It's obvious by his brash public nature regarding the situation that Twellman is not pleased with New England/MLS' decision to deny a move overseas. Admittedly, Championship side Preston North End aren't the most alluring of sides, their current league position puts them in the relegation zone, but it's been made apparent Twellman wanted the move and feels as if the league is holding him back. Sound familiar? If you're a New England fan, it is. The past two years have seen frustrating battles between the front office and players; Clint Dempsey in 2006, Shalrie Joseph in 2007, and now it seems Twellman's set to take on that role in 2008.
As a Revs fan, I have two views on the move. One side of me would love to see Taylor go, we could use that money to sign the new Toja or Emilio, possibly throw some of the Twellman and Dempsey money into a youth academy, and start re-shaping the squad that has lost three consecutive MLS Cups. However, reality settles in and after years of supporting this club, I know it's not going to happen. I know the money would be sat on or traded for draft picks, much like Dempsey's allocation was. We wouldn't go out and sign anyone outside of the draft, and if we were to, the player would not be ready for first team football.
Call me negative if you must, but Revs fans as a whole tend to share this opinion, and history only enforces it. In recent years, major outgoing transfers have included Andy Dorman, James Riley, Clint Dempsey and Jose Cancela, just to name a few. In terms of players coming in, the only non-draft acquisition who has made a significant impact on the field would be Khano Smith, who joined the club in 2005. Even then it's easy to find the negatives, as it wasn't until this past season when he finally broke out of his erratic style of play into a deadly left-sided force.
Somehow the genius of Steve Nicol has held this team together as a consistently well performer in MLS, but again, Revs fans feel this isn't good enough. Don't get me wrong, I'd take an MLS Cup final appearance over a last place finish any day, but our problem is that we have unused allocations, large amounts of salary cap room and free roster spots that could ultimately be used on the final pieces of an MLS Cup winning squad; a catalyst if you will.
Ultimately, I share Twellman's frustration with the front office, but I can't escape overseas. It's that love/hate relationship every sports fan shares with their team that keeps pulling me back in. However, we Revs supporters as a whole have shown we won't settle for mediocrity, as last year's "Pay Shalrie" saga will show. In my honest opinion, I don't see this season being as hunky-dory as it was last year. I feel a bitter clash between supporters and the front office will ensue and our opinions will be made loud and clear. We will demand a full roster, making acquisitions when needed, and putting more some passion and effort into this team.
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Why do you feel that the love/hate relationship is inevitable? The NE owners jerk you around but you feel obligated to give them your money.
Unlike the rest of the world, soccer in this country is a business not a club. The NE management clearly views the players and supporters as having interests separate from their own. In other words they don't give a crap what you or the "face of the team" thinks. The "revolution 'til I die" attitude will only leave you feeling abused.
As an alternative, you can pick a team that you love (you have a choice). One that treats you with respect. Allows you cheer, sing, bang drums and wave flags. A team that treats its player's with respect and is an attractive destination for players from overseas.
Believe me, choosing to associate with the best rather than taking the nearest thing available will serve you well though out your life.
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