Wow. I am somewhat surprised, but I suspect it will be another 1-year deal. Good for Brian-- he's still high quality for Fulham.
Is Brian McBride the next Teddy Sheringham? Discuss. (Teddy Sheringham has started 97 games and scored 37 goals since turning 35, plus another 43 starts and 28 goals in FA Cup, League Cup, and League Championship).
That would be the ultimate compliment. Teddy, while he may be older than Methuselah, has still produced despite age. Teddy has done quite a bit for the younger players at West Ham and I'd love to see Brian take on that type of role. Maybe a player-coach could be in the works. He's a class individual who's earned the respect of the folks both Stateside and abroad. A future manager, i hope!
Tell you what. McBride may have not seen his last action for the USNT. If he stays healthy and effective, and none of the younger guys steps up, i could see him coming in for the seminfinal round of Qualies in 08.
It's actually easier to be McBride's type striker than Sheringham's withdrawn forward. Brian's offensive game is about reading the game, positioning and heading. Teddy has to run a lot more for his supper but Brian is capable of that also. BTW, a new deal is nice but I am sure Brian doesn't want to take a pay cut either.
Eh, let the guy spend some time with the fam. Our new strikers will need all pressure games they can get. Then again...if somehow we find ourselves in a one-off situation...better keep him (and Keller) on the speed dial.