In a busy Monday of appointments across Canada, it was the first of the day that likely would get lost in the shuffle of the domestic clubs hirings later in the morning and afternoon. At the crack of dawn it was revealed that Colin Miller, currently head coach of FC Edmonton, would be taking the reigns of the Canadian Men's National Team on an interim basis.
The CSA released details that Miller is being brought in to oversee the two friendlies Canada will participate in at the end of January in a camp that will run from the 19-30, with the first match against Denmark on January 26th, and the following against the United States on January 29th.
"It has always been a privilege to represent Canada, as a player, team captain and coach, and I look forward to taking on the role of interim head coach for a second time" said Miller. "I am honoured to have been selected by the Canadian Soccer Association, and thank FC Edmonton's organization, particularly owner Tom Fath, for its support in this process"
Off the top, for the interim position there is no question Colin Miller is an sound choice to take the reigns in the short term. His background and character as a player at home and abroad, and coach both as an assistant with Holger Osiek and a litany of youth and professional levels in this country puts him in a small group who have the experience and qualifications to make important decisions when it comes to the Men's National Team.
See also: RNO Interview Series: Colin MIller
His vocal mandate that he will employ at FC Edmonton may carry over to the upcoming selections, in that his priority is developing young, Canadian players. With rumours the likes of Kyle Bekker could be looking at a call-up, this would reinforce Miller's philosophy, as well as what many would expect that now is the time to blood young talent for the upcoming years.
The timing and length of his appointment would suggest that given FC Edmonton likely won't be kicking off until April, Miller could step in to handle these two games. After, it is more up in the air as to whether he will be the "go-to" guy as the CSA continues to search for a replacement for Stephen Hart.
They say you don't know where you're going unless you know where you've been and this is an important time for the CSA to keep the Men's National Team active despite being eliminated from World Cup Qualifying. Not repeating the past is crucial in making the most of the years leading up to the next opportunities at qualifying.
In 2009, after waiting four months to relieve Dale Mitchell of his position, Peter Montopoli was quoted saying, "I guess when you're not part of the next round, you have the luxury of time." In retrospect, and more importantly as a reminder in the present, this simply does not sound like the approach of a serious football nation determined to reverse it's fortunes.
The list of items needed to improve the results of the Men's National Team is long, and priorities plenty. However, in the short term, the attitude that Canada has time needs to change, as we are a nation perennially in catch-up mode with a half dozen regional competitors having surpassed us in performance and results, with half a dozen other nations that are considered also-rans our peers.
It is a tricky balance because without question the choice for the next head coach is paramount for the team moving forward over the next decade. The CSA will be juggling chainsaws in asking for patience, but also communicating and demonstrating this does not mean repeating what ultimately contributed to failure through six months of inactivity and an head coach appointment that when scrutinized should have been recognized as unqualified to reach the ultimate goal of a World Cup.
The important thing for the CSA over these next months is to not make hasty decisions or approach this period with urgency or panic, but rather with a sense of purpose. Miller's appointment, even if just for a short window in January, is the right move and fits the direction in which the Men's National program will likely be taking over the next years, and that is turning the page on the veterans and ushering in a younger era of players. His familiarity with Vancouver and FC Edmonton, and his philosophy of "if you're good enough, regardless of age, you'll be on the field" will suit many over the next month.
It is beyond this month that will remain critical for the Men's National Team in ensuring they are not wasting time as they did in 2009. Again, now should be about purpose, and getting a head start on building an improved team that will better compete come the next chance at qualifying in 2016.
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