Juan Pablo Angel was a somewhat controversial “Beckham Rule” signing. Despite having several good seasons at Villa Park he found himself surplus to the requirements after the January transfer window. Angel did score seven cup and league goals this past season in England, but knowing his time was up with Aston Villa he moved to MLS. Many people, myself included felt the Beckham rule should be reserved for high profile international superstars.
Whether Angel can eventually bring more fans to the Red Bulls matches is debatable. Despite being the largest metropolitan area in the country, New York is next to last in MLS attendance this season. However, Angel has already scored two goals (one was in a US Open Cup match) and contributed two assists in three games played. Joining wonderkid Josmer Altidore and grizzled veterans Clint Mathis and John Wolyneic in the Red Bull attack, Angel has now made Bruce Arena’s team one of the most formidable in MLS. Let’s hope their is still more to come from Angel.
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Angel has been a quality signing but unlike “el pibe” Valderrama he doesn't have the ability to draw Columbian fans en masse to the MLS matches.
Angel has been a quality signing but unlike “el pibe” Valderrama he doesn’t have the ability to draw Columbian fans en masse to the MLS matches.
the whole issue of international stars drawing fans en masse to MLS won't happen. there are very, very few int'l players who would do this… beckham is one. others? zidane, totti (maybe), shevchenko… there aren't many.
fans will be drawn to MLS stadiums when they find the product compelling. either because of the quality of play, the fan experience, opposition (especially playing friendlies against euro teams). NYRB did what was best for their squad. if they wanted to draw fans, they needed to grab zidane.
the whole issue of international stars drawing fans en masse to MLS won’t happen. there are very, very few int’l players who would do this… beckham is one. others? zidane, totti (maybe), shevchenko… there aren’t many.
fans will be drawn to MLS stadiums when they find the product compelling. either because of the quality of play, the fan experience, opposition (especially playing friendlies against euro teams). NYRB did what was best for their squad. if they wanted to draw fans, they needed to grab zidane.
I'm hearing rumblings that RBNY may sign Teddy Sheringham when West Ham finally releases him. I'm not sure I would sign a 41 year old though.
I’m hearing rumblings that RBNY may sign Teddy Sheringham when West Ham finally releases him. I’m not sure I would sign a 41 year old though.
It is unfortunate that MLS would even consider a player's “fan appeal”.
Quality on the field will sell tickets.
It is unfortunate that MLS would even consider a player’s “fan appeal”.
Quality on the field will sell tickets.