The Dallas Morning News reports Mike Jeffries has signed a 2 year deal with the Burn: http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/soccer/stories/010703dnspoburn.7c0ce79.html Other interesting tidbits from the article: "Rodriguez, a fan favorite, could still return to the Burn under a new contract, but that's not likely, Jeffries said." and "Jeffries said defender/midfielder Paul Broome has re-signed, and goalkeeper Matt Jordan is in Portugal, where he's exploring other options."
I guess we'll know at the end of the two years if Jeffries is the second coming of David Dir (4 or 5 years of holding the middle ground), or actually able to elevate the Burn to something higher, and even a MLS Cup. With all that talent you guys have, the latter seems quite possible. It's in Mike's hands now.
Nobody else seems to be turning cartwheels over this, but I wanted to sound off and say that I'm glad that we've got Jefferies for a while longer. We're only in the position of having a glut of talent because of his ability to trade and draft as well as he does. So hats of to him. Of course if we don't win a trophy this year I say we hang him to a sour apple tree.
Well since I have only recently sarted following the Burn more than just because they are in Dallas, this helps for several reasons. 1. You have him for 2 yrs so you don't have to worry abit him bailing next season. 2. Gives him 2 seasons to improve the team and take them where they need to go. 3. Prove his critics either right or wrong. 4. Allows the Players to have a Coach they are familar with and not have to learn a new system.
I think no one is turning cartwheels because it has long been assumed that he would be back. And, I for one am gald to see him back. I imagine he learnt a lot last season about managing a team throughout the season and that experience will help this year.
I'll do some cartwheels, he's the best coach we've had and I don't know of anyone better now. but thats just my opinion.
http://www.soccer365.com/Home/page_89_44465.shtml I'm still waiting for him to best Dave Dir. El gordo was .500 too, rarely lost home matches & got tossed in the playoffs too. :yawn: Except he did it w/ a motley crue of a backline and underachieving primadonnas like Alain Sueter, Damian & whatever that sorry excuse 4 an argentine defender's name was. Jeffries has far better players & yet the results were the same. Mich like northside, I don't think anyone was surprised by this. What were they going to do, fire someone that got the team to the playoffs? if we can't get to the 2nd round, it's time to lop off his head & go back to the coaching carrousel for someone lie Fitzgerald or Zambrano.
Jeffries has far better talent, but that's a credit to Jeffries for putting it together. All other things being equal, I give the nod to Jeffries for this reason. His downfall may one day be not being able to get the talent he put together to do something in the playoffs. That's what we have to wait and see.
I agree totally. I'ts one thing to do such a stellar job with personnel, but it's a totally different story to be able to motivate them. Oscar is passionate, very well respected by his peers, but not as an in your face motivator. Obviously this is a difficult role to fill. Not everyone can walk that 'fine line' of capturing the respect of your teammates and at the same time be able to 'get-in-their-face' when it's needed. This is one of the main reasons why I want Andy to pick up a veteran that can fill this role. I'm not going to mention any names here because I've been told it's 'hurting our chances' to get said person.... BUT, there may be one 'somewhat available' right now. It could mean the Cup for us.