Martyr Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Also reported on BCSoccerWeb.com via the Globe and Mail... Former Portugese international Joao Pinto is apparently set to put pen to paper for TFC as early as today... he's 36 but he's still playing for FC Braga in Portugal. Also on a trial with TFC are two Colombians - CB Julian Barragan and Mid Johnnier Montano. http://www.bcsoccerweb.com/ The original story was broke by a paper in Utah covering Real Salt Lake: http://www.deseretnews.com/blogs/1,5322,26,00.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarnado1555362291 Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Julian Barragan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_nbsZTJLEg Johnnier Montano Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrennanFan Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 TFC looks to be shaping up this year: F: Dichio, Cunningham, Pinto, Lombardo, Samuel M: Musampa, Robinson, Montano, Edu, Obrien, Rosenlund D: Brennan, Marshall, Barragan, Wynne, Boyens, Dunivant M: Sutton, Wagenaar A couple of the rookies will see action as well, and hopefully some of the Canadian reserves like Gala and Lumley will make an impact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SthMelbRed Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Pinto will definitely bring a greater pork chop element into TFC's support. Maybe now the Italians in TO will clamour for TFC to sign some ageing former Azurri player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martyr Posted February 19, 2008 Author Share Posted February 19, 2008 Don't forget Darren Huckerby. According to The Score 'Footy Show' he will be in TO in 10 days to check out the city with a view to joining up in May. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gian-Luca Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 I don't know that we should be pencilling in Pinto for a spot - this is just a trial, much like Milosevic last year who left without getting signed. Pinto is even older at 36, he's not been very productive lately and frankly, I hope he doesn't sign here. Not only could I never stand him as a player, but there's no need to give TFC a reputation as a retirement community. If we are going to bring aging players from Europe to Toronto, they might as well be Canadians. Huckerby on the other hand I can see happening and I think would be a good signing if he remains healthy, as TFC need something on that left flank. As for Lumley, he was let go by Toronto last November along with a bunch of other Canadians. It's still a concern to me that only Wagenaar & Roselund are even being looked at thus far in terms of new Canadians, especially as the roster will continue to be short if we don't sign more - there simply isn't room for all these foreigners, except possibly in Mo Johnston's imagination. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrennanFan Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 quote:Originally posted by Gian-Luca I don't know that we should be pencilling in Pinto for a spot - this is just a trial, much like Milosevic last year who left without getting signed. Pinto is even older at 36, he's not been very productive lately and frankly, I hope he doesn't sign here. Not only could I never stand him as a player, but there's no need to give TFC a reputation as a retirement community. If we are going to bring aging players from Europe to Toronto, they might as well be Canadians. Huckerby on the other hand I can see happening and I think would be a good signing if he remains healthy, as TFC need something on that left flank. As for Lumley, he was let go by Toronto last November along with a bunch of other Canadians. It's still a concern to me that only Wagenaar & Roselund are even being looked at thus far in terms of new Canadians, especially as the roster will continue to be short if we don't sign more - there simply isn't room for all these foreigners, except possibly in Mo Johnston's imagination. Yes Pinto is old, but I hate to rely solely on our Dich-Cun connection. Im sure Pinto can be more useful than Samuel. I haven't seen Huckerby or Musampa play, but I have seen Montano. He played for a low mid table team in Peru last year, Sport Boys (they wear pink shirts, don't know why), and single handedly made them respectable. He moved to Alianza recently, Peru's biggest club, hopefully he can get out of his contractual entanglements with them. A classic #10. He reminds me of deRo alot. He may have pace/fitness issues in MLS, but he could also be a superstar. I would imagine we would only be able to take one of Musampa and Huckerby, probably the cheaper one. I must have been thinking of Hemming, or has Mo cut him too? I wish there were more Canadians vying for TFC, but who? Cann? Grande? Gervais? Gbeke? The recently cut Ademolu? What TFC really needs is a Canadian manager (Hart). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nolando Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 quote:Originally posted by Gian-Luca I don't know that we should be pencilling in Pinto for a spot - this is just a trial, much like Milosevic last year who left without getting signed. Pinto is even older at 36, he's not been very productive lately and frankly, I hope he doesn't sign here. Not only could I never stand him as a player, but there's no need to give TFC a reputation as a retirement community. If we are going to bring aging players from Europe to Toronto, they might as well be Canadians. Huckerby on the other hand I can see happening and I think would be a good signing if he remains healthy, as TFC need something on that left flank. As for Lumley, he was let go by Toronto last November along with a bunch of other Canadians. It's still a concern to me that only Wagenaar & Roselund are even being looked at thus far in terms of new Canadians, especially as the roster will continue to be short if we don't sign more - there simply isn't room for all these foreigners, except possibly in Mo Johnston's imagination. at least one toronto supporter is talking sense around here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gian-Luca Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 quote:Originally posted by BrennanFan I must have been thinking of Hemming, or has Mo cut him too? Hemming is still with the team and I expect will stick. I haven't seen Montano or Mussampa play so I don't have any comment on them for the moment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Oranje Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 Not in favour of Pinto or Huckerby. Pinto is likely past it a long ways and Huckerby will be too expensive for the talent you're getting. I hope TFC can get more creative than this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy_Yank Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 Isn't this the douche bag who punched a referee at the 2002 world cup? Portugual was trying to get Korea to play for a tie, but they weren't having any of it. Portugual freaked out and get 2 (both very deserved) red cards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grizzly Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 Huckerby and Mussampa seem like they would be good additions but TFC will have to make sure they do not overpay for them. I agree Pinto is past it, someone who only scores 2 goals in his last 24 appearances in a mid-level European league is not a great candidate for TFC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrennanFan Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 Update on Montano: This guy contacted MLS following a contract issue that would have prevented him from playing in the Peruvian Apertura. He had signed contracts with 2 clubs. Apparently, FIFA has stepped in and resolved the issue, he can now play for Alianza. I dont think he will be looking for a move to MLS anymore. Especially since his current club, Alianza, will "fight to the death to ensure he plays for them this year". http://www.peru.com/futbol/AutoNoticias/FutbolPrimeraDivision/2008/02/19/DetalleNoticia100807.asp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VPjr Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 quote:Originally posted by BrennanFan Update on Montano: This guy contacted MLS following a contract issue that would have prevented him from playing in the Peruvian Apertura. He had signed contracts with 2 clubs. Apparently, FIFA has stepped in and resolved the issue, he can now play for Alianza. I dont think he will be looking for a move to MLS anymore. Especially since his current club, Alianza, will "fight to the death to ensure he plays for them this year". http://www.peru.com/futbol/AutoNoticias/FutbolPrimeraDivision/2008/02/19/DetalleNoticia100807.asp great find. it amazes me how resourceful some people are. Now we know why the media reads the V's board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manuel Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 I read last night, on a Portuguese site, that Pinto didn't go to Florida for a one week trial, but he went to talk to a team about a contract. He left Portugal Monday but was due back in Braga on Wednesday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VPjr Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 Of all the guys that have been talked about/rumoured to be joining TFC, the only guy that really makes sense to me is Kiki Mussampa. He's unemployed, not too old, might come reasonably cheap, capable of playing on the left side of midfield and capable of joining the team right away. If he impresses the coaching staff and can come to terms on a contract, I can see this guy wearing the TFC kit this season. The rest of them are just a bunch of question marks to me quite honestly. I had hoped the Montano rumours were factual but based on the info that BrennanFan found, that doesn't seem likely now. I'm not a fan of the idea of Huckerby joining the team to be honest. Too many questions marks when it comes to his health and I am pretty sure he'll be looking for big money, more than I believe he'd be worth at this point in his career. If he was 100% healthy, my opinion might be different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny Boy Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 This is going slightly off topic but way back in the late 1970's early 80's the Whitecaps were able to attract players like Peter Beardsley. Why can't TFC pick up a bench warmer from ManUre or Chelski (or any EPL team) or some youth prospect on loan? Is it that cost prohibitive? Joao Pinto isn't gonna do much for the image of MLS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Oranje Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 The economics have changed radically. Back then, the NASL could actually compete salary-wise (well did but probably couldn't afford to). The NASL did not have a salary cap. quote:Originally posted by Danny Boy This is going slightly off topic but way back in the late 1970's early 80's the Whitecaps were able to attract players like Peter Beardsley. Why can't TFC pick up a bench warmer from ManUre or Chelski (or any EPL team) or some youth prospect on loan? Is it that cost prohibitive? Joao Pinto isn't gonna do much for the image of MLS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youllneverwalkalone Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 quote:Originally posted by Canuck Oranje The economics have changed radically. Back then, the NASL could actually compete salary-wise (well did but probably couldn't afford to). The NASL did not have a salary cap. He brings up a good point about loan deals though. David Edgar anyone? Surely EPL sides would surrender a few thousand a week to further the development of a young player. Too bad Mo became chummy with the thinest side in the premiership in Villa. It doesn't look like they could spare a body right now if they wanted to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Oranje Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 I agree that loan deals should be explored and from anywhere that makes sense financially. quote:Originally posted by youllneverwalkalone He brings up a good point about loan deals though. David Edgar anyone? Surely EPL sides would surrender a few thousand a week to further the development of a young player. Too bad Mo became chummy with the thinest side in the premiership in Villa. It doesn't look like they could spare a body right now if they wanted to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martyr Posted February 20, 2008 Author Share Posted February 20, 2008 quote:Originally posted by Danny Boy This is going slightly off topic but way back in the late 1970's early 80's the Whitecaps were able to attract players like Peter Beardsley. Why can't TFC pick up a bench warmer from ManUre or Chelski (or any EPL team) or some youth prospect on loan? Is it that cost prohibitive? Joao Pinto isn't gonna do much for the image of MLS. With the salary cap TFC could never cover the salary (typical of a loan agreement) of a benchwarmer on any Premiership club let alone Man U or Chelsea. Beardsley doesn't fit this description either as he joined the Whitecaps from Division 3 club Carlisle. He went to Man United from the Whitecaps (and then returned to the Caps before joining Newcastle). So he was at a relatively low profile club and despite being Division 3 player of the year his size was held against him by the big clubs. Smaller players can still find it quite difficult to progress up the leagues in England - so perhaps there is someone out there willing to use success in MLS as a springboard to greater things. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Beardsley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youllneverwalkalone Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 quote:Originally posted by Martyr With the salary cap TFC could never cover the salary (typical of a loan agreement) of a benchwarmer on any Premiership club let alone Man U or Chelsea. This is where you need a good manager with good contacts because, if the parent club feels the player will benefit, they will pay the contract. Most premiership clubs don't loan young players out to save money, they do it to get them experience. In Edgar's case, they're paying him regardless and could easily put in a recall clause (if done in the correct window). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manuel Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 You guys say Pinto isn't going to do anything. I'd say that he can't do worse than Andy Welsh did, or he can't be as bad as Samuel. I'd rather have him at 36 for a season than those two. Also, he brings a lot of experience, and with his age has toned down the antics. They will not be paying a lot of money for him. I'm being biased, but I think the fans would like him. He's a firecracker. And TFC can claim to have player who won 2 U20 world cups on their team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gian-Luca Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Saying a player can't do worse than the already-departed Andy Welsh isn't a very persuasive argument in my view. Regardless, it looks like the deal is dead and with the kind of money they are talking about, I can't say I am un-happy: http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2008/02/21/pinto_tfc/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manuel Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/noticia.php?id=918641&div_id=1468 According to this story in maisfutebol the deal isn't dead just yet. Pinto's agent says that he was offered a deal, which Pinto turned down. But Pinto made a counter offer and is waiting to hear back from TFC in the next 48 hrs. He also says that the stories of the deal falling apart due to Pinto not being able to trail for a week are false. Pinto was never going to that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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