That would appear to clear it up then. From the tea leaves, apparently Souness wants to see if McBride is interested, and on what terms, before entering into negotiations with MLS. And the league DID fudge the thing a bit a couple days ago when they told Bergin that "no formal approach" had been made. So unless someone is prepared to say Souness is just flat lying, then we have to conclude that there's something, maybe not an imminent deal but something going on.
The interesting thing is he keeps saying he's waiting for a reply from McBride. I think it's been close to a week since this "Rovers" thing came public and who knows how long before it was made public that Souness talked to McBride's agent. Sounds to me like Souness has his answer if your reading the tea leaves.
Hasn't McBride previously stated he doesn't want another loan agreement, or something to that effect? I have no doubt that Blackburn already know about his feelings on the matter...so I would assume this is a significant offer.
It is taking a long time to get the story on Brian's take, isn't it? Since it still appears to be a loan, maybe McBride is still waiting on how he'll properly reply....through MLS, of course, "I DONT WANT TO JUST BE LOANED YOU *#*#*#*#S!!!!!!!" That, or maybe his phone's broken.
Seriously. People need to quit *#*#*#*#*#ing with McBride. If someone is interested they need to cough up the cash. No more loan deals.
Well now we know Paul Stretford is McBride's Agent. So what we do is have a whip round for some cash. Dress up Mr. Dion in a suit and send his ass over there to pretend he's Paul Stretford.
I know your point, but it's more complicated than what it may seem. Does he move his family overseas or play over there by himself? Fozzy, Ned, familiar faces, familiar country. Souness, new land, more money perhaps, maybe without wife and kids... But at last check it sounded like he was committed to Columbus. And if at was McBride's age, he's probably not looking for long-term overseas deals. But it would probably only be for three years max and he has kids at home.
Just a thought...I wonder if they've made it be known they'll make this full time if he performs well. We all know McBride doesn't want another loan, which makes me think that perhaps they've made some sort of promise it may not be.
Well if that's the case, then you would have to believe that the reply would be swift. An "F" followed by an emphatic "U". But the Ned and Fozzy road show has got to be grinding on him. "They" say it's good to have options. But "they" weren't talking about these kind of options.
I think that Friedel being at Blackburn would make a difference in assimilating into the community. At Everton, he was the only Yank on the club.
Speaking as a United fan, I would hope that McBride and MLS do not accept any loan deal. Ben Olsen's loan to Nottingham Forest - and the consequent injuries that came from playing way too much in that 12 month period - was a disaster from which Ben's health and play has never recovered. McBride is a jewel of the league and of the national team (much as Olsen was before his injuries), and a loan deal only puts his health and value to MLS at risk. If Blackburn wants him, they should buy him.
Don't like Ben, eh? I won't disagree with you on principle - I think McBride is clearly the best target forward the US has ever produced. But people forget how good Olsen was before his injury.
Just do it From what I understand, his kids are both pretty young, and no pregnant wife this time ( Having moved with a pregnant wife, it is a big deal), also I think the Blackburn situation is a lot better. Friedel is there (not only USMNT teammate but also former Crew teammate). For him, he could get a good boost in pay. And I don't plan to understand his financial situation, but when he retires I doubt he'll have the financial security of many other pro stars that don't really have to worry about where the money is coming from. So this could help him get a good nest egg on securing perminant spot on Backburn. Also Blackburn doesn't have an established target forward, and McBride could be it. As a crew fan I would hate to lose him, love his vision and everything he does for the Crew off the ball along with on it. Most of all I hope the man does what is best for him and his family, the most important thing. Just get USMNT to Germany 2006, so I have a great reason to get there for the WC.
All quiet on the BRFC Supporter's site, other than the running poll about whether Blackburn should bring in McBride is running about 60/40 against. Nothing about his being a Yank. It's primarily about age and accomplishment.
Perhaps, but when Blackburn brought on both Cole and Yorke, each for the most part was washed up. At least McBride still is productive.
Since we're on a string of firsts here, could we ask to get this sort of news from the Crew once in awhile instead of getting all our info from some guy in York?
I'm still waiting for the Crew to say something to put this to rest. Maybe McBride could say something or at least have Smith/Andrulis come out and say that he is staying with this club. i'm left wondering what really is happening when only TWO people in this whole world say that they don't think this deal will happen anymore (Bergin, Mahoney)