Reports circulated last week that technical director Brian Bliss was on his way out of the Fire. On Tuesday, general manager Nelson Rodriguez made it sound like Bliss still has a role with the club even after it hired Veljko Paunovic to be the new coach.
Rodriguez said Bliss “remains a valued employee” of the Fire.
“He is a good soccer man. He has been a good and loyal employee of (the) Chicago Fire,” Rodriguez said. “We will continue to utilize Brian and will allow him the opportunity to get to know (Paunovic) in a firsthand way.”
Last Thursday, the Fire dismissed goalkeeping coach Aron Hyde, strength and conditioning coach Adrian Lamb, and head of scouting Trevor James.
Bliss served as interim coach after the firing of Frank Yallop.
Mr. 600
John Anderson earned his 600th regular-season win with the Wolves in their 2-1 win Sunday over the Iowa Wild. And true to form, Anderson quipped about the significance of the milestone.
“If you coach long enough, you’re going to get there eventually,” Anderson told the media Sunday. “I’m glad it turned out this way. Everybody wants to win 10-0, but this was 2-1 and a hard-fought win. It brings a little bit more character and appreciation for how hard it is to win.”
Anderson and the Wolves play Friday at Rockford before hosting San Antonio on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at Allstate Arena.
Bieber fever
On their website, the Sky posted what numerous players and coach Pokey Chatman are thankful for this Thanksgiving. Allie Quigley was among them and said she was thankful for her health, playing basketball, and her family.
Oh, something else as well.
“And, of course, I’m thankful that Justin Bieber is coming to Allstate Arena this April!” Quigley said.
