It feels really good this week to have announced both our Head Coach and U 23 Coach. I am delighted we have been able to secure the services of two such experienced and capable guys as Adrian and Wolfgang. My goal from the outset has been to put together a coaching team that complemented each other and give the Aztex diverse expertise and reach. I think we have more than accomplished this with our two recruits.
Adrian has a first-class playing background in Europe and deep experience in coaching in both the English Premiership & Championship. He also has a network of contacts in both the UK and in Europe which will be invaluable to us as we further develop our links with European clubs. He has a great eye for a player and a record of developing young players, both of which will be important to us in the first few years. The one area he will need most help is in building his knowledge of US soccer. But Adrian is an avid student of the game and will have time over the next 12 months to learn the strengths of the US game and develop his own network of contacts.
To assist Adrian in both these areas we now have Wolfgang on the coaching team. He is a Coach that needs no introduction to most soccer people either in Austin or nationally. He has a tremendous track record across all age levels, right up to the National Team. It goes without saying that Wolfgang also brings the ultimate soccer Rolodex with him - his contacts and knowledge of the game will be invaluable to Adrian.
The U 23 tryouts look like being extremely busy! We have players registered from as far afield as Africa and Europe and expect a really high quality turn out.
Along side our coaching appointments I have been working around the clock on securing a stadium for us. I have now reviewed and met with organizations representing more than 16 stadium alternatives. Many of the options are not available in '08 due to scheduling conflicts, field reconstruction or policy issues but I am determined to find us the very best option. That means a stadium we can call home for the whole season, that has a good location and is the right size for us to create a good atmosphere. We have a couple of great options and I am confident that in the next few days/week we will have good news to share. I am sure we won't please everyone but then again who can?
Finally, thanks for all your continuing encouragement and support, our fan club now stands at over 100, the Founders Club is over 25% taken and I continue to get dozens of emails and positive feedback from y'all.
Phil
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6 comments:
"...and I continue to get dozens of emails and positive feedback from y'all."
Nice touch on the last word choice there!;)
Good choice on Sunholz.
Hoping to here stadium news soon. Glad to learn that you're casting a broad net, so as to get the best possible venue.
Curious about the potential Stoke players we may get. Are they reserve squad players or academy?
When are we going to hear stadium news? I understand it's down to two choices? We need news!
The names of some Stoke reserves we're getting will do. :)
Will you be serving beer at the stadium?
As a massive Stoke City Fan living in Bolton, my passion is football and to have another club to follow is very weird as you only tend to support on team (Stoke City) but because to main man Rawlins is the chief and owner and an affiliated member and supporter of Stoke City himself you have me aboard.
Great to see we could be in line for some top talent and the Aztecs will be getting some of our home grown stars, it can be only good news for both clubs.
The Premiership next season for Stoke City is going to be a massive learning experience for the club (yes we will go up and i hope as champions). I believe if we can spend the 100 million pounds we can make in the premiership wisely we can only get bigger and bigger as well as building a fan base all over the world (I hope Phil your marketing team are as good as you). Anyway i will follow my beloved Stoke City and the Austin Aztex to a gripping finally and birth. Good luck Mr Rawlins and Staff for a very successful season ahead, you have my support. Scott Kelly "Why, why, why Delilah"
p.s if any one has any ideas on how i can watch the games please email me with a possible streaming site or web page i can get what im looking for kellyseye01@hotmail.co.uk
I am extremely grateful and excited by having professional soccer here in Austin. I have just 2 hopes for the eventual home stadium(s) of our franchise.
1. It will be in Austin, not the suburbs.
2. It will be in a location where we can drink beer, or be very close to a bar where fans can gather before/after the games.
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