Looks like starting next year I'm gonna be in Boston, so since I've been looking for an MLS team I suppose I'm gonna become a Revs supporter. And yes, this despite all the whining about the Krafts. I guarantee you that Huddersfield's being run much worse. [For an example, we tried to fire our manager this year. He was fired, they agreed on a compensation package as he was being booted out the door...and then when the board realized they couldn't afford to pay him to leave they changed their mind and told him to stay and run the team. We held a bucket collection and then spent most of the money raised that day to pay the appearance bonus of a midfielder subbed in for another midfielder in the 90th minute. Etc.] Oh, and I might as well raise a question, too. Would Dante Washington (released recently) be a good fit? I know the Revs are looking for more creative options, and he's at least a proven MLS player.
Welcome. You sound like you'll fit in nicely with our gang. As to Washington I don't see the Revs signing him although he's always been a good MLS forward and he still had gas in his tank last year. The problem is Cap and small rosters. If we were carrying 20-22 senior players he would be a good addition. Unfortunately he's being squeezed out of the league like a whole bunch of good bench players like Cloutier and many others. I suspect he will end up in the A-League if someone doesn't pick him up just before the season. George
Charles, Welcome! I've heard some of the problems associated with Huddersfield and it seems a right unfortunate situation: serious financial concerns, front office problems, and a club that's struggling to avoid the drop into the 3rd Division. Hopefully the supporters trust there can make a significant, positive contribution. As for Dante Washington? I think he'd be a good attacking option for any MLS team, but in understanding the MLS salary/contract structure and appreciating his age, who knows what his options are at this point. I think he still has a few good years left in him, and can still be an impact player for the right club. The Revolution really need an attacking midfielder who can both hold the ball up and push the attack.... we really can't expect Ralston to provide the bulk of the service this year no matter his quality. Nowak seemingly would have satisfied both, and it seems like Nicol is being exceptionally careful in who he picks. The Magpie
gee that sure does seem a right unfortunate situation over there. anyone know what dante costs? in the ball park of wolde? just wondering what the market for a 3rd forward looks like right now...
It's a good question, especially when it seems Moore might have to fill in at midfield for the time-being, and without any clear depth behind Wolde and Twellman... no disrespect to Dimelon Westfield who's still at Clemson if I'm right. Problem is, if we only have $100,000 in the kitty to spend, then I don't see how the Revs can get their attacking midfielder and added depth at forward. Wouldn't mind having Washington though if the circumstances allowed for it. The Magpie
Does *anybody* know if JMM is okay? He didn't play against LDA, had an MRI done, etc..... The answer to that question would help me decide if a bid for Dante is worthwhile. He's a player I have always admired.
I think Dante will be lost on 'cap land', as far as MLS teams speculations go. Besides, ManInBlack... you're just a Galaxy defender... Why do I want to dance with aliens now?
I think the next ones on the depth chart at forward, after Moore, TT and Harris, are Griffiths and Noonan - whichever isn't playing midfield. And then there's always Ibrahim Kante - although I've yet to hear anything about how ready he is to contribute. I'm sure hoping Westfield gets signed up when he finishes school, but other than that, I doubt there'll be any more roster additions at forward. As for Moore at midfield, I don't think I've heard Nicol ever acknowledge that he's considered that as an option. That'd be a good question for "meet the coach" though.
Remember, he will need to be an SI in a senior roster slot because of his age. He cannot be put in a Dev Roster slot. Who would you cut to put him on the roster???
Right now, we should have one SI slot and one senior roster spot available. This assumes than nobody moves from the developmental to the senior roster. The Revs have one more central midfielder to look at that we know of. If we don't sign him, then that spot could go to Westfield. If we do sign him, I'd guess it would come down to Westfield vs Griffiths. Right now, we only have two central mids, DH and Leo. Noonan looked pretty good at left mid, and he played ahead of Griffiths in both games. If we don't sign the attacking mid Nicol is looking for, I'd keep up the search and use Kamler as a backup to DH and Leo, and start JMM up top. You could either start Noonan on the left or start Kamler and have Noonan back up Ralston and slide into that spot when you need Kamler in the middle. That would leave Griffiths/Westfield to back up both wings (when Kamler was in the middle). JMM might be a decent midfielder, but striker is his best spot and he'd probably get beat up less if you keep him out of the midfield. Kamler seemed to be more effective when he cut to the middle than staying wide and beating people to the corner and sending in crosses. He's also a good defender. The optimum solution would be to sign a stud attacking mid, this suggestion is what I'd do with the roster we currently have.
Right now, we only have two central mids, DH and Leo. True, but they're both defensive midfielders. We need an attacking midfielder. The Magpie
I agree, but if Leo or DH get injured then we're going to have some serious issues. If Nicol can't find the attacking mid he wants he'll still need to add a D-mid or a DH/Cullen "tweener" type.