Friends of Fulham

General Category => Overseas & International Fans => Topic started by: AmericanJames on August 24, 2011, 08:47:43 AM

Title: Anybody know about this guy?
Post by: AmericanJames on August 24, 2011, 08:47:43 AM
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1614/americans-abroad/2011/08/23/2632926/blackburn-boss-steve-kean-confirms-deal-for-fc-dallas-george (http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1614/americans-abroad/2011/08/23/2632926/blackburn-boss-steve-kean-confirms-deal-for-fc-dallas-george)

George John is officially headed to England.

Blackburn Rovers coach Steven Kean confirmed that the club has reached an agreement with FC Dallas for the American defender on Tuesday. Goal.com reported earlier this week that the deal is worth around $3.2 million.

"We are told that it is moving smoothly so he will be here tomorrow to get his medical," Kean said.

John, 24, has enjoyed a breakout season this year, leading one of Major League Soccer's stingiest defenses, which ranks third in goals allowed. He now has the opportunity to help a Blackburn backline that recently lost Phil Jones to Manchester United.

"We have always been looking for a replacement for Phil Jones and George John is a very imposing figure and we think he can fill the void left by Phil," Keane said. "It is a very big void and big boots to fill."

FC Dallas president Doug Quinn said in a statement Monday that John was on his way to Greece to take care of passport issues prior to finalizing the deal.

It is believed that Dallas did not want to sell George, but a source indicated to Goal.com that money played a factor as the small-market MLS team has struggled with attendance numbers.

The move will likely increase the recruitment of George on the international level. He is eligible to play for both the United States and Greece and could be called up by either nation for upcoming matches in September.

Title: Re: Anybody know about this guy?
Post by: HatterDon on August 24, 2011, 02:06:22 PM
I caught him in a CONCACAF Champions League match. The announcers were salivating over him and said he had not yet decided whether or not to turn international with the USA. He's a strong, powerful CB with a lot of promise. 
Title: Re: Anybody know about this guy?
Post by: SoCalJoe on August 24, 2011, 05:38:28 PM
Since I haven't seen FC Dallas play a game this year, good ol' Wikipedia w/a little help. Born and raised in the Seattle area (now 24), went on to play college in his hometown at U of Washington, was a 1st round draft choice in 2009. His grandparents are from Greece and I guess it is far easier to go get a Greek passport to work in England as opposed to being from the US (clueless on the work permit process). Can't give an opinion on his playing ability, but given the total lack of talent at the CB position, I would hope Klinnsmann would be on the phone to this kid.

Besides the obvious adjustment to the English game, not sure if this is a good situation for him. It would be a shock if Kean makes it thru the season. So a new manager comes in to save them from relegation, and unless the kid is a relevation, it's off to the reserve squad.
Title: Re: Anybody know about this guy?
Post by: HatterDon on August 24, 2011, 08:22:03 PM
This just in: he changed his name before turning pro. He was born with the name Paul Ringo
Title: Re: Anybody know about this guy?
Post by: Steve_orino on August 24, 2011, 08:54:22 PM
Quote from: HatterDon on August 24, 2011, 02:06:22 PM
I caught him in a CONCACAF Champions League match. The announcers were salivating over him and said he had not yet decided whether or not to turn international with the USA. He's a strong, powerful CB with a lot of promise.

Yep. (FC Dallas fan here)  He's a poor-man's version of our Brede H - just less giraffe-like.  Tall ball-winner, has strength, & his passing out of the back has improved. 

His family is from Greece, living in the Washington-state area, so he's eligible for a Greek passport.  Disappointed to see him go but it was kind of inevitable.  Not sure that he is Prem quality right now but he definitely has the work rate to get there...

Good luck Big George!
Title: Re: Anybody know about this guy?
Post by: AmericanJames on August 24, 2011, 10:48:58 PM
Quote from: HatterDon on August 24, 2011, 08:22:03 PM
This just in: he changed his name before turning pro. He was born with the name Paul Ringo

So as long as he doesn't meet a girl named Yoko he won't get broken up :005:
Title: Re: Anybody know about this guy?
Post by: AmericanJames on August 24, 2011, 10:50:08 PM
Quote from: Steve_orino on August 24, 2011, 08:54:22 PM
Quote from: HatterDon on August 24, 2011, 02:06:22 PM
I caught him in a CONCACAF Champions League match. The announcers were salivating over him and said he had not yet decided whether or not to turn international with the USA. He's a strong, powerful CB with a lot of promise.

Yep. (FC Dallas fan here)  He's a poor-man's version of our Brede H - just less giraffe-like.  Tall ball-winner, has strength, & his passing out of the back has improved. 

His family is from Greece, living in the Washington-state area, so he's eligible for a Greek passport.  Disappointed to see him go but it was kind of inevitable.  Not sure that he is Prem quality right now but he definitely has the work rate to get there...

Good luck Big George!

Sounds good, almost like a Young Clint before he headed over. Lets hope Klinsmann gives him a run out soon