KIRKLAND, WASH. – MLS Seattle hired Chris Henderson to serve as Technical Director, the club announced today. As the club’s technical director, Henderson will assist the team’s general manager, Adrian Hanauer, in all areas of soccer operations, including scouting, player management, coaching decisions, and the youth system. “We are very excited to add Chris to our MLS Seattle operation,” said Hanauer. “Chris brings tremendous knowledge of the MLS system and players to our organization.” An MLS original, Henderson played in 317 career games for five teams. He currently ranks second all-time in games (317) and minutes played (26,242). Henderson scored 51 goals and added 80 assists over 11 MLS seasons.
This was a done deal by the Combine. I thought it had already been announced. Chris and Brian Schmetzer watched the combine together, and I had conversations at the time that indicated that Chris was already working for the team as technical director.
The Rapids were working out a contract with Henderson for the same position before Seattle approached him.
According to some folks I talked with at the convention, Henderson - in the end - turned down the Colorado offer.
good to hear, Seattle hasn't made a mistep yet. Any update on those season ticket numbers or have they leveled off at ~10k?
A mass email 'letter' from 'Drew Carey' went out to all subscribers this morning... Hey Seattle Soccer Fans… Drew Carey here. Thank you for signing up to join me for MLS in Seattle at Qwest Field beginning in 2009. Just wanted to let you know that we've reached 11,000 season ticket memberships and we're just getting started. Congratulations! You're showing every other city in the MLS what fan support is all about. Over the next few months we'll be working hard to create the foundation of our team. Here's what you can expect from us regarding your season ticket membership: * April/May - We will mail you information that will assist you in selecting your seat location. * May/June – Season Ticket Membership Representatives will contact you individually to discuss your options and select your seat location. We have a lot of exciting things planned over the next year and I'm looking forward to helping make this the best team in the MLS. If you need anything in the meantime, contact your Membership Representative at (877) MLS-GOAL. Cheers, Drew
Yes, one report has said that Henderson and the Rapids had an agreement, but Henderson backed out at the last minute (presumably because he was approached by his hometown team).
A perfect fit. Local guy. Knows MLS. Has National and International playing experiece. Will be an asset to Hanauer in player recruitment at all levels youth-to-MLS club. Already on the job!
He's got one year as the #3 assistant coach at the MLS level. Technical Director is a big step up. Only time will tell if he's ready to make that jump.
He complements Hanauer, that's my hope. Adrian is running this show. He's also yet to prove himself as a division one GM, but I am confident he'll do well. Hanauer's most noticeable shortcoming is his lack of direct MLS day-to-day knowledge. Henderson can help him there, esp. on the player and coaching side. I could be wrong, but Henderson strikes me as a guy who kept his eyes open as a player. So, even little actual MLS coaching experience on the resume' doesn't mean he hasn't picked up a lot over the years by being an observant player. He's an asset as is, and could have a big upside in this role. We'll see!
More great news coming out of Seattle. Henderson is a guy who knows A LOT about soccer in this country, and that 11K number for tickets is awesome!
The hiring warrants local coverage in Henderson's home town of Everett, WA: http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080125/SPORTS/291966603/1004 "We have two kids in school in Kansas City, and we need to sell our house there," he said. "So depending on how long that takes, I'll be going back on weekends and at different times because I need to help my wife keep the family together. But I'm here now and starting to work with the team and focusing on next year."
Housing is WAY cheaper in Denver, so that is something in its favor. I like both cities, a lot, so it would be a tough call for me, personally. But from a soccer perspective, I think going with Seattle's ownership group and the chance to do things the right way from the start is more appealing than the mess in Denver with Clavijo and an apathetic owenrship group. (Not that I don't appreciate said group paying for a stadium.) Toss in the fact that Henderson is from Seattle and it's a pretty easy call. PS - the fact that Chris Henderson, whom I still think of an the youngest player on the 1990 World Cup team, has TWO kids in high school makes me feel REALLY old!
Soccer America weighs in... http://www.socceramerica.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage&art_aid=25321 THE SEATTLE MLS FRANCHISE IS more than a year away from its first game but has already signed one of Washington state's most famous players. No, not Kasey Keller, at least just yet. Former U.S. midfielder Chris Henderson, 37, a native of Everett, Wash., who played at UCLA and for five MLS teams, has been hired as technical director. As such, he will assist general manager Adrian Hanauer in all areas pertaining to players and player development. "It's been real busy," Henderson said during a brief telephone conversation while driving through Seattle. "A lot of meetings today. But I'm real excited. I think the league made a great move coming to this city and you couldn't ask for a better ownership group."
It's also a choice between rain or snow. Mostly mild weather or freezing your ass off most of year. A vibrant cultural city vs. well it's Colorado still. Like I said, a no brainer
Can someone please explain to me the difference between: Sporting Director (Agoos) Technical Director (Henderson) GM (many) Thanks, Tim
These days most teams are seperating technical operations from business operations. The "general manager" is generally the "business" side. Sporting/Technical director are pretty synonymous. Teams may assign specific duties that other teams don't. In teams that don't have a Technical Director, the General Manager usually covers both business and technical sides.