Clint Dempsey moved from Fulham to London rivals Tottenham last summer, for a fee believed to be in the £6 million range. With the USA international on board, Spurs rallied to their highest ever points total in the Premier League, however still missed out on a top-four finish. With this in mind, was Dempsey's first campaign at White Hart Lane a success or not?

One of the standout features of Dempsey's play at Fulham was his ability to find the back of the net on regular occasion from an attacking midfield position or from wide. For all money it looked like Dempsey would move to Liverpool, with the exchange betting now showing that a switch to Anfield was on the cards. However, with the Reds arguing over a transfer fee, Spurs nipped in to pip their rivals to the attacker's signature, and make the most of his versatility.

Although Dempsey did not return as many goals last term as in previous campaigns with Fulham, his seven Premier League strikes came in as a benefit to a side that largely relied on Gareth Bale to hit the back of the net. The American scored in both games against Manchester United to see Spurs take four points off the eventual champions, and also contributed other important strikes both in the Premier League and in Europe. Spurs fans will hope that Dempsey can look to make it into double figures next season.

His versatility was also a key aspect for Spurs, with Andre Villas-Boas able to call on Dempsey to play on either flank or through the middle as a second striker if needed. With Aaron Lennon injured for parts of the campaign, Gylfi Sigurdsson taking time to find his feet and Lewis Holtby only joining in January, Dempsey's presence was one that was largely positive for Spurs. Dempsey has also added a direct approach and energy to the Tottenham attack, while the American also offers guile and good technique.

Although his debut season for Spurs will not go down as one of his career best, the signs are there that Dempsey can be a critical man in Tottenham's attempts to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Stoke City, with it's pair of Americans grabbing the attention of at least of few of their countrymen across the pond, head to Loftus Road on Saturday to battle QPR in a crucial game for both sides. Stoke's recent form leave them perilously close to the drop zone in 16th, just three points clear of 18th place Wigan. Tony Pulis is under pressure, Stoke's brutal style of play is starting to wear thin with frantic supporters, and only a win against Harry Redknapp's club will do anything to lighten the load.

The most pressing problem is that Stoke hardly score these days, and they've hardly scored away from the Britannia all year. Hence the word at Betfair, with Stoke a 3.65 wager to win. It wouldn't be in character for Pulis to let his charges loose against QPR, even if getting a goal that can bring three points is crucial. On the other side, Harry Redknapp will have every reason to take the game to Stoke at home in London. QPR's situation is dire with the club 10 points adrift of safety, and only a rampant run of form down the stretch of the season will keep the Hoops up for another year in the Premier League.

Of Stoke's American contingent, only the trusted Geoff Cameron will be expected to play a part. Whether due to lack of fitness or because of his liabilities on the defensive side of the ball, Tony Pulis hasn't yet seen fit to give former FC Dallas man Shea much of a look. This is the case enough though Stoke is without winger Matthew Etherington due to injury. Shea's move to Stoke remains a bit of a head-scratcher for that reason; if Pulis had no intention of using Shea (and his attacking abilities) this season, the transfer during the dying hours of the January window makes little sense. Nothing else has worked for Stoke lately--would it be so wrong to give the young American with the funny hair a run out against one of the league's worst teams?

Notes:

The chances of a set piece goal, for either side, are notable. Stoke is both the league leader in percentage of total goals scored from set pieces (57%) and conceded (46%). QPR's Loic Remy is hot, with goals in four of his last six Premier League appearances. Stoke City has just five points in 2013, and just one in their last seven games. Stoke hasn't picked up a point away from home in their last six trips. QPR has scored first a league low nine times this season, but when they do, they're good at protecting a lead.

Prediction:

Considering Stoke's trouble putting the ball in the net and QPR's greater comfort at home, Harry Redknapp's side looks like a winner, 1-0.

- Jason Davis

As one of those interminable people constantly worried about the popularity of soccer in the United States, I should be thrilled that Fox is giving the sport a run on their flagship over-the-air behemoth of a network starting this Sunday. Manchester United and Chelsea will be shown, on tape delay, right smack in the middle of the usual National Football League window. The footballs are colliding, gigantic robot-style. Most of us (meaning soccer fans who read blogs, soccer previews, and obsessively track every little detail) will have already seen the match or couldn't be bothered to watch either showing. Nevertheless, it's something of a landmark occurrence.

I suppose the thinking is that Fox will take this valuable property to which they hold the (not exactly cheap) rights and double-dip by sticking it next to the country's most popular sport. It certainly can't hurt soccer's popularity, and might even win over a good amount of new fans. If nothing else, it's a sign that soccer's value as television property is on the rise.

- Jason Davis

Here are two things I've decided to jam together for no other reason than that they're not substantial enough for two posts, and they allow for the somewhat clever headline.

With the MLS season coming to a close, and with the January window rapidly approaching, steam is building behind another winter loan for Landon Donovan.  Everton are the most vocal bidders, of course, and Donovan has regularly expressed his desire to return to Goodison since leaving England in the spring.  Newcastle is also rumored to be interested in the Galaxy attacker.

During the height of their protests against owners Tom Hicks and George Gillet, Liverpool fans burned American flags as a intentionally provocative sign of their hatred.  "Yanks Out" was a consistent refrain, echoing across Merseyside as the two American billionaires took the club further and further into debt.  With the deadline for the Royal Bank of Scotland to seize the club and take it into administration approaching, the roar of anti-American disdain became deafening.  Though the vitriol was specifically directed at Hicks and  Gillet, the nationality of the owners became a significant element in the way fans expressed their anger.

John Henry

It's not a done deal, but there's a good chance that Liverpool fans will finally get the new ownership they've so desperately craved.  No more Tom Hicks, no more George Gillette; instead, the Reds might just end up in the hands of NESV, the group that owns the Boston Red Sox.  Consisting of Tom Werner, Larry Lucchino and other investors, the leading figure in the group, at least in terms of pure wealth and presumed stewardship, is John Henry.

Eddie Johnson got himself a full thirty-five minutes this weekend in Fulham's 0-0 draw with Everton at Craven Cottage. Brought on for Zoltan Gera, Johnson's appearance was his third in the league and fourth overall this season.

I was thinking about Non-League Day as I fell asleep last night.  If you don't know about Non-League Day, here's a bit of background:

"The "non-league football day" is the brainchild of James Doe, a lifelong football fan, supporter of QPR and follower of Harrow Borough FC. Its aim is to promote the semi professional game in this country by virtue of a fortuitous break in the football calendar. In James' own words:

'WITH ENGLAND PLAYING THE NIGHT BEFORE AND THE PREMIER LEAGUE AND CHAMPIONSHIP TAKING A WEEK OFF, I URGE ALL FANS OF THE BIG CLUBS TO GET OUT AND WATCH THEIR LOCAL NON-LEAGUE TEAM INSTEAD ON SATURDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER. GIVEN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL CLIMATE, CLUBS OUTSIDE THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEED ALL THE SUPPORT THEY CAN GET, SO YOUR PRESENCE AT A GAME WILL BE GENUINELY APPRECIATED. WITH TICKETS AND REFRESHMENTS AT A FRACTION OF THE COST, WHAT'S STOPPING YOU?'"

I'll admit it, I have a soft spot for Eddie Johnson. I know he has mostly underwhelmed to this point in his European career, and there's really no reason to believe he's suddenly going to become a top American striker. He hasn't always been the most well-adjusted player mentally, and for all his physical gifts, his play is hardly a credit to American soccer or an indication he'll be back in the USMNT first team any time soon.


I can't help it, I still root for GAM.


And that's exactly why I didn't react to Eddie's comments about the lack of respect Americans receive in England as most probably did. Eddie's perspective is certainly skewed; he hasn't played well enough to get into the first team at Fulham, so he sees the road for Americans in England as pitched in an uphill direction. These comments could be easily parsed as Eddie playing the victim.


Although I think he's probably right to a point.


Eddie goes on to praise the style of new Fulham boss Mark Hughes, while also making sure to say "all the right things" in regards to his ability to get on the field for the Cottagers. This means nothing, really, since all athletes are trained to parrot these type of statements when asked about their prospects. But Eddie does have a chance to impress a new manager, and while he hasn't dressed for Fulham in their first two league matches, it's not impossible that he features at some point during this campaign.


Unlikely, maybe, but not impossible.


Anyway, I wish Eddie luck. I hope he explodes in a flurry of Premier League goals and manages to defeat the insidious bias against American players in England. I hope the Mark Hughes era at Craven Cottage gives him a chance to justify the club's purchase of him and by proxy improves Major League Soccer's standing as a place to find quality players at reasonable prices (except for Donovan - he'll cost you).

An Indian businessman is lining up a bid for Premiership side Blackburn Rovers, and would love to add David Beckham to the squad should the purchase go through. To do what, I'm not entirely sure; yes, Beckham still plays, but at 35 and coming off a Achilles injury, his ability to contribute on a high level have to be subject to question. Is this just Beckham-as-trophy?


If so, that's kind of sad. I suppose it's unfair to presume Beckham couldn't contribute on some level for Blackburn, but we are talking about the Premier League; lack of speed and eroding skills that can be glossed over in MLS will stand out at the higher level of England's top-flight.


The Indian businessman in question, Ahsan Ali Syed, said this:

“I was 26 when I started following the Premier League. I used to like Blackburn back then and also used to follow Manchester United's fortunes because of David Beckham. If my finances allow and his intentions are positive then I would love to take Beckham."

That doesn't sound to me like a guy that wants to sign David Beckham because he's convinced the midfielder could help Blackburn. That sounds like a guy that wants to sign his favorite player just so he can say he signed him. Or maybe hang out with him.


Let's put aside whether this is a legitimate possibility (Beckham's name has been connected to a return to England before) and ask this question: If Syer followed through on his interest and made an offer to MLS, what would it take to pry him away from the Galaxy?


More than his value as a player, certainly. Just as with Landon Donovan, Beckham's worth to MLS is higher than it could ever be to a team like Blackburn; the Rovers might sell a few Beckham jerseys, but thats nothing compared to the heat Becks can bring to the American league. Blackburn would need to overpay to get the Englishman.


I'll throw a few random numbers out; gauge your gut reaction. First, consider if Beckham, factoring in quality and age, is worth that much. Then, consider if MLS would be smart to take the deal or if they would still be better off with David Beckham in the league.


$7 million? Is it worth it for MLS?

$8 million? Same question, but now it feels like Blackburn would be overpaying by a good amount.

$9 million? At this point, does MLS seriously consider it?

$10 million? Pull the trigger, MLS. You'd be robbing Blackburn at this point.


I don't think this is happening, but it's fun to think about. I wonder if MLS would ever consider it; after all, everyone has a price. Oh, and for a bit of reference, Beckham is valued at just about $7 million by the site transfermarket.co.uk (for what that's worth).

Aston Villa has signed American fullback Eric Lichaj to a three year extension, a good sign that the 21 year old is on the verge of breaking into the first team. That's certainly his goal after going out on loan the past two seasons. What the managerial change at Villa might mean for Lichaj is obviously uncertain; playing time is key for a player of his age, so unless he's solidified his place as a capable squad player who can step in when needed, or reserve games are enough to push him along, perhaps another loan is in the cards.


Aston Villa has committed to seeing his development through, a clear step in the right direction. Lichaj is off of the radar of many American soccer fans simply because he has yet to feature in his clubs first team; while Edgar Castillo (admittedly a natural left back, though I'm told Lichaj can play both sides) gets the hype, a player like Lichaj might end up being the better contributor in the long run.


Lichaj would be worth keeping an eye on this season even without the Villa drama; but with a new boss coming in shortly, Lichaj's fortunes could very well be tied to who it is and how they rate the young American. Lichaj's ability to impress whatever staff aids in the transition is key. I'll go ahead and speculate that the contract extension is an indication that he's done that on some level.


The x-factor in Lichaj's spot on the Villa roster is the new roster rules related to homegrown players. The best guess is that Lichaj does in fact count as homegrown, though that's tied to when he originally signed with the club (which is tough to pin down).


If you haven't already, add Lichaj to your list of Americans in Europe to watch this season; Villa fans I've talked to are high on him, and 2010 could be something of a breakout year.

I expect that I'll lose count of the number of excited Tweets and breathless blog posts about the start of the English Premier League season by early this afternoon. A new season in the world's biggest/best/richest/whatever league is about to begin, and people from the world over are losing themselves in anticipation. My own countrymen, specifically, are abuzz, aflutter, and, dare I say, annoying.


But that's just because I have an aversion to exclamation points.


And I hate to see people who never express the same excitement over MLS go gaga over a league thousands of miles and an ocean away. I don't begrudge anyone their fandom, and of course the Premier League is great soccer, but the start of a new season over there predictably dims the spotlight (such as it is) over here. In the endless debate over the MLS calendar and a shift some are adamant should happen, I wonder if competing with the European season from August to June for attention isn't the strong argument against a move. Forget weather; even timezones can't alleviate MLS getting short shrift when America's favorite league is in-season.


Lots of people just add the Prem, to say nothing of Germany, Italy, Spain, France, etc., to their MLS-inclusive soccer itineraries. That means Europe in the mornings and early afternoons and MLS in the evenings; in fact, when I'm able to get to the TV first on the weekends, it's the program I usually follow. But with television ratings for MLS lagging despite having the American soccer world to itself over the summer, I can't imagine the availability of better quality soccer will make them any better.


Sour grapes over the second-class status of my preferred league as Americans scurry to throw themselves at the alter of the England? Sure, and I admit it. The easy counter is that more of us would care about MLS over anything going on in England if MLS was better. Which leads to me to note that MLS won't get better until more people care. It's a chicken-and-egg dilemma, and no wonder the league is stepping out of their financial-restraint box to bring in names like Henry and Marquez. Until MLS smacks people across the face with their product, some will just never acknowledge its existence.


I'm guessing this is the first European club season for many people who jumped on the USA bandwagon during the World Cup. Maybe they were aware in the past, but finally decided to really dive into the game post-South Africa. Will they forsake the intimate gathering in their own backyard to join the neighbor's glitzy gala up the street? If it's true that Americans only care about the biggest and best (something I don't totally buy) then they'll go running for the Prem. They'll jump into "pick a team" waters and thrash around until they predictably grab onto one of the Big Four. Apparently it's a rule that Americans must arbitrarily choose an English club to attach themselves to in order to enjoy the league.


I blame Bill Simmons.


Me, I watch for American players in England, the occasional big game, and because it's on TV when nothing else is. I care much more about MLS, and with the playoff race heating up, I know the American competition will be more compelling than early season games in England. Until November, anything happening in Europe will be mostly an afterthought. I expect that I'm solidly in the minority with that thinking.


While I'm here, I might as well make a prediction, just for the hell of it. Who's good in England again? Oh, right.


1. Manchester United
2. Arsenal
3. Chelsea
4. Manchester City


I more or less chose those teams randomly from the five or six that have a legitimate shot at the top four. Should be another exciting status quo year in the best league in the world.

In the immediate aftermath of the Wizards 2-1 victory over Manchester United yesterday came the inevitable superlatives and the equally expected backlash. For Wizards and some MLS fans, the win was a landmark by which the league and the team can be measured; the biggest win ever, the biggest goal of the weekend (Arnaud's or Kamara's, take your pick), etc., etc., HOLY CRAP THE WIZARDS BEAT MANCHESTER UNITED AND THIS PROVES SOMETHING UNPROVABLE.


To which the response was swift. It was just a friendly (it was), United's team was hardly even medium strength (mostly true), and pre-season friendlies are not usually hotly contested by the team in pre-season (yup). We could debate just how much the Wizards players cared versus how much those United scrubs did, but without the powers of time travel and telepathy it's impossible to know. Maybe United did mail it in while the Wizards played with every bit of themselves. It's certainly easy to assume, and for those looking to minimize the Wizards' win throw it out without proof.


That's all relevant. But the context gets lost in the one-side-crows-the-others-slaps-them-down dance, because the supporters of both arguments refuse to allow for subtleties. The exhortations of Wizards fans, a biased crowd blinded by their loyalties and naturally ecstatic with the result, shouldn't be assumed to the opinion of the masses. Nor should the wet blanket crowd, anxious to put everyone in their place, get a pass for being so derisively dismissive. There's a middle ground as to the weight of the Wizards win. Somewhere.


No one, at least no one sane, thinks that the Wizards are better than Manchester United. No one thinks MLS is approaching the Prem in quality. The Wizards aren't suddenly going to steal away "die hard" United fans from middle America. But because it was United, the most famous and valuable club in the world, it has real meaning. It was by no means "defining", and it might even stretch the definition of "historic"; but we can safely assume that millions of people who didn't know about or hadn't heard of the Wizards before yesterday know them now. There's a undefinable value in that, and it's unfair to criticize those tasked with selling MLS (TV commentators and the like) for breathlessly describing the win in over-the-top superlatives.


It was Manchester United. Excuse everyone for getting a little excited.




Everyone needs to relax. It was what it was, but no need to rain on anyone's parade. A little enthusiasm never hurt anyone. Even less important is worrying that the excited claims of a few MLS fans is going to hurt the reputation of all American soccer fans, coloring us as uninformed or naive. Who cares.


United was recently crowned the world's most valuable sports property at $1.8 billion. For a bit of perspective, and using the MLS expansion fee as a an easy base value for the typical American franchise, United's worth is equivalent to 46 MLS teams.


If we compared salaries for those that appeared in the match yesterday, the difference would be mind-boggling. The Wizards are a K-Mart team, United the finest Tiffany has to offer.


The Wizards win is a big deal for one day for those reasons and more. 50,000+ showed up at Arrowhead to watch. Soccer's place in the Midwest can only be helped by the event and by the Wizards win, and superlatives should be forgiven in the immediate afterglow. All that being said, it's probably best to move on quickly.


The other talking point from this game involved the straight red to Jimmy Conrad for his tackle of Dmitar Berbatov in the penalty area. First, it was a clear red, and if this match wasn't a friendly there would be no discussion of Terry Vaughn's call. I suppose it's fair to talk about the spectacle and keeping the sides level despite the call being correct; I just don't particularly have a problem with the call, and in the end it actually benefited the Wizards. By holding on for the victory (hell, by retaking the lead) while a man down, a greater air of accomplishment is attached to it. Right call, maybe wrong time, adds a bit more weight to the victory. Not worth the energy needed to debate it.


Again, moving on to things that matter. IT'S ALL-STAR WEEK!

And that's just about all we can confirm right now on the Donovan-to-Manchester City rumors that exploded yesterday. In New York for the "Barclay's Football New York Challenge and Burlesque Review" (okay, maybe I added that last part), Man City manager Roberto Mancini was apparently asked about Landon Donovan. This would seem reasonable considering Donovan's name has already been linked to City; whichever reporter brought it up wasn't trying to start rumors that didn't exist before.


In response, Mancini said, "Donovan is a good player. Could be possible."


That's hardly a declaration that City is "swooping" for Donovan, or reason for the Interwebs to explode with six million stories announcing that he is now on their shopping list. But that's the silly season, and with Donovan's rep at an all-time high and transfer rumors a magnet for traffic, everyone just runs with the story.


It was even suggested by one English journo on Twitter that Mancini was just being polite to his American hosts and that Man City has no interest in signing Donovan. Alright...


We'll find out soon enough if Donovan is headed back to England this summer or if he'll wait until January. I'm still not clear on his own aspirations, and while I know he makes noises of wanting to go back for the right situation, I get the feeling it wouldn't bother him a bit to stay with the Galaxy.


But if the City rumors, and Mancini's "interest", are legitimate, the question becomes whether that would be a good move for Donovan. On the surface, it doesn't seem so; City's midfielder is crowded and a starting spot might be hard to come by. Initially, I was against Donovan-to-City, and mostly for this reason.


The more that I think about it, though, the more I'm coming around. Donovan is 28 and may never get another chance to join a club with the profile of City. Even if he's fighting for playing time, the risk is worth the reward; should he break into the lineup, and he's certainly capable, it would be a boon both for him professionally and for American soccer's rep abroad. Because, let's face it - it doesn't matter where or how much Landon Donovan is playing, he'll always be a part of the USMNT. It would be nice to have him playing regularly and on top of his game when the Gold Cup rolls around next year, but I'm not sure anyone is going to endure sleepless nights because Donovan isn't starting in England. As for World Cup qualifying, things could always change again for LD before anything serious comes up for the National Team.


By the time it will really matter if Donovan is starting with whatever club he's with, the problem of him sitting on the bench at Man City in 2010-2011 might not be a problem anymore.


If Donovan wants to go and City is paying the price, he should go. Can't be afraid of failure in this situation.


It doesn't matter though, because Mancini was just being polite.

It's eminently annoying to me that some English media and fans view Americans through the prism of a few choice owners who invested in English football. The feeling that I get is that a couple of in-it-for-the-money Americans colors how the general English populations thinks of all of us when it comes to soccer.


Maybe that's unfair to the majority of English football fans. I'm sure there are some who don't hold it against us commoners that Malcolm Glazer is a leveraging opportunist or that Hicks and Gillette can't get out of their own way at Liverpool. But Old Glory has been burned on Merseyside, and the innate inferiority complex that comes with being an American soccer fan makes me ultra sensitive to how my countrymen represent me abroad. Thank god for Randy Lerner.


What then to make of a report that the New York Yankees might be interested in bidding for Tottenham? More American ownership in England isn't necessarily a bad thing provided those doing the buying are committed to the game, willing to do right by the club, and aware of the risks involved. With Big George gone, Hank Steinbrenner is in charge at the Yankees; there's almost nothing about Hank that tells me the Yankees would be a good fit at White Hart Lane. Okay, so he's played some soccer. I guess that's better than nothing.


But the Yankees? The Evil Empire? If you're not a Spurs fan and were ambivalent or even like them a little, how can you not hate them immediately? I suppose Yankees fans unattached to an English club would have an easy choice, but the rest of us could never get past the connection. Any die-hard Red Sox fans who also root for Spurs might have some contemplating to do. Can they continue to love their English club in light of such a disturbing development?


Clearly I'm overstating it just a bit, but people care enough about their teams that at least a few people will consider it a problem. There may be nothing overtly "Yankees" about Tottenham should Hank Steinbrenner successfully buy the club, but the knowledge that the connection exists will always gnaw at certain Sox fans, Mets fans, and Yankees-haters. Only those with a pragmatic view ("If we win, I don't care who owns the club") will be unaffected. That's the healthy attitude, it's just hard for some people get to.


Hank and the Yankees might be great Premier League owners. They certainly have the cash to invest in the club, and smart owners know to delegate responsibility to smart people who understand the sport both on the field and in the boardroom. George Steinbrenner finally figured that out in the 90's, and it led to New York going on another run of World Series titles. If Hank learned the same lesson as his father, there's really no reason to fear that Spurs will be driven into debt or mismanaged into irrelevancy. Maybe they would be more Randy Lerner than Hicks and Gillette.


Foreign ownership of beloved sports institutions is a sticky issue with no easy answers. English football clubs have been snatched up by foreign interests, with the results being a mixed bag; I wonder how American sports fans would react if something similar happened with our most famous teams. Another "failure" by American ownership (again, should the Yankees/Tottenham thing actually happen) would be unfortunate and damage the Americans-in-soccer reputation even further.


Of all the interests in all the world to carry the next American banner to England...the Yankees? Blech. I think I'd rather have Diddy buy Crystal Palace.

I wrote before the tournament started that I thought Bob Bradley's tenure as U.S. National Team head coach would end no matter the ultimate outcome for the Americans; it's just over a month later and I'm feeling pretty good about that prediction. Bradley has yet to sit down with U.S. Soccer boss Sunil Gulati to discuss his future, and though he's said flatly that he would be honored to return for another bite at the apple, it's easy to imagine he'd be just as happy to move on. Gulati has remained non-committal, and with Jürgen Klinsmann talking like a man who'd like the job, there's an air of inevitability to Bobbo's departure.


What's next for Bob has become the hot topic, with English sources linking him to the vacant top job at Fulham. I've not taken the temperature of many Fulham fans on the possibility, though I know at least one American that is against it, but the possibility is intriguing for those of us on the outside. Fulham's history as a home for Americans is one factor, but the truly mouth-watering nature of it all is the prospect of having an American coach at a top-flight club in one of the world's biggest leagues. That's a glass ceiling American soccer has yet to break through, so Bob in London would represent a major step forward.


Of course I worry. I worry that the bar is set pretty high at Fulham, Europa League final and all, and that a complete bomb of a performance there would set American coaches back in the minds of the footballing world. Yes, this is my Yank inferiority complex rearing its ugly head; I recognize it even as it forces its way out. But Bob's as good as any to carry the American standard to the wilds of Europe in search of coaching gold, so I'm certainly more hopeful he gets a shot somewhere recognizable. He might actually be better served somewhere less visible, but the longer affect on the reputation of Americans would be muted.


Not that I'm quite buying the Fulham rumors. It smacks of something the English press would cook up; the club has American connections, Bradley's name is recognizable thanks to the World Cup match-up with England, and speculation is easy. Hard facts are still short, and too many stories mentioning the rumors simply say "reports out of England" without actually linking to those reports. Has Bradley's name been mentioned at Craven Cottage? Possibly. But it's a big step from there to his actually being a serious candidate.


While I'm fairly confident that Bradley won't be retained, I'm much more unsure of when the break will happen. Bradley's contract runs out in December and the team has an August friendly coming up with Brazil; does the Fed keep him around to coach that game, a "Bradley Era" swan song, or do they make a switch beforehand so as to introduce their new face? The timeline is relatively short for that, so unless there's a basic agreement in place with the next coach (ahem, JK), it might not be possible. They could also let Bradley go and have an interim coach handle the Brazil match.


Regardless of whether Bob Bradley lands at Fulham or not, the simple fact that his name is being mentioned for that job is a positive step for American coaches. Bradley is currently the best of the lot, and it may take another batch of years before someone else reaches his level of prestige, but rarely do these things happen overnight. Bradley is a speculative candidate at Craven Cottage because he's proven himself capable of solid soccer management, and done it on a big stage; whether that reputation reflects upon other American coaches is difficult to know. It certainly can't hurt.

In the early days of the 2010 Major League Soccer season, the LA Galaxy have two wins, six points, conceded no goals, and beaten their stadium-mate rivals in the first round of the their two round fight. Key to that success has been been their steady defense and the play of Edson Buddle, who has all three of the team's goals scored in the new year.


But it's eminently clear that one player in particular makes the Galaxy go. Landon Donovan draws attention from defenders, tracks back on defense, puts his teammates in good positions, and threatens opponents with his pace and skill every time he has the ball. Though the Galaxy aren't burying opponents or playing consistently enough yet to be clear favorites in the Western Conference, it's doubtful they'd be sitting where they are without their star.


Why then, considering that LA's other high quality star, David Beckham, is out for months and might not play in 2010, is the prevailing wisdom that Donovan will leave this summer?


LA's desires are just one element of the equation, I know, but thinking that they would willingly let their best player, marketing star, and face of the franchise go back to England permanently is impossible to believe. Never mind that Donovan just signed a brand new contract with the league/club, one that gave him a massive raise and put him into an ultra-elite MLS stratosphere that few players, and fewer American players, have joined.


Donovan had a nice little run at Everton. He proved he could play in one of the best leagues in the world, and save a missed sitter against Tottenham, did just about everything right. The turnaround in Everton's fortunes coincided with his arrival, a coming together that had the wonderful effect of rubbing off on Donovan and bolstering his reputation on both sides of the pond. Even if you don't ascribe to the theory that Donovan was a direct reason for Everton's improving form, he no doubt had a fantastic stint at Goodison Park.


So fantastic, in fact, that when asked about returning to England in the future, Donovan stated unequivocally that he would play for no one else but Everton. Never before has a player's love affair with the club taken hold so completely, so quickly.


Players often make these type of statements. Rarely do they stick, especially when large amounts of money are involved. But I don't think anyone doubts Donovan, and if he was to have an opportunity to go back to Europe post-World Cup, comfort and familiarity might win out over money and prestige. It's hard to imagine a player turning down Chelsea if they came calling, but I wouldn't put it past Donovan. The man knows what he likes, and has been burned too many times playing with teams for which he was a poor fit.


It's Everton or bust. Not that I'm calling the Los Angeles Galaxy "bust".


Does Everton have the resources to buy Donovan from MLS in the summer? Everything we've seen to this point says they probably don't, though it's conceivable they could sell to buy. But why would they do that for a 28 year old complimentary player? The trade off of selling a player to buy Donovan would need to be significantly in their favor for it to make any sense.


All of this talk about Donovan leaving in the summer presumes that MLS is even amenable to selling him. Without a healthy Beckham, and because it's a World Cup year that will put Donovan on the biggest stage and in front of the largest amount of American eye balls that watch any given soccer event, Donovan is a marketing commodity as well as a playing one. What's the price tag? Will MLS "overvalue" him because of his importance to selling the league to Americans?


Donovan's new contract gave him a raise, security, and the ability to go on loan. If the loan was a calculated move to showcase himself for a potential European buyer, then the prevailing wisdom is probably correct, and Donovan's as good as gone. But if the loan was simply Donovan's desire to prove himself in Europe, give it one last good shot to satisfy himself and no one else, don't be surprised if he's leading the Galaxy down the stretch run of the MLS season come August.


The world (i.e., the American soccer community) is convinced Donovan wants to leave for Europe in the summer. If it's not Everton that comes calling, I'm not so sure.

Hull City fired manager Phil Brown today. For USMNT fans, that news would have little impact save for the little issue of our starting striker's fortunes with the club; now that Brown is out, with Hull in the relegation zone but just three points from safety, what does the future hold for Jozy Altidore?


I actually addressed this issue way back in September, when it appeared Brown was already on his last legs. It took an additional five and a half months, but the inevitable finally happened; the question now, because Altidore has established himself in the Tigers squad, is how much this affects his playing time, and whether the club will exercise their option to buy him at the end of the season.


The latter is more an issue of survival than anything else. Hull won't buy Altidore from Villareal if they drop down to the Championship, nor do I believe any of us would be keen on them doing so. Altidore is a first division player at this point, and it would slow his development to play in England's second level (even though it's a strong league and the competition is still fierce). More likely is a recall to Villareal, who would either try to sell him (which might depend on his World Cup performance), or loan him out again before the start of next season. Altidore has certainly made strides at Hull, and though his value is debatable, there's no reason to believe he can't catch on somewhere and become an important contributor.


Back to the present. Hull has named assisstant Steve Parkin caretaker manager for the balance of the season. What this means for Altidore, I'm not entirely sure. Hull's sole and most important task is to avoid relegation; does that mean the young American is marginalized because of his lack of experience and paltry goal scoring record? Perhaps. But from most accounts, Altidore has been more consistent and troublesome for defenses than Hull's other forward options; that should mean he'll keep his spot in the rotation.


The only thing we can be sure of right now is that things are uncertain for the young American. From a distance, it appears Hull has been good for him, both on the field and in terms of maturation. Hopefully that leads to Jozy Altidore playing an important role in Hull's bid for survival the rest of the way. Our first indication will come on Saturday when Hull takes on relegation zone-mates Portsmouth at Fratton Park.


Hull is going to need hungry, energetic players in their push for crucial points down the stretch. I'm admittedly biased, but it would seem to me playing Jozy Altidore, who fits that bill, would give them their best shot of staying a Premier League club in 2010-11.

Consider this a Sunday diversion. Landon Donovan's loan with Everton is set to end in a week, and the buzz has started for him to remain through the end of the season. Bruce Arena, naturally, said it won't happen and that Donovan will return to the Galaxy for the start of the MLS season. His saying anything else would be newsworthy, but his "strong" words on the subject mean little. Similar things were said during David Beckham's loan limbo last year.


But perhaps most interesting to me than the machinations of the will-he-stay-or-will-he-come-home tennis match is why, as fans, so many of us are of the opinion that Donovan should absolutely remain at Everton.


Is it because we think he'll play better at the World Cup in June if he stays with the Toffees? Are his fans just happy to see him succeeding in one of the world's best leagues and want that to continue? Is it because we see Donovan as the American standard bearer and want him to remain in England where he can increase the Yank reputation?


Or is something else entirely, perhaps a combination of factors or a more complicated permutation of one of the suggestions above?


For those of you who want Donovan to stay at Everton, explain your reasoning below, and those of you who have had a change of heart on Landon, I definitely want to hear from you.


To get it started, I'll give my own reasoning; I'm a fan of Donovan's, always have been, and am happy to see him proving his quality in a top league. The longer he stays, the quieter those disapproving voices that have criticized him repeatedly will get.