1/11/2012: Crew's Robbie Rogers Signs With Leeds United
By Ryan Kozlowski
Crewture.com
Columbus Crew's Robbie Rogers has formally signed with Leeds United until 2014, on the condition that his English work permit goes through.
The Columbus Crew winger who electrifyed Crew fans in the early parts of 2008, had a down tick in form with the Crew in parts of 2009 and 2010, before upping his game once again for the Crew in 2011.
That upping of Rogers game in 2011 has led to U.S. National team appearances for Robbie Rogers, from former Orange County Blue Star teammate and national team coach Juergen Klinsmann.
Rogers (mostly) positive performances for the U.S. National Team and his improved performances for the Crew domestically in 2011 has led him to test out the overseas waters once again this offseason. As Rogers was out of contract with the Crew and showed more interest in pursuing Europe first, and if that didn't work a contract with the Crew second in these last few months.
Leeds United showed an interest in Rogers as early as mid-December. Rogers declined earlier that he had signed for Leeds United, despite staying in Leeds and trialing at Elland Road (below). But, it appears that Rogers and Leeds were just working out the contract formalities and have come to an agreement today.
Leeds Manager Simon Grayson on the Rogers deal:
“He has been playing in the MLS, where he has done well, he wants toRogers will have the chance to help propel Leeds United (currently 8th in the English Championship, sitting one point out of the promotion playoff) into the Premiership for the first time since 2004.
continue his career in Europe, and we believe he will make an impact here. As
soon as the work-permit business is complete, he will be an immediate part of
our plans and have an opportunity with the first team.”
Rogers said the following on joining Leeds:
“I am obviously extremely excited to be joining Leeds. These next few weeksAs for Leeds, they'll hope to get an interested and lively Robbie Rogers on the wings, such as the Crew had for the most part in 2011. They shouldn't have the problem of a disinterested Robbie Rogers, as seemed to be the case in parts of 2009 and 2010 with the Crew.
I will have to work extremely hard to get fit and hopefully make my first
appearance at Elland Road very soon.”
This shouldn't be a problem for Leeds, as Rogers will have an interesting challenge to help Leeds into the Premiership.
As for Crew fans, Robbie Rogers departure hasn't been met with a lot of sadness or joy, perhaps indifference. Rogers was a great player at times for the Crew, had to be to have 106 appearances. However, at times he played okay and didn't fulfill his great potential. Hopefully at Leeds he will.
Crew fans wouldn't of minded Rogers as a starter on the wings again in 2012, but now we can move past the pipedream of adding Rogers to the lineup and focus on players who definitely want to help the Crew win a championship this upcoming season.
Another positive is Rogers can get a lot more use out of his scarf look in chilly, wet England.
I'm not too bummed out without Rogers, especially with the new signings. However, I think we should pursue Ekpo a bit more or someone of better quality because what we have right now isn't wingers. But, central midfielders who are less efficient out on the wings.
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