Elliott Out - Now What?

Below is a special guest submission to Indomitable City Soccer.

You may have guessed it, though you might not believe it, but Sacramento Republic FC has cut ties with Manager Simon Elliott and assistant Benjamin Ziemer.

(cue the club statement)

“We want to thank Simon and Ben for their tireless work and support in the development of Republic FC. They have both represented the club well and we wish them the best moving forward in their careers. With our 2019 season coming to a close, our focus is on preparing for next season, competing for the USL Cup, and continuing to build toward the bright future of this club.”

First off, feel free to hit us with your musings on why this is happening (now, instead of later or earlier). But that’s not what we’re doing here. The team’s meh-ness over the past couple years is well known, and here we are again, approaching mid-November with nothing on the schedule.

But let’s jump right into the fun stuff — speculating on the future. We’ve chatted about it, and here are some ideas, in no particular order.

1. Bring back Adam Smith. The former Republic assistant has worked, if we’re honest, miracles in Fresno with, if we’re honest, incredibly poor organizational support and who knows how many financial hurdles. (sorry bout your team btw Fresno.)
2. Park the bus until MLS arrives. This makes good fiscal sense while Ron Burkle et al throw their boundless millions at the unquenchable dumpster fire of Major League Soccer’s expansion process. Hire a solid, if inexperienced USL-level coach who will shepherd academy and other fresh young talent into a position to maybe, possibly make the MLS team in 2022.
3. Spend big and win. I mean, why not? Why the f*ck not? Go get a legit MLS-caliber coach and then give him the checkbook. Build the roster. Win some games. Strut into MLS like Vince McMahon on his birthday, whip out your, uh, confidence, and smack some folks around (looking at you, Cincinnati Orange Crush).

No matter what happens, it’s going to be a minute until Republic goes to MLS, but that deadline needs to loom large in this decision.

What do you think? Comment below.