MLS Technical Directors Detailed Insights
L.E. Eisenmenger
is a freelance writer with the Boston Pro Soccer Examiner
her work appears in SoccerLens, American-Soccer-News, This is American Soccer and US Soccer Player
The role of the technical director
Over the past four years, the position of technical director emerged with an important role in scouting and signing players for MLS clubs. Although the job varies with the market and team, technical directors scout and work with MLS to sign talent, manage the salary cap, negotiate new contracts with players or their agents, and oversee the club development academies.
For US Soccer Players.com, the official site of the US National Soccer Team Players Association, I spoke with technical directors Paul Bravo of the Colorado Rapids, Brian Bliss of the Columbus Crew, Peter Vermes interim head coach of the Kansas City Wizards, and Mike Burns, Vice-President of Player Personnel for the New England Revolution.
Their detailed insights on the challenges MLS clubs now face are fascinating.
Part 1 examines the technical director’s role in scouting and signing players, interaction with MLS, issues with foreign players, and managing the salary cap.
Full Story – Role of the TD: Scouting
Part 2 looks at the technical directors’ oversight of the club development academies and their take on the elimination of the reserve league.
