The other City that is. In a 3 page article Forbes conclude that Dempsey will go and for less than we expect! Here is what one financial analyst thinks - http://www.forbes.com/sites/bobbymcmahon/2012/04/16/clint-dempsey-a-case-of-irrational-exuberance/
I dont agree with the article. The whole premise of it is that as a result of his performances this season, and the fact he is out of contract in the season after next, there is an increasing amount of interest in his eventual destination. In the course of these discussions people have over-valued Dempsey. The writer then points to Fulham being built around him, the FFP regulations and his age as reasons why he is not going to go for £16m. He also notes the trend toward younger players in the transfer market. They seem to have missed the point though. The fact there is such widespread interest here and in the US should surely be a factor in the increase of his value. Right now 'Soccer' in the US is on the rise. It's profile is high, people are paying more attention to it and the media are starting to cover it. There are an increasing number of US players coming over and doing quite well- which in turn makes the sport more popular because people respond to success. If one of the top US players were to be signed by one of the top four (and it's an outfield player) interest in the EPL will sky rocket. This will manifest in increased shirt sales, visits over to the stadiums, coverage on the American networks and sponsorship interest. Add on to this the fact he is on for 20+ this season from midfield and you have another reason for his value to go up. He would also leave as the all-time top scorer and one of the club greats. Finally, the writer doesn't take into account his personality. Dempsey might want to play CL, but he's not publically pushing for a move. To the press he seems happy where he is, and if Fulham put a contract in front of him with a buy-out clause he would probably sign it, providing it wasn't unreasonable.
Silky ... I'm with you. The story missed the mark on a number of fronts, but the fact that Forbes magazine even took notice is quite a feather in Dempsey's cap. Forbes is a business magazine that occasionally puts its finger on the pulse of US culture (or lack of it). Dempsey will fit in well almost anywhere he goes - he's a good footballer. I did like what was said about McBride in the article.
I go to LA every other year as one of my sons live there. Saturday night we go down to an Irish pub in Santa Barbara,which is amazing, whoever is playing the fans turn up in their colours,and a great atmosphere is had by all. Apart from Man U Fulham draw the biggest crowd,who I must say, are mainly Americans, many wearing CD shirts. The scene is much more intense than here with most of the supporters very knowledgeable on the rules of the game. Its a pity the club does not market itself in the US,as I am sure we could attract a large fan base, which would add to our cudos.
That's odd, roscafre. Valjing once mentioned that one of his sons lives in LA. I wonder if you've ever bumped into him over there?
No captain. I think the LA population is about 3mil,so the chances of bumping into someone I dont know would be quite a feat
No Captain. I think that the greater LA population is about 3mil,so the chances of bumping into someone I dont know must be pretty remote
Not to be pedantic - well, to be very pedantic actually, sorry - but I would say in a city of 3 million people the chances of bumping into someone you didn't know would be huge. Almost everyone, really.
Mirrors? What's the point. They're all vampires. I'd argue that LA is not really a city since there's no downtown or central core to speak of. It's a giant, sprawling, gridlocked suburb. It's what happens when urban planning is subjegated to the profits of slash and burn development. It's a dreadful place.
