Next Year

[Nuvinho]

I think its time to look to see again who will be back next year and how our cap situation looks like. I know this topic is been done over and over, but I want to see how much cap we have left and how many spots. I know some of you guys know the salaries available, so please edit if I am wrong.

First XI:

-------------------Sutton (157.5K)-------------------------

Wynne(150K)--------CB------------CB---------Brennan(183.3K)

---------------------Robbo(330K)----------------------------

Ricketts(212.5K)-----------------------------------------LM

----------------------Guevara (185.8K)----------------------

---------------RF-----------------Dichio(165.6K)-------------


Next 7:

Edwards (GK) - 44.8K
James (CB) - 44.8K
Dunivant (LB/LM) - 104.7K
Harmse (CDM) - 72K
Barrett (RF) - 65K (new contract???)
Bench
Bench

For the Senior Roster: Cap Used - $1.716M

6 spots open $584K (not including allocation money)

We have 11 Intl Spots used (Includes Ibbe and Jo.Smith). Don't know how many we have left for next year?? (Wooster_TFC help??)

Assumptions/Suggestions:

1.We get major allocation b/c we are shite, and the $500K from the Edu sale. Total: $1M ???

2.We keep all 3 draft picks, 1 or 2 used for Senior Bench.

3. DP (I won't go there, b/c it will cause more agony)

4. Rosenlund (and I guess Jo. Smith) on Senior Developmental Roster

[Shakes McQueen]

I agree for the most part.

A few things though:
- Indications seem to point to Wynne not being here next season, from what I've been reading. This actually excites me though, because it means we will hopefully see almost an entirely new backline brought in for next season, save for Brennan. I firemly believe Velez is toast after this season.
- I would keep Jo Smith as a regular sub, if not a starter next season, depending on what our roster looks like.
- I suspect our DP will be a striker, so you might as well plug him in there now.

- Scott

[Marco2K]

Ricketts should come in off the bench. He has been playing terrible.

If all those guys are staying for next year we are gonna suck again.

Its time for a major overhaul.

Even Amado should not be guarneted a job.

[brad]

Even Amado should not be guarneted a job.

Part of the problem with a tight salary cap, nobody should be guaranteed a place.

[RPB_Brantford_08]

keep the folowing 13 and move the rest on:

Sutton<Edwards<Wynne<Marshall<Velez<James<
Robinson<Ricketts<Dunivant<Harmse<
Barrett<Guevara<Smith, Ibby<

here you have a solid squad and work at getting a supporting cast.

[shwade]

keep the folowing 13 and move the rest on:

Sutton<Edwards<Wynne<Marshall<Velez<James<
Robinson<Ricketts<Dunivant<Harmse<
Barrett<Guevara<Smith, Ibby<

here you have a solid squad and work at getting a supporting cast.

Uhhh.

That was pretty much our starting XI last game...what happened?

I think Ricketts should go, he's being paid too much (more than guevara, wtf) and doesn't do anything. Other than that I agree, except Barrett and Dichio should be coming off the bench.

[brad]

keep the folowing 13 and move the rest on:

Sutton<Edwards<Wynne<Marshall<Velez<James<
Robinson<Ricketts<Dunivant<Harmse<
Barrett<Guevara<Smith, Ibby<

here you have a solid squad and work at getting a supporting cast.

Marshall and Velez are shit and should be sent packing.

[Keyman]

Players like Guevara and Ricketts will improve exponentially if they are surrounded by numerous quality players. How many times has Guevara had absolutely no one to set up after creating space on the ball? How many times has a Ricketts cross been wasted by a fellow player in the box? If both are going to have a significant impact on this team, then there needs to be an actualy team around them. This has not been the case throughout this season.

Cutting either player would be a mistake of epic proportions.

[ben_vw]

Johann Smith is going to tear this league apart in years to come. He must stay.

[Keyman]

Smith is an interesting player, one to watch for sure. He obviously displays many attributes which are desirable. His problem is that he spends way too much time on the ball, which again could be a side effect of a poor team around him. He has a lot of work to do in order to become a force, but he obviously has the ability. His pace would tear apart MLS backlines for years to come, and he can dangle.

Keep him, I agree.

[icecoldbeer]

Did Jarrod Smith fall off everyone's radar?

[ben_vw]

Smith is an interesting player, one to watch for sure. He obviously displays many attributes which are desirable. His problem is that he spends way too much time on the ball, which again could be a side effect of a poor team around him. He has a lot of work to do in order to become a force, but he obviously has the ability. His pace would tear apart MLS backlines for years to come, and he can dangle.

Keep him, I agree.

Working under the right coach and getting an opportunity is all he needs. He'll get there.

[James17930]

Did Jarrod Smith fall off everyone's radar?

Yes -- because he didn't do anything in the time that he got. So . . .

[Nuvinho]

Jo. Smith needs to use his speed properly to be an effective player in this league.

Ja. Smith may be gone, just due to the # of internationals next year.

[Shakes McQueen]

Working under the right coach and getting an opportunity is all he needs. He'll get there.

I agree. I'm excited to see how he plays next season, with a full off-season of training and practicing with the club. Same with Barrett, after a full off-season working with Winsper. See if we can get any more acceleration and speed out of those legs of his. And maybe even 90 minutes a match, too.

- Scott

[LucaGol]

Im telling you right now, the best thing that this team could do in the offseason is sign at least 2 more creative players.

Wynne ---- CB --------- CB ------ Brennan

--------- Guevara ----- Robbo
----------------- AM
Ricketts ------------------- DP?
---------------- CF


My dream:

Wynne -- Conde -- Christanval -- Brennan
--------- Guevara -- Robinson
--------------- Juninho
Ricketts --------------------- De Rosario
--------------- Barrett


Whatever ... Im on crack ... who cares ... fantasy is better than real life right now with this team.

[Nuvinho]

I would offer Chicago's 1st round pick back for Conde

Ruiz (I know, I know.....hard to trade him) plus the 2 other picks for DeRo.

I agree, fantasy is better than reality right now......I can't wait for FIFA 09, so I can make a bunch of transfers.

[ben_vw]

What would you guys think of Craig Bellamy for our DP striker next season? He was linked to us last off-season I believe.

Pros:

- only 29
- has worked with Carver before
- at the same level as Juan Pablo Angel

I won't list cons, I'm trying to be positive here. It's hard.

[Nuvinho]

What would you guys think of Craig Bellamy for our DP striker next season? He was linked to us last off-season I believe.

Pros:

- only 29
- has worked with Carver before
- at the same level as Juan Pablo Angel

I won't list cons, I'm trying to be positive here. It's hard.

Refuses to play on turf, he said that over and over again. He didn't even practice on it here for the All-Star game.

[ben_vw]

Refuses to play on turf, he said that over and over again. He didn't even practice on it here for the All-Star game.

Oh wow. I didn't know that. Who's up for another grass protest?

[CoachGT]

Very happy to see this thread!

A couple of things come to mind.

Conditioning: Much has been said of the improved conditioning of the squad this year, and the injury situation is a good representative of that. But the number of late goals against is often a sign of conditioning problems. Whether physical or mental conditioning, there seems to be a problem.

I've wondered whether the early success is an indication of TFC being in better condition than opponents and then the others catching up later, bringing us back to earth.

Decision making: Lately it seems that just about every touch of the ball is forced - players are fighting the ball and then having a hard time directing it to where it needs to go. last night, KC seemed to move the ball into the right directions at will - good first touches and quick movement to another player. I'm not sure if this is just decision making or sound positional play.

First touches: Watching Becks at the All Star Game pointed one thing out to me very clearly - every time he touched the ball he controlled it - it went exactly where he wanted it to go off the first touch. Whether it was a cross from the far side of the field, a switch, or a simple 10 yard pass at his feet, it always (ALWAYS) dropped at his feet to prepare for his next touch. Every time. When our guys take a cross, it seems to bounce off them and land 10 feet away, making them chase. We need to have better first touches.

Excitement/sense of urgency: Is gone. The main source of excitement/urgency is the fans. The chanting and singing has responded, getting louder and louder, even in the Chivas game. However, the players don't seem to be responding. On the field or after the game - it may be disappointment at how they play, but throughout last year they acknowledged the fans after a game, even a poor performance. This year, they just walk away. Sends a message to the fans.

I think a solid foundation for the future is in place, but it would be nice to be more competitive through the year.

[ben_vw]

Great post CoachGT. It's not all doom and gloom. We're a lot further now than we were last year. Something has to change, though, and I'm interested to see what happens.

[RedsYNWA]

Screw everyone that does not have his team in their hearts
Keep Brennan,Robbo,Dichio,Ricketts,Sutton,Dunivant,Vele z

I don't care for the last 2 or 4 but they honestly give a shit about this team, players like ruiz, guevera, barret are just journeymen that will never give this team what it lacks HEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RedsYNWA]

camon boys we bleed red lets make our players do the same

[Lucky Strike]

I think its time to look to see again who will be back next year and how our cap situation looks like. I know this topic is been done over and over, but I want to see how much cap we have left and how many spots. I know some of you guys know the salaries available, so please edit if I am wrong.

First XI:

-------------------Sutton (157.5K)-------------------------

Wynne(150K)--------CB------------CB---------Brennan(183.3K)

---------------------Robbo(330K)----------------------------

Ricketts(212.5K)-----------------------------------------LM

----------------------Guevara (185.8K)----------------------

---------------RF-----------------Dichio(165.6K)-------------


Next 7:

Edwards (GK) - 44.8K
James (CB) - 44.8K
Dunivant (LB/LM) - 104.7K
Harmse (CDM) - 72K
Barrett (RF) - 65K (new contract???)
Bench
Bench

For the Senior Roster: Cap Used - $1.716M

6 spots open $584K (not including allocation money)

We have 11 Intl Spots used (Includes Ibbe and Jo.Smith). Don't know how many we have left for next year?? (Wooster_TFC help??)

Assumptions/Suggestions:

1.We get major allocation b/c we are shite, and the $500K from the Edu sale. Total: $1M ???

2.We keep all 3 draft picks, 1 or 2 used for Senior Bench.

3. DP (I won't go there, b/c it will cause more agony)

4. Rosenlund (and I guess Jo. Smith) on Senior Developmental Roster

Good analysis. Let's not forget that Brennan can be pushed up to LM (it's his "natural" position) and Dunivant used as LB. I'm not saying this is the best idea, but it seems a shame to have a player like Dunivant on the bench.

I'm sure some would rate him differently than me and perhaps they're right: if he doesn't play, he can't mess things up and let's face it, Velez and Marshall are making him look like an all-star.

[Nuvinho]

Good analysis. Let's not forget that Brennan can be pushed up to LM (it's his "natural" position) and Dunivant used as LB. I'm not saying this is the best idea, but it seems a shame to have a player like Dunivant on the bench.

I'm sure some would rate him differently than me and perhaps they're right: if he doesn't play, he can't mess things up and let's face it, Velez and Marshall are making him look like an all-star.

I was thinking the same thing, what I like about Dunivant, is that he can play both LB and LM, so he is cover in case we lose someone (He was sorely missed this year). As well, that is why I like Hunter Freeman as well, he can play both RB and RM. Too bad we will be losing him this year.

[[NBF]]

Here we go:
------------------------GK------------------------
----------------------Sutton----------------------
----------------------Edwards---------------------
----------------------Monsalve--------------------
RB------------CB------------------CB------------LB
Wynne------James--------------*Serioux*-----Brennan
Gyan-------*Velez*-------------*Ihemelu*-----Gala
-------------------------------*S.Thomas*----Dunivant
------------------------DM-------------------------
--------------------C. Robinson---------------------
----------------------Harmse-----------------------
-----------------------Melo-------------------------
--------------MF------------------MF--------------
----------T.Rosenlund-----------Guevara------------
----------*NEW GUY*---------*NEW GUY*----------
-----------K.Elkinson-------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
WR----------------------------------------------WL
Barrett--------------------------------------Ricketts
Ibrahim-------------------------------------Jo.Smith
D.Gaudet----------------------------------*NEW GUY*
------------------------FW--------------------------
--------------*DP Striker= Sibusiso Zuma*-----------
--------------------Chad Barrett---------------------
----------------------Ja.Smith-----------------------

1. Serioux- I dont see how he doesnt join TFC next season considering he's hardly playing at all.

2. Shavar Thomas- If what they're saying about Chivas USA turning into an all American team than it would make sense to spend a bit or give up a few draft picks to get this guy.

3. Ugo Ihemelu- Whether he's a Canadian citizen or not he's considered Canadian by the league so he would help in the backfield plenty considering he's a strong center back. He would be my 1st choice,but I dont know how much the Rapids would want in exchange considering he's their best defender.

4. Velez- Im not sold on this guy just being a waste of time, he is a bit over his head but so is Jarrod Smith and he's still on the team. Velez needs to be looked at for at least one more season. Jarrod Marco, both are the prototypical size for their posirtions but lack the skill needed thats why they're good for depth.

5. Dunivant- I almost forgot about him considering we havent seen him in 4 months. Don't know if he wants to stay with TFC so I included him anyways.

6. Rosenlund- I included him as a MF but I dont know if I would start him, but TFC needs new talent in the middle of this formation or even on the roster. It seems like we have too little depth at centre midfielders.

7. Elkinson- I have no idea where this guy is at, but I put him in anyways.

8. Guevara- From what I see is more comfortable playing back and playing in space, I think next season he should fit well as a midfield centre.

9. Ibrahim- Right winger, maybe a supporting striker

10. Barrett- not sold on him being a forward, because forwards tenbd to score. He's much better off swingging in crosses and taking shots from the sides.

11. I put Gaudet in right winger spot cause he's only 5'7 and doesnt have much business going into the middle of the pitch or leading the attack.

12. Ricketts can go anywhere and he would do a good on either wing or even as a attacking midfielder.

13. Johan Smith, until i see something worth notting i think he's no different than derek gaudet and he should stay on the LW or RW wherever he's comfortable swinging the ball.

14. DP--------------------Sibusiso Zuma-----------------------DP
Why not he's a celebrity everywhere he goes, he's flashy, he's strong, he's skilled, he's a forward! Right now he's signed to a South African team and he's the highest paid player in the league, making over $200,000 a season. He's up there in Age but he recently finished a full season in Bundesliga. Zuma the Puma would be a great addition scoring 10-15 goals. Not huge but he would be great to give the team some hope.

15. Zuma the Puma's back up i have no idea maybe Danny Dichio but he needs to show that he still has some speed.

[Oldtimer]

Carver liked Velez, but I think he's toast, especially after that stupid red card.

Luca is right that creativity is what we need.

[Wooster_TFC]

Based on my information so far, (at http://redpatchboys.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=3237), we lose two International spots at the end of the year (likely why we currently have two International spots open). Everything else stays.

That leaves us with 11 International spots, and 5 US. There's a rumor as well that we might get an extra US spot this coming year (to move away from Internationals and more towards US/Canadian). Now, one of our Internationals is gone, and ALL of our US spots come up for consideration at the end of 2009 (or maybe only 2 of the US spots). This hamstrings us a little when it comes to signing long term Internationals.

It's a little hazy in my mind as to who is technically signed for next year. I know for sure that Barrett is, but besides that, I don't know who has a guaranteed contract and who doesn't. I know for one that Ricketts does not, and I'm assuming Guevara does. The haziness of the situation makes me not want to posit on who might be returning next year.

To be honest, I can see an off-season of focusing on trying to get a couple good Canadians in here, because after 2009, we're going to be hurting even more on the quota. It's always good to be trading/dealing from a strong position rather than from one of necessity.

[OneLoveOneEric]

What would you guys think of Craig Bellamy for our DP striker next season? He was linked to us last off-season I believe.

Pros:

- only 29
- has worked with Carver before
- at the same level as Juan Pablo Angel

I won't list cons, I'm trying to be positive here. It's hard.

Dressing room cancer.
And keep him away from the golf clubs