In case anyone missed it, during today's telecast of the Revs vs. Columbus, Rob Stone indicated that he was told by Taylor Twellman that he'd been contacted by two German Bundesliga clubs with an eye towards acquring him. This was not expanded upon, but an interesting piece of news none-the-less. The magpie
Because he's scored 47 goals in 73 games over 3 seasons with the Revs. sch: I don't believe it is, Twellman renegotiated after the 2002 season to get significantly more money, he should probably be signed through four seasons (so through 2006).
Thanks for the info, but if thats the case, I'm kind of surprised. Its not that Twellman isn't a good player (when he is healthy he's one heck of a player) but you normally only see Euro clubs go after an MLS player when they are out of contract because MLS is such a bitch to deal with.
Quite the contrary from what I heard. It was supposedly the post 9/11 environment that made him want to be back here. Pending a change in the US's stance in the world, I'd assume he would be perfectly comfortable returning to Germany.
Taylor will be right where he started next season, stinking it up for the Revolution until the playoffs start.
That is a BS myth. Every player is available for a price. Just because the Euro clubs did not meet the MLS asking price does this make the MLS tough to deal with ? Also, remember its along way from a club telling a player and his agent that they are interested in a purchase and having the sale actually come about.
He sat on the bench for 1860. If he goes back, he's certainly not going to be riding the pine anymore.
Not quite true. He was on the reserves and was their leading scorer. Despite this, the coach told him he wouldn't start for the first team for two more years. That is the major reason he left. I am not sure he ever made the bench for the first team. Given the right situation he (like most of the MLS players) would move to Europe in a heart beat. Most athletes welcome the challenge to play at the highest level, especially when they make 4 x to 10 x what they are making here.
2002 and 2003? That was ages ago in the soccer world. And why didn't he go then? He doesn't score with any regularity in MLS unless it's inside the six yard box and he's always hurt. If I'm a European team, that's exactly what I want to spend some cash on. He'll be here until he retires! Ching is the one that should go to the EPL right now, and head home 20 goals a year.
Is Hawaii part of the EU ? Didn't think so. Chings got to make a few more starts for BA before the EPL comes calling.
Speaking of Mathis, there's actually a bit of a resemblance: 2003 Mathis -- 2019 minutes played, 9 goals, 1 assist 2004 Twellman -- 2050 minutes played, 9 goals, 1 assist Mathis didn't score in the playoffs, though ... maybe Hannover is after TT?
The difference between '03 Mathis '04 Twellman is that Mathis had a huge goal draught in the second half of the year, while twellman was injured in the first half of the year, but got back on track near the end. Anyway, if I were a German club I wouldn't sign a player with injury problems coming off his worst season in his MLS career. I'd wait and see if he could stay healthy and have a great season and then sign him.
Sounds like old Taylor is using a possible offer from Euro as leverage for a new deal, he doesn't want to leave MLS for a bench in Germany. BTW, he's already been there and done that.
i'm pretty sure the Bruce would also be interested in another player who'd have familiarity with the german fields for WC 06. i really admire twellman as a player and believe that the german clubs took notice of his great play at the reserve level and at MLS...he could be a cheaper version of donovan (in terms of offensive talent notoposition) and could make it big ....he'd be less expensive than beasley and mcbride (who have more international experience) so TT wouldn't be much of a risk for a euro club in my opinion