I won't bore you with the whole synopsis -- there are three simple areas to consider:
• Is it the right player for our team
• Salary cap/roster changes, etc.
• The contract, finances, business value
On the first point, I guess (like any new player) only time will tell. From the start, I have stated we need talented players with the right character/attitude. After having gone to great lengths to get to know the player, I can assure you he has the correct attitude to go with his exceptional ability. Positionally, he gives us great strength in depth in an attacking midfield position (replacing Nunez) and also as a forward, complimenting the great attacking talent that we already have.
The second point (salary cap, etc) took a little longer to work out ... we were able to free up most of what we needed with the trade of Ramon Nunez and Shaka Hislop's settlement. Freeing up the senior international spot has been a little more troublesome!
I've had many sleepless nights figuring that one out!
What I will tell you is that the most important consideration for me, Hitch, and my coaches all through this process, is adding quality to the team -- without taking too much away that we have worked so hard to build since the start of the year -- not only in terms of the quality of the roster, but also the great spirit and team unity we have built off the field and in the locker room.
Tough task, and I guess, well, everything will be revealed when it comes time to add Denilson to the roster (after he obtains his visa).
Finally on the third point -- the contract had to be right. Denilson, in the end, came to terms with how we wanted to structure things -- and for me it says a lot about his attitude. Out of all the options he had, coming to FCD always felt like "the right move" for him. Without revealing too much about his contract -- suffice to say, it is not a long guaranteed contract like other DP's in the league. Denilson was happy to be treated like everyone else on the team and prove himself year-to-year just like his teammates. I'm very happy with the contract -- FCD has nothing to lose and a LOT to gain.
And, just so you know, although his mother tongue is Portuguese and his Spanish excellent, it's another pupil for my newly introduced Spanish/English 'after training' lessons -- of which I will of course be attending!
Going into the most important time of the year, my hope is that Denilson will help give us the extra push in our goal of bringing success to FCD this year and beyond. This has the potential to be something great for us and Major League soccer ... Make him feel at home and give him that big Texan welcome y'all are known for.
Go Hoops.
Steve Morrow
