It's that time of year again when we all will hear that line… you know the one I'm talking about: 'Tis better to give than to receive. Well, since I'm in a fairly giving mood and this may be the last you hear from yours truly until we are into the year 2001, I've decided to share my list with you guys. I've been watching and I know who's been naughty and who's been nice so without further ado, here's what several people will be waking to under their tree Christmas morning.
1. The USL & A-League executives: they are going to get one of the best presents one could receive from me this year. Slack, and lots of it. They are our oft-maligned sometimes reviled masters of the universe, but for the next six months they'll get so much slack it may be darn near unbelievable. They do a lot of the thankless work so this is my way of saying thanks to them for giving us the opportunity to cheer for our own local clubs.
2. Dan Barnes, the man behind the USL Discussion Zone and A-League.com: I can't thank him enough for what he's helped build for all of the USL fans out there, so instead I'm giving him my word that I will avoid as much hot water as possible and always, ALWAYS do my best to work in the best interests of A-League.com and the fans.
3. The A-League fans: winning seasons and playoff spots for all. I know that's not going to happen but all of the fans in the league deserve it. The best thing instead of this is absolutely gorgeous weather for every home game you guys get the chance to get out for and good times to be had by all.
4. The Cincinnati Riverhawks: Originally I was going to give them a slew of new players with a good defender thrown in for good measure, but they beat me to the punch by signing Jon Pickup. Instead I'm just going to give them modest odds at making it into the playoffs this season now that they no longer have to deal with Minnesota and Milwaukee. Unfortunately they still have to come down to Charleston…
5. The Indiana Blast and Nashville Metros: A new division, a new hope, and hopefully some new support from your front office and fans respectively. Hopefully Nashville will get more butts in the seats and the Blast front office will start to pay more attention to their fans. I know that I said I was going to give the execs some slack but look at it this way; there are worse things that I could've wished for the Blast.
6. The Charleston Battery: A piece of shining hardware. The stadium's a lovely jewel in their crown, yet the trophy room is empty since the departure of Tim Hankinson. This season the club and its fans deserve some hardware for consistently being at or near the top of the league in facilities, fans, and quality of product on the field. An Open Cup, Southern Derby, or A-League championship would be a wonderful conversation piece for the regulars at the Three Lions Pub.
7. WUSA, W-League, and Women's Y: a brand spanking new national tournament. Can you say DiCicco Cup? I can and I think it should be inaugurated this Spring with clubs from these three leagues participating. It would be a great way to bring exposure to all levels of the women's pro game here and it will hopefully happen.
8. Ericsson Stadium and Charlotte: A great turn-out for the Men's Final Four 10 days from now. Hopefully the action at the finals of the NCAA will provide a bit of a jumpstart to marketing efforts on the part of the Eagles as they prepare for next season. Let's just hope their PR department gets things in gear and creates a plan on how to deal with this potential fan base next weekend.
9. Hampton Roads, Bay Area, and Orange County: A season of getting back on their feet off the field and maintaining, possibly surpassing, last season's on-field skill. Hopefully the fans will show up and the teams will play their hearts out in taking a stand in their new division.
10. John Dugan, coach of the Atlanta Silverbacks: Already a hot tip for next season's coach of the year, especially if he can pull off the same magic he had with Raleigh in his short time there. I'd like to give him a stable working environment, some healthy players, and a playoff spot. Just one request, though, John. Please send back the Derby trophy to Charleston. You can send it to Coach Dicks' office if you like, but if you don't send it we may be forced to take it from you by force.
Last but not least I'd like to send everyone the best of holiday wishes. Have a happy, safe, Merry Christmas and HAPPY NEW YEAR! That's the view from here for this year. See you all in 2001!
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