http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/07/sports/soccer/08SOCCER.html "MetroStars defender STEVE JOLLEY has completed his contract with M.L.S. and could end up playing in Europe. Jolley, who will turn 27 next Tuesday, had a base salary of about $50,000 this past season. His agent, PATRICK McCABE, said teams in Belgium, Germany and France had expressed interest." Looks like no MLS-held options or the like. He played out his deal, and he's now free to move about the country (or the world). No need to worry about any Jolley-Petke feuds next year, it seems! My money is on "Jolley to Europe."
And being out of contact is worth alot in Europe at the moment. It is the only way to move permenant players outside of the transfer windows. Must be a few clubs would pay about $5000 a week for a central defender. Bit better than $50000 a year. Sponge
Berhallter commands about $5k a week at Cottubus right now, so I don't know if Jolley will get such a high sum, though if he can, I hope he will do it and work towards a 2006 spot.
Why wouldn't any Euro side want a mediocre defender who has poor ball handling skills & poses no offensive threat?
Amen. This is called posturing. And look where it has got people like DiGamarino, Chris Albright, etc.
I for one hope he resigns and plays for a coach that allows him to play to his strengths and actually forsters team unity.
I hate to admit it, but I'm actually very happy for the guy. Not only does he seem to be a good guy (Humanitarian of the year), but he battles every game. In my view he was one of the very few bright spots on this team thhis past season. I hope he goes on to greener pastures, and no one can say he has not given his due to MLS.
At Bergin's site, there is a Spanish side interested in an unexpected MLS player. The links are agent to club, not mentioning MLS, which implies a free agent. I really like Jolley as a player, but that level seems beyond him. Maybe as a spare defender for relegation bait, or maybe Racing Ferrol (2nd div.). I know, it's not necessarily Jolley, but there aren't that many quality players out of contract.
Good for Jolly ! a player would not play at his fullest strength unless the team is under the right management. Metrostars is not well managed. If I were Jolly I will move on... Jolly, we will miss you.
We think that Jolley's not good enough to go to Europe. We thought Greg Vanney wasn't either and he played for a small side over there in France (they give up too fast). It could happen.
the transfer window in europe doesn't open until january i believe, so he's not going anywhere anytime soon.
Sunderland for example? They could use help everywhere on the field except the position Claudio Reyna plays.
Umm Vanney I rate a lot higher than Jolley. And he went to one of the worst teams in not the most competitive league in Europe.
He's gettin paid tho. That's what Jolley wants, you figure... Yes, we know that Vanney's left-sided. Right-sided defender like Joley, dime a dozen. I see you point.
How much would you like to bet? Steve's going nowhere. He bought a home in Weehawken last year and he's very involved in local community affairs. He's one of those guys who would rather play here for $100K than overseas for a bit more. Jolley's agent is just doing his job by claiming bogus offers.