December 29 – Houston Dynamo, of the MLS, has changed its game face with two big announcements in the run in to Christmas. Firstly, they secured Owen Coyle’s services as Head Coach. Secondly, they have switched USL affiliates.
The hiring of Owen Coyle reveals an alternative stratagy to its MLS counterparts. Other clubs have been spending their resources on hiring individual big-name foreign players (like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane, Kaka, Frank Lampard and David Villa). This has served the MLS well in terms of generating a smattering of interest and fans.
However, these deals have received cynical belittling from the almighties on the European continent who say the players are just seeking a final payday so their tired legs can gentle themselves into a cashmere recliner. The players’ powers are perceived as dwindling beacons on an empty horizon.
And so the hiring of Coyle presents an interesting shift. Rather than spending all on a player or two, which is a risky business for a poorly timed injury may result in a large proportion of a team’s investment watching from the stands, Houston has a different vision.
Though Coyle is not the only non-American manager in the league, he is the only one who has previously managed in the English Premiership.
A superstar young manager, is likely to be more enduring than a superstar veteran. The matter of failing legs does not translate to failing minds quite so readily. Coyle’s reputation could also serve Houston well in attracting better players – particularly if the club chooses to go European in its recruitment.
It is speculative what impact Coyle will have on the MLS (with its intricate regulations and restrictive approaches to player trading), but it is an experiment worth observing.
Houston’s affiliate for the 2015 season will be the Charleston Battery. Charleston was previously partnered with the Vancouver Whitecaps, who have since formed their own USL club based out of British Columbia. The partnership entitles Houston to loan approximately four players to Charleston.
Matt Jordan, the vice president/general manager of Houston said: “We feel this affiliation will provide our players the opportunity to grow in a quality environment with a staff that is very dedicated. This partnership will be a positive step forward for both clubs.”
This is the second USL affiliate change of the season. Columbus Crew is now partnered with Austin Aztex.
Houston has plans to form their own USL team in 2016.
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