In Yallop We Trust

By: Ian | March 6th, 2009

Don’t know how many of you all out there got a chance to see Frank Yallop on FSC’s Fox Football Phone-In Monday night, but it’s worth talking about for several reasons. First off, I have to say that I’m a regular viewer of the show and enjoy the content, for the most part. However, I was disappointed that despite a very meaty segment with Yallop, practically the entire second hour as a matter of fact, we heard very little about Frank’s thoughts regarding the Earthquakes. Instead, most of the questions, both from the hosts and the callers, either dealt with Yallop’s thoughts on the Champions League/EPL or the MLS in general. Now, I understand the need to appeal to a wide audience, who wouldn’t necessarily want to hear an hour of talk about the Quakes, as much as that would make us all giggle with happiness like little school children. But when you have a manager on the show, there needs to be a certain level of interest in the team he represents. At least with Dominic Kinnear the week before, there was discussion about the De Rosario trade, who would replace him, etc. I know that the ins and outs of a team in MLS don’t stimulate the same level of excitement as Champions League fixtures, but more focus on Yallop the Earthquakes manager, not Yallop the manager in general would be nice. Ok, end rant.

It was interesting to hear Yallop talk about his decisions in the famous 5-4 aggregate playoff victory over L.A., and how he approaches making changes for the playoffs. In both cases, it very much seems as if Yallop seems to be more of an instinctual manager, though a bit of that may just be his obvious humility. He said that, for the most part, he makes such decisions based on what seems right at the time, and it’s more of a gut feeling type of tactical decision-making.

QUAKES NOTES FOR THE WEEK:

- Unfortunately, Aki Riihilahti failed his physical so he will not be joining the Quakes. While on one hand, it does save me from looking up the spelling of his name a hundred times throughout the upcoming season, it is definitely a shame that this transfer didn’t pan out. By all accounts, Aki is a solid player and, almost as importantly, a real asset to the dressing room atmosphere. Good luck to him wherever he ends up.

- It looks as if Simon Elliott may have been officially signed after a lengthy trial with the Quakes. Elliott will most likely serve as veteran depth at the central midfield position. He provides experience and solid skills, if not blinding pace.

- Chris Leitch has been acquired from the New York Red Bulls to compete for the right back spot. Whether it will be him, youngster Jamil Roberts, or Jason Hernandez who will nab the starting job is yet to be seen.

- Keep a close eye on the Beckham saga. I for one am hoping he stays at Milan at least until July, if only because this would likely mean that one of the games against L.A. would be moved to Buck Shaw from Oakland.

- Looks like our old friend Landycakes will be returning to the Galaxy after all. Get your best chants and songs ready!