The subject of losing the Atlanta Silverbacks really just confirms my feelings about football in the USA. This sport (as a spectacle) is not well suited to the American culture or psyche.
Note: (I must say, this is only a personal opinion, some out there really love the MLS and USL as is and that is fine. I only want to express why I will never be a fan)
My Cases Studies:
The MLS:
They are toying around with all kinds of formats looking for a silver bullet to make them soccer's version of the NFL. (Several basic things wrong with that)
1. If you are trying to recreate something in another sport that is already perfected in that sport, you will never succeed in obtaining those goals because people already have what you are trying to imitate. (C'Mon, SUPER DRAFT???? - Who are you kidding?)
2. For Football (soccer) you already have a tried and tested system that has been around for better than 100 years in most countries. Why even try to reinvent the wheel when the tested methods are already perfected for you to follow.
3. Refusal to take competitions outside of the MLS seriously. Every time an MLS team flops in the CONCACAF Champions League or U. S. Cup, I keep hearing this recurring excuse that it is not a serious competition to them. Could you imagine Alex Ferguson saying that about Cup competitions in England and Europe? (insert joke about the ‘League Cup’ here)
The USL:
Toying with a good idea but too chicken to follow through fully.
1. Fear of Promotion and Relegation -
Here is a league that has a single table (good), and 2 divisions (also good),
but can't bring itself to do even a version of promotion and relegation for fear that no sponsor would follow the idea. Now, excuse me if this sounds overly simple, but if a sponsor only wants to represent a team in the 1st division, why not make it a condition of the sponsorship deal??? huh? Relegation and promotion gives you excitement at both ends of the table throughout the season. American sports have half a season of teams tanking when they are out of the playoff picture in order to get a good draft pick.
2. Playoffs??? PLAYOFFS???? (insert Jim Mora joke here)
So, although they already have a playoff model with the U.S. Cup, which is as close as we will get to the F.A. Cup in England, the insistence is still on a end of season playoff to determine the champion although each team has already played 30 freaking games to get points that could have already determined a champion and qualified you for other tourney’s.
3. Playoff idea part deux:
There is no real incentive to make the playoffs for most teams due to the expense in the USL. There needs to be enough of a financial incentive to win something or simply don't try this idea. Why have teams tanking games because they can't afford to make the playoffs. (a Rumor as to why Atlanta sold off their top quality in the middle of a playoff run) That is more stupid than rewarding teams that finish low in the standings with a premium place in a so-called “SUPER DRAFT”. (I'm sorry, I can't get over putting the name "Super" in front of the word "Draft". Just to pretend that it is a great thing.
These are just some observations and reason I don’t subscribe to the MLS and now have dropped interest in the USL. The sport is simply not compelling the way they are pitching it to me. I have to ask myself, since England (and Europe) already have a 100 year plus old system that 'IS' compelling, why would I waste my time with American soccer while they screw around with it trying to make soccer’s version of the NFL which I do not like anyway.
My 2 cents….
drefooty
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
The End...
Well, if any have not heard yet, The Atlanta Silverbacks are no more.
Reasons given:
* World financial situation
* Prospect of a MLS franchise coming to the city. ====================================================
In reality there are a lot more reasons contributing to the team going under:
1. Expectations by the management that last years success would translate into sell-outs and windfall friendlies. Neither which materialized.
2. Incompetence in marketing. Most laymen I spoke to were surprised that we actually had a pro team.
3. Over-expectant and overly-critical fan base. There are fans that refused to come to the park for reasons that ranged from, gas prices, distance to the park, didn't like the ownership or that they were not getting enough hand-outs from management.
====================================================
I don't feel, like some, that the master plan was to MAKE the team fail. There was an investment in the beginning of the season with new promotions and great friendlies that showed belief in continued prosperity. There were even plans for a 10th season anniversary push after this past season before the bottom fell out. But that is my point. The expectations of both management and the fans were unrealistic.
Management:
Popularity for this sport does not materialize out of thin air in this country. This is not Europe or South America where the sport is part of the culture and I dare say a religion.
After last season, MORE work would need to be done to reach out to the potential fan base (not less). But the belief of the ownership SEEMED to be that we just simply need to throw the team out there and all will be fine! But the route taken was to use giveaways and set up friendlies that were not widely advertised. Also, the target audience continues to be the "soccer mom" and youth soccer player which on the outside seems nice, but will do nothing to give you atmosphere.
Now I'm not saying that they could have been more successful with another approach, but I think the main problem was the EXPECTATION. Financial gambles were made where there need not be them. But what is done is done.
Fanbase:
Although the expectant fan base did not materialize, the regular fan base was still here in the form of a couple of supporters groups and non-committal regulars. But there in again was a problem of expectation. Most fans seem to think that the supply of money is a bottomless pit and that the ownership is the evil entity in all of this.
The reality of the matter is that without the ownership, there is no team. A fact painfully illustrated today. If you would have asked the average supporter from any of these supporters groups about the ownership, they would have had nothing positive to say about them. They would have said this sitting in a $20 million dollar stadium bought and provided by the ownership (a long way from playing on a high school field).
Low crowds mean unimpressed sponsorship and thusly loss of said sponsorship. WE had opportunities to band together to help fill the stands but we were our own worst enemy. To illustrate, I always wondered why the "Iron Legion" supporters were alienated enough to start their own group on the far side of the park instead of joining forces with 109 and really creating a "terrace-like' atmosphere in the same section.
When I spoke to one of the members of that group, he shared that they were told that they were not welcome in 109 and had even been insulted by a few of the group there.
I do remember one incident where a member of Iron Legion came over with a flag to join in celebration of a goal with us but he was booed by a number of members of the 109 group. I did not read anything into as I thought there was a inside joke with that, but that was one of the incidents that helped to sever ties between the 2 groups. We have less that 2000 at a game and we arguing with each other about who should join us or not. That is a little stupid.
Another thing that really disappointed me about our support was the disinterest in the actual game at time. I can remember seeing us in attack or desperately trying to defend and then being distracted by discussions about getting free beer or what some would be doing after the game or what they thought of certain TV shows. Really pitiful.
Maybe this all shows that Atlanta simply is not a good soccer town despite the thousands that play youth ball here. It is simply a pastime or recreation outlet for others while they wait for college football or the other various sports seasons to crank up.
Epilogue:Some will wait for a MLS team to come. Others will hope for another USL team. But I may be done with pro soccer in the USA. I had tried to follow the MLS on 3 different occasions since it began in 1996, but that league simply is not compelling enough for me to watch. Remember, I said compelling, not a criticism of the skill or competition level. The big turn off to me is that the MLS wants to be the NFL where they are enclosed competitions with no competition from teams from the outside.
Some will wait for another USL team, but that would be a new team and starting all over again. NOt really likely.
I personally will get my fill with the local amateur league, ADASL.http://www.adasl.com/ . But my passion will fall back to the team I have supported since the late 80s, Manchester United. There is history, culture and passion associated with this club all around the world. I am not a bandwagon fan as my support for them predates their first "Premiership" title in the 92-93 season.
I don't think I will invest much in leagues in the USA simply because it is not a serious endeavor here. Yes, I will support the amateur leagues, but there you have players and coaches competing for the love of the game. Not trying to make a fast buck from soccer moms. As far as passion and following a league that is compelling, Europe and South America seems to be the hot beds of serious football. (but, this is just my 2 cents anyway) :)
cheers all > drefooty
Reasons given:
* World financial situation
* Prospect of a MLS franchise coming to the city. ====================================================
In reality there are a lot more reasons contributing to the team going under:
1. Expectations by the management that last years success would translate into sell-outs and windfall friendlies. Neither which materialized.
2. Incompetence in marketing. Most laymen I spoke to were surprised that we actually had a pro team.
3. Over-expectant and overly-critical fan base. There are fans that refused to come to the park for reasons that ranged from, gas prices, distance to the park, didn't like the ownership or that they were not getting enough hand-outs from management.
====================================================
I don't feel, like some, that the master plan was to MAKE the team fail. There was an investment in the beginning of the season with new promotions and great friendlies that showed belief in continued prosperity. There were even plans for a 10th season anniversary push after this past season before the bottom fell out. But that is my point. The expectations of both management and the fans were unrealistic.
Management:
Popularity for this sport does not materialize out of thin air in this country. This is not Europe or South America where the sport is part of the culture and I dare say a religion.
After last season, MORE work would need to be done to reach out to the potential fan base (not less). But the belief of the ownership SEEMED to be that we just simply need to throw the team out there and all will be fine! But the route taken was to use giveaways and set up friendlies that were not widely advertised. Also, the target audience continues to be the "soccer mom" and youth soccer player which on the outside seems nice, but will do nothing to give you atmosphere.
Now I'm not saying that they could have been more successful with another approach, but I think the main problem was the EXPECTATION. Financial gambles were made where there need not be them. But what is done is done.
Fanbase:
Although the expectant fan base did not materialize, the regular fan base was still here in the form of a couple of supporters groups and non-committal regulars. But there in again was a problem of expectation. Most fans seem to think that the supply of money is a bottomless pit and that the ownership is the evil entity in all of this.
The reality of the matter is that without the ownership, there is no team. A fact painfully illustrated today. If you would have asked the average supporter from any of these supporters groups about the ownership, they would have had nothing positive to say about them. They would have said this sitting in a $20 million dollar stadium bought and provided by the ownership (a long way from playing on a high school field).
Low crowds mean unimpressed sponsorship and thusly loss of said sponsorship. WE had opportunities to band together to help fill the stands but we were our own worst enemy. To illustrate, I always wondered why the "Iron Legion" supporters were alienated enough to start their own group on the far side of the park instead of joining forces with 109 and really creating a "terrace-like' atmosphere in the same section.
When I spoke to one of the members of that group, he shared that they were told that they were not welcome in 109 and had even been insulted by a few of the group there.
I do remember one incident where a member of Iron Legion came over with a flag to join in celebration of a goal with us but he was booed by a number of members of the 109 group. I did not read anything into as I thought there was a inside joke with that, but that was one of the incidents that helped to sever ties between the 2 groups. We have less that 2000 at a game and we arguing with each other about who should join us or not. That is a little stupid.
Another thing that really disappointed me about our support was the disinterest in the actual game at time. I can remember seeing us in attack or desperately trying to defend and then being distracted by discussions about getting free beer or what some would be doing after the game or what they thought of certain TV shows. Really pitiful.
Maybe this all shows that Atlanta simply is not a good soccer town despite the thousands that play youth ball here. It is simply a pastime or recreation outlet for others while they wait for college football or the other various sports seasons to crank up.
Epilogue:Some will wait for a MLS team to come. Others will hope for another USL team. But I may be done with pro soccer in the USA. I had tried to follow the MLS on 3 different occasions since it began in 1996, but that league simply is not compelling enough for me to watch. Remember, I said compelling, not a criticism of the skill or competition level. The big turn off to me is that the MLS wants to be the NFL where they are enclosed competitions with no competition from teams from the outside.
Some will wait for another USL team, but that would be a new team and starting all over again. NOt really likely.
I personally will get my fill with the local amateur league, ADASL.http://www.adasl.com/ . But my passion will fall back to the team I have supported since the late 80s, Manchester United. There is history, culture and passion associated with this club all around the world. I am not a bandwagon fan as my support for them predates their first "Premiership" title in the 92-93 season.
I don't think I will invest much in leagues in the USA simply because it is not a serious endeavor here. Yes, I will support the amateur leagues, but there you have players and coaches competing for the love of the game. Not trying to make a fast buck from soccer moms. As far as passion and following a league that is compelling, Europe and South America seems to be the hot beds of serious football. (but, this is just my 2 cents anyway) :)
cheers all > drefooty
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Fairwell Macoumba Kandji - A tribute
Late on Monday, Sept 15th, 2008, Mac Kandji ended speculation about a possible transfer by signing a loan deal with the New York Red Bulls of the MLS. To us that have seen him play it is no surprise. It has always been a matter of 'when' and not 'if'.
Mac has been to us what Cristiano Ronaldo has been for Manchester United in the EPL. He has a dynamic style of play a flair for the unexpected and a nose for goal. This is the reason that we voted to give him the Westside 109 Player of the Year Award. But, a las, we are not the only ones to notice his talent.
To be fair, he deserves a larger stage to play on. As much as I love the USL and the Atlanta Silverbacks, we are a 2nd division team in a second division league. Yes, we are building, but Mac needs his stage now. I wish him all the best. I will look to see him play. I'll check box scores for him, but my first love is still with the Silverbacks and the USL. I prefer the structure and the attention to football in the USL instead of watching for a MLS Beckham sideshow.
I only spoke to Mac on several occasions including the time we awarded the Player of the Year award to him. He has always been very nice and an open person to talk to. I hope it serves him well in the Disneyland aspect of the MLS. I hope that his brilliance on the field is not ruined by that leagues limitations and method of operation.
I would hope that we will remember the good that he brought us and the influence he gave us helping Atlanta get to it's first Championship game last season and being a big influence to our success this season. Only time will tell if we will ever see such a dynamic player pull on a Silverback red jersey ever again. If so, I hope that we as fans will help make Atlanta a place where players will want to come to and stay.
-drefooty
Mac has been to us what Cristiano Ronaldo has been for Manchester United in the EPL. He has a dynamic style of play a flair for the unexpected and a nose for goal. This is the reason that we voted to give him the Westside 109 Player of the Year Award. But, a las, we are not the only ones to notice his talent.
To be fair, he deserves a larger stage to play on. As much as I love the USL and the Atlanta Silverbacks, we are a 2nd division team in a second division league. Yes, we are building, but Mac needs his stage now. I wish him all the best. I will look to see him play. I'll check box scores for him, but my first love is still with the Silverbacks and the USL. I prefer the structure and the attention to football in the USL instead of watching for a MLS Beckham sideshow.
I only spoke to Mac on several occasions including the time we awarded the Player of the Year award to him. He has always been very nice and an open person to talk to. I hope it serves him well in the Disneyland aspect of the MLS. I hope that his brilliance on the field is not ruined by that leagues limitations and method of operation.
I would hope that we will remember the good that he brought us and the influence he gave us helping Atlanta get to it's first Championship game last season and being a big influence to our success this season. Only time will tell if we will ever see such a dynamic player pull on a Silverback red jersey ever again. If so, I hope that we as fans will help make Atlanta a place where players will want to come to and stay.
-drefooty
Monday, September 8, 2008
New Playoff Hopes
The Atlanta Silverbacks have been gifted a reprieve from a late season slump by Vancouver and Minnesota who dropped valuable points this past week putting the playoff destiny back into our hands.
It has been 8 games since we have won a game and in those 8 games, we have taken a possible 2 points from 24. In view of that, it is really amazing that we still have a shot at a playoff place. It also shows how good the teams form was early in the season when you can drop that many points and still have a fighters chance to advance.
Despite all the disappointment of the last few games and the rumors surrounding some of the personnel decisions with the team, I am profoundly proud of the effort these guys still put on the pitch each game and I think it will do them well for the balance of the season. I just wish we could give them better support.
There are 3 games left on the schedule and they will be tough games to get maximum points from. But we are due and we really need maximum points down the stretch. On paper, the next 2 games look like nightmares playing 2 in-form clubs, but when you look at the league overall, there is not a lot separating top from bottom. I have no doubt that if we have a rested and somewhat healthy squad to take the field in these last 3 games, we should get what we need to qualify for the playoffs. Our team is quality and we just got a good 2 week break and now can focus on the job at hand.
I hope there will be a good turnout at Varner's (or where ever you decide to watch the games) for these games. I would love to send a message to the players that their fans got together to watch and cheer them on to victory. It might give them a boost knowing that we care.
After the game on Saturday, please comment on the discussion boards. I can then copy the best ones of our reactions to the players to let them know we are behind them 100%.
GO 'BACKS
-drefooty
Westside 109
It has been 8 games since we have won a game and in those 8 games, we have taken a possible 2 points from 24. In view of that, it is really amazing that we still have a shot at a playoff place. It also shows how good the teams form was early in the season when you can drop that many points and still have a fighters chance to advance.
Despite all the disappointment of the last few games and the rumors surrounding some of the personnel decisions with the team, I am profoundly proud of the effort these guys still put on the pitch each game and I think it will do them well for the balance of the season. I just wish we could give them better support.
There are 3 games left on the schedule and they will be tough games to get maximum points from. But we are due and we really need maximum points down the stretch. On paper, the next 2 games look like nightmares playing 2 in-form clubs, but when you look at the league overall, there is not a lot separating top from bottom. I have no doubt that if we have a rested and somewhat healthy squad to take the field in these last 3 games, we should get what we need to qualify for the playoffs. Our team is quality and we just got a good 2 week break and now can focus on the job at hand.
I hope there will be a good turnout at Varner's (or where ever you decide to watch the games) for these games. I would love to send a message to the players that their fans got together to watch and cheer them on to victory. It might give them a boost knowing that we care.
After the game on Saturday, please comment on the discussion boards. I can then copy the best ones of our reactions to the players to let them know we are behind them 100%.
GO 'BACKS
-drefooty
Westside 109
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Who Are "We", Westside 109?
We are Westside 109!
What does that mean?
Supporting a football (soccer) team in the United States is a unique prospect. Football is not ingrained into the culture of any town in America like it is in the rest of the world. Football however is a very popular "pasttime" enjoyed by many a kid or soccer mom on a Saturday afternoon.
Unlike many other countries, the USA has a host of activities, and sports to divide the interest of Americans. There is also no common heritage in this country. We are a hodgepodge of backgrounds, cultures and interest. Football is just a minor one of these components.
So where does that leave us as supporters of the Atlanta Silverbacks football team. We have had some members here since the beginning like "drummer", "blaise", "nethead" and a host of others. I don't think anyone can question their commitment to the team or the supporters. They are the glue that has kept this going all these years.
With Nuthead stepping away though, it made me think, who else of us has such a commitment to support the Silverbacks?
Consider:
Do we help organize gatherings for the team and/or supporters?
When at games, do we pay attention to the action on the field and respond for the players to encourage them?
Do we even understand the game that we support?
What does being in Westside 109 personally mean to us?
Are we a group of supporters or are we just general fans?
If so, is there a need to call ourselves "Westside 109?"
There are no right or wrong answers really, just a questions of identity. At the end of the day, this is all just sport isn't it? Nobody curing cancer here....
Just some random thoughts.....
What does that mean?
Supporting a football (soccer) team in the United States is a unique prospect. Football is not ingrained into the culture of any town in America like it is in the rest of the world. Football however is a very popular "pasttime" enjoyed by many a kid or soccer mom on a Saturday afternoon.
Unlike many other countries, the USA has a host of activities, and sports to divide the interest of Americans. There is also no common heritage in this country. We are a hodgepodge of backgrounds, cultures and interest. Football is just a minor one of these components.
So where does that leave us as supporters of the Atlanta Silverbacks football team. We have had some members here since the beginning like "drummer", "blaise", "nethead" and a host of others. I don't think anyone can question their commitment to the team or the supporters. They are the glue that has kept this going all these years.
With Nuthead stepping away though, it made me think, who else of us has such a commitment to support the Silverbacks?
Consider:
Do we help organize gatherings for the team and/or supporters?
When at games, do we pay attention to the action on the field and respond for the players to encourage them?
Do we even understand the game that we support?
What does being in Westside 109 personally mean to us?
Are we a group of supporters or are we just general fans?
If so, is there a need to call ourselves "Westside 109?"
There are no right or wrong answers really, just a questions of identity. At the end of the day, this is all just sport isn't it? Nobody curing cancer here....
Just some random thoughts.....
Monday, August 25, 2008
Our Troubled Team
It is so hard to feel a positive vibe about our football club when so many challenges have been thrown at us. The Atlanta Silverbacks is our club, but what started out this year as promise of a challenge for a first ever league title, is turning into a fight for survival. Not just for the playoffs but for existence.
Now maybe I am overstating the point, but what I mean by survival is the way the team is at the moment. Think back to the championship game last year. We were all united as a team, the players and fans. We played together, supported together and won and loss together. It seemed we all had a common purpose. But something has happened to our team (spirit) maybe midway through the season this year. The moral of both the team and fans seems to have been damaged.
What has been the reason?
*Perhaps the credit crunch has reached into the pockets of our owners;
*Maybe the prospect of MLS is damaging plans for a Silverback future,
*Perhaps the failures of the international friendlies to bring in an influx of cash
*Maybe a combination of all of the above.
Whatever it is, it is well and truly awful.
I have often told my wife that I am in the wrong country to follow my favorite sport. Football is not ingrained into the fabric of our culture, but it is ingrained in me. I have been hopelessly in love with the sport since I was a wee young lad and as I spent time in Sweden and again back here in Atlanta. The Silverbacks are my club and until they tell me to go away or they are no more, I will be a Atlanta Silverback supporter.
So what is one to do when there is such negativity surrounding something that you love and cherish. Very simple, you keep supporting your team. Nothing the owners, management or outside influences can do can separate us from our team. When at the park watching the team, shout out encouragement at games to the ones that count the most to us, the players and coaches. If we show support for each other, we can get through this and even prove to management that the players and the fans are the one that really make the team work. Everything else is an illusion.....
cheers!
Now maybe I am overstating the point, but what I mean by survival is the way the team is at the moment. Think back to the championship game last year. We were all united as a team, the players and fans. We played together, supported together and won and loss together. It seemed we all had a common purpose. But something has happened to our team (spirit) maybe midway through the season this year. The moral of both the team and fans seems to have been damaged.
What has been the reason?
*Perhaps the credit crunch has reached into the pockets of our owners;
*Maybe the prospect of MLS is damaging plans for a Silverback future,
*Perhaps the failures of the international friendlies to bring in an influx of cash
*Maybe a combination of all of the above.
Whatever it is, it is well and truly awful.
I have often told my wife that I am in the wrong country to follow my favorite sport. Football is not ingrained into the fabric of our culture, but it is ingrained in me. I have been hopelessly in love with the sport since I was a wee young lad and as I spent time in Sweden and again back here in Atlanta. The Silverbacks are my club and until they tell me to go away or they are no more, I will be a Atlanta Silverback supporter.
So what is one to do when there is such negativity surrounding something that you love and cherish. Very simple, you keep supporting your team. Nothing the owners, management or outside influences can do can separate us from our team. When at the park watching the team, shout out encouragement at games to the ones that count the most to us, the players and coaches. If we show support for each other, we can get through this and even prove to management that the players and the fans are the one that really make the team work. Everything else is an illusion.....
cheers!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Varner's Tavern - A Silverback Bar!
For those of you that do not know this yet, Varner's Tavern have been very supportive of the Silverbacks and Westside 109 when it comes to watching away games. They will allow their Tavern to become an official Silverbacks locations if we want it.
The owner, Tony, has opened up the best area in the Tavern to view the games with the actual game sound. The place has great food and drink (48 beers on tap) and I really want to encourage all at Westside 109 to take advantage of this offer to get together at this place to watch away games and also support their business. The restaurant portion is all ages with only the bar having a limited and "21 and over" policy.
Take a moment to check out the details at this link: Varners Tavern . We are going to have the next game watching party this coming Sunday, August 24th at 6pm. All are welcome to come and join in the fun and help to secure Varner's Tavern as an Offical Silverbacks Tavern. If you have any questions e-mail us at: sayhey@westside109.org .
The owner, Tony, has opened up the best area in the Tavern to view the games with the actual game sound. The place has great food and drink (48 beers on tap) and I really want to encourage all at Westside 109 to take advantage of this offer to get together at this place to watch away games and also support their business. The restaurant portion is all ages with only the bar having a limited and "21 and over" policy.
Take a moment to check out the details at this link: Varners Tavern . We are going to have the next game watching party this coming Sunday, August 24th at 6pm. All are welcome to come and join in the fun and help to secure Varner's Tavern as an Offical Silverbacks Tavern. If you have any questions e-mail us at: sayhey@westside109.org .
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