Wednesday's announcement that Clint Dempsey has been granted a work permit by the British Home Office, enabling him to complete his move from the New England Revolution to Fulham FC of the English Premier League, provides a neat bookend to his career in Major League Soccer.
Three years ago, almost to the day, Steve Nicol headed to the 2004 MLS SuperDraft in Charlotte, N.C., armed with the eighth overall pick. His Revolution side had had a so-so 2003 season. The playoffs had been reached again, but a return trip to MLS Cup had been denied them by the Chicago Fire. Nicol was on the lookout for something a little bit different.
Few thought that a 20-year-old junior out of Furman University was the answer to New England's prayers. However, in Dempsey, Nicol saw something that he knew he could work with. The streetwise kid from Nacogdoches, Texas was by no means the finished article, but ever since, the Revs boss has watched him develop into one of his country's best players.
"When we got him he was raw," Nicol said on Wednesday. "He has now matured and he is picking and choosing when he makes his runs and when he doesn't, he picks and chooses when he releases the ball and when he holds onto it. All of these things he had to start with but he has matured and is now making better decisions. That only comes with experience."
While the Revolution attempt to replace him, Dempsey is set for the next stage of his career. Playing overseas is his self-confessed lifelong dream and Nicol is confident that he has what it takes to succeed in the EPL.
"He has ability and certainly has the strength and he is desperate to play," said Nicol, who played in the top division in England for 14 years with Liverpool and Sheffield Wednesday. "If you have those three things then you will adapt to whatever environment you are in and I don't think he will have a problem. Initially, he needs to get himself in there and not expect to do too much too soon."
Nicol was referring to the fact that, having not played since the MLS Cup on Final Nov. 12, Dempsey will take some time to regain full match fitness. He is likely to be eligible to make his Fulham debut against Tottenham Hotspur on Jan. 20.
Dempsey's new manager, Chris Coleman, is on record as saying that he expects his new signing to be able to contribute immediately for Fulham, as a part of a U.S. trio with Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra. With the fact that he is going to play established, there is still the question of where he will play.
Used primarily by the Revolution in an attacking midfield role, Dempsey has had success for the national team wide on the right. Furthermore, he showed impressive form as an out-and-out striker in the latter part of the 2006 season for the Revs. His versatility will be an advantage, his now former coach said, though he should aim to establish a defined role over time.
"I think we all need to have our own position," Nicol said. "Being versatile helps a team if it has injuries and it doesn't hurt you, but we would be happier if there was a position that belonged to us. I hope he gets himself a niche."
The fact that Dempsey's profile has grown so exponentially over the past three years, to the point where he is now seen as one of the poster boys for U.S. soccer, should stand him in good stead for the challenges he will face in England.
His background, which has taken him from the trailer parks of south Texas to the sophisticated heights of prosperous west London, means he will be portrayed as the American dream come true and his fledgling hip-hop career will garner attention too. Nicol is confident Dempsey can handle everything thrown at him.
"I think the last thing he wants to do is get caught up in anything. He should just go there and have the attitude that he had when he was here," he said. "He has had as much attention here as he is going to get over there so that will stand him in good stead. If he can train hard, play hard and concentrate on his game, he'll be fine."
Andrew Hush is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
