FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – After missing out on the playoffs for the first time in nine years, the New England Revolution have plenty of work to do as they plot their return to the postseason in 2011.
Here's a list of a few things that will rank high on their to-do list heading into the close season:
Improve the talent level within the squad
Revolution boss Steve Nicol has said frequently that he needs to add quality within his ranks during the offseason in order to compete in 2011. Expect Nicol to back up his words by ringing in the changes over the next few months.
Scour the world for new players
Nicol and the Revolution technical staff will soon fan out to different parts of the globe in order to find the talent required to bolster the squad. Those scouting expeditions have produced mixed results – Africa has proven a fertile recruiting ground, while Central and South America have produced only frustration – in recent years.
Sign a Designated Player
New England chief operating officer Brian Bilello recently announced the Revs would pursue a DP or two during the offseason. It may take some time to find suitable options, but the search will rank among the winter priorities.
Sort out the defensive concerns
The constant changes at the back turned the Revs from a reasonably solid unit to one of the leakiest in the league. Kevin Alston's persistent hamstring concerns probably require the addition of specialized cover at right back, while an experienced central defender or two could provide a necessary dose of consistency.
Start the process of replacing Taylor Twellman
One player isn't likely to come in and fill the void left by the former Revs star, but New England need to locate a pair of players who can replace the 15 to 20 goals he scored in a given season. More supply to the front two would certainly help, but the onus will fall on Nicol and his staff to discover a player or two who can make the goal-shy Revs more of a threat at the sharp end.
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