We're not going to dwell on Nicol's history or track record (there will be plenty of others to do that), the question now is what's next?
Ralston should not be a last resort, anything but that actually, however this is the opportunity to bring in a real game changer. There are massive changes needed all over, this is the teams chance to make a splash, let's bring in a big name with international experience. Seriously no dicking around on this like you do with player acquisitions, no measuring 9 times, let's go big or go home. The problem with this is that any 'game changer' coach is going to be knowledgeable about what this ownership and FO is like... or will at least find out. The real question is if the team goes after this type of coach will they be willing to meet the demands that come with the negations? We worry about promoting from within or going with a unproven coach that isn't named Ralston.
As this story has broken today we are seeing some more light shed on the operations of this team. Jen Chang, Senior Soccer Editor for Sports Illustrated, had this to say on Twitter today:
"Revs had been poor lately but Nicol and his staff were seriously handicapped by New England front office's unwillingness to spend $$. Revs turned down chance to sign various "name" players such as Robbie Fowler, Pauleta etc that had agreed to sign for Nicol over the years. On 1 trip to South America a few seasons ago, Nicol & his staff came back with a list of 20+ players they felt would take Revs to next level. All would have been of pricey by MLS standards but affordable (one was striker Jose Sand). Revs front office turned down the entire list."
Phil Schoen of Gol TV had this to say as well:
"I've talked to a few agents who said corporate set-up w/ Revs/Pats created very risk-averse atmosphere. Never willing to spend."
These are the things that any coach coming into New England will need to deal with and be prepared for, or be willing to force the changes needed. It's been said, rumored and reported before but this ownership and FO are truly stunting the growth of this team and the end of the Nicol Era will probably not be enough to make things change. Burns needs to be fired as well, Nicol leaving will not be enough for many Revs fans and we fear that the team will have more of the same if he stays around. All of this leads us to this scary thought... tonight on The DA Show on 98.5FM Jonathan Kraft said that he was going to leave it to Mike Burns to step up and take the lead on identifying a new coach. This is our latest 'ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!?' moment. Most ardent supporters have wanted to see Burns gone more, and for a longer period of time than Nicol. The fanbase has no faith in Burns and for many season ticket holder it is just as important if not more that Burns be fired. I am supposed to put thoughts and feelings into words here but I just can't. Letting Burns keep his job and pick our new coach may quite possible be the dumbest and most hurtful thing this ownership has ever done to its fans and the sport in New England. Get rid of him, we don't want him and he has no business doing this job. Please do the right thing...sadly we know you probably won't.
Why would you discredit Mariner for his work at Plymouth? They were in relegation position when he went there and it turned out they were totally bankrupt? Their problems appear to have had little to do with him. Not saying he's the answer in New England but the Toronto press praises him daily for the positive changes there while his time in England should have no bearing on the evaluation for New England and MLS.
ReplyDeleteYes there we're other factors there, but he still is unproven as a head coach. Toronto does like him, I even like him but there are some questions to be raised and I don't think that everyone should be jumping on the bandwagon saying he is an amazing head coach when there isn't enough evidence that he is or isn't. He's been with TFC for a year and they are still near the bottom of the league, we need changes overnight, I know it's not easy but we can't have another season of bottom of the barrel performances.
ReplyDeleteCant imagine that troll Burns would scour the earth for a new coach, so I agree that a familiar face like Ralston or Mariner are likely. Why not try for both - Mariner's the Gov, and Rally the assistant?
ReplyDeleteRegardless, considering that Burns and Bilello get free passes while Stevie Scapegoat (say that one five times fast) is the only one who walks, we're fucked. The whole house needs an enema.
Burns will find a coach, but at the last minute, the signing won't happen and so we'll get some 17 year old African coach. Don't worry.
ReplyDeleteI thought my head was gonna spin around when i heard burns was in charge of picking the coach, but on the bright side if you've got videos yourself coaching on youtube look forward to a phonecall
ReplyDeleteFrank Dell'apa mentioned Heaps. Thoughts on that? I think if anything Heaps has more business experience and maybe should be in the FO because even though Heaps has shown he knows a lot about tactics etc as color analyst, that might not translate into coaching.
ReplyDeleteI still think Burns is intimidated by the Krafts and Gulati because if they (Burns and Nicol) go on scouting trips, it seems like he and Nicol both agree on players etc because they scouted them together. Seeing as Burns writes the official contracts, if he makes a move the ownership doesn't like he's fucked. I have no idea how Bilello plays a part either. That's a problem; I don't even know half these guy's job descriptions!