Landon Donovan’s post-soccer career has seen the former U.S. Men’s National Team star take on the roles of everything from coach to broadcaster. Now, Donovan can add another role to his post-retirement resume: owner.
Donovan announced on Friday that he has officially joined Swansea City’s ownership group. The move, which was reported by ESPN several weeks ago, will see Donovan become a minority partner in the consortium that recently took over the Premier League club.
https://twitter.com/landondonovan/status/748969149947187202
The ownership group is spearheaded by D.C. United managing partner Jason Levien and NBA executive Steve Kaplan, while Donovan will reportedly serve as a consultant on soccer-related decisions.
What do you think of the Donovan news? Excited to see him with Swansea?
Share your thoughts below.
Sounds good, let’s sign some US players. Maybe take Yedlin and Miazga on loan this year?
Strange as he doesn’t have an extended history of experience with top level European soccer
Many owners do not. LD does have extensive experience winning championships and coming up big in key moments for club and country. most owners don’t have that either, but he does
Phil Neville, Everton captain when LD played there, had this to say about LD btw
“I’m telling the truth here when I say the last two times he’s been over he’s totally transformed our season.
“He’s the ultimate professional, he’s got great quality, and the Everton fans love him
“He’s a hero at Goodison Park, and he’s played less than 20 games for us. I’ve played with some world-class right-sided players in my time, and he’s up there with them.’
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2163717/Phil-Neville-badgers-Landon-Donovan-joining-Everton-tried-kidnap-American-ace.html#ixzz4DGepW2JS
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Landon is the perfect example of needing to find the right club, not necessarily the biggest club. And as Beachbum points out most owners aren’t former players, because most players don’t make that kind of cash. I would guess the consultant title will be primarily that, a title, but he’ll probably stop by during training from time to time and put on some shorts.
More reading for everyone.
http://www.si.com/more-sports/2010/05/19/donovan-bayern
Being a part of the ownership group is not the same as being the sole owner of a team. He’ll have a voice in directing the teams activities (coaches, scouting, etc…) but isn’t making the decisions alone. What he can hopefully do is assist in raising the clubs profile here in the US and maybe help identify/scout US players for the club.
Have to say, I was really impressed by LD as a color commentator. He was smart and funny, and didn’t just trot out a lot of stupid cliches–he added something to the game.
Why not MLS?
Return on investment
LD mentioned recently that he does want to own an MLS team at some point, but this was just a good oportunity for him.
Awesome! Good for him!
Hires JK as head coach…
Only to fire him right before the season…
DLOA wins the internets for the day
L…O…L…
Don’t forget the HAHAHAHAHA tweet right after the firing.
+1
“i just thought there were other managers slightly ahead of him…”
Better yet, Landon Donovan for USSF President. That would be an injection of real optimism for the future of the USMNT.