The Vancouver Whitecaps have had an off-season to forget with enough off field antics to write a Hollywood movie. Ever since the 2013 season ended, a pitch full of distractions have followed the Whitecaps around until the re-signing of captain Jay DeMerit on Monday just days before training camp opens.
The club's first signing back in 2010, had a dreadful 2013 campaign after rupturing his achilles tendon in the opening match against Toronto FC. DeMerit returned to action on September 14, against the San Jose Earthquakes, and was a vital part of the Whitecaps valiant but failed effort to make the playoffs. He has always been a leader and a face of the franchise since joining Vancouver from Watford FC. DeMerit spoke about how the Whitecaps are still moving forward after a tumultuous few weeks.
"There's been a lot of things said over the last couple of weeks both good, and bad but now to have some positive news moving forward and for me to get that done shows that the club is still moving forward and I'm happy to be a part of that."
When DeMerit first signed with Vancouver he was tasked with being a big part of the leadership structure for the team on and off the pitch. The Whitecaps were hoping the centre-back would become a rock for the team and at the same time help grow the sport in North America. The 34 year-old DeMerit talked about finishing his career in Vancouver.
"When I signed three years ago as the clubs first signing it was with the full intention of being here for the long haul, and not only to develop and continue to grow soccer in North America but to help and assist in helping grow the Vancouver Whitecaps. I've always wanted to be an integral part of that and I've always been intrigued by the challenge, and now that challenge continues. I'm happy to be here and I'm happy to continue this journey and happy to keep going in the right direction."
The terms of DeMerit's contract were not released but sources suggest it's a 1-year deal with options to continue on in 2015. DeMerit earned $375,000 last season and the current figures of his new deal are unknown at this time. When inquiring minds asked for specific contract details they were met with this witty response from Jay.
"I'm sure that will come out when the salaries come out."
When Carl Robinson was unveiled as the Vancouver Whitecaps manager last month he talked about getting DeMerit on board and under contract for the upcoming season. The Welsh gaffer was equally beaming from ear to ear as he talked about the clubs re-signing of Jay DeMerit.
"We all know his commitment to the club and within the last three years I think he's shown his desire, his attributes and they way he is a leader on and off the field. It's an important signing for us today because he's a big part of this club moving forward. Yes he has been a big part for the last three years, but there are still many years ahead in Jay I believe. After sitting down and talking to him and his representatives then I think we've come to the best possible arrangement. Jay re-signs and I get the quality player in Jay coming back and we move forward."
With the Vancouver Whitecaps still in search for a right-back to replace the retired Young-Pyo Lee, they are now fully stocked at a different position with Jay DeMerit under contract. Centre-Backs Carlyle Mitchell, Johnny Leveron, Andy O'Brien, and 2014 third overall MLS SuperDraft pick Christian Dean will all be fighting for minutes when the season starts. Robinson is not worried that he has an over abundance of players at the centre-back position.
"I'm not worried about that at all. Obviously they're four quality players and drafting Christian Dean as well is a fantastic job for us for the future. Is he ready yet... well maybe not. We've got the potential of him learning off Andy and Jay so maybe I can change one of the centre-backs into being a right-winger, who knows. I'm not worried about carrying five good centre-backs because I want good players on my squad and they are all certainly good players."
One player who will not be returning to BC Place this season is Camilo Sanvezzo. After making headlines for all his goals last season, the Brazilian was the talk of the off-season for all the wrong reasons. The 2013 MLS Golden Boot winner jumped ship with an unorthodox free agent manoeuvre to Querataro of Liga MX. Jay DeMerit decided to stay loyal to the Vancouver Whitecaps after a long back and forth contract negotiation. The Green Bay, Wisconsin native, had this to say when talking about former teammate and Whitecaps fan favourite Camilo Sanvezzo.
"It's a blow. Camilo is a player that helped this club, he's a player that represented this club in an all-star game, and he's a guy that led the league in scoring. What you can say is what makes me come into work is that somebody who doesn't want to be here is somebody that shouldn't be here. Ultimately he's shown over the last couple of weeks that he wants to go elsewhere and provide his services to someone else. We've been able to get a little bit back for his services and hopefully we can use that allocation and those finances to help get a Camilo calibre like player to help us move in the right direction."
As the 2014 MLS season draws closer Jay DeMerit is going to continue to be a talking point for all who follow the Whitecaps. His fitness, and ability to stay healthy will come in to question and his durability to get through a full MLS season will be closely monitored. DeMerit's heart and passion for the beautiful game are what makes him a brilliant footballer and leader.
The bottom line is the Vancouver Whitecaps are a better team with Jay DeMerit in the lineup anchoring the back four and mentoring younger players.
Notes: Whitecaps striker Kenny Miller is due back in Vancouver this week as the
team opens training camp on Sunday, January 26 at the University of
British Columbia.
|