An Englishman in New York

Conference semifinals, financial transparency and winter breaks

Luke Rodgers — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:45:00 GMT

More exclusive insights from New York Red Bulls hit-man Luke Rodgers. Here he tells Kris Heneage about the MLS Cup, winter breaks and wage structures...

Well the season has finally come to an end, with LA Galaxy being crowned MLS Cup champions. You can’t take anything away from them, they were fantastic. In some ways to go out to the eventual winners - as we did in the Conference Semifinals - does soften the blow. For me, we were the only team that really challenged them all season, having beaten them 2-0 at our place in the normal league season.

The first leg was a bit of a let down because we conceded a soft goal to Mike Magee. He actually spent five years at New York before moving to LA, so the goal obviously meant a lot to him. Of course that wasn’t the main talking point, that was saved for the scuffle at the end between Juninho and Rafa Marquez.

I know people have been questioning Rafa lately but I’ll say this much; I hope he stays in New York because for me he is still a fantastic talent and someone that can be a major asset to this team. Rafa was handed a three game suspension by the league in the wake of what happened. That meant he missed the second leg, which was a blow.

We started the return leg in LA brilliantly. I scored very early on and it silenced the Home Depot Centre which gave me such an adrenaline buzz. Unfortunately we couldn’t capitalize on our early goal, and LA eventually made us pay with two goals of their own. At 3-1 it was always going to be difficult to overturn that and in the end we just couldn’t do it.

The positives for us are the fact that we made the playoffs and were able to get close to a team like LA, those are definitely things to take into next year as we look to push on.

Now that the season has finished I’m back in England, which is nice. This will be my first Christmas off which is definitely one of the advantages of our league schedule. I’m looking forward to spending time with my family and in particular my daughter Lola, because I know how important Christmas is to her. If I’m lucky I might even get to catch a Birmingham City game or two while I’m home.

A few of my team-mates, including USA international defender Tim Ream, have departed for training sessions with clubs in Europe. Tim has gone to West Brom for a few days and will then head up to Bolton after that. It’s a great learning expericne for him and it also gives a chance for clubs to take a look at him, which is nothing more than he deserves. I know I’ve said it before, but I really do think he’ll play in the Premier League one day, he’s that good.

I read a recent interview with my old teammate Dwayne De Rosario in which he said he thought he was due more money. In MLS your wages are posted at the start of the season on a spread sheet, which is one thing that still surprises me. I’ll be honest and say I’m not a fan of the transparency when it comes to salaries. I just think it causes trouble, and I don’t see the relevance of it.

I think Dwayne raises a good point though, if he’s performing well he should get paid. Take Wayne Rooney as an example; If he starts playing really well and scoring goals for Manchester United, he gets a new contract on more money because he’s earned it. Now that isn’t always the case here, they take into consideration your marketability and how you appeal to new fans I understand they have to do as they are still a fairly young league but they have to draw a line sometimes. Talent should always be rewarded in my opinion.

The big announcement last month was clubs releasing their draft lists. Thankfully New York decided to protect me which means I couldn’t be picked up by another MLS team. As I said a few months ago, the trade system is still a bit crazy to me but I’m slowly getting my head around it. I’m just pleased that my future is sorted for next season.

I don’t return to New York until January which means I’ve got just over a month back home. After that I’ll begin pre-season training and gearing up towards the new season. Despite a few injury setbacks this season, I’ve had a fantastic year out here and I’ve not only enjoyed being here but being able to share my experiences with you, so thank you for reading.

I hope you have a fantastic festive period and a great New Year. Hopefully 2012 will be a great year for us all.

Dressing-room disagreements, ring-nosed fans and career dreams

Luke Rodgers — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:25:00 GMT

More exclusive insights from New York Red Bulls hit-man Luke Rodgers. Here he tells Kris Heneage about goals, unique fans, and naked interviews...

What a difference this month has been from the last time I spoke to you guys. I’ve not only been playing football again, but I’ve also been scoring goals. I managed to get my first against FC Dallas, which was nice: after a spell out through injury that first goal is always important.

From there we had Real Salt Lake at home a few days later. I know I’ve stressed before just how competitive this league is, and that anyone can beat anyone, but I think the game against Real Salt Lake really proved my point.

Obviously in the wake of that 3-1 defeat, Rafa Marquez said some things that were picked up, and made big headlines. I know it’s not nice to critcise team-mates but I think sometimes it can be very difficult because of how quickly you have to speak to the media here.

They’re in the dressing room immediately after the game while you’re getting changed. That means you don’t get that time to calm down like you would in England, so sometimes you may say something you regret.

I mean, imagine Manchester United losing at Old Trafford and you stick a camera in front of Sir Alex Ferguson’s face: he’s going to say something different than if he’s had that 10-15 minutes to himself. The important thing is that we had a team meeting the next day and everybody left happy.

Three days after that we had the Portland Timbers, who are a bit crazy. I say that because at their home games they have a lumberjack pitchside that slices up a tree when they score. We have our own super fan though, he’s called ‘Jonny Toro’. He actually dresses up like a bull. I mean glued-on horns, ring through the nose – the lot.

The fans out here really do love their football. It’s great to see them get involved, especially doing something as unique as that. Jonny (real name John Russo) has met all the lads and I gave him one of my shirts for his birthday.

Toro with Luke (he's the one on the right)

We started October off with a draw in Toronto. I know it wasn’t a win, but we’d have taken it back in early September if you’d offered us three wins and a draw from five games. Especially because one of those victories came against the favourites for the MLS Cup, LA Galaxy.

I know I joked about scoring the winning goal, but to be honest a win was the most important thing. I was buzzing after I scored though, even though I should have had two. As a team we’re really starting to pick up form which is good. Thierry and me are starting to click up front which always helps. He’s been on fire lately and made it two in two against LA, so hopefully he’ll continue that on.

Luke bags against LA (photo courtesy Jim McCue)

Robbie Keane missed the game against us because he had international duty with the Republic of Ireland. We’ve got a real mixture of nationalities and actually had five or six lads that flew out the morning after the LA game to places like Jamaica, Mexico and Senegal. I’m a big England fan and I watch the games. In terms of career dreams I’ve had, playing for my country is up there with playing for Birmingham City…

Away from football, I’ve been checking out a few bookshops for things to read. While I was recovering from my injury, I came across a book on jewellery. It tells you how to identify quality gold and diamonds so you aren’t getting ripped off. It just interested me at the time so I decided to buy it and do some reading up on it. I like to learn and try new things and in a place like New York that’s really easy to do.

Soon we'll know for definite if we’ve made the play offs. You might not believe me, but I’m not really nervous as I think we can do it. We set ourselves up with some great results during September and I think with a squad like ours, the play offs should be the minimum we achieve. We’ve got two games to go, and if we can win both of those it’ll give us a great foundation and hopefully more things for me to tell you about...

Earthquakes, hurricanes and 'Platelet Rich Plasma'

Luke Rodgers — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:13:00 GMT

There’s a storm brewing! The weather in America is both weird and wonderful. I’ve been living in sunshine for most of it, but the last weekend of August we has a hurricane (she was called Irene). That’s on top of the earthquake we had a few days previously, which in itself was a new experience. I honestly didn’t know what was happening. I was looking at everyone they were all looking at me just in total amazement as the room began to shake.

As a safety precaution they cancelled the game against LA Galaxy that was scheduled for the Sunday. They said if anyone could get away for the weekend do it, otherwise stock up on supplies and just don’t leave your house. It might sound scary but it didn’t bother me that much, I just had some friends round and waited it out.

You’re probably sick of reading about my injury, I know I’m sick of talking about it. I’ve not done anything this month; not played, not trained, nothing. It’s a unique injury because very little is really known about plantar fasciitis. There are no experts in it, so it’s a case of chuck a thousand pins at the wall and hope one sticks. I’ve had all sorts of treatment, including Cortisone injections.

With me actually tearing the muscle, they’ve also been giving me a new kind of injection known as ‘PRP’ (Platelet Rich Plasma). Basically they take the best blood in your body - which is apparently in your arm - and put in in a machine that spins it round at great speed in order to separate the white and red blood cells. They then insert the blood into your foot to aid the healing process. I’m telling you, all this time around Doctors, I think I’m only a few night classes away from a degree in Medicine!

I’d rather have something like a broken arm to be honest, because at least that way you know how long you’re out for. Plus with something like a broken arm you can still do things to keep yourself busy, whereas with a foot related injury the club really doesn't want you doing anything remotely strenuous. That means no concerts or shopping, I’ve basically been a hermit inside the apartment for the last month.

Although one thing I can do is Skype. I’ve just got that so I can stay in touch with people back home, and it’s great. I know a lot of players like to use Twitter these days, and I’ve had a few people ask if I’m on it, but I’ll be blunt - I just don’t get it. People 'tweet' stuff like ‘I’ve just been to the shops’ - who really cares?

Obviously last month was the Emirates Cup, which I was gutted to miss. The lads did a fantastic job in winning it though, I was really proud of their efforts and for me it proved just how legitimate the MLS is. The league’s reputation is clearly growing, my agents even had contact from clubs back home asking about my situation. It’s ironic that it took traveling six thousand miles away for clubs to notice me!

I’m really happy in New York though, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made, and I've not regretted a second of it. Now Robbie Keane has joined the league, that should further improve the quality. Teemu Tainio knows him from his time at Spurs and said he’s a smashing lad so I hope he does well. Like I say, it’s starting to pick up now and I've even had old friends asking me to help them get out here.

In terms of our league form though, it’s not been ideal - we’ve had a lot of draws. That said, I was reading that this MLS season has had more draws than any before, so at least our rivals are suffering it too. I think we just need one victory to get us going and we’ll be back in business.

One thing that’s very different about this league to the leagues back in England is the structure. We don’t have to finish top of our conference to win the MLS Cup. Of course, it would be nice to be ‘Eastern Conference Champions’ but no one remembers that, it’s all about who wins MLS Cup because they get the publicity.

If I’m honest it sometimes means you’re not watching the league constantly, because all you have to do is qualify for the play-offs. I’d liken it to a mini Champions League - you can afford a slip up or two in the earlier stages, as long as you come good later on.

Speaking of Europe, obviously I miss the coverage of football back home, but I’ve you can keep up with it all online these days. I guess with the weather closing in I should have a fair amount of time to catch up with stuff back home.

As for next month, it’s just more rehab work and hopefully getting back onto the pitch. I really think I’m close to a return, and with the Galaxy game being rescheduled there’s still a chance I could score the winner...

Manhattan transfers, margaritas, Becks and Red Bulls

Luke Rodgers — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:55:00 GMT

More exclusive insights from New York Red Bulls hitman Luke Rodgers. Here he tells Kris Heneage about goals, injuries and the possibility of a swift exit – whether he likes it or not...

July was been really busy, fitting in nine fixtures in three competitions on two continents.

I missed the first game of the month at the San Jose Earthquakes, but I did manage to play at home against Toronto a few days later. It was great to get a 5-0 win: I don’t think you can ask for anything else really especially considering I managed to score.

We’ve also signed a new player – Dax McCarty, from DC United, the team based in Washington DC. It’s a really spectacular city to visit and the place is really clean – but I guess you should expect that as it’s the capital...

Not too long after he joined us (and three days after the Toronto win) we had to play DC at home. They were really tough defensively and we lost narrowly 1-0. Their goal came from someone I know quite well… because last month he was my team-mate.

The incoming transfer of Dax was part of a trade that saw Dwayne De Rosario go the other way. I know in Europe player exchanges aren’t popular but they are part of the league here. We also let another guy (Austin De Luz) go to DC in return for an ‘international roster spot’. The system here is a bit more complicated than back home, with deals often including trades and/or incentives for the player draft.

It’s really not comparable to England at all. What makes it more unique is that your team can essentially send you where they like. It’s quite unsettling, really. I mean DeRosario, who only joined Red Bulls in April, had just put a deposit down on a house, which now he’s got to sell. He’s basically got to pack his bags and get sorted in Washington. That’s his second move in three months and it’s really crazy.

Because of the way transfers work, my own situation isn’t guaranteed either. True, I’ve got a two-year contract with the club, but if for example a new manager came in and wanted to bring the striker from his old team with him then that could be me out the door.

My daughter Lola is living with me now and if we did have to move across America I think to be honest I’d just fly her back home. Hopefully in time, they’ll be able to work on a system that gives the players a bit more stability. I mean, I know people whose wives have had to quit their jobs, people who’ve had to move their kids out of school. Like I said it really can be quite unsettling.

Luke and Lola take in the sights

During the DC game my Plantar Fasciitis cropped up again and it’s kept me out of the team. It also really hampered my chances of making the All-Star selection, which annoyed me.

AN ENGLISHMAN IN NEW YORK, Fri 15 July: Luke on his injury and the All-Stars game

No player likes to be injured but it’s part and parcel of football sadly. Even though I’m not training I’ve still got treatment and things to do. Despite what you might think I can’t just fly back to England for a week – it’s a strict routine, you’ve got to be in every day – but I’m not complaining.

Even though I was injured for the Chivas USA game, which followed the DC defeat, I still flew out to California with the lads just to give support – and get more treatment. I also go to the home games even though I’m injured. It’s about being professional really, even though you might be frustrated.

I also had to miss the Emirates Cup games at Arsenal at the end of the month. It would have been really nice to play in a stadium like that, but my main focus is still the league. We’ve drawn a lot of games recently – nine out of the last 14 MLS fixtures from the start of May to the end of July – which is disappointing.

Away from football, I went to see Alicia Keys this month at Madison Square Garden. It’s great having so many different options when it comes to going out and I really enjoyed it. I went with my girlfriend and a mate and when she played Empire State of Mind the whole place erupted, it was unbelievable.

Alicia Keys: better than Richard Keys

I also took part in a an event at the MLS All-Star hub as part of National Tequila Day. I got to serve people margaritas. It was brilliant, I felt like Tom Cruise in Cocktail. I think a few people were coming back round in the queue so I had to be careful as I didn’t want to get anyone drunk!

My month finished off with the All-Star game at Red Bull Arena. Manchester United really showed why they're Premier League champions by winning 4-0, but for me it was all about David Beckham. He really is a class player and I’d even say he could still play in the Premier League.

We play the LA Galaxy on August 28 in a game I’ve really been looking forward to; hopefully next month I’ll be telling you all about how I scored the winner...

An Englishman in New York

Luke Rodgers — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 11:39:00 GMT

Earlier this year, Luke Rodgers completed a dream move to the New York Red Bulls. Here he tells Kris Heneage about settling into a new culture...

I remember the day I received the news my visa had been granted on appeal. I was stood outside the US Embassy in London, excited to know that I was now on my way to New York. To say it’s been a whirlwind few months would be an understatement.

I still can’t believe I’m training alongside the likes of Thierry Henry and Rafa Márquez. I’ve watched Thierry for years in the Premier League, he’s one of the best goalscorers the Premiership has seen.

He’s on fire in the league right now as well with nine goals already, making him the league's top scorer. His goal against New England was classic Henry, cutting in from the right before sliding it home.

Unfortunately I had to come off after 60 minutes with plantar fasciitis– basically a tightness in the arch of my foot. I hadn’t trained all week but it was a great result for us and put us right back at the top of the table. Unfortunately the injuries kept me out for most of the month meaning I’ve been been partaking in the most frustrating side of football: watching it!

I actually made the shortlist with Márquez, Henry and three other team-mates for the MLS All-Star side. I would have loved to play against Manchester United on July 27, as it would have been a nice warm-up for our games in the Emirates Cup at Arsenal in July… and it’s my daughter's birthday the day before.

My family have been over to visit me and were also able to see me play, which is nice. Everyone at Red Bulls have made my transition here really smooth and I can’t thank them enough. I’ve also had some of the English lads like Sam Craven and Sam Stockley at FC New York [a third-tier team inaugurated this year] to relax with, which is always nice.

When I’m not playing or training I like to go out into the city with the lads and do some shopping or get food. We’ve been to see the New York Knicks once or twice with a few of the other lads. The whole country was gripped with the NBA finals – even I got involved, whereas back home I’d probably struggle to watch more than two minutes.

Titi takes in some b-ball at Madison Square Garden

There really is so much to do here every night of the week. Adele was here recently performing at Madison Square Garden. You’re never bored in New York, that’s for sure….

And football, soccer, whatever you want to call it, is massive here. On average we get 18-20,000 for a home game; when we played LA Galaxy it was a 25,000 sellout. No disrespect to Notts County, as I loved it there, but I was playing in front of at most 7,000.

It truly is a huge sport here and it’s constantly growing. The LA game was a great experience as we came away with a point and I met David Beckham, with whom I exchanged shirts.

With America being so big we have to fly to pretty much every game, which in itself can be quite tiring – my longest journey in England was maybe Plymouth or Carlisle. The club is really good about getting you there just before the flight to reduce your wait time. I normally just get out my iPad and have a bit of craic with the lads to pass the time. I’ll be honest, I love travelling – seeing all the new places and that kind of thing. The other week I got to go up the famous Rocky steps in Philadelphia…

"Cor, there's loads of 'em..."

I’ve had a few former team-mates ask me about MLS, what America is like and the quality of the league in general. I’m always honest and personally I think it’s similar to the Championship both in terms of quality and attendance.

But there are also some great players here. Looking at the squads available you’ve got the likes of Juan Pablo Angel, Eric Hassli, Julian de Guzman and David Beckham. They’re all quality players that could do a job in Europe’s top leagues. To play against them is a real pleasure and I feel really lucky to be able to do it.

It’s not all great, though: just like any foreign player I do miss things from home. Even though I’m in New York, the best city in the world, I just can’t get brown sauce out here. Thankfully I get my family to bring it over for me. What is it they say: "You can take the boy out of Birmingham…"