Any REAL football fans here? (Page 25)

OH!  I'd love to get everyone's thoughts on this article.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=702921&cc=5901

Some interesting ideas and points.  Not entirely certain I agree with them all, or any of them.  Still trying to digest.

bcozian and zed, would love to get your thoughts on it.

Very interesting--thanks for posting the article. While Conrad obviously has some great perspective on the state of football in the US and MLS, I don't like his idea about MLS 1 and MLS 2. I mean, why relegate what is already a relatively obscure sport and make it even more irrelevant my sticking teams into MLS 2? I understand the exciting competition to avoid relegation from/promotion to MLS 1, but to methat doesn't outweigh the negative. I'd have to think attendance would suffer for the MLS 2 teams. MLS needs to put as many butts in seats and as much TV exposure as  possible and I don't see this helping.

I personally like the current playoff  format--again, butts in seats and TV exposure.

I like his point 2 about making MLS a monopoly and incorporating indoor teams. I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't even know MISL was still in existance. I lived in Tacoma when the Stars were in the league and went to several games--still remember the names Zungul and Preki (Chivas coach now). I would love it if they could grow MISL--I think that would be good for football in the US.

Don't know what to think about eliminating the draft. He didn't even mention international players. Don't know how teams are supposed to develop players in other countries. Seems the draft is the fairest way to ensure the smaller market teams have equal access to talent.

Interested in hearing what you think.

A couple of thoughts on some recent posts:

I agree that Rafa will be gone. LFC has had a miserable run lately, even though I think they looked OK against Arsenal and they have a reasonable hope to qualify for Champions League.

Yes, 14th ranking seems a bit high. It's going to be interesting and can't wait for the WC to start.

Bumping for bumping sake and to ask if anyone saw the news on the Irish PL match that had 6 red cards shown.

One team finished the game with 7 men. 

It was crazy.

MARCHING ALL TOGETHER WE'RE GONNA SEE YOU WIN - WE ARE SO PROUD WE SHOUT IT OUT LOUD WE LOVE YOU LEEDS! LEEDS! LEEDS!!!!

Take that Manure!

Not entirely orignal thinking - in fact it looks similar to most of the other leagues around the world. The one notable exception being the draft...it should be eliminated...its brought over from the other US sports and is out of place in MLS.

The benefits of a tiered system and a monopoly would far outweigh any negatives in my opinion AND may garner more respect for the league among its international peers.

Quite a victory for Leeds.  Loving it.  Just absolutely loving it.

True, but is it too early in the leagues life to set up something like this?  In other words, do we have the fan base to do it yet or should we wait a while before we go to this type of setup?

I agree it would gain more respect from the rest of the world, but would it be to the internal detriment of the league by alienating potential fans here?  I can see both sides.

I'm not convinced that the format of a league influences the public perception either way..a soccer fan is a soccer fan - its the game that they enjoy - so regardless of how the league is set up, popularity should increase with quality and competitiveness of the play...

There was a good interview with the MLS commissioner on FSC yesterday - it may be on the web site - he discusses a lot of these questions -

Fair enough.  But as a season ticket holder, I would be hard pressed to go to a match when the temperature is as cold as it is supposedly going to get this coming weekend in Chicago.  I'm specifically talking about changing the MLS schedule to match the rest of the planet.  As much as I would like it to do so, unless and until there are some covered stadiums, winter games will be quite harsh.

Read some cool news in the paper today. Fox is launching another all-soccer network--Fox Soccer Plus on March 1st. Coverage to include matches from European Champions League, EPL, Serie A, an FA Cup. The article mentioned an increased interest in football in the US as the reason for the new network.

Hope it's included in my package.

Any word on HD? Heard January...but haven't seen any HD on FSC yet

Typical - instead of fostering more viewers - they want to gouge the ones they already have or that are growing....will the TV execs never learn!

Hey swimibikeandrun, nice to see you back in the footy thread. I actually watch a little bit of Serie A and have seen ACM play several times. The quality of play is great. Good luck to your boys against ManUre--hope that one gets televised.

I don't like the sound of Fox describing the new network as a premium service. I'm guessing that means it won't be in my package. There's no way my wife's going to let me pay more so that I can watch even more football

Not that I'm surprised, but CRAP!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100112/ap_on_sp_so_ne/soc_wcup_us_bid

Crowny - I hear Rafa's english is improving...he can talk and listen effectively....but he has trouble with Reading!!!....( saw it this morning..)

Sorry couldnt resist!

Rafa needs to go, the man shows no passion when you score or when you are behind...I dont think he cares....plus he has spent money poorly...you could hardly tell which side was in the top league during the entire game

If they don't finish in the top four by end of year then he will definitely be gone.  I have been one of the Rafa supporters over the past few years when all the nay sayers said get rid of him.  Now, I think he needs to go.

Great joke, by the way.

So I've given up on Liverpool for the year. 

I did see some good news, though, for the USMNT last night.  Charlie Davies is scheduled to be back with his pro team in France by April and that he should be ready to go for the WC in the summer! 

Best news I've heard all month!

Here is a great read on the subject. Amazing what a never say die attitude can get you!

I admire the kid for his courage

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/4856256/ce/us/davies-remarkable-path-recovery?cc=5901&ver=us

Is there any coverage of African Cup of Nations in the US? I have checked ESPN and FoxSoccer and can't find anything. The semi's should be entertaining......

Thought Superbowl Sunday would be a fun day to bump the thread.

Watched the Hull/Man City game yesterday. Very good and exciting game.

LFC breaks into the top 4. Don't give up yet, Crowny!

I recorded the Chelsea/Arsenal game and am going to watch it as my Superbowl pregame.

Well that didn't last long.  Nothing like another loss, even if it is to Arsenal, to make the week a little rougher on trying to stay in the top 4.

Watched the Everton match.  Talk about a chippy game.  2 red cards.  Should have been more, in my opinion.  On both sides.  Ref really let it get completely out of control.  Starting with Mascherano (Monkey boy as we call him in my house) very early in the first half.

Because of work, I really haven't been able to catch too many other matches.  Hopefully with this pending job change, I'll be able to catch a bit more footy. 

You know, with Liverpool out, I haven't even looked at the round of 16.  I'll have to check it out tonight and give you my thoughts later.

BTW, welcome to the thread.  Always nice to have more footy fans about.