Well, every ego driven kid... well scratch that ... make it every ego driven parent will be targeting ASG so that thier kid can become the next big discovery. I cannot speak about the club 1st hand, however they have a young talent developer that is becoming legendary in a short time. Some Brazilian guy they call Coach Z. The local club thing has always been more about perception over substance. And consequently when a concentration of athletes seek out what they perceive, it becomes reality. Development is such a long term process, and so hard to measure. I would like to know what you guys know about Dir as a youth developer. Is he really hands on developing, or is he simply a marketing vehicle for a group of investors? I'm not implying anything, I am simply asking. As for how the hell a guy like wRongen got a gig over Dir in MLS baffles me. How many coaches have the resume in American soccer as does Big Dave? I enjoy his TV work greatly. He is the MLS version of John Madden, (physical attributes aside.) While yes "congrats", I think he deserves better.
I hope the new job doesn't keep him from broadcasting FC Dallas games. Dave Dir and Bob Sturm are my favorite broadcasting combination. No offense to Brad Sham who is also wonderful.
Because the people that hired him were "Mexicanos", and they always have had a mancrush of sorts with Dutch Futbol. I wouldn't mind seeing a Big Dave have a second tour of duty in Dallas. The skills he has acquired as part of the media would make him an invaluable asset in the marketing aspect of the team. Not to mention that the team would be guaranteed to win a great majority of its home games.
The question is sort of do these coaches develop the players or by reputation do the best players seek them out and then they add to the talent already there. No way to answer really. A scientist could set up 4 groups and follow them for 10 years and ...... ASG is set up very good administratively. Your kid goes out there and you get emails from the coach and big Dave talking him up. The website is top notch as is the philosophy set forth on it. They have not been around long enough to judge but intriguingly they are set up as a national club. They will try and have age group all stars tour Europe. Sort of their own ODP or Bradenton if they pull it off. Your Rongren connection is he was involved as an advisor in ASG. Maybe more involved than that.
theodore, I've never seen Z in action but, I too have heard he is awesome. He does have a '95 boys team that is supposed to be killer. As for Dir, I was actually just talking to a guy last night whose kid plays for ASG. He told me Dir actually runs 1 to 2 practices a month for that team. I am assuming he does the same for each team within the club. I really think this club is going to be a top notch club in a short period of time. Most of the coaches Dir brings in are quality coaches with loads of playing experience. Z, Oscar Pareja, Oscar Pisano, Carlos Salguero, and Scott Garlick to name a few. Dir does have a lot of irons in the fire but with the coaches he's got, I think he's covered.
I've always liked Dave Dir. I miss the old "Extratime" show. His broadcast skills weren't the most polished then, but his 'coaches viewpoint' tactical breakdown was the highlight of the show for me.
I already know the first question being asked by the opposition players, "What the hell are Pizza the Hut(Sigi) and Barf(Dir) doing as the coaches?"
Please don't insult Dave like that. MNF is barely watchable with that clown in the booth. Worst national commentator in all major US sports.
John Madden is the best commentator in all of sports television. but opinions are like a**holes, everyone has one and they all stink.
Carefull how you word that. Have you seen 3rd's "opinion" lately? If not another one, he may consider at least retooling his 'cause the guy on the bowflex commercial he ain't! What you should have said is no one needs "more than one."
I like John Madden. I also like Dave Dir. I wonder if he will be able to keep up his TV gig as well as his coaching duties. Rongen was able to do both.
Sorry buzz, I couldn't resist. In all fairness, I am proud to say I have absolutely no idea how big your arse is. Don't worry though, I'm not quite as svelt as I used to be either!
LMAO! Don't exacly know why... but that's funny. Best of luck to Dir. Who are the starting 11 U-20 players right now?