Sounds like a smart lad. I wish him luck -- he's young and already has several years of pro experience. Could be a valuable pickup for some team.
Wow, I didn't realize there was an American playing (or not as it seems) for Kidderminster. Since they were a `local' team when I lived in the southern reaches of Birmingham, I've kind of followed them since they were in the Conference. I've been hoping for further moves upwards. It'll be interesting to see how he makes out in MLS.
another defender who "lacks height". i know they exist, but this is a species that we don't need more of.
Perhaps. But when they say a defender "lacks height" in England it probably means he is under 6'2". Does anyone know exactly how tall this kid is?
I believe he's 5'10" or 5'11". As the article says, maybe too small for a central back in a three-man line, especially in England, but if he's got speed, quickness and/or a good read of the game he'll find a spot. Lots of folks were slagging off Nelson Akwari after a rough U20 tournament but he has acquitted himself well in MLS so far.
He's an outside back. I believe he's 5'9". I don't care how big the outside backs are. Miroslav Klose is 5'10" believe it or not.
From the article, on MLS: "There's not a lot of money in it at the moment but the rewards are there if you do well." I wonder if Ian's been reading the Taylor Twellman story.
Not to split hairs, but according to this link - http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/en/t/t/pl/182206/index.html - he is 182 cm, which is 71.65 inches (2.54 cm = 1 inch), which makes him a tad shy of 6 feet.
Looks like the story and quotes came from the Kidderminster website: http://www.harriers.premiumtv.co.uk/today/view/breaking_news_detail/0,,10438~321790,00.html? Registration is required. You can apparently listen to audio and also leave "messages of good will" for Ian online.
How long was he in England? Did he have any college offers before he went over? How good can he be if he can't get off the bench for a conference team?
OK, so Klos is basically the same size as Taylor Twellman. A lot of people have this fetish for height because we lost to Germany....Sanneh was marking Ballack, a guy he's at least equal to in size. Pope is 6' also. Back to Joy, last season he appeared in 20 games. This year, a new coach came in who uses a 3-5-2 and thus the bench has been his home. I think he could reach a Kamler type level, I wouldn't expect him to be a national team star though.
Sign the American understanding of the game has not caught up to our recent showing in the WC: We still think being taller matters in soccer. Look at the rosters of Real Madrid and any Italian team. You will see about a 5' 6" average for defenders.
The only Real Madrid defender close to 5'6" is Roberto Carlos, who isn't exactly known for his defense. Hierro is 6'1", Ivan Helguera and Pavon are 6'2".
Ian Joy is about 5-8 150. Basically Wade Barrett, Steve Cherundolo, or Seth Trembly range. Ian Joy is a leftback/wingback. Of course with Barrett playing well (in 2002) as a centerback, whose to say Joy, Cherundolo, or Trembly can't? On a side note: Miroslav Klose is - as someone pointed out - a bit over 5-11 and 165. Twellman is 5-11 and 170. Both Klose and Twellman play like Alan Shearer, who is 6-0, 170. I sure hope Twellman's height ("lack of") hasn't been brought up (in defense of) because people think he isn't tall enough to play as a forward? It would be good for Joy to get into MLS and develope.
Well, Kidderminster is actually in the 3rd Division, having won promotion from the Conference a couple seasons back, but your point remains. If he can't start for a mid-table 4th Division side, I don't see him doing a lot in MLS, unless his soon-to-be former gaffer is less than competent. However, I thought this thread was going to be about Ian Feuer, who would probably have even less of a chance to make it in MLS.
thanks for the clarification. I was thinking of the Kidderminster side I managed 2 or 3 years ago on my football manager game.
From the rosters of few randomly chosen La Liga and Seria A squads. Only the defenders. Barcelona Oleguer 6' 2" Andersson 6' 1" Christanval 6' 1" Tortelero 6' 0" Reiziger 5' 10" de Boer 5' 10' Puyol 5' 10" Valencia Navarro 6' 5" Pellegrino 6' 4" Marchena 6' 0" Carboni 5' 11" Torres 5' 11" Aurelio 5' 10" Ayala 5' 10" Djukic 5' 10" Garrido 5' 10" Real Sociedad Kvarme 6' 1" Aranzbal 6' 1" Boris 6' 1" Schurrer 6' 0" Gurrutxaga 5' 11" Pikabea 5' 10" Rekarte 5' 8" Roma Dellas 6' 4" Zebina 6' 3" Aldair 6' 0" Samuel 6' 0" Sartor 5' 11" Panucci 5' 11" Candela 5' 11" Cafu 5' 10" Cufre 5' 10" Lazio Stam 6' 3" Couto 6' 2" Mihajlovic 6' 1" Negro 6' 0" Colonnesse 5' 11" Cesar 5' 11" Pancero 5' 11" Favalli 5' 11" Oddo 5' 11" Sorin 5' 8" AC Milan Laursen 6' 3" Nesta 6' 2" Maldini 6' 1" Kaladze 6' 1" Chamot 6' 1" Roque Jr. 6' 1" Simic 5' 10" Costacurta 5' 10" 50 Players in Total Truly Tall (6' 2" or above) - 18% Tallish (5' 11" to 6' 1") - 52% Avg. (5' 8" to 5' 10") - 30% Short (5' 7" or less) - none This same site (ESPN) lists Cherundolo as 5' 6".
He played in 20 games last season before they got another gaffer who only plays with three in the back.