Though I haven't been dead the past couple of weeks, I did a fair imitation of death in blogging terms. It's been longer still since I've posed on the New England Revolution, the team this site claims to cover with some fidelity.
I have no excuse...well, beyond the lack of news, other projects, having something that resembles a life, etc.
Of the above, the "lack of news" side of this equation changed last night with report of Clint Dempsey reaching a deal with Fulham FC of the English Premier League - and that's the kind of news that interests soccer fans generally. As all y'all know by now, the move itself is contigent on Dempsey obtaining a work permit - something not entirely guaranteed, though everyone seems convinced he'll get one - which suggests moving on to the speculation about how the move will pan out.
To begin, there's some happy details in the report, chiefly Fulham manager Chris Coleman's stated intentions to get Dempsey on the field, and soon; it would flat-out suck to have Dempsey cross the pond only to sit on the bench. Other nice detail comes with word that Everton FC pushed Fulham for Dempsey's signature, a factor that, one would like to think, drove up his transfer fee. As for the fee itself, it's nice to see the MLS transfer record broken - and here's to hoping we see it broken yet again before too long.
As for Dempsey leaving, I'm happy to see him go - speaking as a Revs' fan even. At the same time, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about how he'll adjust to the big-time; and that comes from the same part of me that wants to see American players shine overseas. To be a bit unfair about it, 2006 was hardly Dempsey's best year as a Rev; he showed some flashes of what struck me, and not a few others, as petulance and it affected his play - not to mention breaking a jaw. If he can play happy and hungry, I think Dempsey's got the chops to make it. But there's part of me that's a bit skittish about his temperament.
That, of course, is hardly the end of the Revs off-season changes - though the rest of this has more to do with players sticking around than moving on. In descending order (or is it ascending? Whatever, I'm starting with the one that strikes me as most important), here's who's sticking around:
Daniel Hernandez signed on for the 2007 season - and thank god for that. With Shalrie Joseph a likely departure, re-signing Hernandez should have stood as the team's top priority. Interesting side note, that report mentions Hernandez getting surgery on "both groins" this weekend. I can't speak for anyone else, but I thought there was only one groin...
Two other re-signings made the news: both Joe Franchino and Pat Noonan signed deals with the club. Much as I like both players, it's hard to get excited about these deals. As a recent 2006 season review in the Boston Herald's season review pointed out, Franchino, never the fastest player on the team, will start his tenth MLS season in 2007; with Steve Ralston commencing his 12th and Jay Heaps embarking on his (holy crap!) 9th season, this only adds to a trend of long teeth on the team. As for Noonan, he's a fantastic player, not to mention something of a unique one, but his issues with injury can't help but prompt concern about how little time remains in his still-short career.
Taken together, there's little cause for outright excitement for New England fans. We're losing too many young bucks and the old guys don't look some impressive as they once did.
Here's to hoping we see some aces up Steve Nicol's sleeve between Superdraft day and the start of the season. And if Bob Kraft needs help finding his wallet, I'd be happy to volunteer.
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