Q&A time with Bilello and Burns
Written by revseye on June 17, 2010 – 10:10 am -With the two-week World Cup break underway, it’s a natural point in the season to check in, evaluate where we stand and get burning questions answered by the club’s top decision-makers. This week, we’re accepting questions for both Chief Operating Officer Brian Bilello and VP of Player Personnel Michael Burns.
If you have any questions about the team’s business operations and plans, pose those to Brian. If you have any questions about the team’s on-field performance, direct those to Michael.
Please leave your questions in the comments section below no later than Monday, June 21. We will follow up with answers later next week.
(Note: if your question doesn’t immediately pop up or you are a first-time poster, your question is being held for moderation. There is no need to re-post as we will approve it when we check for new comments.)
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June 17th, 2010 at 11:35 am
Do we see any hopes of the Revolution either getting a sponsor or a making greater efforts to build a new stadium?
June 17th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Is it likely that the Revs will ever invest in a high-profile Designated Player? Given the results, lack of star power on the current squad, and the mediocre (at best) attendance, I sense that fan interest in this team is waning fast. There doesn’t seem to be any buzz about this team, and now that Ralston is down yet again, is there anyone on the roster other than Shalrie that really shines? Please sign a player with some flair that would get folks excited.
June 17th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
For Mike -
How integrated are the Youth teams with the Senior team? Are the Senior team veterans involved with the Youth teams? Do the Revs provide help finding a College / PDL teams for former/current Youth team members? Phrased another way, do the Revs support Youth team members after their formal involvement in the Youth setup has ended. How long do the Revolution track the development of a player after they have left the Youth system?
June 17th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Injuries have depleted our roster with the most critical need in goal. Matt was tentative about full out dives to his right last week and doesn’t seem ready to return.
Have we approached a Premier league clubs for the loan of a a goalie to cover this important need? Does MLS allow this?
June 17th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Hi guys,
A Post-World Cup designated player for the Revs!
Please say it’s going to happen. There is a lot of buzz around most other teams in the league about potential signings, but we in Revs-land only hear crickets chirping.
June 17th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
1. I’d like a SSS update please. This spring a decision was made on where the new Green Line extension stations will be located. Does this increase or decrease our chances of building our SSS in Somerville?
2. I’d like a kit sponsor update please. Is it possible that we think our “brand” is worth less than the marketplace does? And if so, would we be willing to reduce our asking price? Is anyone in the FO accountable for the failure to get this done? Finally, have there been any discussions about either keeping the shirt fronts blank (like Phila. and Colo.) or teaming up w/ a Boston-based charity (like Barca w/ Unicef)?
June 17th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Definitely would like to see some star power on the Revs. The 2 positions I’d like to see an impact veteran are:
-Forward - Zack Schilawski is going to be very good someday, and it seems to be tough to keep Twellman on the field, but we need someone to step in and score goals. we need someone that will constantly attack the net!
-Back Line - we need a stopper in front of goal, like when we had Parkhurst. I feel the guys we have are decent, but sometimes not strong enough to keep up with the star players. We could use a Field General out there that’s not afraid to step up and yell at a player for not being in their spot.
obviously, Wayne Rooney isn’t walking through that door anytime soon, and I know the salary cap is a huge issue as well, but what are the possibilities of luring in some kind of premier league player that can make an immediate impact?
Thanks for your time!
GO REVS!
June 17th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Mike-
Could you name any realistic high profile DP’s that you will go after for a post world cup signing?
If even signed for half the season, it would attract A LOT of the world cup fans in the area that are not currently interested in the Revolution. Especially those that would appeal to the ethnic populations of New England [Robbie Keane, Ronaldo(Brazil)].
Surely you are looking to make this team better, on and off the field?
June 17th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
For Mike -
Given the DP rule is there any chance the Revs could make a serious push at bringing in free agent attacking midfielder Robert Koren, captain of the Slovenia National Team? He was released by West Brom in mid-May, is 29, clearly a leader given his national team World Cup captaincy and has been considered a good teammate. A proven veteran player like Koren at A-Mid would provide a good option to complement Perovic and may add value given they have a similar style of play. He is durable and scored 8 goals in 30 games for WBA so clearly he can finish as well, which is an issue with this year’s Revs. Could his representation be contacted so he could at least be brought in for a trial after the WC?
June 17th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
For Brian -
Any chance SuperLiga could be played at smaller venues (ie Ludlow / New Britain) like the USOC? It may be a nice grassroots marketing opportunity and help bring in new fans.
June 17th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
What are the plans for a new crest?
Many Revolution fans and MLS fans alike feel that the current logo is outdated and not representative of a Major League team. With the league moving towards MLS 2.0 with the new expansion sides and SSS, will we see a more traditional crest in the near future?
June 17th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
How does the front office currently viewing the attendance? Is it a problem? Is it a critical problem? What do you explain as the cause of the plummeting attendance. Are there any plans in place to improve attendance? I know many people who have attended games and have recently been turned off by the poor atmosphere and attendance.
June 17th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
What is the process for signing a player? Who says “I want to sign someone” and how does it work? For example, who brings in the trialists, are they not signed per Stevie’s request or does the club say “We don’t think that player is good enough” etc. Take us through the entire process and who has what responsibilities during that process.
June 17th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
For Mike
Have you considered trying to get some young players on loan from European teams? These players are often loaned out for free with the the player’s club often paying for most of the salary. I’m not too familiar with the league’s policies inregards to player loans so I don’t know if something like this would work.
For Brian,
How hard is the team working toward getting a soccer specific stadium in the Boston area? Is it something that the team is seriously looking into? Can you provide any steps or evidence that you are making a serious effort?
I appreciate that the two of you are doing this.
Thanks.
June 17th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
With all the talks about Ronaldinho possibly linked to LA, if there true, why haven’t the Revs tried to sign him,he’s a huge star, We have a huge Brazilian and Portuguese population that would show up to games not to mention, shirt sales would soar, The Krafts would make any money they invest in him back,So why not try to sign him?
June 17th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
First for Micheal, could you please ask Mr. Kraft to open up his purse strings and sign a DP player. The last big name player this team has had was Walter Zenga. And for Brian,please do not forget the Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts fans when you consider a soccer stadium. Somerville is just too far for our fans, especially if it is a night game, Please do not forget these fans when considering a stadium.
June 17th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Why do you have U.S. flags all over your jerseys?
June 17th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Considering the injuries suffered this season, have you undertaken any review of your training and fitness programs?
June 17th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
As glad as I am to see Matt Reis back, how’s Preston Burpo doing, and how much is the team involved in recovery after such a huge injury?
June 18th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
It is often necessary to candidly assess one’s own performance in a job in order to determine just where improvements can be made and energies focused in order to maximize effectiveness.
To that end, would each of you, respectively, assess your own performance since assuming your current posts, with particular attention given to the 2008 season to present? What do each of you see as your relative strengths and weaknesses in your current positions? In which areas do you see yourselves maximizing your potential on a regular basis? In which areas do you feel you need the most improvement? What are your plans for shoring-up any perceived weaknesses? What do each of you consider your three major accomplishments in your current posts, particularly within the past three seasons? What are three concrete goals that you have failed to accomplish (short of capturing MLS Cup - after all, we’re all hoping you manage that feat) over that time? Finally, on a letter-grade scale of A, B, C, D or F, grade your overall performance in your current position at this time.
Thank you for your time.
June 18th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
I’m in my second year as a season ticket holder, and having doubts about signing up again for a third year. It is hard to stay excited as a fan of this team. What are your plans to keep the fans coming back for more games? How do you plan to attract more fans, while we wait (and wait) for a new SSS? Where is the DP? Where are the great signings I see many other MLS teams getting?
June 19th, 2010 at 1:54 am
When talking about signing a DP or player acquisitions can you please stop telling us you are “Waiting for the right person” and give us some concrete reason why it hasn’t happened or why it is not happening. (Otherwise I’m turning “Waiting for the right person” into a drinking game.)
June 19th, 2010 at 10:30 am
Hi Mike -
Would you ever consider bringing in some attacking-oriented Brazilian loanees similar to what the LA Galaxy have done?
Hi Brian -
What is the feasibility of running a “soccerbus” from the nearest train station (Franklin I believe?) and encouraging more people to use public transit to generate a business case?
Also, how feasible is a well-advertised soccer bus running from the downtown of cities like Providence, Worcester, Boston, Lowell, Framingham to home games for people who do not have wheels to get there? Embed a knowledgeable Season Ticket Holder or a fan representative from that city to ride with them to the game to allow them to learn more about the team in an informal way from fellow fans. Use the social networking strategy to market these buses (but do not rely solely on only social networking for your fan outreach). This could lead to repeat business and if the fans are surveyed and/or interviewed it could provide good content for DTF. The best advertising is word of mouth so I hope the Revs think outside the box because the current strategies, shall we say, need to be tweaked. If nothing else this may give you a better sense of fan interest in other parts of the region.
June 19th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Hi Brian -
Have you ever considered partnering with Boston area tour companies to include an optional Revs game with a ‘Revolution themed’ Boston tour?
June 19th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Brian,
What’s with the local media coverage for the Revs and MLS, or should I say the lack there of? The night Preston got injured we got home from the game and tuned into the news expecting to see a little coverage of the game. The extent of the coverage seemed to be more of an afterthought. As I recall at the very end of the sports, I believe it was said; “OH, and by the way the Revs beat the Red Bulls”. We couldn’t believe that was it.
With all the buzz about the World Cup and WCVB being all over it, someone from your organization should work with the local media to keep the ball rolling. Let’s try to get 30 seconds of Revs/MLS coverage a couple times a week instead of the 3 to 5 seconds once in a while. (Let’s not totally forget the Breakers).
A little better media coverage couldn’t hurt, might even help attendance a bit. The Kraft family should have enough clout to help this cause.
Win, loose or draw, we always have fun at the games. Yes, it’s always more fun to win but I was looking at this season to be one of rebuilding anyway. I think we’ll begin seeing some better results beginning on the 27TH of this month. There’s some pretty good soccer being played in this country now. Let’s get out and support our teams!
GO REVS.
June 20th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Thanks for doing this, these are for Brian, with any luck, I’ll have some for Mike soon enough.
Do the New England Revolution have a “mission statement” – from an overall perspective? (not specifically on the field)
Do you have more roles for the Kraft organization than C.O.O. of the Revolution? If so, could you say what they are?
Relative to your role for the New England Revolution, what does your direct management measure to determine your success? Additionally (or alternatively) do most of the Front Office staff work for you and how are you judging their success?
How many of the Revolution “business-side” employees are actually dedicated to the Revolution, and not shared with other parts of the Kraft business? I’d also be curious how many speak Spanish or Portuguese.
From a marketing perspective, what would you say has been your biggest success this year? What creative efforts have you attempted that maybe fans are not aware of? Anything at local colleges? Anything during the “special” matches?
Thanks for taking these.
June 21st, 2010 at 12:46 am
Hey there, wanted to add to my questions for Mr. Bilello with some for Mr. Burns. Thanks again.
Question: I’m sure this is a question that will be posed time and time again, but can you describe the roles of both Steve Nicol and yourself when scouting, drafting and acquiring players?
Question: I would imagine that it helps to have a specific “style” of soccer in mind when scouting players. I wondered, is there a “shared vision” of how the New England Revolution believe soccer should be played? What is it? Does it affect the choice of players we sign? Does this vision extend to your burgeoning efforts in youth development?
Question: Have any creative options been discussed internally or with the league about the ongoing uncertainty of Taylor Twellman’s recuperation and what it means to the Revolution roster?
Question: Continuing on the theme of being creative… my understanding of the newly updated Designated Player rule is that each DP now costs less to a team in overall salary cap money. If there are no plans to add a Designated Player soon, wouldn’t you immediately take Taylor Twellman and Shalrie Joseph and make them DP’s? This would save us money under the cap, which could (of course) be reinvested in other roster slots as raises or, dare I say, upgrades.
Question: Do you think Designated Players, if/when brought in, should have both soccer and marketing value associated with them?
Question: It’s great to have Steve Ralston back. (Well, sorta back – enough already with the injuries.) Nobody discounts his desire to help his home town, but if there was a quick and easy contract discussion at the end of last season, would we really ever had to have said goodbye?
Question: Over the last few years, what would you say has been your biggest success area related to bringing new players on board, and what has been the area that has troubled the team the most?
June 21st, 2010 at 8:35 am
Would you characterize the 2010 Revs as being in a rebuilding mode? If so, what are the areas that still need attention in the squad? If we are not rebuilding, how do you see the disappointing performance of early 2010 changing in the second half of the year?