Today, local media are gathering at the Red Bulls main offices to finally meet the long linked general manager of the club, the diminutive but savvy Mr. Erik Soler. Where will I be? Most likely reporting from my desk . . . damn, I need to get my name on that VIP list!

Anyhow, this weekend has produced a plethora of stories, rumors and speculation which I would love to dive right into.

Here is a resume to consider:

One-time coach of Portsmouth (where he managed 10 points in 16 league games). A Multiple winner as a player with Arsenal. And most importantly, a good friend of Thierry Henry.

Is Tony Adams the man you see capable of steering this near ship wreck organization in the right direction?

Once again, the stat freaks at Climbing the Ladder have given us a nice little bit of fodder to chase our tails with. If you watched the MLS Cup, you would have noticed that, included in their analysis was the usage of an old hockey statistic the plus/minus rating. It is a fairly basic stat which measures the goals scored for during your minutes, contrasts them with your goals against, and gives you a score.

Since Mr. Erik Soler is now the Sporting Director and General Manager Supreme, but is admittedly ignorant to the rules and nature of MLS, I figured I could start the good man off with a 5 point orientation plan before the start of the season. I mean, if it isn't me, then whom? Jeff Agoos?

So were you taken aback by Van Den Berghs sudden availability? Barring severe memory loss from excessive partying, you should have been. Van Den Bergh was a key cog in the 2008 MLS Cup run that saw the New York Red Bulls get within a whisper of their first piece of championship hardware.

Sorry for the lack of posts the last few days been having issues with my laptop. Getting myself an early X-Mas gift is in order for sure.

I am doing Sunday duties on the main page, so check me out riffing on Ronaldo, Maradona and asking YOU who will win the World Cup this coming year!

Otherwise, I'll be back tomorrow with a few off season rumor shtuffs to throw at ya, including some Figo rumblings among other things.

SECAUCUS, NJ (Dec. 7, 2009) – Red Bull New York today announced the appointment of Erik Solér as its General Manager and Sporting Director. The appointment was made by Dietmar Beiersdorfer, Head of Red Bull Global Soccer. Solér will be responsible for the overall management of the New York Red Bulls, including its sporting division – comprised of the First Team, the Red Bulls Academy, its developmental system and scouting.

The last 24 hours have produced a plethora of news linking Arsenal great Tony Adams as the heir apparent to the Red Bulls managerial role:

The Daily Express
MirrorFootball.Co.Uk
This Is Local London

This comes in the wake of Erik Soler's installation as the Red Bulls Sporting Director and General Manager, where the new sheriff in town declared no inexperienced coaches shall be considered for the job.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The BIG EAST and Red Bull New York will join forces with a three-year partnership for the Conference's men's soccer championship to be held at the new state-of-the-art Red Bull Arena through the 2012 tournament, it was announced today. The soccer-specific facility in Harrison, N.

As Red Bull fans continue to wait on a possible coach for the 2010 season, all has stood quiet on the Eastern front transfer wise. Player movements have been largely quiet, excluding the inevitable losses expected with an expansion draft. The old management has had the reigns, and seemingly continues to, as the new management get's its footing beneath them.

SBI reports former Red Bull winger Dave Van Den Bergh's days as a member of the Dallas Fire FC Dallas are coming to an abrupt end.

With coach Schellas Hyndman continuing to nurture a youth movement, and perhaps to make room for an emerging Brek Shea, Van Den Bergh has been made out to be the odd man.