Good Lord. None of the above. If we are to be a top-flight professional club, we need a top-flight professional coach. Either promote from within ("Hammer" Hamlett) or go seek the US and world for the best available coach with a knowledge of the US game and how to bring along youth players. This means: Dave Sacharan ...and I can't think of any more. If Bradley's gone, and Metro doesn't take Sacharan? Our choice is made.
I would have never written this a year ago, but I would also consider Mooch Myernick. He was decent at Colorado, and spent a year with Arena and the US team through the WC. It can't be proven yet, but I think you have a decent coach who then gained a world of experience. Worth a look anyway.
Bob, don't leave/Who comes here in his place Alright here it is. The question everyone here is dreading: Who do we bring in to replace Bradley if he leaves? and Who/what do we get from the Metros? I personally don't know how I feel about the whole situation. I want to feel angry, but as of this moment there is no reason to. I am dissapointed if the deal does go through. I am also consumed by anticipation regarding this coming offseason. Despite the fact that we all knew this offseason was going to be one of rebuilding the Fire, I was not worried with Bob at the helm. But now....who knows what to expect. As far as coaches go I have little idea as to who I would want on our bench. Dir is not a horrible choice, but he left Dallas on a downturn. Sacharan I know little about other than he is Bruce's asst coach (but so was Bradley on occasion). There are hundreds of coaches out there, and there are some good ones who might salivate at the opportunity to work to rebuild a team that already has some major talent on it. The trick is landing the right one. As far a players go...Again I am not sure. Bradley is worth more than a draft pick in my eyes. So who on Metros would we grab? They'd never let Mathis go...or would they? No, not with Bradley at the helm now (if anyone can get a lot out of Mathis it is Bob). Howard isn't gonna leave, and Thornton is still an outstanding goalkeeper. Figure that Stoitchkov, Walsh, and Vaudreil are guarenteed to be gone. Who comes over in place of the best coach in MLS? I think nothing short of a starter and a 2nd round pick. Does it irk anyone else that the Metro fans don't seem to want Bradley?
I am not willing to settle for Jeffries (like I have a say!). Sarachan might be an all right choice, but I know so little about his experience or preferred playing style. I would love to see Hristo as a coach, but I believe he needs some time to mature in that role; and by the time he does I imagine he will be a fine coach and much in demand in Europe. He's done his bit for US Soccer, and he will want to begin his second life as a footballing legend, I'm sure. I think Pitor will stay in Chicago and perhaps one day take a front office role with the Fire. Coach? Nah. I don't know how one replaces a coach of Bradley's stature. As I see it there are two ways to do it. One, (lets call it the) Dallas Cowboys post-Landry style is to hire an able assistant or current coach and wander in the wilderness for a number of years. Ick. The second, would be to scour the face of the earth for a talented coach with good experience in youth development and team rebuilding. The guy who took Brighton and Hove Albion from Third Division to First Division in three years leaps to mind (and I believe he is looking for a job as the Seagulls are struggling to make the grade in the First Div and they just hired a new gaffer). There must be some exciting coaches in the mid-divisions in Europe who would like to contribute to the US game. PW and Co. should have no trouble selling the benefits of a move to Chicago, per se. Talk about your world-class towns. The trick will be to find someone with the combination of skills and the vision that moving the the MLS is not "slumming it." Hristo would probably have a great deal to contribute in that department and I hope the front office will make use of his good offices before he moves on. Basically thinking as a write... Someone from the Dutch leagues would probably be an excellent choice. Cosmopolitan Dutch attitudes, most clubs have outstanding youth development programs and a tradition of exciting football. Yes, it is the end of an era. Bye Bob. Thanks for the memories. Look forward to giving you a fine return to Cardinal Staduim for the first Metros game next year. But, at the risk of sounding Chicken Soup for the Soul-ish, on the other side of this horrible coin is a great opportunity to make our club better than ever. Come on Peter, screw the Metros for every dime they're worth and then lets move on. Go get us the NEXT great MLS Coaching legend. There, see? Only three or four hours and I'm already over it. Maturity gentlemen. Clarity of thought. Waaaaaaaaaaa! DON'T GO BOB! PLEASE DON'T GO! *sob!*
Coach Hristo: "We need a sub for Razov." Asst. Coach Hamlett: "Who you want to send in?" Hristo tears off his warm-ups Superman-style and says, "Me."
sarachan was at dc in the early days under bruce with bradley... he is also currently an asst on the national team to bruce as such, i would bet that he would favor a style rather similar to what we have been doing -jim
I know, and I agree that the man could be a great coach in a few years, but when someone said Hristo as a coach I just pictured that in my head. Also, I have heard a few rumors that he is looking to possibly return to Barca to assist there.
WTF!? Recently sacked manager of Sunderland in the EPL. See his CV here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/tv_radio_coverage/newsid_1987000/1987764.stm A HUGE coup if there is anything but hot air to this. Do you have a source for this whopper?
hopefully the new coach brings jamar back. willy roy would be an interesting coach be hasn't had to much success at the college level. i wonder if jeff bradley want's to become a coach..
Yeah, notice the guy doesn't bother to attribute this to anyone or anything. Besides, it's way too soon for any announcement of that sort, unless there is some sort of broad conspiracy underway. In which case I just don't want to know because that would mean all those MLS as WWF idiots are right. Still, a guy can dream can't he? I still e-mailed a bloke I know in the football media in the U.K. anyway. It would be good for giggles to see that lot grab onto the rumour.
I actually go out and watch many NIU home games... they are abysmal.And have been for quit some time.Willy Roy should not be considered for a replacement.There is actually better HS and Club coaches in the area then Mr Roy. Willy was somewhat succesful his first few seasons at NIU.mMainly becuase he still had his rep from the Sting era.But that is long gone.He no longer is able to recruit top area prospects like he once was able to.
Willy Roy? Ugh. Sacharan Hamlett Hall Additionally, I don't want any freakin English coach with no knowledge of the US system or american players (total disaster), but I'm pretty darn sure PW isn't that dumb. Bleah.
Why no talk of Nowak coaching? He seems a much better fit than Hristo and surely understands the American player better.
well, a noble idea, but he shouldn't be head coach without being an assistant first or without prior experience...expecially to uphold the image of us being a class first division club. We should get the best guy available to us that knows the American game, period.
It's a New Era In Fire History: Bob Bradley To Leave Tuesday Morning cough... cough.... playing in a college football stadium... cough cough...
Re: It's a New Era In Fire History: Bob Bradley To Leave Tuesday Morning As opposed to a minor league baseball stadium had you even made that playoffs. Plus, we don't even have another whole year in Naperville left. Don't get cocky Mike, you'll be playing on SportTurf or AstroPlay or FakeoGrass or SmelloVision whatever next year at Estadio Gigantes.
It's a New Era In Fire History: Bob Bradley To Leave Tuesday Morning Hey, the metrostars are a big steaming pile of crap from top to bottom. Everyone knows it, and MLS is now taking things into their own hands to fix it. What I'm making fun of YOU about, sir, is when you say the Fire, or any other MLS team for that matter, are a 'class first division club'. Let our eyes not get hazed over with sentimentality and wishful thinking, my large-headed friend.