O RLY HEAPS?

Jay, Jay, Jay... what ever are we going to do with you?

In an interview this week with Kyle McCarthy on MLSsoccer.com Heaps was asked about how his partnership was with Mike Burns in his first year... here is what he had to say...

"From my perspective, being a first-year head coach, having a general manager like Mike Burns – who knows every facet of this league, who has played in this league, who has an understanding of players that are going to do well in this league – [helps]. When you make that many signings and we get that many players through that I have to have eyes on, I have to trust his idea of value, however you want to put that. There's a lot that goes on here. It's important for a guy like me. If you don't have that kind of experience in his seat, we're not where we are."

Jay, I see you aced Revs PR Spin 101.

"We are not where we are."

Jay did you look to see where we are? 4th from the bottom Jay... 4th from the bottom... not the top.  Do you know where we were last year? Tied for last... you know what part of the equation hasn't changed since last year... Burns.

"who has an understanding of players that are going to do well in this league"

2012 Signings/Trades (First year as GM)

• Fernando Cárdenas (100k)
• IN: 1/19/2012
• OUT: 11/30/12
• Jose Moreno (144k)
• IN: 2/2/2012
• OUT: 8/6/2012
• Saer Sene (138k)
• IN: 2/13/12
• OUT:
• Blake Brettschnieder (34k)
• IN: 3/6/2012
• OUT: 11/19/2012
• Alec Purdie (34k)
• IN: 3/6/2012
• OUT: 11/19/2012
• Michael Roach (34k)
• IN: 3/6/2012
• OUT: 11/19/2012
• Florian Lechner (44k)
• IN: 3/13/2012
• OUT: 11/19/2012
• Jerry Bengston (120k)
• IN: 7/5/2012
• OUT: 
• Dimitry Imbongo (70k)
• IN: 7/5/2012
• OUT:
•  Blair Gavin (60k)(Trade for Shalrie Joseph)
• IN; 8/1/2012
• OUT: 11/30/12
• John Lozano (Salary info not available)
• IN: 1/19/2012
• OUT: 6/27/2012

 3 of 11 are still here... that's 450k of salary that was a waste...

International or MLS veteran players who are no longer with team, lasted less than 2 seasons since Burns hired as VP of Player Personnel.

2011

Ryan Cochrane 2011-2011
Milton Caraglio 2011-2011 (Designated Player)
Franco Coria 2011-2011
Raijko Lekic 2011-2011
Monsef Zerka 2011-2011
Ousmane Dabo 2011-2011
Didier Domi, 2011-2011 
Michael Augustine 2011-2011

2010

Preston Burpo 2010-2010 (Injury)
Roberto Linck 2010-2010
Marko Perovic 2010-2011
Ilija Stolica 2010-2011
Cory Gibbs, 2010-2010
Joseph Niouky, 2010-2010 

2009

Stephane Assengue 2009-2009
Edgaras Janukauskas 2009-2010
Emmanuel Osei 2009-2010

2008

Gabriel Badilla 2008-2008
Argenis Fernandez 2008-2008
Chris Albright 2008-2009 (Injury)
Mauricio Castro 2008-2009


Sorry Jay, but Burns is clueless... the more you or anyone else tries to build him up the more foolish it makes all of you look. Many of the players listed above where nothing to great to begin with... but a few of them were and are with their current teams. Remember Burns had a role in determining the value of these players when they were on their way in or out...

Mike Burns is just throwing it against the wall and hoping something sticks...

Update: John Lozano added

Boycotts, Real Fan Syndrome and Revolutionary Thinking.

If you regularly follow New England Revolution discussions on social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and even Big Soccer you are likely aware that a boycott of the Revs is under way and looking to pick up steam.  “I’m heartbroken that it’s gotten to this point, but we can no longer financially validate the way the organization conducts its business,” said Boycott the Revs organizer Mike Marshall. “In the past few years, the Revolution have been passed by nearly every other club in MLS both on and off the field. If the Krafts won’t demand fundamental changes in the way the franchise is run, then we will.”

Among the demands of the boycott are, replacing Mike Burns as GM, enhancing communication between ownership and fans, making Gillette more soccer friendly, and improved relations between fans and security.  Honestly I can't really argue with any of these, in fact I support almost all of them. 

What Wonderland World

Louis thinks to himself that it could be a Wonderland world.

About  week and a half ago the Revere Journal published a story stating that talks have been escalating between Revere and the New England Revolution over a proposed stadium at the site of the now defunct Wonderland Dog Track.  The initial story was vague at best, however today the Boston Globe, WBUR, and FOX 25 are also reporting this story.

It has long been known that the Krafts do not want to pay for land or infrastructure but would be willing to front the construction costs for the stadium. The information coming out in the past couple of weeks is pointing towards some of the needs for the Krafts to possibly be coming to fruition. According to the Boston Globe Revere Mayor Dan Rizzo is currently negotiating with Suffolk Downs over mitigation payments as part of the proposed casino complex at the Suffolk Downs site. Suffolk Downs currently owns the Wonderland property. If Mayor Rizzo is able to negotiate for the land, it could be the land deal that the Krafts are looking for.

Revolution Stadium At Wonderland Talks Escalating

The Revere Journal is reporting that "talks regarding the building of a new soccer stadium at Wonderland have escalated quickly as of late, and the entire plan is now apparently running hand-in-hand with the casino proposal at Suffolk Downs."

According to their source

 “They have been in talks for awhile, but things are really moving quickly now and the talks are supposedly in the final stages – even though the actual plan is probably far off,”

The proposed stadium is reportedly planned to be a 15,000 seat stadium. We first reported on this in May of 2011.  Read the Full Revere Journal article here.

Why The Revolution's Hispanic Heritage Night Is Already Falling Short

Crap.

Ok, this is ridiculous... a ticket package that includes "Four Nachos Grande" to help promote Hispanic heritage night. Wow... whoop-dee-fucking-doo.

Seriously guys? A few people are alluding this to be racist and while I'm not willing to go that far it is a bit misguided.

The Revolution have decided a proper celebration is to offer generic food service nachos to cater to the Hispanic crowd.  I'm just a white middle class kid of Irish decent, but here's what I do know....

MLS, Kraft Planning To Sell/Relocate Revolution after 2013?

Editors note: We recently received a very troubling anonymous email from someone who claims to be a senior staff member at Kraft Sports Group, the contents of which we have included below. TDIF has spent the last week working diligently to corroborate the claims made and continues to do so, but it must be said  that the following information, as yet, remains unconfirmed. We ask our readers to keep this in mind as they proceed with the understanding that we would not publish this unless we felt it was sufficiently plausible.

The following we are about to tell could be the biggest load of BS ever written or if true, would serve as the greatest indictment of the Kraft family's commitment to the New England Revolution and high level soccer in general: 

2013 could be the last season in Major League Soccer (MLS) for the New England Revolution, with Bob Kraft rumored to be considering a League proposal that would see him sell the club to an out-of-state buyer who would then relocate the franchise out of New England.

We have contacted multiple well-placed sources within the US Soccer community inquiring as to the veracity of these claims in an effort to confirm or refute them. To this point no one has denied them, confirmed them or expressed a willingness to discuss them, even on background and in confidence. We find this odd because in the past we've been fed stories that seem far fetched or unreasonable and have been able to find people who are very quick to tell us that it's not true. 

We can't with this, and no one seems willing to touch it with a 10 foot pole. They aren't interested in talking about it… at least not now.

Those are the reactions that we have gotten after telling them the following information that we received in that anonymous email referenced above and detailed below. Some of the information is known or previously assumed by many but the potential sale and relocation of the team is as new as it is frightening. Please note that we are not the only people within the Revs media circle (traditional or alternative) to have received this email, one that is reproduced in its entirety save for edits that were agreed upon to protect the possible identity of the source.

Does Shalrie like it? I don't...

We feel the same way...

Today the New England Revolution traded it's captain and franchise player, Shalrie Joseph, to Chivas USA for 23 year old midfielder Blair Gavin, a second round draft pick (whoop-de-fucking-doo) and allocation money.

Ok Ok let's get some things straight... Shalrie, this season... well he's been less than stellar.  If you haven't noticed I don't know what rock you've been living under.  While his skills in the midfield were lacking this season he made some good appearances as a defender and I would have liked to see that experiment continue. One must question the effect that trading your teams captain mid-season must have on the locker room.  Shalrie is certainly not without his faults over the past few years (arrest, drugs) but form everything we gather he was a big influence on the locker room and on younger players. This is a big shake up for the team both on and off the field.  Who becomes captain now?  Reis? Benny? Simms?

I'm guessing that Reis probably doesn't have much more time here himself, not a good option gong forward for the long term.  Benny is not option, it still looks and seems as if he doesn't want to be here, that he has some issues with not being called into the USMNT that has been effecting his attitude.  Simms is experienced but is new to this team, as a fan I'd like to see a player become captain that has been here for a while and is in it for the long haul.

Subtext: Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out...

Ok so let's get to the nuts and bolts of this trade... Who the fuck is Blair Gavin? No offense to Mr. Gavin but this team just traded it's most well know player, a DP and it's captain, for a relatively no-name player... a draft pick (I still think it's a crap shoot and not all that valuable... no you won't change my mind) and the ever mysterious allocation money.  How much allocation money have we gotten out of this?  Will we ever use it? We also traded a player the could fill in if needed in our depth depleted back line for another midfielder. We have 5 actual defenders...  13 midfielders... let's work on some defensive depth eh? You hearing me Burnsie and Heaps?

Was this a case of buyers remorse?  I was honestly a little surprised to hear Shalrie get signed to a DP contract, but I thought maybe this was a reward to Shalrie from the Revs FO  for his years of service in what may have been his last season before retiring. Hey now Krafty Bob gets to spend less!!

Shalrie will forever be one of the best and most loved players this team has ever had but he is certainly past his prime and on his way out. I still think we got a shitty deal... I'm not saying we should have gotten another DP level player... but we could have done better than this... I mean come on... no-name, second round draft pick, and allllllllllllocation moooooooney! There better be something big in the works or this team just traded a fan favorite for nothing.  If this is it... I will hold it against them and so should everyone else. I really hope there is more to this... and by more I mean not hedging our bets on Bocanegra or Edu... they must know it's a sure shot... or this was a waste and a big 'fuck you' to Shalrie and the fans.




p.s.  and now a fantastic chant that same fantastically talented person came up with is out of play...

An Explanation and Apology

We've sucked this season. No not the collective team based Revs directed 'we' but us (mostly me) here at TDIF. The haters say that we haven't posted much because there isn't enough negative for us to write about... BS. There certainly has been but I have never intended this to be a purely negative Kraft/FO/Team bashing opinion oriented site. I only work with what I get... shit in, shit out... gold in, gold out... and there have been a few rants that I've felt like making, as well as some notes of praise.

Way back in March I posted this:

"Due to my personal/professional aspirations in my real job, things may be a little quiet over here for the next month (especially the next 2 weeks)... have no fear we aren't going anywhere and I'll try to keep up and post when I can."

Well I ended up getting the job I was going for. The amount of prep work that went into getting that job was nothing compared to what I have to deal with now that I have gotten it and my time constraints are extremely tight.  I do not wish to reveal what the job is here, many of you that I know personally are aware, and if know who I am and see me at a game feel free to ask and I will elaborate.  It is a job in the public safety world and it has an academy process (think boot camp but I get to sleep in my own bed) that I am currently in the middle of and will not complete until the end of the season.  

That being said I really miss posting regularly and engaging in discussions here, on Twitter and on Facebook  about everything on and off the field.  I just unfortunately do not have the time to work on regular posts. Despite what you may think I put a lot of time into them and make every attempt to ensure they are as factual as possible.  I feel that I am doing a disservice to my loyal readers and everyone that has been so supportive of us, our no holds barred style of discourse, and blatant disregard for anything representing proper journalism (we are an opinion site after all!).  I refuse to pack up and shut down however... this site will return to it's former self eventually.  I still think there is a need for a site that has an asshole spouting off his opinion on this team and sport... you all have proven that it's worth it... and after all isn't that really what the internet is for? Some loudmouth asshole to spread his opinion?

I can't tell you when things will be back to normal but I promise you that they will.  For now, consider this a hiatus or leave of absence with me occasionally popping in to say hello.

Finally a Revs commercial that doesn't suck

Good job... someone is starting to figure it out... it actually... [gasp] looks professional!

Making Moves and News!

So we actually have something to talk about!  Today the Revs announced that Nyassi has been taken off of the disabled list after suffering a hamstring pull during pre-season.  The departure of fellow countryman Kenny Mansally triggered feelings that Nyassi may be following him when he was back from injury, but he was not among those waived today.  

John Lozano was waived today however, in anticipation of the summer transfer window opening. Jeremiah White and Bjorn Runstrom both had the July 1st options on their contracts declined and will also not be wearing the Revolution colors Lozano, White and Runstrom were recent acquisitions who did not see much playing time and failed to provide anything to the team that was lacking.  With these moves the Revolution now have open international roster spots going into the summer transfer window.

Is Sene 'The One'?

We here as well as the rest of New England have been constantly searching for that 'proven goalscorer 'and 'the one' who can replace what this team lost when Twellman's career was so unfortunately cut short.  This season it seems as if the hot new player for the Revolution is Lee Nguyen, and he's great don't get me wrong, but I think Sene is really the player everyone should be talking about.

A Quick Note...

Due to my personal/professional aspirations in my real job, things may be a little quiet over here for the next month (especially the next 2 weeks)... have no fear we aren't going anywhere and I'll try to keep up and post when I can.  Or I'll convince Scott to post more... or maybe a guest writer or 2...

Not like we ever have much breaking news anyways...

The Music Files- The Adicts

Ok in an effort to ensure a victory for The Adicts as the Revolution's 2012 goal song we present to you... well The Adicts.  In addition they are also making a rare US appearance and in Boston at The Paradise, Friday May 18th...

And remember to vote for Viva La Revolution! 

Heaps, Bilello Meet With Un-renewed Season Ticket Holders

When I received an invite to sit down with Jay heaps and Brian Bilello as a un-renewed season ticket holder, I was skeptical.  One of the great privileges I've been afforded is the ability to speak with either as a media representative, but the idea of this blog has always been to be writing from the point of view of a supporter.  I would rather make use of events like this to really hear what they have to say to the fans and supporters.  Going into the event I thought it was going one of two ways... a cheesy sales pitch about how much they love us and things will be better... or a an opportunity to vent, ask questions and really have a dialogue with two of the most important people in this organization... it was the latter.  I suppose many of my readers expect me to rip them a new one but I'm not...

New England Revolution v.17.0

After a few months of questions, frustration and more disappointment, the 17th edition of Major League Soccer, featuring our favorite red-headed stepchildren, the New England Revolution, is finally upon us. While the likes of Eastern Conference (give us a single table already!) foes Chicago, Kansas City, Houston, DC, Filthadelphia, ect, have all re-tooled and improved in one way or another, even the most optimistic of Revs supporters can only expect a slightly modest improvement over the absolute disaster that was the 2011 season. While there is no doubt that the Revvies are on an upward trend of improvement, the question is how soon will we be back in the thick of the playoff hunt.

Quality of Life Index (2012): Pre-Season

Pre-Season Matches

Win vs. FC Tucson
Win VS. Boston College
Win vs. Boston College
Win vs. LA Galaxy
Win vs. New York
Win vs. Real Salt Lake
Draw vs. LA Galaxy (2-4 PKs)

Who is this team and what have you done with the Revolution? There is no question that the Revs put together a pretty impressive pre-season. Although it is only pre-season, it was hard not to get excited about this team.  They looked shaky against LA in the Desert Diamond Cup final, which is a cause for concern, but here's to hoping it was just from being tired and hopefully a rested team will be ready to do battle against San Jose. 3 points for a win, -3 for a loss, 0 for a draw. PLUS 18 

Moreno Leaves Pie on the Face of Burns

Our Number 9! Wait he's not coming, no wait he is, no wait we're unsure, no he swears he's coming... he's getting his visa! All is good!!   The Moreno guy better be the savior of this team at this point if/when he shows up. The fans are disgusted by this whole situation, it makes the player and the team look bad. He has a lot to prove when he shows especially when it seems like the fans don't even want him at this point. MINUS 10

The Drug Is Football + Tumblr = Side Blog

When I first started The Drug Is Football I intended it to be about more than just The New England Revolution.  I wanted to talk about the style, the films, the music and all manner of things that are part of the bigger culture of what happens outside the stadiums and in the life of the supporter.  There is a subculture around the game, for many it is just the fact that they are a soccer supporter in the US.  Elsewhere the subculture of the soccer supporter revolves around many other things.  It is a way of life.

I've started a TDIF Tumblr, and it will be short on commentary but heavy on visuals, a picture is worth a thousand words after all.  As of right now it may just be a collection of random pictures that may or may not make sense to you. Over time I hope that it will make sense and I hope to use it as inspiration for new posts here along the lines of my original vision.  For those of you that enjoy our music related posts, don't worry they aren't going anywhere.  For those that are interested in exploring the 'subculture' part of 'Fine Purveyors of Soccer and Subculture' visit us here.

It's five days before the season starts, And we still don't have a full team yet. Same old Revs....

Normally, I wanted my first write-up for TDIF to be a season preview for the Revs, but with the recent release of both Zack Schilawski and Ryan Kinne, we currently have 24 players on the senior roster.  That leaves Heaps and Company with the task of signing 4 more players just to meet the league minimum for roster size.  Those 4 players will likely consist of the handful of trialists currently with the team, but until we actually make those signings, I will hold off on making my prediction of who we can expect the new boss to trot out this Saturday in San Jose.

So until then, I'll ramble on about a current hot topic that could very well make this Revs team look even more different before this Saturday.

2 Out 1 In... And An Appeal To Former STH

The Revolution today have announced that midfielder Ryan Kinne and Forward Zack Schilawski have been waived.  Kinne made one first team appearance during his career with the Revs. Schilawski made 50 appearances  but only scored 6 goals, 3 of which came in the form of a hat trick against Toronto FC in his Gillette Stadium debut.

On Friday the Revolution picked up Lee Nguyen after he had been waived by Vancouver.  Nguyen, a 25 year old midfielder, made his way to Vancouver via a weighted lottery in December.  Nguyen had been playing in Vietnam for Hoang Anh Gia and Becamex Binh Duong FC.  Prior to his time in Vietnam Nguyen spent time at PSV Eindhoven and Randers FC. Nguyen has made appearances for both the USMNT  and US youth level.
 

The Music Files-Blur x Brit Awards

At this years Brit Awards (the British equivalent to the Grammys) Blur was given the Outstanding Contribution To Music award.  You may only know them for "Song 2" but they reached huge success as one of the most influential Britpop bands, and where rivals to a perhaps better known Britpop band in the States, Oasis.  Blur put on quite a show and now for your viewing ans listening pleasure we have compiled some of the video from the show.

2012 Season Opener Party

Its that time of year again folks...

This year we have joined forces with our friends in The Midnight Riders to present our season opener party at one of the best, if not best, soccer bar in Boston... The Banshee.  We'll be kicking off around 8PM with yours truly DJ'ing some choice cuts until kickoff at 10:30PM.  Drinks are always quite reasonably priced, the food is good and it's a great atmosphere to enjoy good times with old friends and make some new friends.

We're working on a raffle to benefit charity with some great prizes as well as some great giveaways courtesy of the team.  Expect more details soon...

The party is free... bring your girlfriends, boyfriends, friends, acquaintances, strangers etc.  If your just getting interested in the sport or the supporters culture this is great chance to experience it. Meet members of both the Midnight Riders and Rev Army and see what we're all about.

Keep an eye out for another party later in the summer with live music as well...

Facebook Invite

The Banshee
934 Dorchester Ave
Dorchester Ma.

MBTA: Redline- JFK/UMass. Walk up Columbia Rd (under the Expressway), take a left on Dorchester Ave. (at the Gulf station) The Banshee is down a block on the left.

2012 Supporters Summit Quotes and Editorial Part 2

This past Thursday the Revolution hosted its 3rd Annual Supporter Summit.  Members of the Midnight Riders and The Rebellion were invited ti ask questions of both Brian Bilello and Mike Burns.  Over the course of a few posts we will present selected in depth quotes on a number of subjects as well as some of our own editorial notes in italics where warranted


Part 1


Bilello on "exciting" players

"From this off season, if your looking at saying 'well I'll come back if there's players that come that create a buzz for me'. Then yes I wouldn't argue that we haven't [brought in buzz players]... Michael and Jay's directive were to go get guys that are going to help us win, not necessarily go get guys who are going to create a buzz.  When you're the last place team in the league, I think it's hard to say go get a guy that's good and has buzz, it's put together the best team you can.

Tom Cruise On The Highway to the Revs Zone

Come on... you knew if anyone was going to do it, it was TDIF....

Sky Sports is reporting that former Arsenal product Tom Cruise is coming to the New England Revolution for a 2 week trial.  Cruise, a 20 year-old defender, came up through the Arsenal youth system, and made one first team appearance against Olympiakos  in Champions League play.  Recently Cruise has been on loan with Carlise United.  Cruise has also made multiple appearances in for England at the U-16, U-17 and U-19 level.

2012 Supporters Summit Quotes and Editorial Part 1

This past Thursday the Revolution hosted its 3rd Annual Supporter Summit.  Members of the Midnight Riders and The Rebellion were invited ti ask questions of both Brian Bilello and Mike Burns.  Over the course of a few posts we will present selected in depth quotes on a number of subjects as well as some of our own editorial notes in italics where warranted

Bilello on an opening day doubleheader

"We are working on a double header for the opening game, it won't be extra, it will be your ticket to the game. The price will stay the same so for people who don't have season tickets it will be the price of a regular game, so just a bonus game that we're adding to the home opener, if it happens."


Burns on off season

"Without question this has been the busiest off season we've had since I started working in the Front Office. everything from new locker room , to new weight room, new video room, a new head coach, new assistant coach, another new coach and reserve coach who we haven't hired yet and are still going through the interview process, a new equipment manager, a new strength and conditioning coach.

Rancid(sorta) x Real Salt Lake

As if Real Salt Lake's videos over the past few seasons haven't blown the Revs out of the water (and many other teams quite honestly)... Here is the newest with a song written and lead by Rancid drummer Branden Steineckert... oh and the video... completely funded and produced by fans... This should be taken as a challenge...

Revolution Sign Saer Sene From Bayern Munich II

The New England Revolution have announced the signing of 25 year old French striker Saer Sene from the Bayern Munich reserves.  Sene is a product of the Paris Saint-Germain youth system.  Sene has been playing in the German lower division for sides such as SC Schorndorf and SG Sonnenhof Großaspach since 2007.  He's been with Bayern Munich II since 2009 where he's made 55 appearances and score 19 goals as well as having been called up for early round UEFA Champions League matches.

The Music Files-Cock Sparrer

This is probably the most excited we've been to do a music post since we started... today we present Cock Sparrer.  If you've never heard of them you're probably laughing at the name. Stop.

Cock Sparrer formed in 1972 in London and is one of the most influential bands in the punk movement.  Bands like the Dropkick Murphys probably wouldn't exist if it were not for this band, they laid the groundwork for that working class style of punk.

Ok so why are we so excited?  Because Cock Sparrer, who rarely play the US will be playing at Club Lido in Revere on May 19th.  This will likely be the biggest punk show in the Boston area this year and quite honestly beyond.  People are still talking about the last time they were here which I believe was close to 10 years ago at this point.  Do yourself a favor, buy a ticket, buy your friend a ticket, do not miss this one.  Tickets go on sale today through Ticketmaster. This will sell out.

Moreno Apparently Not The One... Already...

This picture totally works for this post too...

News coming out of Colombia today is saying that Jose Moreno, despite be announced as the New England Revolution's "new #9" last week will not be joining the Revs. In an article posted on the Colombian league's website Jose Moreno states that he was in discussions with the team but decided he wanted to stay with Once Caldas  despite a better financial situation in MLS.

Someone(s) screwed up big time somewhere.

Is Moreno The One?

You know... the big signing we've all been waiting for... the impact player, the Twellman replacement...

Probably not.

Why? Part 1

I used to get quite fired up about every little thing Revolution related, good or bad I was all about it. I may have liked it, more often than not I didn't. Prior to TDIF starting I wrote quite a rant a couple of years ago that was on various revs related social sites. I had a passion for talking about this team, criticizing, and praising when it was due.

I couldn't wait for the next match, the start of the season. While I am excited for those things this season it is not nearly as much as it has been in previous years. I have to ask myself why...

The Music Files-How the Godfather of Soul, A White Irish Politician and a PBS Station Saved Boston

The Boston Globe tonight is reporting that former Boston Mayor Kevin White has passed away. We don't normally talk politics or about anything that doesn't have anything to do with music or soccer here but bear with us the connection to one of those is coming.  Growing up in this city I've always had an admiration for the former Mayor after hearing stories from my father and his friends who worked for him and knew him well.  The one that has always stuck with me however is what happened the night after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

Welcome Our Newest Addition...

Chin Straps not required.

It's been an interesting year getting TDIF up and running and doing whatever the hell it is we do here. I've decided that it's time to bring in another writer to the TDIF family.

I'd like you all to welcome Scott McCullough to TDIF.  Scott is opinionated and a loud mouth just like myself and as you've come to expect from TDIF, but he also brings a much better technical knowledge of the game and better insight into on the field antics than I will ever be able to do.  You may recognize Scott's writing from the comments on many of our articles where he has in fact pretty much written his own article on the subject and it is usually more well written than the article itself.

Scott has been a Revs fan since day one in 1996, initially having his interest in the pro game spawned by the USMNT in the 1994 World Cup.  His first Revs game was against DC and he has been a regular at games ever since, although as he admits "until recently due to the shoddy organization" (ya he'll fit right in here).  Scott is a long time (2001) fellow Rev Army member, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention that his favorite Rev of all time was Joe Max Moore. Keep an eye out for articles from Scott within the next few weeks.

Jamal Gay To Revs?

Trinidad and Tobagon news site Newsday is reporting that striker Jamal Gay may be on his way to the New England Revolution. Gay, a 21 year old from Trinidad & Tobago started his career with a club that many fans unfortunately are familiar with Joe Public.  He had a short stint at Rot-Wiess Oberhausn as well as a loan at Turkish second division side Dardanel Spor A.Ş. and most recently was with Trinidad and Tobagon side Caledonia AIA. His senior career has 24 appearances and 16 goals,his U-20 national career has 5 goals in 11 appearances and his senior national career has 3 goals in 8 appearances.

Quality Of Life: Offseason 2012

With New England Revolution pre-season starting Monday, it is officially time for our Off-season 2012 Revolution Quality of Life Index. Since it's a new season we'll go over how the QoL works for those who forgot or the uninitiated.  If you are from the Boston area and read the Weekly Dig you will realize that I am 100% stealing this idea from them, so  don't tell me about how I am unoriginal and stealing and idea... I know.  Secondly, all numbers are absolutely arbitrary and decided by me and solely me. The QoL works on a PLUS/MINUS system and the total is at the bottom along with a link to the last QoL.


Front Office "Restructuring"




So with many clamoring for sweeping changes to be made in the Front Office after years of on and off the field decline, those sweeping changes happened.... well at least in the minds of Krafty JonBob... not so much to everyone else.

Yes they actually promoted Brian Bilello and Mike Burns.  I'm willing to give Bilello a little more wiggle room and time now that he has assumed the role that absentee club President Sunil Gulati once held.  However it's no secret that I do not care for Mike Burns and the fact that he now has more control over this team, a team that's fallen behind during his tenure, scares the shit out of me.  I still don't understand why the Krafts want to reward failure... not to savvy if you ask me.  MINUS 25

Super-duper-draft....

So why is it the "SUPERDRAFT" and not just the draft?  What's so super about it? And why do people insist on it's importance? It's not that important anymore folks... It's great for depth and that's about it... of course there are few great picks every year but it can be a crap shoot, we see highly ranked players flounder and diamonds in the rough come from the bottom... Ok rant over...

Despite my feelings of the draft it appears that Heaps & Co. did pretty well for themselves by selecting Kelyn Rowe and Tyler Polak.

Pure F******Style

 

This just needed to be shared... (via KCKRS)

Revolution Sign Columbians Lozano, Cardenas

Cardenas, Lozano

The New England Revolution have announced a pair of Colombian signings from club America de Cali, 23 year old midfielder/forward Fernando Cardenas, and 27 year old defender John (Jhon) Lozano. 

At this time Cardenas appears to be more of a creative player than goal scorer, in 82 appearances he has scored just 6 goals and had 5 assists. Cardenas has played for Deportivo Pereira, Once Caldas, Deportes Tolima and America de Cali before landing with the Revolution.

New England Revolution Hire Jay Miller, Nick Downing

Today the Revolution announced the addition of Jay Miller to the technical staff. Miller takes the long awaited and anticipated hot seat of assistant to Jay Heaps.

Miller brings more than 30 years of soccer experience to the coaching staff, having worked for U.S. Soccer youth national teams, scout for the USMNT and at the college level.  Most recently Miller has been working for the  U.S. State Department as and envoy traveling on behalf of the U.S. and U.S. Soccer. Also of note is Miller has worked overseeing and coaching coaches, perhaps his appointment is not only for what he brings to the players/team but what he specifically brings to Heaps

The move to hire Miller, is an outside the box move and interesting one as well.  Miller has a lot of youth and talent development experience.  Miller's resume my indicate a shift to a youth movement under the new leadership of Heaps.  Miller has not worked in top flight soccer yet with his vast involvement in soccer we hope he brings many connections to assist in player scouting and acquisition.  The question we do ask is whether Sunil Gulati had any say in this move.  We've heard Gulati may have been more influential than previously thought, with the deck chair reshuffling of the FO we thought his influence was gone but maybe not.

MLS Fruits of Their Labor Ranking

We got artsy with it... (c. Rivera)

Actions speak louder than words.

Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

Based on our recent post amount the comings and goings of MLS teams so far this off-season we've come up with a ranking system to determine an successful effort ranking.  The first number is the position the team finished during the 2011 season.  The second number is players in divided by players out.  It's simple and doesn't take anything else into account other than results based on work needed to be done.

What are the Revs Doing vs. League

Everyday I'm shuffling... Rosters...

In the interest of being fair and honest about the New England Revolution's off-season moves we have compiled all MLS team moves for comparison.  Questions and claims are made that the Revs aren't doing enough and aren't doing what they should be compared to other teams, well here are the stats laid out for you to make your own decision.  We have compiled all players officially in/out since MLS cup until today.  Players that have been waived but to which a club still retains rights are counted as out.  Re-entry Draft selections are only considered in if they have signed, Homegrown Players also count as 'in'. 16 Internationals have been signed, 2 of which who were on loan last season. Please do not hesitate to email us if we have overlooked something.


The following stats exclude Montreal:
IN:
Average: 2.2
Revs: 1
Most In: Philadelphia Union
Least In: Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake

OUT:
Average: 6.9
Revs: 10
Most Out: New England Revolution, DC United, Vancouver Whitecaps
Least Out: LA Galaxy

Two Weeks From Camp... What Are The Revolution Waiting For?

The New England Revolution are just about 2 weeks away from opening their preseason camp and there are still a lot of questions and things that need to be done. One of the biggest questions is the assistant coach situation.

After the hiring of Jay Heaps as head coach, a lot of talk was around how an experienced assistant would be hired in the coming weeks. It is more than a few weeks on and there has been no mention of how that process is progressing. There are many major moves and decisions to be made in the upcoming weeks, who is Heaps seeking advice from and bouncing ideas off of? Draft picks need to be chosen and a team that has little more than depth players at this point needs to sign 15 or so more players and many of them need to be impact players or starters at minimum.