Kristan Heneage

Click Here “The door isn’t closed to him here at Bristol City but it’s looking...

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:00:00 -0500

“The door isn’t closed to him here at Bristol City but it’s looking increasingly likely we won’t be working with him next season,” said Derek McInnes of Kalifa Cisse in early July. It’s indicative of just how highly Cisse was rated by his former club, that even after leaving the club and trying out with a rival Championship side, Bristol City was still keen to re-open negotiations on a contract in October.

Instead, Cisse has opted to join Jay Heaps and the New England Revolution, but just what have the Revs gained?

A Mali international, Cisse began his career in France with Toulouse. Unable to secure the first team soccer his development required, he moved west to the Portuguese league - first joining Estoril, before Boavista noted his potential and secured his services. It was for As Panteras (Panthers) that much of his early reputation was forged.

A stereotypical defensive midfielder or ‘anchor man’, at 6-foot-2, Cisse’s physically imposing style should see him fare well against the more combative midfielders MLS has to offer. A powerful player with good short-range distribution, he will often be at the start of attacks, but rarely provide the finishing touch - his goal record of seven strikes in just under 180 games highlighting that fact.

After two years of impressive form with Boavista, English Premier League side Reading took an interest and purchased him for $1.5 million in 2006. Admired by fans of the Royals, Cisse held his own in a side that had recently recorded a convincing league-winning season in England’s second tier. Primarily a midfielder, his ability to also operate in the center of defense with aplomb was a vital asset for manager Steve Coppell during their three years together at Reading.

After successfully avoiding relegation in their first season, Reading struggled to cope with the loss of Steve Sidwell to Chelsea and suffered the unfortunate fate of relegation in 2008. During the following season, Cisse firmly established himself as a favorite amongst fans for his committed no-nonsense style, which thrived in the robust nature of the Championship.

Failing to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt, Coppell resigned from the club at which Cisse would remain for one final season. That year would see him work under current Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers until he was replaced by Brian McDermott. During their brief time together, Rodgers commended Cisse for his selfless attitude and willingness to work as part of the team.

In 2010 he would be reunited with the man who brought him to England when Steve Coppell took the job at Bristol City. Signing a two-year deal with The Robins, the club struggled in the bottom half of the league with Cisse consistently marked as one of the club’s standout players. Now fully ingratiated in the English game, his composure and assurance on the ball meant he rarely gave it away.

Able to quickly recycle the ball to his more attack-minded teammates, his desire to always pick the safest and sometimes easiest option serves as both a blessing and a curse. Regardless, New England’s ball retention will likely improve with Cisse in the side. Unlikely to win a sprint against the rest of the roster, his lack of pace is offset by his ability to read the game well and play the pitch horizontally rather than length ways.

Of the few blemishes on Cisse’s report card, a slight deficiency in stamina is one. The high intensity of the English game meant that he occasionally struggled moving into the final throes of games, something that may be rectified by the presence of another defensive midfielder like Clyde Simms to share the workload.

In the same way that Claude Makélelé proved the importance of a good anchor man at Chelsea, GMMichael Burns is vindicated in his belief that Cisse holds the potential to make a major impact for the Revs in 2013. With offers in Europe also on the table and still only 28, he now enters what many consider the prime of a midfielder’s career.

The fact fans of his former club are still disappointed at losing Cisse should highlight the potential that has been acquired by the Revs. Expect to see a steel and bite in the middle of the field this season - with his experience in Europe serving as further benefit to both Jay Heaps and his teammates.

Newcastle decides to give stability a try. Click Here During the Premier League era of English...

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 11:22:00 -0400

Newcastle decides to give stability a try.

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During the Premier League era of English soccer, Newcastle United has often carried a well-earned reputation as a hub for drama.

In 1995 the club’s manager, Kevin Keegan, stood on the steps of St. James Park to answer to fans for the club’s decision to sell its star striker to Manchester United. Moving forward a decade, a fist fight between two teammates during a game earned each a red card. And that was all before the numerous protests by fans against the club’s current ownership.

So it always seemed fitting that the film “Goal” was set in Newcastle: while the club has produced its share of striking legends, it has also created the kind of spectacles that even some Hollywood scriptwriters would deem unbelievable. Even as recently as December 2010, after returning from a brief stay in England’s second tier, the Newcastle owner and sports clothing store tycoon Mike Ashley took the decision to fire the much admired manager Chris Hughton and replace him with a man who had recently been let go by a club in the third division — all with seemingly little rhyme or reason.

Just under two years on, however, and the winds of change are blowing through the streets of Newcastle. In June, the club offered an eight-year contract to its chief scout, Graham Carr — the man behind the acquisition of such talents as Yohan Cabaye, Papiss Cisse, and Hatem Ben Arfa. While in theory an impressive example of commitment, the decision to sign Carr to a long-term deal was hardly momentous; he had arrived at Newcastle with a stellar soccer resumé, counting Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur among his previous employers. The same could not be said of Hughton’s replacement as manager, Alan Pardew.

So there was a level of surprise last week at the announcement that Pardew had signed a similar eight-year contract. The offer had even been extended to his back room staff, signaling a potential period of solidity on Tyneside.

In an official statement, the Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias cited both Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger as proof that continuity often leads to success. The decision was met with some caution, but ultimately the rationale was understandable. The deal allowed Newcastle a huge piece of leverage should a team try to pry Pardew away, but it also could spare him — and the club — from talk that he is on the hot seat should the team enter a rough patch or underperform.

Pardew was possibly one of the few managers who understood and worked well in the imposed system at Newcastle. Instead of demanding money for new players (which he knew he would not get), he worked hard with the squad he was given. A defender in his playing days, he spent hours on the training pitch teaching his defenders how to operate as a unit, working on their positioning. By naming a settled back five, consistency was achieved — and it yielded results quickly: Newcastle remained unbeaten in the Premier League until late November, when the Magpies visited Manchester City.

With the obvious exception of securing a fifth-place finish last spring, Pardew’s biggest accomplishment was winning over the fans who had been far from convinced of his ability when he arrived. Newcastle fans are often stereotyped as expectant, but their reasoning for being underwhelmed at Pardew’s arrival seemed justified: he had only recently been let go by a team in the third tier amid reports of locker room unrest.

Now well bonded with the club’s supporters, Pardew recently rejected claims that they harbor unrealistic expectations. “The only time I hear the word ‘expectations’ from Newcastle fans is from journalists from the Midlands and London,” Pardew said. “But up north, they know.”

Meanwhile, Ashley’s surprise announcements are starting to receive a move positive response. Many still hold contempt for Ashley’s decision to sell the naming rights to St. James Park, especially since his company, Sports Direct, was the first to benefit from the branding opportunity. (Some local pubs promised free beer to any journalist who stuck with the original name in their copy.) But an expected announcement soon on a new shirt sponsor, who may also take the stadium rights, could give the club room to maneuver.

Far from finished, and still with a significant level of debt to erase, Newcastle has not completely recovered from the mistakes of the past, but it is learning. A significant overhaul of the club’s academy structure, as well as a keen eye towards recruiting talented youngsters like Gael Bigirimana, means that the club is beginning to head in the right direction.

Pardew, at least, seems comfortable in his black and white skin. At a recent dinner with supporters, he was personable and humorous. Still in shock at the length of his new contract, Pardew conceded that if he is to see it out he will need to bring success and also end a domestic trophy drought of 43 years.

That is something few would have predicted when Newcastle was relegated a little over three years ago.

MacDonald: Ashley here to stay. Click here Former Newcastle United striker Malcolm MacDonald...

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 11:20:00 -0400

MacDonald: Ashley here to stay.

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Former Newcastle United striker Malcolm MacDonald believes that Mike Ashley’s decision to reward manager Alan Pardew and his staff with eight-year contracts is a signal of his intent to stay on Tyneside.

Pardew, along with John Carver, Steve Stone and Andy Woodman, committed themselves to new deals with Newcastle on Thursday. The news follows the announcement in June that chief scout Graham Carr had also signed a similar contract.

Speaking to ESPN, MacDonald said he believes the club’s business profitability is a factor behind owner Ashley’s long-term commitment.

“The owner continuously does things out of the ordinary and makes it work for everybody,” MacDonald said. “I’ve felt for more than two years now that Mike Ashley intends to stay.

“He knows a profitable business and that’s exactly what Newcastle United is - a profitable business for him and his organisation.”

MacDonald, who spent five years on Tyneside, also believes that the news sends a positive message to the club’s players.

“I’ll be interested to see the kind of reaction there is from players on that, because it will have an effect on the attitude of players and they well may feel that there’s a tremendous stability at the club by this,” He said.

However, MacDonald did concede that Pardew’s contract is likely to have demands on it - similar to the ones placed on Sir Alex Ferguson when he joined Manchester United.

“I always look at the situation that existed at Manchester United when they appointed Sir Alex Ferguson, which I learned about after a discussion with Martin Edwards,” He said. “The deal that was struck was that in the next decade Manchester United would win the European Cup.

“I look at Alan Pardew and I wonder - you’re not just given an eight-year contract, you’re given an eight-year contract with demands and I’d like to know what those are.

“For that kind of contract you’ve got to be guaranteeing Europe every season, and certainly within those eight years they’ve got to win a trophy.

“Maybe if they’d given him that eight-year contract on Wednesday he may have named a different team.”

Sunderland confirm Saha swoop Click here Former Tottenham and Everton striker Louis Saha, has...

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 11:18:00 -0400

Sunderland confirm Saha swoop

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Former Tottenham and Everton striker Louis Saha, has signed a one-year deal with Sunderland.

Saha, 34, was a free agent after leaving Spurs, and confirmed on Thursday via his Twitter account that he was in discussions with the Wearside club.

The Paris-born striker is available for selection for Sunderland’s trip to Emirates Stadium this weekend and is likely to go straight into the travelling squad.

Speaking to the club’s official website, manager Martin O’Neill said: “Louis is a striker whose abilities have been proven at the very highest level and he brings with him a raft of experience of top-flight football.

“I’m sure he will be a great addition to our squad in an area we recognise needs strengthening and I’m delighted we have been able to complete the deal ahead of our first game of the season.”

Speaking to ESPN, former Sunderland defender Michael Gray said: “It’s a great deal. He’s obviously a fantastic talent and if we can keep him fit he’ll no doubt score goals in the Premier League. He’s been at the best. He’s played for Man United, he’s done fantastic at Fulham and Everton.”

Saha has spent the majority of his career England having first joined Sunderland’s rivals Newcastle on loan from Metz in 1999. He returned to Metz before signing for Fulham in 2000. After four years with the Cottagers, he then moved north to Manchester United in a deal worth £12.8 million.

The transfer represents a relative breakthrough for Sunderland, who have been frustrated in their attempts to add a striker following the departure of Asamoah Gyan and the Nicklas Bendtner’s return to Arsenal.

Despite the deal, Saha’s arrival will not end Martin O’Neill’s search for strikers as his pursuit of Wolves’ forward Steven Fletcher is still unresolved.

This week saw a £12 million bid for the former Burnley frontman rejected, with Wolves releasing a statement requesting a conclusion to the pursuit as they prepare for life in the Championship.

Gray conceded that his former club are still lacking up front, but believes Saha will make an impact at the Stadium of Light.

He told ESPN: “I certainly think we’re still lacking a little bit up front - but I think he’ll make a huge difference, and he’s one that I’m certain the fans will take to. You look at the quality player we’ve just signed there - and he’s come on a free.

“Granted he’s a little bit older than Steven Fletcher, but now we’re talking about 12-15 million for the likes of Steven Fletcher. It just goes to show you that the quality is out there if you look for it.”

The former Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn player, also commended O’Neill for his approach to Sunderland’s transfer activity this summer.

“We weren’t the highest scoring club in the Premier League last season, and it’s something that as a football club we have to address,” said Gray. “I think Martin [O’Neill] has gone about it in the right way. He’s been patient and he’s looked for the right person to bring into the football club.

“If Louis Saha can hit the form that he has done at his last few clubs- we’ve certainly got a fantastic player on our hands.”

Bajevic looks to move past the abuse. Click here When Atromitos manager Dusan Bajevic steps into...

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 11:15:00 -0400

Bajevic looks to move past the abuse.

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When Atromitos manager Dusan Bajevic steps into the dugout on Thursday evening at Newcastle, it is unlikely he will consider the moment a career defining one. But far from a slight on the quality of his opponents, it serves more as testament to the varied and often colourful life the man has lived.

A title winner at both ends of a fierce Greek rivalry - he has won the Greek domestic league eight times in his career and was chronically abused by fans of one club - it’s difficult to put an order to the chaos outside of chronology.

Extremely polarising as an individual, his career has followed a similar habit. When times were good - like his title wins with AEK Athens and Olympaikos, they were most certainly good - but when they were bad they often far surpassed what many would deem acceptable in his profession.

First weaving himself into the tapestry of Greek football with AEK Athens, he brought four league titles to the club in his first spell but left in a shroud of controversy by joining Olympiakos, where he secured his other four league titles despite fans bombarding him with death threats.

Far from meek in his response, Bajevic was blunt when asked about the threats from AEK fans, simply stating: “I have done nothing wrong. I will kill anyone who comes near my family.” Upon his return to the Athens club, fans showered him with food and even a moped was thrown from the stands, and yet amazingly this would not be the most chronic instance of abuse he would suffer.

It also wouldn’t be the first time he would immerse himself in a fierce rivalry - take his time at Red Star Belgrade as an example of that. On something of a sabbatical from Greek football, Bajevic suffered defeat at the hands of rivals Partizan, but as he gave an interview to local television a few days after the game, angry Red Star fans set about his company car, smashing one of the windows.

With his days at the club seemingly numbered, Bajevic left under a cloud as he resigned midway through a match against FK Vojvodina, leaving the pitch in the 70th minute, never to return.

However, despite the fact that his last act in Belgrade was not a normal one, it was not the first time he’d done such a thing. His second spell at AEK Athens had seen the club’s fans split over his worth to the side: some were able to forgive, others would never forget. What began with derogatory banners quickly escalated and reached its crescendo in a match against Iraklis, when Bajevic resigned before half-time. It would later be revealed his wife had also left the game prior to kick-off after receiving similar levels of abuse.

In the wake of that departure, he had once again joined Olympiakos. You would be forgiven for thinking this was an attempt to spite the fans of AEK once again, but fan pressure once again forced him out.

During his extensive management history, Bajevic has overseen five different Greek clubs including Atromitos, with not every job characterised by turmoil. His time spent with PAOK Thessaloniki and Aris brought one Greek Cup to add to the two he’d already earned as a manager. Amazingly, a third spell at AEK Athens came and went, albeit with a more sinister conclusion this time round. Like watching an arguing couple reunite, to an outsider the likely outcome seemed upsettingly obvious.

By this point Bajevic had mellowed - perhaps it was the maturity gained with age. Where once his press conference was barbed and filled with a determination not to bow to the will of radical fans, now Bajevic the diplomat sat and said: “I have said sorry to whoever I aggrieved and I say sorry again to everyone. We can’t afford to talk about it now though. We all love AEK. We need to forget the good and the bad and look forward.”

Sadly not everyone subscribed to his view and, again, the abuse was intense. Losing to second division Kallithea FC was embarrassing, but not befitting the punishment that was exacted. As Bajevic tried to leave the field he was punched by a fan. Many expected his resignation - he had walked from other clubs for far less - but after support from his staff, the players and a large section of the club’s fans, he remained.

Two months later, Bajevic would end his association with the club for the third time as manager. Firmly established within the history of AEK, admiration for him was far from universal in Athens, but his contributions were undeniable.

Now with Atromitos, life finally seems more peaceful. His side finished fourth in the Greek Super League, and while not garnering the headlines or trophies that some of his previous Greek clubs have, the unique individual that is Dusan Bajevic provides more than enough intrigue and excitement on his own.

Lille reject improved offer for Debuchy Click here By Kristan Heneage and ESPN...

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 14:26:00 -0400

Lille reject improved offer for Debuchy

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By Kristan Heneage and ESPN staff

Newcastle’s improved offer for Mathieu Debuchy has been rejected, according to Lille chairman Michel Seydoux.

• Cabaye: Debuchy wants Toon switch

Debuchy, 27, has been a long-time target of the Magpies, with the Premier League club having already failed with an opening bid of €5 million.

French newspaper L’Equipe claimed early on Thursday that Newcastle had raised their bid to €6 million plus a sell-on fee percentage.

But Seydoux has rejected it, telling L’Equipe: “I decided that Mathieu Debuchy will remain at LOSC. The offer from Newcastle is definitely not at the value of the player.

“It would have taken the offer to be consistent and commensurate with its replacement. As the conditions are not met, it is my duty to make a decision.”

It remains unclear whether Newcastle will return with a fresh bid - although current Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who joined the club from Lille in 2011, recently expressed his belief that Debuchy is keen to make the move to Tyneside.

Wolves reject Fletcher bid Click here Sunderland have seen a £10 million bid for Wolves striker...

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 12:14:00 -0400

Wolves reject Fletcher bid

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Sunderland have seen a £10 million bid for Wolves striker Steven Fletcher rejected.

Fletcher, 25, is a long-time target of the Black Cats and it remains to be seen whether Sunderland will return with a fresh bid, although reports have suggested any future bid may include Connor Wickham being loaned to the Midlands club in an attempt to sweeten the deal.

The former Ipswich striker, 19, joined Sunderland for £8 million last summer but found first-team opportunities limited last season and may be interested in a temporary move.

Meanwhile Fletcher is said to be keen to remain in the Premier League following Wolves’ relegation, despite comments from Wolves chief Jez Moxey on Monday that said the club will not sell its best players.

Elsewhere Martin O’Neill has confirmed the club have lodged several bids for players.

Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, O’Neill said: “We have made a number of bids for a number of players and we’re still waiting to hear back.”

With reports from the North West claiming the Black Cats are interested in Blackburn Rovers pair Martin Olsson and Steven N’Zonzi, it’s believed the club have now moved to secure their signatures.

“I can’t obviously mention particular players, but we’re definitely in the market to try to improve the squad.” O’Neill added.

So far only Carlos Cuellar has joined the Wearsiders, despite the club being linked with a host of players. Speaking on the subject, O’Neill said: “It’s pretty obvious where we’re looking to try to strengthen and of course we’re going to be linked with a lot of players.

Newcastle fail to earn top status Click here By Kristan Heneage Newcastle United were dealt a blow...

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 17:54:00 -0400

Newcastle fail to earn top status

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By Kristan Heneage

Newcastle United were dealt a blow on Wednesday as it was revealed their academy would not receive Category One status under the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).

Instead Newcastle find themselves in Category Two along with the likes of Brighton & Holve Albion, Coventry City, and Crystal Palace.

The EPPP is aimed at boosting the chance of domestic talent breaking through into first-team football and ranks club academies to determine their funding levels. Launched last October, it was described as a “major step forward” at the time by Football League chairman Greg Clarke.

To achieve Category One status, a club must have a minimum of 18 full time staff, and an operating budget of £2.5m, among other criteria.

There has been opposition to the EPPP from some football league clubs, with Hereford United, Wycombe Wanderes, and Yeovil Town all confirming the closure of their academies, citing the cost of the EPPP’s implementation as the reason despite a vote of Football League clubs returning 46 votes in favour to 22 opposed.

The Magpies had hoped to match neighbours Sunderland and Middlesbrough in achieving the top grade, but will now have to wait two years before they can apply to be reconsidered.

Under the new rulings, a Category One club will receive a minimum £775,000 a year in funding from the Premier League, while Category Two clubs will receive only £480,000.

Lalas tips Cameron for success. Click here By Kristan Heneage Former USA defender Alexi Lalas has...

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 16:45:00 -0400

Lalas tips Cameron for success.

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By Kristan Heneage

Former USA defender Alexi Lalas has tipped Geoff Cameron to succeed in England following news that Stoke City had agreed a fee for the centre-back.

Cameron, who joined Houston Dynamo in 2008 and was named an MLS Allstar in 2011, is to join Stoke in a deal worth a reported $2.5 million (£1.59 million) should he be successful in gaining a work permit.

The 27-year-old made his international debut in February 2010, and Lalas believes he has all the attributes he needs to succeed in England.

“I think Geoff has the mentality and all the skill-sets to succeed, but sometimes it’s not always the best players that are successful,” Lalas told ESPN. “You need a little bit of luck, timing and coaches that believe in you but, just on sheer ability and potential going forward, yeah, I think that Stoke and England are getting a quality player that they can be excited to see.

“It’s also a great message for the Houston Dynamo and MLS in terms of developing talent that can make the jump to what is perceived to be one of the best leagues in the world.”

Lalas, who spent time in Europe with Padova, feels the potential deal would be good for both parties.

“For Houston it’s good business because this is a player that came up from nothing and now they’re selling him on for a good chunk of money,” he said. “I think for Stoke in the market, when you actually see the player you’re going to get, they’re going to recognise they’re getting a good quality player.”

Asked how he would describe the centre-back, Lalas added: “He’s good with the ball, he reads the game well and he’s not going to lose possession of the ball while under pressure. If you’re playing with Geoff Cameron, be prepared to play with the ball.

“He has the physical attributes to bang when he needs to but he also has a real confidence in the way he handles the ball and the way he passes out of the back. He can not only play at the back but also in the midfield, which gives him versatility.”

Fergie’s Fledgling Click here By Kristan Heneage The last seven days has seen Ole Gunnar...

Fri, 25 May 2012 15:29:00 -0400

Fergie’s Fledgling

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By Kristan Heneage

The last seven days has seen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer first lead then depart the figurative race to become Aston Villa’s next manager. The 39-year-old had even flown to Birmingham for discussions with the Midlands club - surprisingly much to the displeasure of Molde’s owners. So why is the former Manchester United striker courting interest so early into his coaching career?

There was a hint of fairy tale to the beginning of Solskjaer’s managerial life. Leaving Molde FK in 1996 to join Manchester United, the man nicknamed ‘the baby faced assassin’ returned in the club’s centenary season to deliver the first league title of Molde’s history, weaving himself into the tapestry of Norwegian football once more.

The return to his homeland followed a stint overseeing Manchester United’s second string, a period that left an indelible mark on the young manager. When he decided to vacate the relative comfort of Manchester for his first full time job, he wisely chose not to depart alone.

His backroom staff was filled out by friends he had made in Manchester in the form of Mark Dempsey and Richard Hartis. Dempsey had spent his time coaching 13-16 year olds for the Red Devils. As well as coaching Molde’s first team, Dempsey also works with local youngsters as part of a bank sponsored scheme.

Hartis took control of the club’s goalkeepers after operating in a similar guise for United. Solskjaer gave glowing appraisals of both in his presentation press conference, and was expected to take both men with him had he opted to join Villa - an early display of loyalty and appreciation to those who have helped him earn his reputation.

Although much has been made of Molde’s billionaire backer Kjell Inge Rokke, Solskjaer has not enjoyed a period of extravagance in the transfer market. Operating on a stringent budget, Solskjaer has looked to promote youth, and never more is this typified than with his captain, Magnus Wolff Eikrem.

The son of former Molde player Knut Hallvard Eikrem, Magnus was born and bred in Molde, before being discovered at one of Solskjaer’s soccer schools. From there the talented playmaker was sent away to Manchester United’s academy before being allowed to leave with Solskjaer in 2011.

Ironically deemed a foreign player having spent so much of his teens in Manchester, Eikrem is the playmaking fulcrum of Molde’s midfield. Revelling in his role as captain, the youngster has fallen foul of his manager on one occasion for diving, a rare blot in an otherwise unblemished copybook.

Tactically, Solskjaer has developed a fast counter-attacking side in which full-backs are encouraged to venture forward, revolutionising Molde as a team. As a consequence of Solskjaer’s philosophy, American defender Joshua Gatt has become a much-admired member of the squad. The Michigan native was recorded as the league’s fastest player last season and the admiration of him seems justified when you consider his wonderful solo effort against league leaders Stromsgodset last month.

Despite spending time away from Sir Alex Ferguson, the impact his tutelage had on Solskjaer has not been diluted. Still referring to Sir Alex as ‘the gaffer’ in interviews, Solskjaer seems to have adopted the Scot’s infamous hairdryer motivation technique, as Jo Inge Berget learned to his cost this season after a poor attempt at diving.

It’s claimed Solskjaer’s disdain for simulation harks back to his time under Sir Alex, when he was given a similar blast and told that diving ‘was not the Manchester United way’ - something Berget said Solskjaer stressed to him. “I had to stand in front of everyone in the locker room to apologiSe. Ole Gunnar said that such things we do not have at this club.” Berget said. In fact, so incensed was Solskjaer with the striker, he even forced him to apologise to the referee, and opponents Stromsgodset.

Having been tipped for success by his former mentor, many had expected Molde to hit the ground running in Solskjaer’s first season. The story began diverting from script as Molde suffered an opening day defeat to newly promoted Sarpsborg 08. Arguably a better test of his abilities, the manager responded well to a difficult opening trio of results which included draws against Viking FK and Tromso.

It should be noted that Solskjaer suffered setbacks throughout his inaugural campaign, including losing leading frontman Pape Pate Diouf to FC Copenhagen midway through. Credit must go to his team’s ability to respond to defeat. They never lost back-to-back matches, a testament to his side’s character.

A narrow win against Staebaek in round four earned him his first victory and served as the precursor to a second win away in Brann days later. It also allowed Solskjaer to display his tactical expertise, a quality Ferguson had often noted. Converting the side from its usual 4-3-3 into a more defensively sturdy 4-2-3-1, they recorded an impressive 3-1 victory against the financially stricken side.

With pace out wide a key component of his style, Solskjaer plays in an unique way compared to the majority of Norwegian sides that prefer a more stable 4-4-2. Under the watchful eye of backer Rokke, Solskjaer has taken advantage of the top class facilities that have allowed him to nurture his winning side.

In an eerily similar situation to last year Molde suffered a difficult start as they looked to defend their crown - three defeats in their first six games meant an average opening to the season. However, a 2-0 victory over the weekend against Sandes Ulf saw Molde record their fourth straight win - placing them one point behind leaders Stromsgodset.

When fielding potentially awkward questions regarding his future, Solskjaer has been refreshingly honest in admitting he holds the same ambitions that any young manager does: “We strive for personal development and players who do well get requests all the time,” Solskjaer said. “I was asked by a friend whether I was interested in speaking with Villa. I called Kjell Inge straight away. We agreed that I could speak to them on Wednesday - that it was okay. Roberto Martinez has been given permission to speak to Liverpool, who are a fantastic big club and you know he has ambitions - not a problem.”

Having spurned the chance to join Villa in favour of staying with Molde, Solskjaer will now prepare himself for a Champions League second round qualifier - an amazing prospect when you consider the position the club were in when he joined. Far from minnows, they were also not title contenders.

As for his future, Solskjaer was often a substitute for Manchester United and you sense the striker is aware that much like in his playing days, his time to enter the big stage will arrive eventually.

Click here There was a philosophical feel to Alan Pardew’s postmatch news conference on a...

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 13:35:00 -0400

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There was a philosophical feel to Alan Pardew’s postmatch news conference on a recent Monday afternoon. In the wake of his side’s 2-0 victory over Bolton on April 9 he fielded the obvious questions about his side’s opener — a wonderful solo effort from Hatem Ben Arfa.

In among the superlatives and compliments Pardew gave telling insight into how you handle someone with a heavy backlog of misdemeanors — which included going on strike to force through his move to Newcastle, and even visiting Tyneside without Marseille’s permission.

“With Hatem, you’ve got to let him have his world,” said Pardew, before adding, “It’s his world when he has the ball, my world is when he hasn’t.” It’s compromise, Ben Arfa is an individual, his desire to wear the No. 10 is a clear indication of how he views himself — the creator. Newcastle’s success is built on a hard working cohesive unit, admittedly more prominent during the tenure of Chris Hughton, but the team spirit and work effort remains a healthy part of the current success.

Those were not traits readily associated with Ben Arfa. The attacking flair he displayed on his debut at Everton in the 2010-11 after joining Newcastle on loan had ignited fans passions, but the leg break he suffered at Manchester City dampened the fires of excitement. At a considerably low ebb, many believe his year in rehabilitation is where the bond between player and club was formed and the man began to change.

Newcastle fans posted cards and well wishes in their droves to Ben Arfa and owner Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias paid him personal visits to check on his recovery (he was still a Marseille player at this point). He was even allowed leave to France and Tunisia for his recovery, provided he occasionally returned to Newcastle to be looked over by the club’s medical staff.

It was give and take, and for once Ben Arfa wasn’t just taking. Having given a number of interviews back in his native France recently, Ben Arfa has spoken openly and honestly about his situation. His leg break appears to have served as an epiphany for the man many feel is the most talented member of the ‘1987 generation’ that included Karim Benzema, Samir Nasri, and Jeremy Menez.

Of course the transformation was far from complete. An injury in preseason against Sporting Kansas City ruled him out for the opening few months of the season and left cynics questioning whether he would ever consistently stave off fitness issues. Pardew was careful in his approach- Ben Arfa had played less than a dozen Premier League games by August of 2011, and as a consequence was still grasping the nuances of the more physical English Premier League.

His eventual return as a substitute against Blackburn in September garnered a standing ovation from the home fans — further building of the relationship between player and club.

Pardew still had reservations. Ben Arfa wanted a central role, but the rigid 4-4-2 Newcastle deployed simply didn’t allow for it- — as a consequence he often found his name among the list of substitutes. As fans clamored for him to replace the melancholic Gabriel Obertan out wide, the manager remained defiant.

Tensions grew. When Ben Arfa did play he was able to display his threat, an assist in a defeat to West Brom on Dec. 21, 2011 and a goal against Bolton a few days later that changed the game seemed to vindicate fan opinion — and yet Pardew still confined him to the bench — citing a lack of defensive discipline.

January’s home game against QPR was the turning point. Replacing an injured Yohan Cabaye, Ben Arfa was a constant threat for the home side ,but more importantly he was chasing back. No longer the individual he was part of a cohesive unit that restricted QPR to few chances as the Magpies eked out a narrow win.

His work had not gone unnoticed, Pardew was keen to acknowledge his effort in his postmatch interview: “He’s starting to maneuver into the first team. I think he’s taken on board the team ethos that we’ve got here and in terms of tracking back and doing everything you need to do to play in our team.”

More than just running backward, there has been a definitive change in mentality — something teammate Demba Ba has duly noted. Speaking on French television Sunday he said: “Everyday in training [Ben Arfa] works really hard.” More surprising however was Ba’s claim that Ben Arfa does not like people seeing him working hard — preferring to exude an attitude of nonchalance, something Ba says is not the case.

Ben Arfa is not entirely unrepentant about his former self. Now willing to admit that his reputation of arrogance was justified — he explains that his overconfidence also saved him at one point. Mixing in questionable circles, Ben Arfa was close to joining what he describes as a cult — his reluctance to acknowledge the leader as a superior being putting an end to his potential membership.

With Newcastle’s formation changing in recent weeks to 4-3-3, Pardew has also found a way to finally accommodate his best players — in particular Ben Arfa. His standout game against West Brom on March 25 highlighted his strengths with two assists and a well taken goal. His form of late has even seen him enter contention for France’s Euro 2012 squad, something Pardew has championed him for via the media.

Yet just as the bandwagon begins to gather momentum Pardew cautions that tability and focus are what Ben Arfa requires. Talent has never been the issue for Ben Arfa. As a consequence Pardew has forbidden any more interviews for the rest of the season, a wise move from a man who seems to have learned a great deal in man management after his time with Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez at West Ham.

Now 25, Ben Arfa still has some way to go to prove all of his critics that he is a truly changed man, but with the potential stage of Euro 2012 just around the corner — he may be able to prove that calling him “l’enfant terrible” should be just a thing of the past.

Click here Pericard playing a supporting role. Utter the name Vincent Pericard in England and many...

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:18:00 -0400

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Pericard playing a supporting role.

Utter the name Vincent Pericard in England and many will be able to chart at least some of his club-heavy career. From Juventus to Swindon, via Portsmouth, the French-Cameroonian striker has called time on playing days at 29 years old with a new project already underway.

The venture is not a production company or a fashion line, and he won’t be appearing as an agent at your local club. Instead Pericard is a man on a charitable mission: ‘Elite Welfare Management’ (EWM) is a non-profit organisation that it’s hoped will benefit foreign players moving to England.

Far from an overnight concept, Pericard has been working on this project for a long time. “About four of five years ago, when I was on loan at Southampton from Stoke, I first thought about the concept,” he explains. “From my experience I found players that didn’t get that support structure to help settle and flourish in England.”

Having undertaken his own difficult journey from humble beginnings in Efok, Cameroon, to France at the age of four (where he made his name at Saint-Etienne), he admits it was far from a smooth transition when he arrived at Portsmouth on loan from Juve in 2002.

“I had to learn the language and the culture by myself with trial and error,” he says. “I didn’t know in that country that’s how they do things or perceive things or that’s how they play football.”

When life at home is stressful you may seek solace in your work, but for Pericard that was where his problems emanated. “The biggest shock was just the style of football,” he says. “It’s a lot more physical and a lot more direct. I didn’t want to leave England though - I’m not a quitter so I wasn’t going to give up because my first few months or first year were difficult.”

On the south coast, though, he was not the only foreign player who was struggling. “When I was at Portsmouth I had a French team-mate with a young daughter,” he reveals. “The travelling between France and England took a toll on him. He’d argue with his wife and in the end she stayed in France. I could see how unhappy he was because he missed his wife and his daughter. Something should have been done so they could live under the same roof in England.”

With a gap in the market and a viable business model, his tailored service could very easily be exported for financial gain; for footballers, trust is often a rare commodity. But any suggestion that money can be made from his idea is met with resistance: “It’s a non-profit organisation because it’s all about the wellbeing of the player and the family. The wellbeing of the family is crucial if he is to fulfil his potential.”

Of course some reservations still remain, for example: surely the aforementioned issues are why these players employ agents? To keep their affairs in order; to use their experience to help the clients settle. Again Pericard disagrees: “When an agent from, say, France has players based in England, Spain and Germany how can he look after them on a 24-hour basis? It’s impossible. The agent doesn’t have the resources to provide the kind of service we are suggesting.”

His rationale for EWM seems obvious yet so often unconsidered. “Football is a billion pound industry,” he says. “Football clubs spend millions on players, but they don’t cater for that welfare.”

Still in its infancy he has yet to approach football clubs but has seen backing from PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle and is on the lookout for funding to get it off the ground. Unfortunately that’s also the issue currently halting proceedings. As he attempts to gather backing from the FA and government sports ministers, he hasn’t ruled out a potential paid membership service.

With such honourable intentions it’s difficult not to champion Pericard and his plan. “I’m just a people person and I want to make people happy. I love seeing the smile of a footballer’s face and their family,” he says. “There’s nothing more than fulfilling than making someone happy.”

Given the potential scope of the organisation, Pericard’s varied playing career makes him an ideal figurehead, something he concurs with: “I was born in Cameroon and raised in France. I played in Italy and England so that’s already four different cultures I’ve experienced. I’ve been in the Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two and even non-league football. I’ve been conned out of money so I’ve suffered all the things a foreign player could.”

The benefits are not solely cultural, as EWM aims to help players suffering with mental health issues as well. “By having such a close connection with players, they will have a trust with us so they can talk to us about maybe having depression so we can put them with the right sports psychologist,” he adds.

Pericard may have stumbled into the field - “After retiring I realised how hard it could be for a player after the game. I thought what am I going to do? I’ve got no qualifications, am I going to have to work at Tesco?” - but could well be leaving an impact on English football long after he stopped lacing up his well-travelled boots.

Click here Luke Rodgers isn’t giving up. By Kristan Heneage Deep in the heart of northern...

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:15:00 -0400

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Luke Rodgers isn’t giving up.

By Kristan Heneage

Deep in the heart of northern Europe there is an Englishman with dreams of returning to New York.

After Luke Rodgers and the Red Bulls lost to the eventual M.L.S. Cup champion Los Angeles Galaxy last year — amid talk of Christmas and New Year plans and a desire to watch his beloved Birmingham City when back home — his intentions were made clear: in 2012 he would do everything in his power to help the Red Bulls earn M.L.S. silverware.

That was nearly six months ago and a lot has changed. Now sitting in an apartment in Norway, Rodgers finds himself on the books of Lillestrom SK after his visa renewal was rejected by United States immigration. There are an abundance of questions that sadly Rodgers could not (or would not) answer, but he wants to make one thing clear; “If the chance comes about I’d love to return to New York.” It is believed that Rodgers overstayed his visa last year by several days and also failed to inform the club about a incident in England, though Rodgers, the club and U.S. officials have declined to discuss specifics.

Red Bulls General Manager Erik Soler said the club has not given up hope of getting Rodgers back, with Soler engineering his move to Lillestrom — where Solér was born and began his soccer career.

Admittedly the move is a culture shock to Rodgers, who describes Lillestrom as “nice but quiet” — it provides a dramatic change of scenery when juxtaposed with the bright lights of New York with which Rodgers had grown so fond. He is eager to reiterate, however, that the surroundings are not important, he went to Norway to work.

Making an instant impact with a goal on his debut with Lillestrom, the former Notts County and Port Vale forward remains positive.

“I need to play games right now, and it was great to do that against Rosenborg,” he said in a telephone interview from Norway. “I’d not played since November and to get a goal is an added bonus. I feel comfortable here, everyone at the club has been great helping me settle in, and I’m looking to repay that with some goals.”

It is safe to say Rodgers is not hugely invested in social media. When interviewed in June last year, he was asked if he had considered opening a Twitter account — his response? “Why? What’s the point of it?” It was hard to argue.

It was not a slight on the popular Web site as much as confusion about the concept. Allowing himself a Facebook account to keep in touch with family and friends back home, his page has few status updates but is littered with kind words from Red Bulls fans urging his return — something he describes as truly humbling.

In fact, so determined were sections of the Red Bulls supporters, they set up a Web site urging like-minded people to contact U.S. government officials.

Unaware of all this, Rodgers’s response was initially one of disbelief.

“Honestly?” he said with a sense of uncertainty. “They’ve set up a Web site for me?” After seeing his page, Rodgers was speechless (a nifty little trick) for the first time in during a 30-minute interview.

He broke the silence and said: “That’s amazing. I can’t believe that, just wow.” Clearly shocked by the support, he said that is part of the reason he wants to return, adding; “I really do love the fans, they’re some of the greatest I’ve played in front of. They make banners and it’s just amazing.” Something he has maintained throughout his time in M.L.S.

With fans claiming Rodgers arrival improved the local area, Rodgers is not so sure but appreciates the suggestion.

“Well if scoring goals improved the area then that’s great,” he said with a slightly embarrassed laugh. After a comparison to Mary Poppins was tossed his way, he laughed again. “No not quite, I didn’t fly round on an umbrella,” he said before adding: “I like meeting the fans to be honest. They’re always nice and polite. I mean what’s thirty seconds to take a photo or sign your name?”

Although he might be thousands of miles away, Rodgers is still aware of the club’s fortunes.

“It was a great performance against Columbus, we played really well.” he said. His use of the royal we suggesting part of him is still in New Jersey. And although the Red Bulls entered this weekend’s game against visiting San Jose as the league’s highest-scoring team (with Thierry Henry and Kenny Cooper combining for 13 goals), the club is one or two injuries from desperation up front in Rodgers’s absence.

Rodgers’s attention, however, quickly turns to more immediate matters — last Monday Lillestrom played against last-place Odd Grenland. A game many would have expected it to win, saw a victory for Grenland, something Rodgers was far from happy about.

“That was a frustrating game to be honest.” he said. “The only positive is I got 20 minutes, which is what I need right now. We’ll be looking to bounce back as soon as possible.”

His Red Bulls teammates often admitted to difficulty in understanding Rodgers’s heavy Birmingham accent, he apparently faced another language barrier.

“It’s not bad actually,” he said. “A lot of the guys here speak English anyway, but I’m trying to pick little bits up. I think football is one of those games that you just understand each other, actions can replace words.”

A quick test in Norwegian proved he still has some way to go, his vocabulary currently confined to greetings, not that Lillestrom fans will care. Based on an assortment of YouTube clips they appear enamored with their newest recruit, who still stretches out his arms when he finds the back of the net — another nod to his favorite M.L.S. team

“Red Bull gives you wings doesn’t it.” he said before again erupting in laughter, proving that he has not lost his chirpy spirit or hope of one day running out once more at Red Bull Arena. Only time, and the U.S. government, will tell.

Click here Former hero Le Toux prepares to return to face Philly. There’s been something of a bad...

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:23:00 -0400

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Former hero Le Toux prepares to return to face Philly.

There’s been something of a bad taste in the Philadelphia air the past few months, with changes aplenty and some of the club’s most respected players departing for pastures new – and not always willingly. Such was the case of Sebastien Le Toux.

Le Toux and FourFourTwo exchange small talk in French ahead of some difficult questions regarding the last six months. The timing is apt, given that Le Toux returns to Philadelphia this week to play against his former employers.

He comes back to PPL Park having already made his mark on the scoresheet – after four minutes of his Vancouver debut. Having moved fairly seamlessly, it’s a throwaway comment that potentially explains how he made such a transition.

“I am, what is the word? Ambidextrous?” he asks. That flexibility with his hands may have stretched to other facets of his life. It was certainly the case at Philadelphia. Not only a goalscorer, Le Toux contributed to 57% of the team’s goals in his two seasons – a staggering feat, and part of the reason so many questioned the decision to move him on.

In a protracted relocation, his destination initially appeared to be Bolton Wanderers. Asked about the trial in Lancashire, he interjects. “I wouldn’t really call it a trial, more a visit. I wasn’t ready physically and after I came back things went very fast with the trade.”

As fans registered their concern at the decision to let him join Vancouver, Le Toux opted to tell his story. Considering how often the intricacies of player trades go unknown, the Frenchman was breaking from convention.

Many attributed his open nature to the fact he lacked representation, something he has since rectified. “I’ve got someone else since this happened. I’ve had agents before in my career when I was younger.”

It also seemed to serve as testament to Le Toux the man. When it came to dealing with the Union, he felt a middleman wasn’t needed. A cynic may call this naive; an optimist would prefer to term it admirable.

It’s very easy to feel sympathy for Le Toux. As he tries to move on with his career, the story crops up again and again, like a bitter divorce. Was he angry? “I was frustrated at how he [coach Piotr Nowak] treated me, but I have a lot of friends from there. My girlfriend is from there. I’m trying to turn the page and focus on my career with the Vancouver Whitecaps.”

Le Toux is polite and answers every question honestly. Having had time to calm himself, he’s less outspoken than before. The same can’t be said for Nowak. His weekly press conference was peppered with questions of Le Toux’s return and the coach manager decided against diplomacy.

Asked how he thought Le Toux would be welcomed back, the former DC United manager replied “Maybe confetti, maybe a parade and banners. I have no idea what it’s going to be like and I’m not worried about that whatsoever.”

As Chris Vito of the Delco Times reported, it didn’t end there, Nowak continuing his discourse with one reporter for sometime after the press conference had finished, much to the surprise of those in attendance.

By contrast Le Toux’s approach is far more relaxed. Asked how he will come down from the emotions of the weekend’s game, he replies with typical understatement: “I like to drink wine and listen to music. I’m very thankful to be doing what I do, and living my dream.”

His more tranquil disposition may be due to a healthy relationship with Whitecaps coach Martin Rennie. His early report is glowing, with Rennie seeming to offer much of what he missed towards the end of his stay in the city of Brotherly Love.

“He’s a great person; I’m very happy he is my manager now,” says Le Toux. “Martin is very communicative with the players, his door is always open. You know you can count on him, and he can count on you.”

Vancouver will be hoping to rely on Le Toux this weekend. Philadelphia’s season has begun with three defeats and staunch criticism of the new project being undertaken by the club. It’s a stark juxtaposition with Vancouver, who sit atop the Western Conference with seven points and optimism bubbling nicely in the Canadian city after a tough inaugural season in MLS.

But if Vancouver is quickly becoming a home from home, how will Le Toux feel to play at PPL Park as a visitor? He laughs and pauses to consider his words, not through difficulties with the language barrier – his English is flawless – but as he tries to assess and order his emotions.

“I’m looking forward to playing in front of my family and my friends in there. I will be focused on winning the game for my team.” And with this diplomatically polite answer, Sebastien Le Toux leaves to prepare for the final 90 minutes of this chapter.

Click here Drugs 0, MLS 1: “They saved my life,” says Real Salt Lake’s new...

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 16:01:00 -0400

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Drugs 0, MLS 1: “They saved my life,” says Real Salt Lake’s new star

“They didn’t just save my dream, they saved my life.” That’s how Sebastián Velásquez perceives Real Salt Lake’s decision to select him during the MLS Superdraft in January.

After a whirlwind few months, the rookie reflects upon the moment he found out he’d be making his competitive bow against league champions LA Galaxy. “I saw my name on the board [the night before] and I just started grinding my teeth,” he said. “I was really nervous. In my mind I remembered what a friend from back in Colombia had told me: it’s two goals, 22 people on the field, and three referees. Just go out there and have fun.”

To truly comprehend his journey, you must go back. Born in Colombia’s second city Medellín, Velásquez moved to the US with his mother at the age of two. Throughout his youth he went to school and played club soccer with the aim of one day playing the game professionally.

At 17, his first chance came. Offered a trial with Barcelona after impressing their former striker Steve Archibald, Velásquez began an intense training regiment in preparation for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“I was good friends with a guy called Anthony Solomon. He owned an artificial pitch called Carolina Indoor Soccer,” he explains. “He would let me have the keys so I could start at six or seven in the morning till late at night. When I found out about the Barcelona trial, I spent eight months working and sleeping there – it had a couch in the building. I’d do things like shooting, running with weights on my legs, at a good pace. All kinds of things.”

He describes the trial with Barcelona as an unforgettable experience, but it failed to provide a contract, as did a subsequent spell with local rivals Espanyol. Undeterred, Velásquez returned to the US to play college soccer for Spartanburg Methodist College. The school not only helped him financially, but provided him with what he describes as an excellent soccer program.

After a two-year apprenticeship, Velásquez was ready to move on. Having agreed to join Clemson University, he received a shock phone call: “They told me they had heard about my try-outs in Europe and that because of that I was ineligible – I had no idea.”

With the college route apparently blocked and his dream seemingly over, Velásquez had little idea what to do. His mother was now back home in Colombia, which at the time seemed the only option. “I visited Colombia three times [in the space of a year] to see if I could fit into the lifestyle and adjust to it.”

As Velásquez begins to elaborate, he reveals the culture shock. “In Colombia there’s not as much security as there is in this country,” he said. “There you can drink whatever age you want; you can do drugs on the corner of a soccer field.”

With his mother also living in one of the most dangerous areas, Pedregal, Velásquez provides a harrowing example of day-to-day life on a gangland frontline. “I remember when she’d call me crying and you could hear the shootings outside between the gangs. I didn’t want to go into that.

“When you’re young there, if people don’t know you they’re always going to ask ‘Who is that? Is he trying to take over our territory?’ I didn’t want to be a part of that. I want to be safe and not make bad decisions.”

It’s at this point you begin to understand why Velásquez is so grateful to Real Salt Lake. Already possessing a one-way ticket to Colombia, he made a vital final phone call. “It was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.

“I was thinking about doing it, and I asked my college coach. He said I should, but I didn’t want to give him the news I wasn’t going to Clemson. Five minutes later, my professional life changed forever. If I hadn’t made that call there would have been no Sebastián in MLS.”

At this stage it was only a trial, and as Velásquez had already learned, that was no guarantee of being picked up. Huddled with his mother around a computer back in Colombia, Velásquez watched the Superdraft process unfold – all the time hoping and praying.

“When the first two drafts got picked, my mom got nervous. I just sat there and said ‘Don’t worry, things will work out, stay positive’. As soon as they picked me… man, I just started crying – that’s all I did, was cry.”

There’s a flicker in his voice as he recalls the moment that made this all possible. Selected at No.36, Sebastian Velásquez was now a professional soccer player. As he begins to settle into life in Utah, he hasn’t forgotten his mother. “We’re looking at that right now and her paperwork situation,” he said. “RSL is helping me with that. They’ve put me on to the immigration lawyers, so hopefully I can get her back here or help out economically.”

Proud of his Colombian roots at a club with a heavy South American influence, Velásquez has fit into the squad seamlessly, even gaining a nickname. ‘El Mofeta’ (‘The Skunk’) refers to the blonde and black hair that two teammates shaved off last week, something he takes in good spirits.

He may be living life one day at a time, but what does the future hold for Velásquez? “Someday I want to be an agent,” he declares. But he wouldn’t be a merciless money-mad merchandiser: his reasons are far more positive. “So I can go to these different spots where I know things are bad, give my hand to a kid and say ‘There’s green land on the other side of the hill; you do have an opportunity at life.” It’s a noble wish and one that you hope he is able to complete.

For the time being, however, his aim is simple – and he believes achievable under the stewardship of coach Jason Kreis. “I want to learn something new each day and become a better player. Jason Kreis is an incredible coach. He’s always there for you. I have so much respect for him that it feels like a father and son relationship.”

Click here Western Conference Preview Many see the MLS Western Conference as the stronger of the...

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:15:00 -0500

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Western Conference Preview

Many see the MLS Western Conference as the stronger of the two, and the favourites at this stage have to be LA Galaxy, despite the 2011 MLS Cup winners losing centreback Omar Gonzalez to injury on the first day of a month-long loan spell at FC Nuremberg.

While the top three places may be cut and dry, excitement this season comes in the mid-table battle. With four sides potentially vying for that last play-off spot: Vancouver, Portland, Colorado and San Jose all have things going for them. They also all possess kryptonite-like weaknesses that will hamper their chances, making it a tough difficult battle to call.

But who are the teams involved, and where do we think they’ll finish?

Chivas USA (9th)
Last season was a tough one for the Los Angeles-based side. Inconsistency meant they finished one place from the bottom in the West, with little likelihood of big improvement in 2012. The club added pace to the flanks with the signing of former Arsenal trainee Ryan Smith, but there’s a distinct lack of depth up front, putting a lot of pressure on Juan Pablo Angel to perform.

If Chivas are to achieve anything this year, the issue of consistency needs rectifying. That can often be hard to do with such a high turnover of players, and while poor league finishes have seen them get better draft picks, it’s not really an ambitious long term strategy.

Key Player: Juan Pablo Angel. Watch a compilation of Angel’s goals for New York (good news, there’s one below…) and you’ll see why so many in MLS admire the Columbian forward. Moved on to the LA Galaxy when Thierry Henry arrived in the Big Apple, it was a similar story for the former River Plate and Aston Villa man when Robbie Keane made the move to LA. With so few options behind him (bar rookie Casey Townsend) it’s a lot to ask of Angel and if he fails to score you have to question who will pick up the slack.

Colorado Rapids (7th)

After winning the MLS Cup in 2010, the defence of their title never really got going last season. Manager Gary Smith went back to England after a falling out with the club’s technical director Paul Bravo, amid claims he was “sick of the backbiting.” Former Cardiff City man Miguel Comminges, Ireland international Caleb Folan and MLS Cup final hero Macoumba Kandji were also allowed to depart the club as Oscar Pareja moves towards playing a more fluid 4-3-3.

While his new system may still accommodate Jamaican forward Omar Cummings, Smith favourites such as Brian Mullan will likely find themselves warming the bench. Colorado have long term potential, but the squad still needs work if it’s to play the way Pareja wants them to.

Key Player: Connor Casey. Think Colorado and star striker Casey tends to spring to mind. After missing most of last year with an Achilles injury, much of their success this season depends on whether he can stay healthy. His robust style of play means while he may lack pace, he’s the ideal focal point for their new attacking triangle.

FC Dallas (4th )
A heavily compacted fixture list last season saw FC Dallas try to compete on two fronts, tiring themselves out in the process. Admittedly Dallas weren’t the only club with Champions League commitments, but their policy of fast-stracking youngsters into the side, while admirable, did seem to hamper them last year.

Despite the squad’s best attempts to convince people otherwise, former Colombia midfielder David Ferreira’s absence through injury was also noticeble.

Maintaining focus throughout the squad, as well as being more clinical in front of goal, will be key for Dallas this year. By bringing in Panama striker Blas Pérez (nicknamed Super Ratón - Spanish for Mighty Mouse) the club have attempted to address the second problem. And now George John is entering the final year of his contract, holding his concentration may stifle attempts to maintain harmony.

Key Player: Brek Shea. Possessing a vast array of questionable haircuts, Shea is a 6 ft 3 wide-man with the lungs of a whale. An artist in his spare time (see the below video), he’ll do well to balance all of his commitments this year. Proving he’s human by eventually succumbing to fatigue last year, he became a versatile component of the Dallas side and will be a large part of any success they have this time round.

Los Angeles Galaxy (1st)

You have to commend LA for last season, deapite the burden of pressure and expectation they were still able to deliver David Beckham’s first MLS Cup. Although Becks spent a long weekend in Paris, he’s back and committed to a new two year deal.

The pressing concern for LA is the injury suffered by Omar Gonzalez while on loan at FC Nuremberg, with his replacement Andrew Boyens not having the best of games against Toronto in the Champions League on Wednesday. However LA can celebrate the returns of midfielder Juninho - on another loan deal from São Paulo, and Edson Buddle following a disappointing stint in Germany for the US international forward.

Key Player: Landon Donovan. In a team littered with stars it’s difficult to single out one, but Donovan just rises above his team mates. While he might be playing coy about his future, he keeps producing for LA when required. Scoring a late equalizer against Toronto midweek, it typified why you need players like him in your team. If he can balance a hectic international schedule with his club commitments, he could very easily be the MVP for 2012.

Portland Timbers (6th)
Portland almost capped their debut season with a play-off berth, and they’ll be hoping they can go one better this time around. Kenny Cooper has been replaced by Kris Boyd, the ex-Rangers man enticed by the prospect of working with fellow Scot and current Timbers coach John Spencer.

Unfortunately the club’s young designated player José Adolfo Valencia will be spending this season on the treatment table as he recovers from knee surgery.

With Spencer scouting Colombia for players following good seasons from Diego Chará and Jorge Perlaza, the Timbers have been busy this off-season, seeing several lesser known players depart Oregon. Although it’s unlikely they’ll win MLS Cup, the play-offs are certainly achievable.

Key Player: Kris Boyd. It took him just eight minutes to score his first goal for Portland, a neat header in a friendly against Swedish side AIK. Expectations of Boyd are high, partly due to his time with Rangers as well as the handsome salary he’ll be picking up while he’s with the club. As you might expect, Timbers owner Merritt Paulson is confident Boyd will be a big hit in MLS. The one piece of advice we’d offer the former Middlesbrough man would be to not irk ‘Timber Joey’ while he’s at work (see below…)

Real Salt Lake (3rd)

It was hard not to feel sorry for Real Salt Lake last season. A narrow defeat in the Champions League to Mexican side Monterrey was only worsened by the sickening leg break midfielder Javier Morales suffered a week later.

Credit must go to the club for not only making the play-offs but also knocking out heavy favourites Seattle. The summer saw veterans Robbie Russell and Andy Williams depart, which helped secure new deals for Ned Grabavoy and the sometimes temperamental Fabián Espíndola.

Enzo Martinez also arrived via the Superdraft and he could potentially blossom under Jason Kreis’ tutelage. Defensively solid, Salt Lake are definitely one of the better sides in the West, but perhaps not quite good enough to trouble Seattle and LA just yet.

Key Player: Javier Morales. The year 2011 was not a good one for the Argentine playmaker for obvious reasons. Now fully recovered, his return should make the club a more dynamic prospect in attack - provided he recaptures the form that earned him an All Star selection in 2009 & 2010.

San Jose Earthquakes (8th)
The biggest move for San Jose was Bobby Convey relocating himself to Sporting Kansas City (insert terrible Wizard of Oz joke here). While Convey might not have got on with coach Frank Yallop, his public outburst made the situation untenable, regardless of how good he is.

Tottenham forward Simon Dawkins returns on loan, but rumours of David Bentley joining him seem a tad fanciful. Akin to D.C. United, a late surge almost saw San Jose make the play-offs, but alas it was not to be. Having added some options up front, the back line still looks a little suspect, and with such a high player turnover in the off season San Jose will take time to gel.

Key Players: Chris Wondolowski. A fantastic goal return over the last two seasons, Wondolowski really is one of the best finishers in the league. Having made the MLS team of the year in 2010 & 2011, expect him to be near the top of the goal-scoring charts once again this year. As for San Jose, it’s sad to say but it’s a same story as last year, with the Earthquakes relying on the ‘Magic Wondo’ to perform.

Seattle Sounders FC (2nd)
Kasey Keller finally called time on his illustrious career and the Sounders will miss his big-game experience as they look to compete in both MLS and the CONCACAF Champions League this season. Former Ajax winger Mauro Rosales has earned his designated player contract after an impressive 2011, with Congo DR winger Steve Zakuani edging ever closer to a return after his horrible leg break last year.

Elsewhere, Eddie Johnson will be hoping to prove that Seattle were right to swap Mike Fucito and Lamar Neagle for his services, and former Liverpool trainee Jason Banton has earned the chance to display his talents in MLS. As LA’s only realistic challengers, expect Seattle to comfortably make the play-offs.

Key Player: Osvaldo Alonso. Cuban international Alonso is nicknamed the “Honey Badger” for his tenacious style of play, and while Rosales and Co may take the headlines, it’s Alonso that really makes Seattle tick. His selfless and tidy play in the middle of the park make him the fulcrum of the side and although he may not be flash, he’s the kind of player any team with MLS Cup aspirations needs.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC (6th)
There wasn’t anything funny about Vancouver last season (including Terry Dunfield’s terrible Christmas Cracker style joke). This season seems far more optimistic, as the club have dealt wisely in the off-season. Like a master craftsman, coach Martin Rennie has begun refining his squad, sending Lee Nguyen to New England and acquiring Scotland’s Barry Robson (although he won’t arrive until July).

Arguably one of the best moves the club made was getting Sébastien Le Toux from Philadelphia. His hard working mentality will serve the club well, and if Eric Hassli can curb his poor disciplinary record, there’s potential in Vancouver. Also watch out for the speedy Darren Mattocks, who has looked impressive in pre-season.

Key Player: Barry Robson. It might sound silly to pick a player who won’t arrive till halfway through the season, but having watched Robson has a lot to offer. While there are still question marks over the Vancouver back line, it’s likely to be a close battle between them and Portland for that last play-off spot.

Click here Eastern Conference preview: The Eastern Conference wasn’t pretty last year. Each time...

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:12:00 -0500

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Eastern Conference preview:

The Eastern Conference wasn’t pretty last year. Each time a team looked like securing first place they invariably slipped up and aided their rivals, who in turn did the same. This makes the East difficult to predict – or competitive, if you’re an optimist.

As it turned out Houston benefited from the mass self-destruction, eventually getting to the MLS Cup final only to lose narrowly to the LA Galaxy. New team Montreal join the East this season and will most likely just enjoy being involved: rarely is much expected of an expansion team in their debut season.

But who are the teams involved, and where do we think they’ll finish?

CHICAGO FIRE (6th)
Last season, Frank Klopas was a firefighter. Not in the sense that he was punching his players after games, but that he was an interim coach trying to stabilise a team that had only won one of its last 10 games before he took the post.
Draw specialists last year, Chicago are now a fast counter-attacking side with a lot of options in midfield. As with any team operating in this way, the back line will need to be solid, putting pressure on former Charlton and Feyenoord defender Cory Gibbs to perform.

Key player: Gibbs might be keeping the goals out, but up the other endDominic Oduro will need to replicate his form from last season. Earning a first Ghana cap in January, the striker’s pace means opposing teams could drop an extra few yards back, potentially hampering Chicago’s tactical plan.

COLUMBUS CREW (4th)
Coach Robert Warzycha’s rebuilding job still only seems half-complete, what with four of his starting XI leaving in the off-season. One of that quartet was Anders Mendoza, provider of one of the most awkward moments of last season.

With Jeff Cunningham one goal from equalling the all-time MLS goals record, Columbus were awarded a penalty. As designated penalty-taker Cunningham readied himself, Mendoza stood over the ball, even ignoring his captain’s request to leave it for Cunningham.

It was ugly, but it worked – Mendoza scored – and that sums up Columbus. Far from the most aesthetically pleasing side in league, the Crew are more effective than attractive. Provided Chad Marshall stays healthy and Eddie Gaven keeps contributing from midfield, expect to see the Crew make the play-offs once again.

Key player: Having scored a goal every other game for Universidad Catolica in his native Chile, archetypal No.10 Milovan Mirosevic is likely to be the creative lynchpin for the Crew this year and will be an exciting prospect to watch.

DC UNITED (5th)
Now Charlie Davies has returned to Sochaux, DC have brought in Rapid Vienna striker Hamdi Salihi as designated player. With MVP Dwayne De Rosario recently agreeing a contract extension, the club have a front pairing that should score goals. Coach Ben Olsen will be aiming to eradicate the defensive frailties that cost DC a play-off spot last season.

Part of his plan involves signing experienced former Real Salt Lake defender Robbie Russell and the imposing Argentine Emiliano Dudar. Having failed to make the play-offs in the last three years, DC now look a solid bet – provided that backline clicks into place.

Key player: Hamdi Salihi. Asked how he’d handle the pressure, Salihi calmly replied: “OK: this is my job. I know my quality.” His confidence may not be misplaced: a strong pre-season means there’s a degree of excitement building in Washington. Just don’t expect any funny post-match interviews from him.

HOUSTON DYNAMO (3rd)
Although Houston have to wait till May for their new stadium – they’ll play away games only until it’s ready – at least Brian Ching will be around to enjoy it. His return and renegotiated contract has actually helped the club that came so close to winning the MLS Cup last year. Having unsuccessfully tried to woo Kris Boyd, Houston will still see signing a striker as a priority and with few designated player options readily available, it will only spite Houston further if Boyd performs well at Portland.

Key player: Brad Davis. It was cruel that he missed the MLS Cup final after such a fantastic season last year. His can-opener of a left foot will be vital of Houston are to recapture that form. Coach Dominic Kinnear now looks like affording Davis the freedom to roam, making him the main supply-line to Houston’s strikers – so no pressure, Brad…

MONTREAL IMPACT (10th)
If there’s a song that best illustrates Montreal’s off-season it’s Kenny Rogers’The Gambler: “You gotta know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em”. Deciding to take Brian Ching seemed questionable at the time, especially given the player’s vocal displeasure at the move; the club gained little when he eventually sent him back to Texas.

One move that did pay off was taking Eddie Johnson via the allocation process. Gaining Lamar Neagle and Mike Fucito in the trade with Seattle represents good business and will set them up well for their inaugural season. The unenviable task for coach Jesse Marsch is to form an understanding among a large, newly-assembled group of players; it may take time.

Key player: Matteo Ferrari is the standout name. A good pedigree in Europe will see him placed squarely at the heart of Montreal’s back line. It’s a strong test of his leadership and mental strength and we’ll learn a lot about him during the early months of the season.

NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION (9th)
The king is dead; long live the king. Steve Nicol’s departure didn’t befit a man who had done so much for the Revolution and its players, but in Jay Heaps the club have a popular successor.

Heaps cut several players in the off-season, meaning the remodelling of the side is far from finished. Shalrie Joseph is now a designated player and should form a fairly combative central midfield partnership with former DC United man Clyde Simms. Unfortunately for New England fans, it’s about looking towards the future and enduring the present.

Key player: Languid French striker Saer Sene arrived from Bayern Münich II having scored a goal against AC Milan (friendlies count, right?), but former Derby midfielder Benny Feilhaber will be the key component in midfield. His pre-season bicycle kick was nice, but if New England are to make the transition to Heaps style of play, Feilhaber will need to perform.

NEW YORK RED BULLS (2nd)
New York still have concerns at the front and back. They enter the season with a young pair of goalkeepers who will need to quickly adapt to the pressures of MLS. Meanwhile, striker Luke Rodgers is still in the UK with visa issues; Red Bulls’ record without Rodgers doesn’t make for good reading, so getting him back is vital.

The off-pitch dramas of last season did little to aid moral, and if the club are serious about winning the MLS Cup, they’ll need a united and focused locker room is required. On paper a strong side, New York show you why it’s good to remember the game is played on grass and not A4.

Key player: Thierry Henry. The Frenchman may have looked good on the pitch last year, but this season he’ll have to hold together a sometimes volatile dressing room. Rafa Marquez was nothing but trouble last year and for all the Mexican’s perceived quality he didn’t justify his hefty salary. Henry’s form may be good, but he will need to display his leadership qualities and unite the squad if New York are to avoid some of the embarrassing scenes of last season.

PHILADELPHIA UNION (6th)
After US women’s coach Pia Sundhage’s impromptu press-conference karaoke version of Feelin’ Groovy, it’d be nice to see Philadelphia gaffer Piotr Nowak do likewise with Bob Dylan’s The Times They Are a-Changin’. Some of the club’s most loved players have departed the city of brotherly love and there’s a big risk factor for the Union, especially given Sébastien Le Toux’s contributions over the last two seasons.

Admittedly the money from Le Toux’s move has allowed them to secure some important players, but the Frenchman’s stats don’t lie - he was a big player for the club.

Key player: Leonard Pajoy. Harsh, perhaps, as he may not be a direct replacement for Le Toux – but he’s going to need score goals, if only to justify his manager’s decision. It’s a lot to ask of the 30-year-old Colombian, especially given the lack of consistent goalscoring during his career.

SPORTING KANSAS CITY (1st)

Sporting have a vibrant young side possessing real potential this season. Omar Bravo may have returned to Mexico with Cruz Azul, but with the acquisition of Bobby Convey and a designated player spot still available, Sporting KC are likely to be the best the East has to offer.

The pain of defeat to Houston last year should aid in motivating the players to reach even higher this time around – and if they maintain their discipline, then who knows how far they might go?

Key player: Jimmy Neilsen. As captain of Sporting KC this season, much of the necessary maturity is likely to come from him. At 34, his experience should make him a good leader and if he can instill a rigid discipline in his younger team-mates, the mistakes of last season may be eradicated.

TORONTO FC (8th)
Aron Winter is trying to build something in Toronto. Trouble is, his typically Dutch ideal of a fluid 4-3-3 still hasn’t worked out yet, and after five underachieving seasons the burden of having never reached the play-offs is starting to weigh down on TFC. Mid-season signings Torsten Frings and Danny Koevermans had contrasting fortunes, with Frings often so deep that his influence was stifled.

The club have moved on a few defenders, including Englishman Andy Iro, but have also looked to secure former Manchester United product Richard Eckersley after his loan spell last year. Winter has long-term ambitions, and has said he aims to have the club challenging in 2013 – not really want you want to hear if you’ve just bought a season ticket.

Key player: Danny Koevermans. The stereotypical target man, Koevermans is expected to lead the line and play a big role for Toronto this season. An intimidating target up front, he turned in an impressive his goal return for a mid-campaign signing. Now he’s had a full pre-season his potential impact is huge, provided he gets the service and support from those around him.

Click here Eddie Johnson returns from the wilderness Former Fulham, Cardiff and Preston striker...

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 13:02:00 -0500

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Eddie Johnson returns from the wilderness

Former Fulham, Cardiff and Preston striker Eddie Johnson has ended up back in MLS at Seattle. Kris Heneage fills in the blanks

Eddie Johnson may have returned home to MLS, but he’ll be keen to note the changes since his departure in January 2008. Former club Kansas City Wizards now go by the name of Sporting KC, and his new club the Seattle Sounders were still a year from their MLS debut when he joined Fulham as an exciting 23-year-old.

In the years that have passed the league has gone from strength to strength, but Johnson sadly hasn’t. His time at Fulham yielded few games and even fewer goals – under a dozen, in fact. Unable to hold down a first-team place, he was loaned by Cardiff and Preston to little effect (two goals in a combined 49 appearances), although a spell at Greek side Aris Thessaloniki yielded a more fruitful one-in-three goal return.

Released by Fulham last summer, he returned to his roots training at the IMG Soccer Academy. That’s when USA team-mate DaMarcus Beasley reached out to Johnson, offering him a chance with Mexican top-flight side Puebla.

Johnson trained with his new side ahead of the Mexican season, and after being given time off at New Year, prepared to fly back to Puebla from Florida. But at the airport he received a call from Beasley, claiming he’d read local reports that the deal was off.

Puebla cited a failed medical, but Johnson tells a different story. “The club said I didn’t pass my physical. I never took a physical,” he said. “Then they said that I was unfit, but I trained in every session and I did well, and the coach was happy with the way I trained. All the guys in the locker room were excited for me to join, but it was out of my control with the guys in front office.”

Instead he claims there was a difference of opinion between the club’s technical director and coach Juan Osorio, formerly of the Chicago Fire and New York Red Bulls. Osorio wanted Johnson, but his technical director preferred to sign a Mexican forward; with neither side willing to relent, the deal was cancelled.

With the clarity of hindsight, Johnson laments the fact that he didn’t have an agent, something he has since rectified by hiring Lyle Yorks. “I’m happy right now and it’s a better situation,” he says. “Lyle has a great reputation in Europe and he thought Europe would have been great for me, but I couldn’t keep sitting out. I know this league and I just want to come back and play. I want to let my football do the talking for me.”

Subject to the league’s allocation process, Johnson was originally signed by the Montreal Impact, the newly-admitted Canadian club. They promptly decided to trade him to Seattle in return for Lamar Neagle and Mike Fucito. Some say it’s a risky move for Seattle, but Johnson sees it as a great display of faith from the Sounders and coach Sigi Schmid.

“I couldn’t be in a better environment,” he said. “The coach believes in me and he thinks I’ll make a great fit in the team. I had the chance to train with Mike and Lamar and I think they’ll do great in Montreal.”

With Johnson knowing little of the Seattle area other than its heavy rainfall, he relied on former Aris teammate Freddy Adu to fill him in on what to expect. “Freddy and I are really good friends,” explains Johnson. “When I heard Seattle were offering a lot to get me, I was like: ‘I’ve never really been to Seattle… I heard it rains a lot up there.’

“The first thing he said was ‘Man, Seattle has the best fan support, you’re going to love it.’ I watched some highlights on MLS.com and I saw how electric the atmosphere is; he said ‘Trust me, you’re going to love it.’”

Now 27, Johnson admits that with the help of Sigi Schmid he also hopes to catch the eye of Jürgen Klinsmann and add to the 42 caps he already has for the national team. “I couldn’t be in a better environment for that. If I’m playing well enough to get into the US men’s national team, I think Sigi has a good relationship with him [Klinsmann]. I know If I’m doing it week in week out, Sigi will give him a call.”

His season with Seattle is likely to begin with a CONCACAF Champions League tie against Santos next week, and Johnson can’t wait to start making up for lost time. “The CONCACAF Champions League will be good. Right now we’re focused on our quarter-final game and I’m looking for that first goal in a Seattle Sounders jersey.”

As for his aspirations this season, Johnson is keeping those to himself, but there’s an air of determination and confidence in his voice. “As a player you always set goals. Right now I’m going to keep those goals to myself, but I’d like to go back and see what ones I did accomplish and what I didn’t accomplish.”

Earning an estimated $100,000 this season, Johnson could very easily become an astute signing for the Sounders should he recapture his early career form. As the team needs a viable partner for Fredy Montero, Johnson will seek to quickly establish an understanding with the Colombian if Seattle are to once again make the play-offs in a difficult Western Conference.

Right now though, Johnson is simply asking for a healthy season. “It’s a long season we have a lot of games with the CONCACAF Champions League, the big question is can our team stay healthy throughout the year. If we stay healthy we’ve got a strong chance.”

http://fourfourtwo.com/blogs/therealamericanfootball/archive/2012/02/09/kris-boyd-s-mls-move-highlig...

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:10:00 -0500

http://fourfourtwo.com/blogs/therealamericanfootball/archive/2012/02/09/kris-boyd-s-mls-move-highlights-the-league-s-complexities.aspx

Given Bill Shankly’s professed admiration of socialism in relation to football, one would imagine he’d quite enjoy the financial regulations employed by Major League Soccer.

While the economic disparity between the top and bottom of England’s Premier League is often highlighted, the same issue fails to surface in MLS. In line with most US sports, the league strives towards financial parity and providing every team with an equal opportunity of winning.

Take for example Kris Boyd’s recent move to the Portland Timbers. The former Rangers striker had been in negotiations with Houston Dynamo – even flying to Texas – but the two parties failed to come to an agreement.

While holding discussions with Boyd, Houston placed ‘discovery claims’ on him. This meant that, in the event of a rival MLS club signing Boyd, Houston would have to be compensated. At the same time, Boyd’s agent began discussions with the Portland Timbers, managed by former Chelsea player John Spencer.

Despite strong interest from the Dynamo, Boyd chose to sign with the Timbers. As a consequence, Portland traded a first-round 2013 draft pick to Houston in order to complete the deal, meaning Houston actually gained something from not signing Boyd.

Advocates of ‘discovery claims’ believe the system benefits all parties involved. Portland acquired a striker to replace the recently departed Kenny Cooper, Boyd gets to join his preferred MLS side, and Houston get something to ease the pain of missing out on a player of Boyd’s potential.

But just as socialism has its detractors, discovery claims also garner criticism. A team may hold 10 claims at any one time – they expire on September 1st each year. Although in Boyd’s case Dynamo clearly made a genuine attempt to sign the player, it has been suggested clubs may seek to gain an advantage by staking a claim in a player they have no real intention to pursue. If such a case did present itself, it’s likely the league would punish the offending team, should this be proven.

Now you may question why such rulings exist. Essentially it’s to prevent an auction between clubs. After all, MLS is a single-entity league and internal competition only invokes bidding wars, which raise salaries. It also serves in the best interest of the clubs due to the stringent financial constraints of the salary cap, which attempts to negate financial wastage.

The concept convolutes itself further when you learn the list of discovery claims is kept secret by the league. Working out which clubs found certain players requires Sherlockian deduction, or a leak of information from a club (often the one that will benefit).

Of course, this also holds wider implications. To use a hypothetical example: Player A is ‘discovered’ by Club X. In the meantime, Club Y show a distinct interest in Player A – but upon learning that they would have to forfeit something to Club X, decide against making a move.

In those circumstances, the potential impact of Player A on MLS bears little relevance, as he (and the US game) will have missed out on a potentially mutually beneficial move. What was implemented to breed fairness can be twisted to serve a more sinister purpose.

Thankfully that wasn’t the case here, but what’s important for Portland fans is that Boyd represents a substantial gamble. The Timbers made space for him by moving Kenny Cooper – admittedly far from prolific last season – on to New York Red Bulls, so if Boyd struggles in Oregon, they’ll have strengthened two rivals at once for no appreciable gain.

The pressure is on the new guy. Timbers fans have been eager for a synopsis of his talents, and the response is simple: goals and little else. That’s what convinced Middlesbrough to furnish him with a lucrative contract after he left Rangers on a free in 2010. Unfortunately, the goals weren’t nearly frequent enough (six in 27 league games to be precise), leading to claims of Boyd being lazy and one-dimensional.

Serving only to intensify the pressure, Boyd also enters Portland as a designated player. Often referred to as the ‘Beckham rule’‚ it allows dispensation to have a player outside of the salary cap. As with other DPs, Boyd will receive $335,000 from the salary allocation with the club’s owner collecting the rest of the bill.

While Boyd awaits a decision on his work visa, it’s believed he’ll join Portland at their LA training camp which began this week. Considering there was reported interest from a number of Championship clubs as well as tentative links to former club Rangers, Boyd’s decision is something of a coup for MLS and shows that the US is becoming a more considered option for European players.

His MLS career potentially begins in March with a home game in the atmospheric Jled-Wen field against the Philadelphia Union. Then in May he makes the trip to Houston, at which point both sides should be able to define who came away best from the complex deal with Timbers owner Merritt Paulson already sounding confident: “Kris perfectly fits the profile of the team’s needs and will make a huge impact.”

http://fourfourtwo.com/news/england/93754/default.aspx Legendary Newcastle United striker Malcolm...

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:40:00 -0500

http://fourfourtwo.com/news/england/93754/default.aspx

Legendary Newcastle United striker Malcolm Macdonald has tipped new signing Papiss Demba Cissé to be a success on Tyneside.

The Senegalese international joined the Magpies on Tuesday from SC Freiburg for an undisclosed fee - believed to be in the region of £10 million - and has already been handed the iconic number nine jersey.

NEWS: Newcastle sign Freiburg front-man Cisse

And Macdonald, a former holder of the number who netted 95 goals in 187 league games for the club from 1971-76, describes the shirt as something of ‘a challenge’.

“When I first arrived in the early 1970s I was made well aware of what the number nine shirt meant to Newcastle United supporters and to the area,” he told FourFourTwo.com

“It’s a challenge. Putting it on is a challenge. There are those players that will react positively and those that buckle under the challenge. That’s why I think certain players have avoided the number nine shirt.”

With Cissé currently at the Africa Cup Of Nations alongside fellow Newcastle striker Demba Ba, Macdonald believes the pair’s international understanding will work well at club level.

“It helps to play with a fellow national, at least on a communication and understanding level.

“I think the game has lost a bit of it’s fluency in places because there isn’t that natural understanding that comes from common language.”

Macdonald also feels that Cissé’s arrival will relinquish pressure on his 15-goal compatriot.

“There’s not been somebody else who has been able to just take that little bit of goal-scoring pressure off Demba Ba. The onus has always been on him and this will just balance things out a little bit,” he said.

Given that manager Alan Pardew now has six first-team strikers at his disposal, Macdonald claims the arrival of the former Metz man may elicit a positive response from his competition.

“I think it could benefit the other strikers in truth. It should give them a kick up the backside. If they’re not up for the fight then they aren’t good enough. If a player came to me complaining about it, I’d say: ‘Oh so you aren’t up for the competition then?’”

Having scored 37 goals in 65 games for Freiburg, Cissé is considered one of Europe’s top marksmen, and Macdonald is confident his goal-scoring prowess can transcend the leagues.

“I always believe anyone who is well versed in scoring goals can go and do it anywhere. That’s one ability that no matter the level of football you can always accomplish,” he concluded.

“Sticking the ball in the net is one thing that travels well in football.”

By Kris Heneage