From Chron.com/soccer twitter... socceryfutbol According to Dynamo COO Chris Canetti, M Stuart Holden has informed the team of his intention to go on short-term trial with Burnley of EPL
Not surprising that Stuart would try his hand anywhere he could in Europe. He's a rising star on the international stage thanks to his work with the USMNT. It's a shame that MLS is a launching pad for young stars and a landing strip for aging ones. Yet, that's where we are right now. The Dynamo should try as hard as they can to keep Stuart, but not put all of their eggs in one basket. It would be hard for anybody to stay in MLS when the EPL comes knocking, even if that team is ranked toward the bottom of the table.
I'm surprised that he's going on trial, I would have thought there would be enough interest for him to just get a contract. I can understand why a European team would be kind of wary about signing somebody that they aren't that familiar with though.
Is this official? I heard that it was rumored, but I didn't know Holden had signed with them. Good for him. Burnley is only 2 points clear of the relegation zone, so hopefully he can go there and make a difference.
He isn't signing with them yet, they want him to go over for a trial (train with the team and play some reserve games) before offering him a contract.
He's now going on trial at Bolten after the Burnley manager moved there. http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2010/01/monday-kickoff-notes-on-holden-chicago-and-the-african-cup-of-nations.html
Well, good luck to him. If it doesn't work out, I'm sure the Dynamo would be more than happy to have him back. Heard Donovan had a nice first game in the EPL, registering an assist against Arsenal. Good for him. Hopefully, he'll realize he's outgrowing the MLS and needs a bigger challenge if he wants to do bigger things.
Lately its not been an issue of whether he's outgrown the MLS or not. He's clearly at the top of the MLS already and furthermore is probably one of the best National team players. His biggest problem has been the two times he went over to Europe (Bayer Leverkusen & Bayern Munich) he didn't get much playing time. He needs to find a European team that is a good fit for him: playing time wise, system-wise, etc...
True, but it was quite clear he was uncomfortable in Germany, too. It always seemed to me that coming home was a cop-out for him. He knew he'd start and get paid relatively well and wouldn't have to put out the effort to win a spot as long as he was in the MLS. That's all fine and dandy if he wants to be remembered as just a good American player. But if he wants to be remembered as a great soccer player, he's going to have to go on to bigger and better. England has always seemed like a better fit for him. I don't know why he kept going back to Germany when it was clear the EPL more fits his game.
[rquoter]Bolton undecided on contract for midfielder Holden BOLTON, England (AP)—American midfielder Stuart Holden completed a trial at Premier League club Bolton, and manager Owen Coyle is deciding whether to offer him a contract. While the 24-year-old Houston Dynamo player has been training with Bolton this week, northwest rival Blackburn is also reportedly interested. Coyle, who took charge at Bolton last week, is still reviewing if his relegation-threatened squad needs reinforcing during the January transfer window. “He has just come off an outstanding season in the MLS with Houston Dynamo, he’s a US international, so all we have to figure out now is if he will enhance the squad,” Coyle said in Friday’s editions of the Bolton News. “He’s obviously got talent, good technique and quick feet.” Holden, who is set to go with the U.S. to the World Cup, is available at no fee for Bolton, which is in the Premier League relegation zone.[/rquoter] Doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement. Makes me wonder if the trial didn't go well if a relegation-zone team can't figure out if they want him or not.
I wish Holden well, but I can't lie, if he bombs out and has to return to the Dynamo, I wouldn't complain.
Yeah saw that. Euan's a mate and a good lad. He was more of an AM/withdrawn forward in high school/club but as he progressed in college he found his position at left back/left mid. He'll probably go on trials in Blighty or Scandinavia before the pre-season or wait till after Dynamo finish pre-season and he finds out if he makes the team. I strongly dissaproved of Stu going on trial to Burnley/Bolton wherever Owen Coyle was going to as I felt it was a slap in the face when Blackburn weren't even requiring a trial but hey, we'll see what happens.
Good for Stu. However, Dynamo might struggle next year. First Clark, now Holden. Lets hope Landin lives up to his hype this year.
It's going to be hard to make up for the loss of both central mids. I'm wondering if they push Cameron up to the defensive mid position to fill Rico's spot. I don't think there is any one on the roster that can fill in for Holden. The style that Dom likes to play is predicated on a creative central mid that can distribute and score. Congrats to Stuart on the deal!
He signed with Bolton through the end of the season. http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/85/england/2010/01/25/1760763/dynamos-holden-signs-with-bolton-until-end-of-season
