Some very clear direct information in Adams report: ~Revs wish/plan to sign two Defenders and a Forward, have targets but are fighting through the red tape. No signings in sight at the moment ~No midfield signings in the picture at this point because they haven't seen any they like that are available. ~Team/Nicol knows they will need 18-20 "players" to survive this season ~TnT is going to be OK and committed to his role on the Revs Yes Adam: Your "The Man" Keep filing reports like that and we'll be giving you a free membership in the Riders and a seat in the front row of The Fort.
Gee, this sounds very familiar. Rinse, lather and repeat. We're apparently not able to find even one single midfielder in the world that's available and better than Khano? Our mids with experience right now are Thompson, Smith, Ralston, Joseph and Larentowicz (possibly Joey). There's no real depth there... wow.
with all due respect to the reporter and the guy who posted this, isn't this the same thing we have heard since november? hell isn't this the same shit we have heard for 5 years? wake me when something actually happens...
“In some ways, it’s harder actually getting players, going through all the red tape and all the other stuff,” Nicol said. “We’re trying to do some things, but at the present time, we’re not close to signing.” The "red tape" that only applies to New England? While DC is able to bring 'em in by the bucketload? We are literally in the midst of an absurdist play masquerading as a sporting organization--and I use that term loosely. "all the other stuff"--what? Staplers? Pencils? Because signing international players is and has been an acknowledged, annual ritual by almost every other team in the league. It's called being CHEAP. "We're trying to do some other things..." This is the most pathetic quote yet featuring poor Stevie trying to dance around ownership's cheapness. Any of you who were trying to say last year that Nicol was the one in charge of player acquisition, just read these quotes. They're from a man in a F*CKING STRAIGHT JACKET with no ability to do what he wants to. These aren't even in the usual Kraftian code of "has to be the right player for the team", etc. This is Nicol's last season under contract, right? I'd be stunned to see him re-up. He could make much more in Philly or Seattle and get a free hand. He should learn the TT lesson. This "organization" is pathetic.
From Adam's article, a couple of quotes (that hasn't been noted above yet) that really bother me. So I'm sorry Coach, then you're basically lying to both yourself and to your fans. How can you "always" say you've got a deep squad when you actually played for months last year shorthanded? So ... anyone want to bet we'll be playing the Bermuda U-17 team!
What they really mean is that they can't find one single midfielder in the world that's available and better than Khano, and will sign for what he's earning.
How about Gilberto (posted several other places) http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=505466&cc=5901 This was posted in Yanks Abroad: https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=656436
More great work from Adam at the Cape Cod Times. I think it would be a nice gesture to send a quick note to his editors letting them know how much his coverage is appreciated: The Sports Editor is William Higgins, and he can be reached at bhiggins@capecodonline.com. The paper's Managing Editor is Alicia Blaisdell-Bannon, and she can be reached at ablaisdell-bannon@capecodonline.com If you send an email, make sure to send it to Higgins and copy Blaisdell-Bannon in it. The Magpie
Well you see, DC knows how to deal with the red tape because, you know, they've actually done it before. But this is all new to the Revs.
why would we fool ourselves into believing they will actually sign a player of merit? his point was that they can't find anyone better than khano for the same amount of money. gilberto isn't going to come here to make the same amount of money as khano smith, and the revs aren't going to pay a premium to bring in anyone.
SSDD - Same Stuff Different Day and they expect us to keep on believing/eating it. Incredible. It HAS to be getting quite embarassing to Nicol to do this. Shoot, it's embarassing to hear it!!
So, assuming we're in this situation come opening day, we'll have to start something similar to Pay/Free Shalrie and FMLS, am I right?
smartest thing you've ever posted Seriously though, we'll need to make some sort of statement if they expect us to believe that they'll compete with about 10 legitimate players on the roster.
Possibly. Maybe the "red tape" he's referring to is in the Revo FO? This is the kinda quote that makes me wanna tear my hair out. If this is an accurate summation of of the Rev's scouting and acquisition program for 2008, then we are way behind schedule. Actually, how funny would it be if there really was an offer made for Nunez by some other team who end up snagging him while the Revs dither?
So there isnt a good midfielder available in the entire world right now. Give me a break, Nicol I'm sure would like to say there isnt a good midfielder in the world right now that is willing to play for $6.25 an hour.
Cripes, I just realized that even if we add two defenders and an attacker, we'll still have two open senior roster spots, right? Wasn't the official word that we only have 13 right now? Twellman Cristman Ralston Smith Thompson Joseph Larentowicz Albright Parkhurst Heaps Franchino Reis Mansally?
Busy Revs schedule ahead by Mike Biglin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/x59577476 Some of the same quotes from the Cape Code times. I get the impression Nicol was attempting at being secretive, but the quotes do come across as something else.
I agree. Although, his further comments are still a little troubling... Ok, I get. All we can ask for is all you have, but to say he's not really feeling any pressure to add players just sounds a little too relaxed. He obviously does want to some new guys based on his previous comments. I guess he may be saying the pressure is not on HIM because he's already gone out and found the guys he wants. Now the pressure is on the moneymen to get the deal done. I HOPE that's what he means anyway because if this team isn't winning because they're too thin, the pressure will be fully on Coach Nicol, whether he likes it or not. P.S. This is another great article and exactly what we've been asking for. I just want to give props to Mike and Adam for their exceptional work.
I'm in awe at the level of negativity shown in the above posts. Talk about spinning every bit of the limited info we have in the absolutely worst light. You people are amazing. The team knows they need to add at least three experienced players. They have scouted three major county markets and they have identified player they would like to sign and the process is playing out. So we don't know what's going on----BIG DEAL. They get paid to know what's happening. We have the right to fret and moan but frankly the posts above are over the top. Anyone who really thinks the Revs in 2008 will not have a regular roster of 18 players who are ready and able to play at the MLS level need to get some help with reality testing and maybe consider getting on a better medication than Sam Adams.
how is it negative spin? it's the same BS coming out of this club for years now. It isn't spin at all. When they actually do something, then maybe people won't be so "negative." sorry that some of us don't like the taste of the kool-aid.
I understand your frustration. But, personally, the kool-aid joke is getting old. I may be alone in that, but I'm just saying. As to Doc's thoughts, I am definitely an optimist on these boards and try to keep a balanced approach to analyzing the information available. But at the same time, as a fan, I want to know that the coach of my team cares and is concerned with the current status of his team. I get the feeling he is and I know it's just his personality, which I usually find entertaining, but some of his comments are just a little disheartening to me. I will continue to hold out hope and believe that this team is sincerely doing everything it can to win. It just doesn't hurt to hear them say that every once in a while and even more so to show us that they are doing so. I am not one who thinks it's failed the last three years in doing so. Getting to the finals three years in a row is a testament to a great team and a great franchise. Losing three finals in a row ultimately comes down to getting outcoached and outplayed in one game. That's just my opinion. Go Revs!