The descent into the John F. Kennedy International Airport was a fairly calm affair. Having come to a halt on the tarmac, I grabbed my briefcase and headed toward airport security. Sixty five minutes later, I was on the other side. Not that I minded, though, as standing was a release having sat for little over 8 hours since boarding my British Airways flight at Heathrow.
The past 72 hours had been a whirlwind. First contact was made when Claudio Reyna called my agent regarding a potential opening. Tom Glick, the clubs President, was growing increasingly frustrated with Jason Kreis' erratic behaviour and extreme demands. As talks with Reyna advanced, the relationship between Glick and Kreis continued to weaken. Breaking point was some time this morning. Kreis was gone.
I met some of the clubs representatives, including Ferran Soriano, at Manchester City's training base to discuss terms. As soon as we agreed in principal, I was whisked away for my flight.
So here I am. Soon to be manager of New York City Football Club.
The club is a new expansion team and has never played a competitive game yet. The MLS season starts this Saturday when last years champions, LA Galaxy, visit the Yankee Stadium. Over the past weeks and months, Kreis and Reyna worked together to form a group of players with MLS experience such as Jeb Brovsky and international talent like David Villa. I've already done some scouting of the players at the club and identified a gap or two I need to fill.
My appointment will be announced infront of the press tomorrow and I'll meet the players soon after.
The past 72 hours had been a whirlwind. First contact was made when Claudio Reyna called my agent regarding a potential opening. Tom Glick, the clubs President, was growing increasingly frustrated with Jason Kreis' erratic behaviour and extreme demands. As talks with Reyna advanced, the relationship between Glick and Kreis continued to weaken. Breaking point was some time this morning. Kreis was gone.
I met some of the clubs representatives, including Ferran Soriano, at Manchester City's training base to discuss terms. As soon as we agreed in principal, I was whisked away for my flight.
So here I am. Soon to be manager of New York City Football Club.
The club is a new expansion team and has never played a competitive game yet. The MLS season starts this Saturday when last years champions, LA Galaxy, visit the Yankee Stadium. Over the past weeks and months, Kreis and Reyna worked together to form a group of players with MLS experience such as Jeb Brovsky and international talent like David Villa. I've already done some scouting of the players at the club and identified a gap or two I need to fill.
My appointment will be announced infront of the press tomorrow and I'll meet the players soon after.
