Klute just got called up to USMNT! What a journey! Someone needs to make a documentary about this guy.
Silverbacks to announce new manager Tuesday morning: http://www.atlantasilverbacks.com/fc/news/item/new-manager-to-be-introduced-tuesday Fans are invited, which is great because none of their fans have jobs and can rush down during work hours with only a day's notice. Oh well, still excited to hear who we've got leading the charge.
Just saw that, you beat me to it. Eric seems to really like the team and he's always talked about coaching full time so I would welcome it with open arms. Plus he definitely seems to have a great eye for new, unexplored talent.
Now the rumor is Eric is only signed on for the Spring season: https://twitter.com/JeffreyCarlisle/status/420225637526544384 Not really a fan of that if true. We don't need inconsistency again. Also got an email from the team saying they've signed some people but are waiting to announce the new coach first. Tomorrow could be really exciting.
As we all knew yesterday, Eric Wynelda was named manager. The article made it sound like this is an ongoing position, not just Spring Season. Here's the part of the press release I didn't expect: So I guess he will use skype or something similar??? http://www.atlantasilverbacks.com/fc/news/item/wynalda-to-manage-from-technical-director-role
Supposedly he will be there for "key training days" and for actual game days, but for most of the week he'll leave training and other actions up to assistants. It's really more of a Manager position more than what we're used to here in the States, just that he will be thousands of miles away. It's weird, sure, but with today's technology it's not like he'll have zero presence. And if he picks the right assistants to work on key activities and tactics then it won't really be that big of a difference. Who knows if it will work or not. Now we just need to know who's on the damn team already.
A more in-depth look at what we can expect this year with Wynalda's system: http://www.atlantasilverbacks.com/fc/news/item/press-conference-transcript-part-i
So, Haynes was deviating from Waldo's system? Interesting. I wonder if they will change Wynalda's title to Manager & Technical Director since he will be managing (not coaching exactly, as they explained).
for those purist who whined about the Cosmos. How is this good for the league to have a part time Manager?
Part II of the Press Conference transcript: http://www.atlantasilverbacks.com/fc/news/item/wynalda-press-conference-transcript-part-ii
My favorite part is the extended pre-season starting in February! Also, the more I hear about this the better I feel. I think they could've done a better job initially describing what the hell they were attempting.
Part 3 of the transcript: http://www.atlantasilverbacks.com/fc/news/item/wynalda-press-conference-transcript-part-iii I agree with him that there's literally talent everywhere but people aren't giving them a chance. "A lot of people around the NASL will just look at players that fell off a MLS roster and want to come back and get playing time. They’re just assuming that because that player was in MLS, they’re going to be successful. Anyone that is going to be a part of my team will be wanting to make the jump up, not fall into a hole."
Just saw this in the comments on soccerbyives: "Wynalda is dedicated to the cause here in Atlanta. I actually met him tonight at the restaurant that I work at and he was taking goalkeeper Joe Nasco out to dinner to discuss re-signing with the Silverbacks. It was cool seeing him be involved with the team/players first hand even with this new long distance coaching strategy."
Well ATL will not be able to compete with the Cosmos in terms of salary, so they will have to try the scouting model. Find young undiscovered players, competing with them (not always winning) and then watching them move on to other teams (for free or for a fee) Their success will depend on Wynaldas ability to replenish this source on a constant basis.
Waldo on the Soccer By Ives podcast: http://www.soccerbyives.net/2014/01/episode-103-eric-wynalda.html
Stopped by for the first tryout session. I did a rough count and got about 50-60 guys on the field. A couple of them looked promising to myself and one of my Westside pals. We were sitting behind the coaching staff and they seemed to like the same guys. If we get 2-3 out of the session for the first team I bet the team would call it a success. Plus they may find a few that would be a good fit for the NPSL squad. I think there is another tryout in Feb plus the NASL combine still to find some new talent.
Boom! Finally a signing. And a good one. While I hate it for Horth that his MLS stay was so short, I'm thrilled we got him back.