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Last night Sporting Club CEO Robb Heineman answered questions in yet another TweetnFly with fans. Flying from KC to Tuscon, he was tweeting for over an hour. Robb loves to troll and he's been known to say too much (or maybe just speak too soon), so these things always come with the "take it with a grain of salt" warming. But it is definitely great to see the ownership reaching out and listening to fans.
He responded to basically everything, so I've compiled the more relevant tweets.
After a few flight delays, he (reluctantly) opened himself up for questions:
Long night already..... but let's do this #tweetNfly
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Naturally.. the fans wasted no time and came out swinging:
Is he planning on replacing Nemeth?
looking for another #9 to back up Dom https://t.co/UTM7wM2h46
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Anymore signings this window?
trying....negotiating a contract currently https://t.co/I15BrW3ZOs
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Who fills the shoes of Nemeth this year?
several players... https://t.co/JXaoDLUuuy
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
When you look at this roster as it stands, I think some of the missing goals/assists from Nemeth can be covered. I see Dom taking a step forward, Zusi having a bounce back year, and a combination of Brad Davis/Justin Mapp contributing as well. Also don't forget the 19 year old Hungarian, Danel Salloi. I saw two things from him in training: he needs to bulk up for the physical play of MLS, but he has a really deadly shot.
That being said... finding a true backup for Dom (or a 2nd striker to bring on late in games) would make me feel much better about the Sporting KC attack this season.
In talks with any potential DPs?
yes....several.... https://t.co/aADaff1WCB
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Hints on positions of potential DP signings?
forwards https://t.co/uNoEhMEEtO
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
What position would this young DP play?
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Is there any chance of signing a new forward before the 12th? If so, will it be a big name?
yes and no https://t.co/qy8f24UM39
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Yes it's possible attacking reinforcements are coming, no it won't be a big name. They are always working to bring players in, so try to not dissect his words too much.
Was there any real interest in PV from abroad?
don't think he was ever interested https://t.co/ksOn6r0Rw8
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
I'm sure there is always real interest in PV from somewhere in the world, but it would take a really good offer to lure him away.
Any acquisitions from the English Premier League in the near future?
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Will we sign anybody under 40?
likely not https://t.co/jA0RgDmBMM
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Haters gon' hate, Robb!
Vermes to coach USMNT?
he'd b a good choice....but Jurgen's going to be around for awhile https://t.co/1fOuCLa6Sc
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
What kind of player is he looking for?
would like a young foreign DP https://t.co/nQgQeaZXxy
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Targeting anyone from Bundesliga?
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Was the young CM signing for the Rangers?
that's where he'll start out, but would expect him on senior roster this season https://t.co/OyprDtaCQ0
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
This is about Kevin Oliveira. He is on the latest SPR preseason roster and should be arriving in Tuscon within a few days. He's got everyone around the club pretty excited, so he is definitely a Ranger to keep an eye on.
Is Marcel De Jong staying with the team?
likely no https://t.co/8AzhJDQbnF
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
This really is not much of a surprise anymore. He wasn't with the team in training last week, and his salary is too much for a backup LB.
Speaking of those missing from training last week...
Will Anor or Okugo be on the opening day roster?
neither will be in the 18 https://t.co/hj6CXhpJAQ
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
This doesn't really tell us much about any roster moves, but it is quite telling of how the club, or at least Robb, values those players at the moment.
Thoughts on Columbus Crew's new kit?
surprising https://t.co/tAj4z6eKrw
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
No but really, they're terrible.
What is the biggest improvement he expects to see this season?
goals allowed https://t.co/vHIc5UrdB7
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
This is a solid prediction here. You've got to be feeling pretty good about the squad's defense right now. This time around we will get a full season from both Soni Mustivar and Tim Melia, young fullbacks Dia and Abdul-Salaam are no longer nervous rookies, Opara is ready to get back on the field, and of course, the new Portuguese CB Nuno André Coelho.
Update on the national training center?
waiting on grading permit. will break ground in april https://t.co/hpzbXCyxfe
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
How likely is it Vermes switches formations from 4-3-3?
been training 3-5-2 a lot... https://t.co/4tucpWtFgq
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
TROLLOLOLOL.
Peter Vermes' head exploding in 3-2-1... https://t.co/I6NZnYpRKY
— Alan Hainkel (@AlanHainkelFCS) February 16, 2016
Expectations for the team this year?
mls cup champion https://t.co/0yryGtJti4
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Favorite non-SKC player in MLS?
robbie keane https://t.co/f47kSW4SC2
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Any upgrades to in stadium experience in 2016?
lots of food service improvements. mobile will be much better as well. https://t.co/0n9bM5qcr3
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Budget and reality aside, what would he add to CMP?
a larger members stand and double the fieldside seats https://t.co/ndYJ21P78g
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Why does is seem like the Galaxy can just do whatever they want?
no comment https://t.co/tVNQy1qtQR
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Probably a good call...
Expectations for the Swope Park Rangers?
several will be loaned. my expectation is that they'll be very good and will develop quality players for skc https://t.co/PJmSYHG7ei
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Coolest part of No Other Pub?
hopefully the gameday atmosphere https://t.co/HxUrcfMT2p
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Last year wasn't amazing, and now we lost nemeth, please comment on how this year will be an improvement.
we were proud of the team last year - won a trophy. with healed guys, and new guys we'll be good. https://t.co/gCaUDvxUjN
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
How about a throwback game with old school Wizards jerseys?
would love to but mls is no longer doing 3rd jerseys https://t.co/NTDkUMWb7u
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
That is unfortunate.. but there was also this:
How long until an alternate features a nod to the rainbow?
2 years https://t.co/W5aCOaPCNK
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
YOUR COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN, ROBB!
Biggest threat in the Western Conference?
dallas https://t.co/Qe3jXximq6
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Is it gettin easier for u to get overseas players to SKC as the team establishes itself? Is KC easier to sell these days?
much easier, but still not a layup https://t.co/FtrxmR6Urt
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
How much is he willing to spend on a transfer fee?
whatever it would take for the right player https://t.co/kloTXyWc6b
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Biggest challenge MLS must overcome to sign better talent?
better "average" players.....and i think less synthetic fields https://t.co/CLdtgWJNeJ
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Would he rather win MLS or CCL?
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Does Vermes, SKC, or MLS get the most nervous when he does a Q&A?
PV
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016https://t.co/FWghfKeVH9
Vermes has mentioned shadow teams around the world with similar style of play that he looks at for players. What are some of those teams?
mostly Port and Dutch https://t.co/mzjl3KCtqY
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Expectations for last year's rookie class?
lots of starts https://t.co/wXggyDi8SF
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Bold prediction for team to represent Eastern Conference at MLS Cup?
montreal https://t.co/r4vewbIGQ1
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Magic number for MLS teams?
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Any changes after 2 straight seasons with too many injuries?
trying some different training techniques this year https://t.co/m15HVtqKyQ
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
20 years from now do you look back at first years as SKC as golden time (before too much $) or springboard to huge things?
i think we're just getting started https://t.co/ug7M0uvcZd
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
How many goals from Dom this year?
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
And then Dom chimed in...
@RobbHeineman i hate being underestimated #30 https://t.co/HLtIH2CJCr
— Dom Dwyer (@Ddwyer14) February 16, 2016
i just mean "league" goals....32 in all competitions https://t.co/2qO9h0ElJr
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Who, besides Benny, should be called up to USMNT?
should start the process on Dom https://t.co/5XTRfuUSSs
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Alternate names that were considered during rebrand?
fountains, bees, boulevards, KCSC, KCFC https://t.co/FG2GFBB3rq
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Love all of KC's fountains, but I for one am glad that missed the cut.
Is it time for MLS to get out of the way or do we still need metered growth in regards to players and $?
metered growth.....and need academies to catch up https://t.co/yJXEqmKdu9
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Besides SKC, MLS team he enjoys watching the most?
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
How many USMNT matches will be played at CMP in 2017?
id guess at least 1 https://t.co/aVDVqrwUXK
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
What game is he most looking forward to?
portland in portland https://t.co/1tQrpJF5ZH
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
He finally wrapped things up at 11:30.
thank...come check out #nootherpub next week. should be really cool c u in seattle for the opener. i'll tweet some nuggets from Tucson.
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) February 16, 2016
Some of the questions got weird and some people chickened out and deleted tweets after he responded, so here is his full feed if you want to take a look.