The New England Revolution saw a great many changes throughout the 2012 season, sweeping reform under new head coach, Jay Heaps, saw many players go in and out of Foxboro. These sweeping changes have continued to take place into the offseason, and this week came the news that high profile, ‘marmite’ midfielder, Benny Feilhaber, was the latest player being pointed towards the exit.
Picture courtesy of Kari Heistad.
Feilhaber had a tumultuous final season in New England, the once highly thought of midfielder became best known for his knowledge of fashion and his fiery temperament and these traits began to overshadow his ability and his performances on the pitch.
Despite Benny taking to the field more times this season than he did in 2011, he failed to beat any of his previous tallies, scoring just once throughout the 2012 campaign. Some might say it was not through a lack of trying, his shots on goal tally would tell you that much, but that cutting edge, the clinical finish has been missing from his game throughout 2012.
Benny’s frustrations were capped in several explosive displays towards New England coaching staff, ironically it was at these moments that Revolution fans saw the most passion from the former US National Team hero. The once unbeatable midfielder was at times reduced to nothing more than an expensive benchwarmer.
Picture courtesy of Kari Heistad.
Benny’s shortcomings became the subject of regular conversation amongst most Revolution fans and soccer pundits, and in my view it was only a matter of time before an inevitable trade. Speculation was rife during the season that a trade would be made and I’m surprised that the organisation held on to Benny for as long as they did.
I’d like to take this moment to thank Benny for his services, it was a fun ride, his presence in New England was good for the fans in the beginning, it was good for the team. I remember one of my MLS UK colleagues, Glenn Williams, saying to me “With Joseph and Feilhaber, New England have, on paper, the best midfield in the MLS”, alas it was not to be. Benny is an exciting player with a wealth of ability to boot, it just hasn’t quite worked in New England. I know that he can go on to revive his career and perhaps this new move is exactly what he needs.
It was almost awkward when the trade with Sporting Kansas City was announced, I didn’t hear one complaint from Revolution fans, not one hint of upset. That tells you everything you need to know. Benny is glad of the trade, he’s said as much since the trade, the Revolution fans are glad of the trade, that’s for certain, and I think both parties will benefit in the long term. Sometimes in life you just have to hold your hands up and say ‘it’s just not working’ and there’s no shame in that.
Picture courtesy of Kari Heistad.
Personally, I’m glad we were able to offload Benny, I’m glad we’ve cleared some room on the roster and some room in the bank account. We’ve also acquired two very handy draft picks and some allocation money. Now all eyes turn to the club to see what they can do with this great opportunity. Will we see a big signing? Will we see the younger players getting an opportunity? Will nothing happen at all? Everyone’s got an opinion, some positive, some negative, but as Mick McCarthy of Ipswich Town Football Club said earlier this week, “Opinions are a bit like backsides, we’ve all got one but perhaps they shouldn’t all be aired in public.” I couldn’t agree more. Be patient, be positive, watch this space.
So long Benny, it’s been fun.
Thanks for reading, supporting and enjoying as always. Remember, I’m always up for a chat on Twitter, so drop me a line: @guitarspoons
Once again the beautiful photography in this article was provided by the wonderful Kari Heistad, please go and check out all of her awesome photography on her site which can be found here.
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