and in my case, someone who has been tremendously helpful and a personal friend. Best wishes to both in their new positions.
All I'll say here is, as handsome as Senor Mainka is, the new person is much better looking." Meg Vaillancourt perhaps? The Magpie
Or, they could go the other route, and take a qualified, but retired, senior. I know a couple of the baggers at Roche Brothers who know a bit about soccer. Or, maybe Jim "Declining Years" Dow.