The New England Revolution, for the first time in nine years, will not feature in this season’s MLS playoffs. Now ownership is calling in the cavalry to make sure things unfold differently next season.
New England investor/operators Jonathan and Robert Kraft have approved the funds required to pursue and sign one or two Designated Players in time for next season, Revolution chief operating officer Brian Bilello told MLSsoccer.com on Saturday.
In itself, New England’s pursuit of a DP isn’t a new story. The club has negotiated with DP targets in the past, and has remained open to the idea.
“We've always had the option,” Revolution coach Steve Nicol said on Tuesday. “We've always said that if the right guy came along, we'd do it.”
But Bilello’s announcement reveals a subtle shift in the organization’s rationale for signing a DP. In the past, the Revs have stipulated that any DP would have to have an impact for the team on and off the field.
The off-field impact stipulation is no longer in effect. Nicol and vice president of player personnel Michael Burns are now free to pursue players with the sole purpose of improving the squad.
And there’s no question that the squad needs improving. The Revs’ record is currently 7-15-5, and their 26 points are good for third worst in the league. The Revs are also tied for second worst in losses and goal differential behind D.C. United.
“Any time the ownership starts saying they're willing to open up the pocketbook and go out and get players, that is a step in the right direction,” Revs ‘keeper Matt Reis said. “Whether those players pan out and actually help, there's another issue.”
The acquisition of one or two DPs could add a bit of nous to a squad that has been weakened by the departure of several veterans over the past few seasons. New England already have some promising young players who have made an impact this season.
“We have a great future ahead of us,” captain Shalrie Joseph said. “If we can add one or two more key parts to our team, we can be one of those teams that are contending for a playoff spot and contending for a championship.”
Those dreams remain in the distance as New England toil through the final three matches of the 2010 campaign and prepare for a busy offseason highlighted by the now-public pursuit of a DP.
Announcing interest in signing a DP and actually getting it done are two very different things, but Nicol is not in a hurry.
“If something comes up and something comes along that is good for us – whether it's today, tomorrow or next week – then we'll be looking at it,” Nicol said.
