What Losing Tim Cahill Means for the New York Red Bulls
Australian international Tim Cahill is leaving the New York Red Bulls. The former Everton star’s designated player contract was mutual terminated, allowing Cahill to sign with any club that he wants.
The 35-year old made 64 appearances for the Red Bulls since joining in 2012. The loss of Cahill is the second major loss for the Red Bulls this offseason following the retirement of French star Thierry Henry.
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The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that the termination of his contract allows Cahill to sign for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua – Didier Drogba’s former Chinese club – in order to be closer to his home in Australia.
Following the news of his exit from the club, Cahill tweeted out his gratitude over the time he had at the club.
"“I’ve enjoyed every moment of my time at the Red Bulls and leave with great memories.”"
With Cahill seemingly already moving on, a big question remains. What is next for the New York Red Bulls? The club fired popular manager Mike Petke prior to the Major League Soccer Superdraft and have now lost two of its three star players.
Many considered this a make or break year for the Red Bulls. With new neighbors NYCFC moving in next door, the Red Bulls have yet to bring in any top names. The team is failing to compete with the all-star cast being at New York City and could soon feel some major consequences from the fan base.
Anger and spite towards the board already exist within the supporters. Many are unhappy due to the underachievement throughout the years and the current direction of the club.
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The New York Times reported that a billboard denouncing the clubs current management team as well as the Austrian based ownership. The friction between the club and its supporters became so strained this past off-season, the team hosted a town hall style meeting with 300 season ticket holders.
Many vented anger over the team’s constant failure during the league’s postseason playoffs as well as lack of top players to counteract their newly formed rival’s star power. With Frank Lampard, David Villa and Mix Diskerud leading the way for the New York City, the Red Bulls have failed thus far to counter.
The recent signing Sacha Kljestan could signal a revival of sorts for the Red Bulls. However, much work is left if the club is repair its relationship with it supporters. If the club can sign a top player to replace both Tim Cahill and Thierry Henry, it would go a long way in repairing their image.
The only thing for certain though, if the Red Bulls continue to fail in the postseason, the clubs management and owners could have a major revolt on their hands. A revolt so strong, it could completely reshape the entire Eastern Conference for years to come.
If New York really want to help their fans get over Tim Cahill, adding to the trophy case certainly would not hurt. In fact, winning some trophies would serve to greatly repair this splintered relationship and making it whole once more.