if we reach the deal we hope to reach -- he will not be available for our opening match, but this is the nature of the beast relative to importing players into this league. Some go rapidly, like Simo Valakari, and some take longer."
For the past couple of weeks, there has been much speculation about Greg Vanney. Are we going to get this player and, if so, when?
"We like Greg Vanney. He is an accomplished leader and a very good player. We see him as a replacement and upgrade for Cory Gibbs. I say upgrade because, in addition to his quality, he wants to be in MLS and play for FC Dallas. He can play in the middle of the backline or at left back. He is very good on set pieces as well. We are in position to acquire him, but he has to obtain his release from Bastia and then sign an MLS deal. He would require an allocation and we are prepared to use one on him. My sense is that this is days away from a resolution, but the release and signing have to occur first."
Are there any other major player acquisitions on the horizon or is this the team you will start the season with?
"It is not the team we will start the season with if we can help it, but it takes two or more to tango. We are engaged in multiple discussions to acquire another forward. Some days one scenario looks likely to happen and then other days that one cools off and another heats up. I am confident that one of these discussions will result in our acquiring a player that will significantly improve our team. If I had to put the odds of it happening, I say it is 60-40 to the positive and that is being a bit conservative.
"I also think you will see a couple of other moves relative to the roster prior to opening day and, depending on other players we are tracking who are on a longer-term timeline, you may see us add a piece to the team in mid-season."
Given the recent delay, how is construction of the new stadium progressing? Is the stadium going to be named by some company? Will FCD's logo be on the seats?
"As you can see on the website, we have steel up on the west side framing the press box, club and suite structure. Two light towers are in place. The cinder block walls are up for the concessions stands on the southeast corner, and seats are being installed on the east side.
"We are working with the City of Frisco regarding placing the letters FCD on the seats in white. I can't tell you if this is going to definitely happen but we want it to. As for naming rights, we are close to a deal, but there is nothing tangible to announce on that front as of this Q&A."
What do you think of Coach Clarke's choice to name Simo Valakari as captain?
"Colin and I discussed this at length before and during spring training. I think the choice is spot-on and I am 100 percent on-board with the decision. Simo is a tremendous professional and competitor. Based on Simo's captaincy, the leadership we acquired this off-season with players like Richard Mulrooney, and emergence of leadership qualities in other players, I don't think the issue of 'leadership' will be an issue at all this season with our squad."
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