With the earthquake and human devastation in Haiti, I've been listening to a special version of Wyclef Jean's "Diablo."
I pray for relief in that devastated country. A friend, who's a registered nurse, is going down to Haiti for a couple months to help. I also pray for her safety, and peace.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Gavin Wilkinson the new GM
The Timbers announced that Gavin Wilkinson will be retained by the Timbers as the new Technical Director, which essentially includes all aspects of the playing field (and none of the business, sponsorship, etc.) He will be in charge of scouting, player contracts, the youth team, etc.
This is an excellent promotion for a dedicated servant to the club. Congratulations, Gav.
I will be especially interested to hear his thoughts on the youth model the Timbers will pursue. I'm happy the Timbers have a U-23 team, with Brian Visser the first graduate. What about Collen Warner? Did the Timbers attempt to offer him a contract? Because he just got drafted by Real Salt Lake in MLS, and soccerbyives.net is talking him up as a projected rookie standout.
But there are several different models for youth programs in MLS. Chicago has satellite teams and a Chicago Fire Academy, with plans for a residential program. Colorado, on the other hand, partnered with Colorado youth teams which will contribute members to the Rapids Academy, while being retained by their clubs. The Rapids offer coaching assistance. And I'm guessing the youth teams contribute to some ticket sales. The Red Bulls have an excellent scouting program, and one of the top youth teams in the country, while contributing several young pros, like Jozy Altidore, Dilly Duka, Matt Kassel (at Maryland), and the Red Bulls first youth signing, whose name escapes me but it sounds like Giorgios.
Gavin's personnel decisions improved dramatically last year. Ryan Pore, David Hayes, and Mo Keita were all great pickups. But the year before that? Let's not talk about that...
Good luck, Gav! You've got my support- for at least 3 years.
This is an excellent promotion for a dedicated servant to the club. Congratulations, Gav.
I will be especially interested to hear his thoughts on the youth model the Timbers will pursue. I'm happy the Timbers have a U-23 team, with Brian Visser the first graduate. What about Collen Warner? Did the Timbers attempt to offer him a contract? Because he just got drafted by Real Salt Lake in MLS, and soccerbyives.net is talking him up as a projected rookie standout.
But there are several different models for youth programs in MLS. Chicago has satellite teams and a Chicago Fire Academy, with plans for a residential program. Colorado, on the other hand, partnered with Colorado youth teams which will contribute members to the Rapids Academy, while being retained by their clubs. The Rapids offer coaching assistance. And I'm guessing the youth teams contribute to some ticket sales. The Red Bulls have an excellent scouting program, and one of the top youth teams in the country, while contributing several young pros, like Jozy Altidore, Dilly Duka, Matt Kassel (at Maryland), and the Red Bulls first youth signing, whose name escapes me but it sounds like Giorgios.
Gavin's personnel decisions improved dramatically last year. Ryan Pore, David Hayes, and Mo Keita were all great pickups. But the year before that? Let's not talk about that...
Good luck, Gav! You've got my support- for at least 3 years.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
PGE Park Renovations + PICTURES
Hey guys,
I saw the Timbers posted some pictures and plans for the renovations of PGE Park.
http://www.portlandmls2011.com/stadium/pge-park-renovation/
What I like:
-Restaurant: While I enjoy an evening in 103, my Mom couldn't handle all the standing. So, the option of taking her to a game when she visits seems all that more enticing when you can take in the atmosphere from the comfort of a stadium restaurant. Here's hoping it features local beer and food, and doesn't try to replicate some English pub (though I LOVE Charleston's Three Lions Pub in Blackbaud Stadium- I've been there 3 times, and didn't make it out for the opening whistle on any of the visits).
-Sightlines to/from 18th Ave: I always liked seeing people watch the game from behind the fence. And catching a glimpse of the MAX gives the stadium a unique Portland feel.
-Family Areas: Designated family areas in the South and East ends is good for both families & hard-core fans. It's what most European teams do, and allows both groups to enjoy the game.
-Capacity: 20,000 is a solid number. BUT see below, for my main concern.
What I Don't Like:
-FieldTurf: Despite the new generation of fieldturf, I prefer grass - and always will. Even though we will still share the stadium with PSU's football team, I'd rather play on grass slightly torn up, than field turf all year round. I hate to see the ball just keep rolling and rolling across the end line.
-Capacity: only 20,000. It's a good number that provides an intimate atmosphere and sufficient capacity for fans. My main concern is price. Right now, I can easily afford $12 tickets to every game. Large numbers of cheap tickets allow fans like me to come to the stadium and contribute to the atmosphere. I hope that the Timbers emulate teams like Shalke FC (Germany), who ensure large numbers of cheap tickets for hardcore fans are available because they contribute to the atmosphere and are a major part of the club's heart and soul.
-Concert stage: Not sure how many concerts will happen at PGE. Could this be converted to temporary seating for big events (EPL teams, Sounders/Whitecaps games, playoffs)?
What do you guys think of the renderings and innovations?
I saw the Timbers posted some pictures and plans for the renovations of PGE Park.
http://www.portlandmls2011.com/stadium/pge-park-renovation/
What I like:
-Restaurant: While I enjoy an evening in 103, my Mom couldn't handle all the standing. So, the option of taking her to a game when she visits seems all that more enticing when you can take in the atmosphere from the comfort of a stadium restaurant. Here's hoping it features local beer and food, and doesn't try to replicate some English pub (though I LOVE Charleston's Three Lions Pub in Blackbaud Stadium- I've been there 3 times, and didn't make it out for the opening whistle on any of the visits).
-Sightlines to/from 18th Ave: I always liked seeing people watch the game from behind the fence. And catching a glimpse of the MAX gives the stadium a unique Portland feel.
-Family Areas: Designated family areas in the South and East ends is good for both families & hard-core fans. It's what most European teams do, and allows both groups to enjoy the game.
-Capacity: 20,000 is a solid number. BUT see below, for my main concern.
What I Don't Like:
-FieldTurf: Despite the new generation of fieldturf, I prefer grass - and always will. Even though we will still share the stadium with PSU's football team, I'd rather play on grass slightly torn up, than field turf all year round. I hate to see the ball just keep rolling and rolling across the end line.
-Capacity: only 20,000. It's a good number that provides an intimate atmosphere and sufficient capacity for fans. My main concern is price. Right now, I can easily afford $12 tickets to every game. Large numbers of cheap tickets allow fans like me to come to the stadium and contribute to the atmosphere. I hope that the Timbers emulate teams like Shalke FC (Germany), who ensure large numbers of cheap tickets for hardcore fans are available because they contribute to the atmosphere and are a major part of the club's heart and soul.
-Concert stage: Not sure how many concerts will happen at PGE. Could this be converted to temporary seating for big events (EPL teams, Sounders/Whitecaps games, playoffs)?
What do you guys think of the renderings and innovations?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
