Okay, we're in the second week post MLS Cup. Did I miss an announcement that SN has been re-signed? Did they even sit down yet? Anyone have a status update on this?
Nothing's been finalized yet. They're still talking [actively], reportedly, and are in the process of ironing out some of the details. It'll happen.
I hope they get something done fairly soon. I was a little nervous with Nicol unsigned and the Metros looking for a coach, but I doubt if he'll go to Chicago.
All things considered, I seriously doubt that after this season Nicol would even considering a move to anything short of the Scottish National Team.
I actually heard about this on WBZ on the way home from work! And the newscaster acted as though everyone knew who Steve Nicol was! -Amy http://www.midnightriders.com
I can't wait until the press conference announcing the names on the dotted line. Then I can breathe again.
FDA is saying that Nicol wanted 4 years, but the Revs were reluctant. I guess they agreed on something though (you can always compromise by giving the coach the years he wants, but giving the team a buyout price).
Undisclosed terms of Nicol's contract The deal is done and the only official details released are that Nicol is tied to the Revs for 2 years. However, my sources reveal some intimate details on the contract negotiations and the concessions that Steve was able to weedle out of the front office. True, Steve did not get the 4 year deal or all the money he wanted, but there will be several important changes to the Revs experience next year due to Steve's agent's dogged negotiations. 1. O Flower of Scotland to be sung at all home games just after the US National Anthem. 2. Hagis and pork pie with beans will be served at several of the food stands during games. Tatties and neeps will be introduced in 2004. 3. Guinness will be staying and Kraft will be applying for a full liquor license in order to sell Glenlivet and several lesser brands of single malt whiskey. 4. Umbro will be providing new kits for the team. The jerseys will remain the same, but shorts will be replaced with kilts. Twellman will not be doing anymore sliding celebrations. More details will be made available as they come in.
Hmmmmm FDA says one year and an option. Does anyone know who has the option? Is it Nichol or the Revs? Since no one else has asked this, I will. Why so short? Does it represent doubts about Nichol? Kraft Soccer being paranoid as a result of their past experiences with coaches who had some short term success (i.e. Zenga & Clavijo)? Does Nichol not want to tie himself down for too long? Or does this say something about the future of MLS or the Krafts involvement with the Revs (sorry I had to get that in). Any thoughts?
With no knowledge of the situation, here's my take. I think I read somewhere that Nicol wanted 4 years, maybe the Krafts, burnt by past experience, were hesitant to commit for that long due to the cost of buying out the contract if Nicol struggles further down the line (remember Clavijo did pretty well the second half of his first season). Nicol, as a ploy to get his four years, probably took three years off the table (and maybe even two years, but was willing to negotiate this). So the options Nicol was giving the revs were one year (freedom)or four years (security). The revs probably threw out the four year option and that left negotiating around the one year option. I think this scenario would imply that it was a club option with maybe some kind of buyout clause (less than full salary) if they don't exercise it. That jives with the announcement that Nicol is tied to the club for two more years. Of course, I am probably way off, but that's how I choose to interpret it until we get more details from someone who has actual knowledge.
From what I've heard the Krafts were tired of buying out the contracts of failed Rev coaches. SN has done well but the future is unknown and the Krafts are taking the conservative road. As long as he's doing well SN will have a job with the Revs. As far as his leaving to go back to Europe, I'm guessing that he has his family well settled here and he will stay right where he is as long as the job is open. I'd love to see him become the Sir Steve (aka Sir Alex of Manchester) of Foxboro.
Nicol on WBUR this morning There was a pretty good little bit with Nicol this morning on WBUR, "Morning Edition". You have to listen pretty carefully to decipher the brogue, but it's pretty interesting. He notes that his son is playing both ways on the line for Hopkinton HS football, and notes that since he is a big lad, 6'2" - 250, and likes to "flay people about", that football's probably a good place for him! You can probably replay it at http://www.wbur.org.
Direct Link Thanks for the heads re: WBUR. Here's a direct link to the 3:11 interview... Steve Nicol on WBUR