By Kurt Schubothe
March 1 2003

Jim Taylor the General manager of the Portland Timbers was the special guest of The Timbers Army Gathering. Roberto has fills us in on the details.
Timbers Army Meeting Notes 02.20.03
« on: Feb 20th, 2003, 10:30pm » Quote Modify
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An estimated 20-25 members of the Timbers Army descended on the Bitter End Pub to discuss the upcoming season with general manager Jim Taylor (JT).  Unfortunately Coach Bobby had another obligation but he has graciously promised to attend next month?s meeting.
 
JT thanked us for our support and passion for the club.  He admitted that the past few months have been difficult with the ownership uncertainty but he is optimistic that soccer will continue to see its day in Portland.  Once the band quieted down, JT answered many of our questions and listened to a plethora of ideas and suggestions.  Among the points your correspondent can remember:
 
1. A preseason MLS game is still up in the air.  JT mentioned that he is optimistic that the Timbers will reach some kind of agreement with the defending MLS Cup winner LA Galaxy.  What that agreement will entail remains to be seen.
 
2. JT said that he believes the team this year will be just as competitive as last season.  He and Bobby liked the chemistry of last season?s team and want to bring back as many pieces as they can.  The top priority is to resign Tennyson, who is believed to be trying out with the Chicago Fire.  He has also been in contact with Sagre and says there is a 50-50 shot that Jake will return.  One new name he mentioned was Alexi Korolov who is a Ukrainian that helped Indiana win an NCAA title in the mid 1990s.  He also has some promising leads to replace Napoleon.
 
3. JT candidly admitted that the marketing efforts the last two seasons have been about as good as Chugger.  He said that the money and staff this year will be even less.  He also said that he personally is taking more responsibility for marketing and that he wants to try to find a way to have the enthusiasm of the Shed reach other parts of the stadium.  He welcomed any and all input the Timbers Army has.  Please email him as soon as possible with your ideas.
 
4. JT does not think Portland will get a major league baseball team.  If it does, he would welcome having PGE Park more available and conducive for soccer.
 
5. JT was pretty honest in voicing his displeasure about the schedule.  He said that the A-league GMs get together in a room and hammer it out in a ridiculous fashion.  He also told your correspondent the reason why the Timbers got screwed with May games on Tuesday and Wednesday night and why they did not get more Thirsty Thursdays.  I promised to keep the truth secret, but buy me a few beers next month and I might tell you more.
 
6. The team will play in hoops this season.
 
7. The odds of being on TV other than the Fox Sports World game at Seattle are slim to none.  Radio coverage is still up in the air.  Webcasts are equally questionable.
 
8. JT claims the Timbers can?t do much to increase the coverage in the Oregonian, etc.  Bigger attendance would mean more coverage.  You are encouraged to write or call Dennis Peck, sports editor at the Oregonian, to urge better coverage of the Timbers.
 
9. The monkey will be back and it honestly is going to be called Chainsaw!
 
10. Timber Jim remains the greatest fan/mascot/man around and JT is wisely listening to his ideas and looks forward to working closely with him this season.
 
11. JT agreed that getting chartered buses to away games would be a great idea.  With the limited staff this year it might not happen unless we stay on top of it.  
 
12. Cooper came up with an idea to have the Shed sponsor a Man of the Match.  There would be a sign in front of the Shed and we would quickly select the player after the match.  The winning player would be treated to free beers at the pub that night.
 
13. The Timbers are holding an invite tryout on March 8.  This is open to the public.  Your correspondent has learned that there will be at least one player invited that is a household name in the soccer world.  This player has asked that the tryout remain a secret for now because he does not want to be overwhelmed by media attention.  Everyone, however, is encouraged to attend the tryout to see this very well known player on March 8.  That is all I can say for now.
 
That is the extent of your correspondent's gossip.  I am sure other people will have things to add.  I want to personally thank Jim taking the time to have a dialogue with the fans that truly want to see this team thrive.  I am convinced that with our passion and creativity we can play an important role this year to attract more fans and to put this franchise on stable footing.  It is not going to be easy but with a little bit of work and a whole lot of beer, we can make it happen.  True supporters forever more.
 
--Roberto
Unofficial and Unelected Writer-in-Arms
Timbers Army
One quick note is when the question was asked if a official link would be established with Halifax Town by the Portland Timbers Jim Taylor said there was no plans to at this time,

Kurt