::: TFC Press Conference Thread :::

[FluSH]

Very poetic indeed although maybe: "A warrior should die on the battlefield, not in a dark, back alley."

Much better... I couldn't help but to express some of my anger that is hovering over my sadness right now...

[AL-MO]

#9 should be a number players wear with HONOUR going forward. And the club will bestow that number on a player accordingly.

[Darlofletch]

It's sad the way it happened, but what would you rather have? De Guzman for 3 years and Danny as coach, or Dichio "playing" in the last 6 games, howver much time Cummins would give him.

Sentiment aside, this works out best for the club, especially if it means we're not forced to trade anyone away to make cap room.

Also, though I think playing Danny would be the best thing to do tactically if he hadn't retired, I also would have wanted Cummins to concentrate on playing his best team over the rest of the season, and if he thinks that doesn't include danny then so be it. He can't play the team just based on the fact that the fans want to cheer Danny one last time.

that's a moot point now though, but obviously we can still pay some kind of proper tribute for Danny whether he's actually on the pitch.

Also, I wouldn't retire the number, honour him in some way, have some kind of wall of fame or something, but you can't retire the number 9, that's the classic centre forward number, and hopefullt we'll have some good ones of those in the future.

Anyway to close, thanks for everything Danny, and thanks to TFC for looking out for the future of the team and doing what needs to be done to improve the future squad, you might want to work on your pr management skills, but the best decision was made.

[Parkdale]

When do they 'retire' numbers in football?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retired_numbers_in_association_football


Retiring a player's number usually occurs after the player has left the team or retired. It honours a player who has meant so much to his club that they retire the shirt number that the player wore during their time there, meaning no other player is permitted to use that number in the future. In some cases, such as Jason Mayélé (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_May%C3%A9l%C3%A9), Vittorio Mero (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vittorio_Mero), Marc-Vivien Foé (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc-Vivien_Fo%C3%A9), Miklós Fehér (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikl%C3%B3s_Feh%C3%A9r), Ray Jones (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Jones), François Sterchele (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran%C3%A7ois_Sterchele), David di Tommaso (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_di_Tommaso) and Antonio Puerta (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Puerta), numbers have been retired to posthumously honour a player who died in tragic circumstances while still active. Also, Norwegian club Fredrikstad (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fredrikstad_F.K.) have retired Dagfinn Enerly (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dagfinn_Enerly)'s number following an on-pitch accident that left Enerly paralyzed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraplegia). In Britain, only Bobby Moore (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Moore) and Gianfranco Zola's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianfranco_Zola) shirt numbers have been retired due to great service to the club as opposed to a tragic incident.

and just FYI, the LA Galaxy retired #13 for Cobi Jones.

[Boondaddy]

i will be singing my ass off.....hells ya.

[FluSH]

Goodbye our number 9 on this, the 9th day of the 9th month 2009.

<3<3<3<3<3 WE FUCKING LOVE YOU DANNY <3<3<3<3<3

9/9/9/9

[Brooker]

dunno about retiring the number.... but i'd love them to rename the southend "Danny Dichio Stand"

[jabbronies]

there's a whole lot of things in the MLS and Toronto that don't happen in the bigger world of football, and personally I'm all about starting new traditions. We don't do things in the old world way because we're not an old world team. Really, it should come down to Danny. If he thinks it's a nice thing, then retire the number. If he'd rather some future players puts the number on and carries on tradition, then that's cool too. I jsut don't like when people say we should or shouldn't do somethign because that's not how the rest of the world does it

It's not about what is done in the old world..it's about what is done in football all over the world. There are certain traditions that IMO shouldn't be fucked with, jersey retirement is one of them, as well as TV timeouts, cheerleaders during the run of play, music dictating what should be sung etc etc.

[Roogsy]

there's a whole lot of things in the MLS and Toronto that don't happen in the bigger world of football, and personally I'm all about starting new traditions. We don't do things in the old world way because we're not an old world team. Really, it should come down to Danny. If he thinks it's a nice thing, then retire the number. If he'd rather some future players puts the number on and carries on tradition, then that's cool too. I jsut don't like when people say we should or shouldn't do somethign because that's not how the rest of the world does it

I agree to a point. There is no need to keep unecessary traditions that hold the game back. That is not the case in this instant. By taking out a traditional soccer number like 9 you force other players who come in to have to play with non-traditional numbers they may not like. A 9 is usually worn by a forward. If you already have 8, 10 and 11 replaced now you are going to have guys playing with lame numbers like "93" (Cunningham) and hockey numbers like "66". No thanks.

If you're going to start a north-american culture, do it with things that make sense, like video replay.

[Roogsy]

dunno about retiring the number.... but i'd love them to rename the southend "Danny Dichio Stand"

What a great idea.

[Brooker]

is that sarcasm? lol

[Shaughno]

there's a whole lot of things in the MLS and Toronto that don't happen in the bigger world of football, and personally I'm all about starting new traditions. We don't do things in the old world way because we're not an old world team. Really, it should come down to Danny. If he thinks it's a nice thing, then retire the number. If he'd rather some future players puts the number on and carries on tradition, then that's cool too. I jsut don't like when people say we should or shouldn't do somethign because that's not how the rest of the world does it

It's the world game. Traditionally, it's not very common to retire a number. See below ;)


#9 should be a number players wear with HONOUR going forward. And the club will bestow that number on a player accordingly.

Agreed. I'd much rather prefer to have a new player honour DD by excelling in the #9 kit. How about JDG? ;)


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retired_numbers_in_association_football



and just FYI, the LA Galaxy retired #13 for Cobi Jones.

So we want to follow LA's footsteps? Fuck that.

[AL-MO]

I agree to a point. There is no need to keep unecessary traditions that hold the game back. That is not the case in this instant. By taking out a traditional soccer number like 9 you force other players who come in to have to play with non-traditional numbers they may not like. A 9 is usually worn by a forward. If you already have 8, 10 and 11 replaced now you are going to have guys playing with lame numbers like "93" (Cunningham) and hockey numbers like "66". No thanks.

If you're going to start a north-american culture, do it with things that make sense, like video replay.

Agreed Roogs.

[Belfast_Boy]

not really into the numbers retiring thing. would end up with numbers that are too high and IMO that doesn't belong in football. don't really like seeing numbers above twenty.
the thing that would honour DD in the future is us continuing to sing for him 23 minutes in. it has nothing to do with FO. it'll be a test of our commitment.

[Roogsy]

is that sarcasm? lol


No...I was agreeing with you! LOL! Is it really that rare?

[Parkdale]

It's not about what is done in the old world..it's about what is done in football all over the world. There are certain traditions that IMO shouldn't be fucked with, jersey retirement is one of them, as well as TV timeouts, cheerleaders during the run of play, music dictating what should be sung etc etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retired_numbers_in_association_football

so let's see the teams who've done it....
Ajax, Roma, Napoli, Benifica, Aberdeen, Lyon, Chelsea, Manchester City.....


plus lumping things like TV timeouts in there just doesn't make sense. That's a totally different issue.

[Hitcho]

yeah, but what happens when someone like Cunningham comes in with
a whole lot of promise, and then totally fails to deliver. They would taint
the #9 and it would have less appeal for the next great players.

sorry al-mo, your point gets a fail.

Not really. The number 7 shirt went to Smicer at Liverpool but that doesn't taint King kenny's number. And the bnext time a great player comes in and takes it the tradition will continune.

Shirt numbers are very, very rarely retired in football. That's an American thing, and they can get away with it because the shirts go up to 99. Typically your first team squad gets 1 to 15 in football. Start retiring numbers and you run out of "starting XI" shirts very quickly...

[jabbronies]

not really into the numbers retiring thing. would end up with numbers that are too high and IMO that doesn't belong in football. don't really like seeing numbers above twenty.
the thing that would honour DD in the future is us continuing to sing for him 23 minutes in. it has nothing to do with FO. it'll be a test of our commitment.

YES!!!!:scarf:

[Brooker]

No...I was agreeing with you! LOL! Is it really that rare?

LOL nah man... it just seems hard for people to agree around here lately. :D

[Whoop]

compared to just being shown the door, I think this isn't that bad a thing.

I'd rather have him as part of the organization instead of outside of it.

True but the club still screwed him. Not the proper way to finish your career.

[SilverSamurai]

Retire it.
Remember this is MLS, imagine having someone like Cunny wearing #9...
Retire it so that everytime someone thinks about #9, they'll think of Dichio.
Who cares what the rest of the world does or doesn't do. We should start our own traditions. Not everything should or shouldn't be done because it is or isn't done around the world.

[Roogsy]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retired_numbers_in_association_football

so let's see the teams who've done it....
Ajax, Roma, Napoli, Benifica, Aberdeen, Lyon, Chelsea, Manchester City.....


plus lumping things like TV timeouts in there just doesn't make sense. That's a totally different issue.

Quick question...how long were any of those clubs in existance before they retired their first (and likely only) number?

[Shaughno]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retired_numbers_in_association_football

so let's see the teams who've done it....
Ajax, Roma, Napoli, Benifica, Aberdeen, Lyon, Chelsea, Manchester City.....


plus lumping things like TV timeouts in there just doesn't make sense. That's a totally different issue.


Whoa whoa whoa whoa... Man CITEH, not United. And that was a special case because he died at 28.

Pele, Zola, Cruyff, Baggio. Those are players that have earned their retired numbers. Legends to the GAME, not just one team.

[Parkdale]

Quick question...how long were any of those clubs in existance before they retired their first (and likely only) number?

different eras though.

I seriously doubt that even the most hardcore Manchester supporter would tell us who the first real hero on the team was (which was before TV, internet etc). We have a legend NOW and we need a way to honour him.

and I'm not really for or against retiring the number, I'm just pointing out that it IS done in many major leagues all over the world.

[Shaughno]

Quick question...how long were any of those clubs in existance before they retired their first (and likely only) number?


See my last post as well. Look at the players that have had their numbers retired. Typically outstanding service to the game itself, or tragic and special cases.

[tfc_manu]

Thanks Danny Dichio for your contributions over the last 3 years....we'll miss ya....

[Parkdale]

Pele, Zola, Cruyff, Baggio. Those are players that have earned their retired numbers. Legends to the GAME, not just one team.


okay... Cobi Jones. hahaha... I know it's LA, but he was a massive player for this league.

[Boondaddy]

retiring numbers forever is dumb.....they should be held dormant and revived by the deserving only.

[jabbronies]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retired_numbers_in_association_football

so let's see the teams who've done it....
Ajax, Roma, Napoli, Benifica, Aberdeen, Lyon, Chelsea, Manchester City.....


plus lumping things like TV timeouts in there just doesn't make sense. That's a totally different issue.

Right, The big teams that you have listed have retired non-traditional football numbers - 14 and above, alot in the twenties.

Milan and Americana being the only big teams to retire a traditional single jersey numbers. and those players that they retired were huuuuge international stars!

Baggio wasn't even retired by a top team!!!

[AL-MO]

TBH - I don't want to be too quick on the draw to retire numbers anyway. As someone said earlier, we would run out of 'traditional' numbers and we'd have a bunch of 44's and 68's running around.

[AL-MO]

retiring numbers forever is dumb.....they should be held dormant and revived by the deserving only.

Agreed.

Lets start a bit of our own tradition here.

[KShep121]

9/9/9/9

9 times.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/fandomeuserthumbs/208929_247_0.jpg

[Shaughno]

different eras though.

I seriously doubt that even the most hardcore Manchester supporter would tell us who the first real hero on the team was (which was before TV, internet etc). We have a legend NOW and we need a way to honour him.

and I'm not really for or against retiring the number, I'm just pointing out that it IS done in many major leagues all over the world.

First real hero? Matt Busby. Easy. ;)

You're right, he is a legend. Our legend. Doesn't change the fact that we can honour him in many ways without retiring the number.

As I stated multiple times, look at the situations and players of those retired numbers. Not exactly Dichio-esque retirements.

[Shaughno]

okay... Cobi Jones. hahaha... I know it's LA, but he was a massive player for this league.


Even there, big difference. Cobi was one of the few players to shape and mold this league into what it is today. Even though I don't agree with it, he is more deserving of a retired number than Dichio.

[AL-MO]

First real hero? Matt Busby. Easy. ;)

You're right, he is a legend. Our legend. Doesn't change the fact that we can honour him in many ways without retiring the number.

As I stated multiple times, look at the situations and players of those retired numbers. Not exactly Dichio-esque retirements.

LOL that was a hanging curve ball that I knew you would smash out of the park!

[Shaughno]

LOL that was a hanging curve ball that I knew you would smash out of the park!


Shall I continue down the list?

Duncan Edwards, died at a young age. LEGEND. Thought to be the next Pele. Did his number get retired? Nope.

Sir Bobby Charlton? Nope.

George Best? Nope.

anyway.. you get my point. ;)

[Parkdale]

Right, The big teams that you have listed have retired non-traditional football numbers - 14 and above, alot in the twenties.

Milan and Americana being the only big teams to retire a traditional single jersey numbers. and those players that they retired were huuuuge international stars!

haha... I love debates on the internet.

you said it doesn't happen, I link to proof that it does.
so then you take the argument in a different direction. oh internets.

still, it does happen and it might happen here. either way, I'll be happy to have a 9 on my jersey.

[Oldtimer]

Even there, big difference. Cobi was one of the few players to shape and mold this league into what it is today. Even though I don't agree with it, he is more deserving of a retired number than Dichio.

Also, LA is the LAST team I would like to look for for inspiration.

[Whoop]

This is wrong...

A Warrior should die on the battlefield... last game and all... not infront of a table besides two stooges...

Exactly.

Or at least he should be able to do it on his terms.

[CoachGT]

Personally, I'd rather see the number continue to be used with a tribute "patch" on the shoulder of the jersey, with the name of the honoured played inside the patch. Only truly "honoured" players should get this consideration.

Classy and should always remind the player wearing it of the history of the number.

[FluSH]

Guys... we need to stop the reitring #9 debate... and start thinking how can we make Sept 12th better... and the last home game historic...

[jabbronies]

Even there, big difference. Cobi was one of the few players to shape and mold this league into what it is today. Even though I don't agree with it, he is more deserving of a retired number than Dichio.

He owned that number for so many years. 13 in US Soccer was known as Coby jones. He was also a National icon for the USMNT

[nobodybeatsthewiz]

parky youre missing an "S" in your signature

[flatpicker]

dunno about retiring the number.... but i'd love them to rename the southend "Danny Dichio Stand"

or just Section 9

[Parkdale]

Guys... we need to stop the reitring #9 debate... and start thinking how can we make Sept 12th better... and the last home game historic...

dicho t-shirts -- come early and get some!!!

http://www.redpatchboys.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=16881

^ along with a whole bunch of other things in the works!

[jabbronies]

Guys... we need to stop the reitring #9 debate... and start thinking how can we make Sept 12th better... and the last home game historic...

I say we do a small tribute on the 12th. And then save all our guts for the final home game. We've already communicated it as the BIG one. Lets not try and do something else cos it's only hinder the final game. IMO

[Shaughno]

haha... I love debates on the internet.

you said it doesn't happen, I link to proof that it does.
so then you take the argument in a different direction. oh internets.

still, it does happen and it might happen here. either way, I'll be happy to have a 9 on my jersey.


Again, read MY posts. It happens in VERY special situations. Danny is a legend, that is a fact. Unfortunately he hasn't done enough for the game, nor TFC to warrant a retired number. He played (on and off) for 2.5 years for us. While he was a great face of the club, and a gentleman, it's hardly reason enough to retire a number for good, IMO of course.

[Parkdale]

parky youre missing an "S" in your signature

where? you're bit behind.

[Belfast_Boy]

Agreed.

Lets start a bit of our own tradition here.

But that's hard to do. how do you decide who gets a number? Look at LFC last year. seemed like a good idea to give Keane #7 and he sucked the bag! (much to my dismay)

this seems like a North American thing. haven't a lot of hockey teams stopped doing this?

was thinking about this and I'm not happy how it came out, so here's an edit. Robbie had 19 appearances and 5 goals. he didn't have a good run with us but neither did he get a good chance. the combination of the two is what "sucked the bag".

[FluSH]

Stop this #9 debate... and pick up a brush for Sept 12th...

[Whoop]

I agree with you Shaughno. Certain things could/should have been done with better optics etc but essentially there is a give and take here. The deal at the end should be ok for everyone involved.

Danny might say he's okay with it, but his body language indicates he's not.

No matter how you want to spin it - especially like the way MLSE is trying to spin it - it's not the way you treat someone.

I'm a big believer in karma and this is going bite TFC in the ass big time.

[FluSH]

I say we do a small tribute on the 12th. And then save all our guts for the final home game. We've already communicated it as the BIG one. Lets not try and do something else cos it's only hinder the final game. IMO


I feel like I am in mourning...

[Whoop]

Come on. He retires with 6 games left and both he and Mo state that he wasn't getting the amount of minutes that he wanted. Does that honestly sound like someone who was ready to go?

Dichio was backed into a corner, and has been forced into this 6 games early. I have no doubt about it. Do you really think he wanted to quit during a push for the playoffs?

I have to agree with C_B.

The way this was all handled stinks.

Yes, I understand clearing cap space for JDG, but you still don't treat people in that matter.

Is it a business? Sure, but I guess that's all MLSE cares about.

[Shaughno]

I have to agree with C_B.

The way this was all handled stinks.

Yes, I understand clearing cap space for JDG, but you still don't treat people in that matter.

Is it a business? Sure, but I guess that's all MLSE cares about.


I just don't understand why it's a surprise for people? It's MLSE, you know how they work. Did people actually expect 'rifts' to be handled well within that company?????

[King Tut]

Do it Paolo Maldini style. Retire the number, and only bring it back if one of his kids ends up on the first team one day.

[Lucky Strike]

retiring numbers forever is dumb.....they should be held dormant and revived by the deserving only.

While there are arguments for both sides and we can argue them until we’re blue in the face, my one big gripe about not retiring the #9 shirt here in TFC’s case is that: what if the next player we think is deserving of having the #9 shirt turns out to be a complete flop? Or what if he totally dishonours the club because he’s a huge jerk (for whatever reason)?

I’m not saying retire the numbers of every good player we’ve had so that in a hundred years, the club has to issue fractions to players because there are no whole numbers left (can you imagine, player John Smith #¾?). Danny is an exceptional figure and by anyone’s opinion a true legend in every sense of the word. Retiring a number should be a once-in-a-generation thing. We need to protect his legacy from any tarnish whatsoever and simply giving his number out to “deserving players” his not enough. In my view, retiring the number is the only sure-fire way to doing this. Football tradition be damned: we all know Danny deserves it fully.

[Roogsy]

We all agree it's a business. They gotta do what they gotta do right? Fine.

My problem is with the complacent attitude that somehow because they have to run like a business, we can't voice our displeasure when that business-like attitude interferes with the quality on the pitch, or the fan's attachment to the players.

We have said it a million times. Make all the money you want. But don't disrespect the soul of the game, the fans and the players. We all acknowledge and grudgingly accept that the game has gone corporate. But go corporate with some class for heaven's sakes.

[King Tut]

I have to agree with C_B.

The way this was all handled stinks.

Yes, I understand clearing cap space for JDG, but you still don't treat people in that matter.

Is it a business? Sure, but I guess that's all MLSE cares about.

TORONTO FOOTBALL FRANCHISE. Should be TORONTO FOOTBALL CLUB, but sadly it's not and neither is any MLS team.

[Parkdale]

Do it Paolo Maldini style. Retire the number, and only bring it back if one of his kids ends up on the first team one day.

that's a great call. save it for the first TFC academy player to graduate to the senior roster

[Whoop]

yeah, but what happens when someone like Cunningham comes in with
a whole lot of promise, and then totally fails to deliver. They would taint
the #9 and it would have less appeal for the next great players.

sorry al-mo, your point gets a fail.

I agree with AL-MO.

I'm not big on retiring numbers in football but I guess since players wear odd and crazy numbers in football too I guess you can.

It's not really a tradition in football mainly because in the past you really only had numbers 1-15 or 16 on a squad.

But in this case... I might say yes.

[Beach_Red]

Come on. He retires with 6 games left and both he and Mo state that he wasn't getting the amount of minutes that he wanted. Does that honestly sound like someone who was ready to go?

Dichio was backed into a corner, and has been forced into this 6 games early. I have no doubt about it. Do you really think he wanted to quit during a push for the playoffs?

Of course he didn't. Of course he was pushed into it.

But it wasn't handled as badly as some people think, that's all.

This may not be a completely golden prachute, but it isn't shit, either. You can say what you want about Mo, but he's been where Danny is. He's got young kids and he needs to support them. Danny sacrifices six games for a team he'd never heard of three years ago and he gets to keep bringing in a paycheck while his wife has another baby. The team made sure he got his coaching papers and they're giving him a coaching job. It's a stepping stone to his next career. It's more than an awful lot of atheletes get from teams that have been around a lot longer.

(I haven't read the whol thread, so I apologize if this has all been said).

[billyfly]

Danny might say he's okay with it, but his body language indicates he's not.

No matter how you want to spin it - especially like the way MLSE is trying to spin it - it's not the way you treat someone.

I'm a big believer in karma and this is going bite TFC in the ass big time.

For sure Vic his body language was telling but it doesn't mean that he doesn't understand that this is best for everyone involved.

[Boondaddy]

But that's hard to do. how do you decide who gets a number? Look at LFC last year. seemed like a good idea to give Keane #7 and he sucked the bag! (much to my dismay)

this seems like a North American thing. haven't a lot of hockey teams stopped doing this?

Sucked the bag???! How about not getting a decent opportunity to play consistently and with players who provide quality service....

man oh man.

[Belfast_Boy]

Again, read MY posts. It happens in VERY special situations. Danny is a legend, that is a fact. Unfortunately he hasn't done enough for the game, nor TFC to warrant a retired number. He played (on and off) for 2.5 years for us. While he was a great face of the club, and a gentleman, it's hardly reason enough to retire a number for good, IMO of course.

I agree.

this is a new club. lets not jump the gun here and manufacture history. I understand the desire to have traditions. To build up our club by bestowing legendary status on our players. but I don't think retiring his number is the way to go.

don't get upset at that statement, DD should be honoured and it's up to us to do it.

[Shaughno]

For sure Vic his body language was telling but it doesn't mean that he doesn't understand that this is best for everyone involved.


Of course he didn't. Of course he was pushed into it.

But it wasn't handled as badly as some people think, that's all.

This may not be a completely golden prachute, but it isn't shit, either. You can say what you want about Mo, but he's been where Danny is. He's got young kids and he needs to support them. Danny sacrifices six games for a team he'd never heard of three years ago and he gets to keep bringing in a paycheck while his wife has another baby. The team made sure he got his coaching papers and they're giving him a coaching job. It's a stepping stone to his next career. It's more than an awful lot of atheletes get from teams that have been around a lot longer.

(I haven't read the whol thread, so I apologize if this has all been said).


A fucking men to both posts.

[Belfast_Boy]

Sucked the bag???! How about not getting a decent opportunity to play consistently and with players who provide quality service....

man oh man.

yes that too.

[Shaughno]

Sucked the bag???! How about not getting a decent opportunity to play consistently and with players who provide quality service....

man oh man.

You tell'm Dannyboy! :rofl:


I agree.

this is a new club. lets not jump the gun here and manufacture history. I understand the desire to have traditions. To build up our club by bestowing legendary status on our players. but I don't think retiring his number is the way to go.

don't get upset at that statement, DD should be honoured and it's up to us to do it.


Hell yeah.

[Darlofletch]

I have to agree with C_B.

The way this was all handled stinks.

Yes, I understand clearing cap space for JDG, but you still don't treat people in that matter.

Is it a business? Sure, but I guess that's all MLSE cares about.

I'd want the coach/gm etc to be ruthlessly focussed on winning. Let the supporters or some kind of promotion department take care of the sentiment.

[King Tut]

that's a great call. save it for the first TFC academy player to graduate to the senior roster

I meant just his kid(s). The #3 is only coming back if one of Maldini's kids makes the first team (they're in the Academy).

[Whoop]

Darlo... that's a good point too, but a) DD was still had a lot to contribute to the team and b) why didn't MO do something earlier?

We're hanging by the balance.. I don't think bringing JDG for the last six games in reality is going to help.

[Beach_Red]

Exactly.

Or at least he should be able to do it on his terms.

If athletes got to retire on their own terms, every team would be full of sixty year olds. And they wouldn't all be Gordie Howe.

[Parkdale]

I meant just his kid(s). The #3 is only coming back if one of Maldini's kids makes the first team (they're in the Academy).

ahh... just his kids. well then it might be a while.

how about the idea of it being a local talent from the academy? someone specifically coached by Danny.

[Mark in Ottawa]

I personally am against retiring any jersey number at any time.
Put a #9 sign or plaque in the stadium, akin to raising the jersey to the rafters in an arena, but let the challenge be there for some other player to come along and make the #9 synonymous with more than just one player.

I look forward to DD becoming a hardworking no nonsense coach just like he was as a player. Hard work breeds success and I have no fear that DD will continue to be successful in whatever his next career brings him.

I only wish I had got the chance to meet him in person, to shake his hand and wish him and his family well now and for their future here in Canada.

[FluSH]

If athletes got to retire on their own terms, every team would be full of sixty year olds. And they wouldn't all be Gordie Howe.

comeon... he was going to retire next season.

[Roogsy]

comeon... he was going to retire next season.

This season. He was always going to retire this season. It was well known.

[Bobo]

First day of university (take II) yet I'll remember today for the end of another journey.

Oh my my this here Dichio guy
Wanted to finish out the season but Cummins left him to dry
And good old Mo still with the secrets and lies
Mark this as the day TFC died
To our legend we now say our goodbyes

[Whoop]

If athletes got to retire on their own terms, every team would be full of sixty year olds. And they wouldn't all be Gordie Howe.

No but he said he was going to retire at the end of this season.

Fuck...yeah, it's only two months. But at least give him that.

Don't just treat him like a lame horse and shot him out back.

[Beach_Red]

This season. He was always going to retire this season. It was well known.

Yeah, so was Brett Favre.

Look, what made Dichio a great player for TFC was that he had passion and he played all out every minute he was on. Most athletes with that attitude never want to retire.

[mmmikey]

I was wondering that, is retiring the number generally done in football?

almost never done kev... certain teams set numbers aside but it is only after LONG and truly world beating careers. milan has set aside #6 and #3 for baresi and maldini (if maldini's son makes it up to the first team, the 3 is waiting for him). i love dichio, but after a short 3 years of club history, it is way too early to retire any jersey let alone a number as significant as #9 in football history.

our #9 should come with responsibility.. the next player should feel the weight of that shirt, and feel that they need to live up to and respect his legacy.. some times players cannot cope with that pressure, but that will never taint what dichio is, or the #9 he wore.

[King Tut]

No but he said he was going to retire at the end of this season.

Fuck...yeah, it's only two months. But at least give him that.

Don't just treat him like a lame horse and shot him out back.

Atleast let him play the last home game and give him the captain`s armband for the match.

[Boondaddy]

Atleast let him play the last home game and give him the captain`s armband for the match.

FUCKIN A RIGHT.

[Kevvv]

Don't just treat him like a lame horse and shot him out back.

It's already happened - CC doesn't give him playing time. 0 in Seattle, 0 at Chivas. 20 in Denver. In Cummins mind, Barrett, Gerba, and White rate more time. Not to mention Vitti and Ibrahim. Why that is, I can't say.

[nobodybeatsthewiz]

Atleast let him play the last home game and give him the captain`s armband for the match.

now THIS is a great idea.

as a liverpool fan, i say tfc should do what lfc did at their last home game for sami hyppia.....subbed him on with a few minutes to go, making it a point that gerrard (existing captain) would come off and exchange the armband for sami. that way a few things are achieved - the captain gives his spot up and its all very visible that the celebrated player receives this....instead of having played since the 1st or 45th minute.

ps. and let me add this would be solely for us, on the last game. the teams already dragged him out back enough, but this would be great for us just to have........but, alas, aint going to happen :(

[Whoop]

Atleast let him play the last home game and give him the captain`s armband for the match.

Exactly.

Especially if we're out of the playoffs at that point.

Fuck is that so hard?

And if we are in the middle of a playoff hunt? He sits on the bench. But at least he's dressed.

And if we are in the middle of a playoff hunt and we're winning 2-0? Put him on during stoppage time, not only for "time wasting" tactics but to give him one last run.

And same thing if we're down 2-0.

It's not that hard to do. But instead they just railroaded him.

[Darlofletch]

Darlo... that's a good point too, but a) DD was still had a lot to contribute to the team and b) why didn't MO do something earlier?

We're hanging by the balance.. I don't think bringing JDG for the last six games in reality is going to help.

a), I agree, but cummins apparently didn't think so, and even if cummins was playing him, 3 years of De Guzman>6 games of Dichio. b) he tried earlier, the timing of this is more on De Guzman than Mo.

And, no, I don't think JDG will get us to the playoffs this year, but who knows what might have happened if this had got left to the end of our season, some european team that initially turned him down maybe gets an injury and comes calling for JDG to be the replacement, there goes our chance to sign him.

Big respect to danny for taking the hit so it could be done.

[Whoop]

now THIS is a great idea.

as a liverpool fan, i say tfc should do what lfc did at their last home game for sami hyppia.....subbed him on with a few minutes to go, making it a point that gerrard (existing captain) would come off and exchange the armband for sami. that way a few things are achieved - the captain gives his spot up and its all very visible that the celebrated player receives this....instead of having played since the 1st or 45th minute.

Neil... that's too hard for TFC to do.

Remember it's about the bizness.

[Kevvv]

almost never done kev... certain teams set numbers aside but it is only after LONG and truly world beating careers. milan has set aside #6 and #3 for baresi and maldini (if maldini's son makes it up to the first team, the 3 is waiting for him). i love dichio, but after a short 3 years of club history, it is way too early to retire any jersey let alone a number as significant as #9 in football history.

our #9 should come with responsibility.. the next player should feel the weight of that shirt, and feel that they need to live up to and respect his legacy.. some times players cannot cope with that pressure, but that will never taint what dichio is, or the #9 he wore.


You're about 5 pages behind!

[nobodybeatsthewiz]

Neil... that's too hard for TFC to do.

Remember it's about the bizness.


:(:(:( yeah, youre right.

would be such a great gesture though.

[Whoop]

a), I agree, but cummins apparently didn't think so, and even if cummins was playing him, 3 years of De Guzman>6 games of Dichio. b) he tried earlier, the timing of this is more on De Guzman than Mo.

And, no, I don't think JDG will get us to the playoffs this year, but who knows what might have happened if this had got left to the end of our season, some european team that initially turned him down maybe gets an injury and comes calling for JDG to be the replacement, there goes our chance to sign him.

Big respect to danny for taking the hit so it could be done.

No question on the bolded part.

But geez, I've seen tonnes of teams from different sports do a way better job at showing some respect to someone they claim is the face of a franchise.

[mmmikey]

my take:

1. cummins doesn't rate dichio. dichio doesn't play...
2. mo has decided he is waiting for the offseason to replace cummins. (steve nichol?)
3. mo has decided not to dictate the lineup to cummins. it would neuter whatever authority he has left in the dressing room.
4. player needs to leave for JDG to sign. instead of pushing out a player the coach will actually use, he pushes out the one who is retiring soon, does not get played by the coach, and is able to contribute elsewhere in the organization.

based on these 4 items..
-mo will make a cold hearted decision based on what he believes is best for the team.
-cummins is a jerk and a dead man walking who made sure dichio was totally useless as a member of the squad.
-dichio did what was best for the club and its future knowing cummins is gone soon enough.

if cummins is still in charge next season, i will be VERY surprised/angry.

[Beach_Red]

No question on the bolded part.

But geez, I've seen tonnes of teams from different sports do a way better job at showing some respect to someone they claim is the face of a franchise.

And tonnes have done it worse.

The key here for Danny is the job after he finishes playing. He's not some guy who had multi-million dollar contracts, he's a workingman.

I have no idea, but I respect the guy enough to think he negotiated for what he wanted, for what's best for himself and his family and that he didn't just roll over.

A ceremonial captaincy in a final, meaningess game if we're out of the playoffs would be cool, sure, but when your wife's having a baby a job next year is a lot more important.

I know it's crazy to say this, but it's still possible for this team to make the playoffs...

[Whoop]

Point is, at the end of all this, no matter how they want to slice and dice this, Dichio was forced to retire.

"We'll give you an early severance and a token job, but you're done."

In any industry that's a shitty way to treat employees. UNLESS Dichio said he would take it.

We'll never know the complete truth but Dichio has too much class to complain.

[King Tut]

It would also be awesome if one of the stadium Gates (maybe the players` gate, Gate 4) was named Dichio..

let`s see if he gets honored properly from the team officials or not...I know the supporters will do their best to make up for the unclassy actions by the FO, that`s for sure.

[Bobo]

Exactly.

Especially if we're out of the playoffs at that point.

Fuck is that so hard?

And if we are in the middle of a playoff hunt? He sits on the bench. But at least he's dressed.

And if we are in the middle of a playoff hunt and we're winning 2-0? Put him on during stoppage time, not only for "time wasting" tactics but to give him one last run.

And same thing if we're down 2-0.

It's not that hard to do. But instead they just railroaded him.

Isn't the partial point of all this presumably to use the cap space for JDG? Dichio won't be on the roster and illegal to play him. Seems like a fairy tale ending that isn't feasible.

[Whoop]

^^
I know it's illegal to play him.

Just saying that would have been the proper way to send him off.

By the way....

Is JDG playing on Saturday?

[Phil]

Isn't the partial point of all this presumably to use the cap space for JDG? Dichio won't be on the roster and illegal to play him. Seems like a fairy tale ending that isn't feasible.

I am sure a 1 day contract could be arranged.

Similar to what we did during that chivas game last year when the whole team was on international duty.

[Whoop]

^^

I'm sure there are ways around it if they did needed the cap space for JDG.

But then again I'm sure TFC tried real hard in making that a possibility. LOL

But it would probably cost some money to think about making that a possibility or possibly too much money to make it happen.

Fuck them.

[Hitcho]

They can;t bring him back and bend the rules, otherwise clubs could fudge their way around the rules in all manner of ways. I am sure if he comes abck then it has to be on the basis that his contract is resurrected and counts as if it was never let go.

So gutted we won;t get to see Dichio play one last competetive game for us.

As for Cummins, I can't help seeing him as the guy who refused to play Dichio (legend) when he was, in my opinion, still the best striker we had on the roster. If CC had done that in order to force a winining team and great performcances then fair enoguh, but we have looked like shit and cannot score for toffee right now, so wtf?!

Unless I am wrong on this, then I am just waiting for CC to go now. I'm trying hard not to hate him, but it's not easy. it's starting to look like he has fucked the team over and fucked Danny over. No doubt he was trying to do what he thought was best for the team, but i have lost all confidence in him. That BS story about flying really sticks in my throat still.

[Shaughno]

Amazing post from Usector's board:



No Danny is not playing on Saturday. Sadly. He asked us to rally round the boys big time. He aint playing but he remains a big part of our club. Actually this could galvanise our boys.

This has been in the works for ages. Was brought forward as per Danny's wishes cause he believes that it's better for him to make the decision now and not at the black hole of season end.

Danny was not happy with his playing time. Stated in front of Mo and Cummins. Shows Cummins is his own man. Admits his back and ankles aren't up to much and followed the advice of Ray Wilkins who suggested he play as long as possible.

Danny will be involved with the Academy and the first team and the draft, the final four, the scouting etc.

Mo said they were planning something for Danny and the fans would get to see him on the field again. not sure if this was a presentation of some kind of testimonial.

Mo showed some class and deflected JDG talk and ensured the focus of the conference was on Danny's situation. There is room for JDG money and there were plenty other options to free up cap room if required.

The club has assisted Danny in getting his coaching credentials.

Danny has committed his family and his life to Toronto and Canada and hopes his kids can pull on the TFC jersey some day.

Personally, this is fantastic for us and the long term of our club. We now have a coach with some influence who understands the working man and the fans. WE keep our first legend and Ifor one am going out and buying myself a Danny Dichio #9 jersey at lunchtime.

[Parkdale]

^ good post.

you know what I was just thinking..... we can totally play Danny in a friendly. hmmm.....

[scooter]

how about " the return of the king"

[Parkdale]

how about " the return of the king"

or return of the mack?

[Ultra & Proud]

I think MLSE should put one of those bronze statues out in front of Gate 1 commorating both Danny & the first goal in frachise history. Use that classic pic that they have in the desktop pics on the TFC site. Seems fitting to me.

[Lucky Strike]

They can;t bring him back and bend the rules, otherwise clubs could fudge their way around the rules in all manner of ways. I am sure if he comes abck then it has to be on the basis that his contract is resurrected and counts as if it was never let go.

So gutted we won;t get to see Dichio play one last competetive game for us.

As for Cummins, I can't help seeing him as the guy who refused to play Dichio (legend) when he was, in my opinion, still the best striker we had on the roster. If CC had done that in order to force a winining team and great performances then fair enough, but we have looked like shit and cannot score for toffee right now, so wtf?!

Unless I am wrong on this, then I am just waiting for CC to go now. I'm trying hard not to hate him, but it's not easy. it's starting to look like he has fucked the team over and fucked Danny over. No doubt he was trying to do what he thought was best for the team, but i have lost all confidence in him. That BS story about flying really sticks in my throat still.

I'm with you there and despite the U-Sector post below and its reassuring nature, this is how it feels to me too. Cummins seems like a good guy personally, but I'm afraid I'll remember him as The-guy-who-wouldn't-play-Danny.

[King Tut]

I think MLSE should put one of those bronze statues out in front of Gate 1 commorating both Danny & the first goal in frachise history. Use that classic pic that they have in the desktop pics on the TFC site. Seems fitting to me.

I agree with you, but I think Gate 4 (the main gate and players' gate) would be the perfect spot.

[Kevvv]

or return of the mack?

Return of the Big Angus



Amazing post from Usector's board:

Quality post.

[Parkdale]

Return of the Big Angus



ya lied to me....

[Flipityflu]

just a question for some of you...

why do you think the Danny was forced into this? Don't you think if there was such a negativity coming from the FO that he would have just walked and not stayed on with the club? I really beleive this 'conflict' between CC and DD is nothing but fiction.

[FluSH]

just a question for some of you...

why do you think the Danny was forced into this? Don't you think if there was such a negativity coming from the FO that he would have just walked and not stayed on with the club? I really beleive this 'conflict' between CC and DD is nothing but fiction.

There are people here who know more than they can post... but that's all to be forgotten now... we need to move on and forward...

[v00d00daddy]

I'm with you there and despite the U-Sector post below and its reassuring nature, this is how it feels to me too. Cummins seems like a good guy personally, but I'm afraid I'll remember him as The-guy-who-wouldn't-play-Danny.


It's a lose-lose situation because if he had played Danny and TFC got the same results what would be saying now?

People might be talking about how he should have retired sooner and "gone out on top".

It was never going to be a story book ending because, as much as we all love Dichio...he wasn't going to make or break this season for TFC.

The problems with this team run much deeper than anything that could have been fixed by playing Dichio more.

I wanted to see him playing, not because I thought we would win more games, but rather, because it was the right thing to do for the guy.

[FluSH]

I wanted to see him playing, not because I thought we would win more games, but rather, because it was the right thing to do for the guy.

Arguably he was still one of our better options... minutes/goals ratios prove it and what he does on the field is something you can't quantify... for example some say without Danny... Gala would have never scored that goal against RM... little things like that... that made him an integral part of the team...

err.. Gala

[Lucky Strike]

It's a lose-lose situation because if he had played Danny and TFC got the same results what would be saying now?

People might be talking about how he should have retired sooner and "gone out on top".

It was never going to be a story book ending because, as much as we all love Dichio...he wasn't going to make or break this season for TFC.

The problems with this team run much deeper than anything that could have been fixed by playing Dichio more.

I wanted to see him playing, not because I thought we would win more games, but rather, because it was the right thing to do for the guy.

That's entirely possible but under this other scenario, the fault would be on Danny himself rather than Cummins if he had retired "on top" so it's somewhat of a different animal, but yes, I can definitely appreciate the point you're advancing.

As for Danny himself, no I don't think he single-handedly could have brought this team into the playoffs though he was always our best striker option; it's frustrating that Cummins didn't understand that. If the team is losing or not performing well, don't try the same thing you did before - try something new. Unfortunately, playing Danny is something that seems never occurred to Cummins. Like you, I wanted to see him play because it was the right thing to do but also because it was the logical thing to do.

Instead, he was left on the bench and made to feel useless until the supporters piped up and it almost feels like we got him that final 20 minutes in Colorado through pressure of the club. Danny retiring after going unselected or an unused substitute for 5-6 matches would have been even more bitter.

[jloome]

I just don't understand why it's a surprise for people? It's MLSE, you know how they work. Did people actually expect 'rifts' to be handled well within that company?????

Why does peoples' disgust surprise you so much? They're not saying they're surprised by it, they're saying it's disgusting. There is something rather positive to be said about speaking on principle.

[Shaughno]

Why does peoples' disgust surprise you so much? They're not saying they're surprised by it, they're saying it's disgusting. There is something rather positive to be said about speaking on principle.

Disgust I can understand, but plenty of people seemed fairly surprised by the actions of MLSE. It's shown multiple times throughout this thread.

[mighty_torontofc_2008]

just a question for some of you...

why do you think the Danny was forced into this? Don't you think if there was such a negativity coming from the FO that he would have just walked and not stayed on with the club? I really beleive this 'conflict' between CC and DD is nothing but fiction.


it was all that bullshit from the ?? reporter from the CBC making stuff up on a slow news day..christ people took his stuff way to serious and what happens there was nothing to the Story, Dichio is just retiring
and we already knew this was goint to be his last season anyways. Danny knew his time was up, no doubt he wanted to try and help the club where he could but his knees and back had other ideas...IF TFC can get a testimonial type match for him against QPR next season that would be terrific, it would be worth missing a couple of world cup matches for.

[Hitcho]

you know what, a DD testemontial vs QPR as one of the friendlies next season would really, really make me happy. That is somethign I would love to go to, and it would give Danny the chance to have the send off he really deserves having had this seaosn cut short.

[AL-MO]

it was all that bullshit from the ?? reporter from the CBC making stuff up on a slow news day..christ people took his stuff way to serious and what happens there was nothing to the Story, Dichio is just retiring
and we already knew this was goint to be his last season anyways. Danny knew his time was up, no doubt he wanted to try and help the club where he could but his knees and back had other ideas...IF TFC can get a testimonial type match for him against QPR next season that would be terrific, it would be worth missing a couple of world cup matches for.

It wasn't bullshit Mighty. Some people on this board knew what was going on, they just couldn't post it.

[kaos197O]

you know what, a DD testemontial vs QPR as one of the friendlies next season would really, really make me happy. That is somethign I would love to go to, and it would give Danny the chance to have the send off he really deserves having had this seaosn cut short.

Not gonna happen!

With Dichio's retirement coming so suddenly, little did the fans in attendance at the friendly with Real Madrid on August 7 know that they'd be witnessing Dichio's last match at BMO Field. But Johnston said that the club will honor Dichio either before or at halftime of Saturday's home date with Colorado in order to give BMO Field one more opportunity to root for their hero.

"We plan on doing something with Danny," Johnston said. "The fans will get their chance to see Danny on the field."

http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20090909&content_id=6879398&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280

I'd be gobsmacked if MO had anything more than this in mind!