I was fully prepared this morning to put together a scathing litany decrying the lack of offseason activity in Foxboro. I was tired of reading about other teams making trades, signing players and discussing possible picks, and I was going to let everyone know how I felt.
Then the Revs announced the signing of French defender Didier Domi and totally stole my thunder.
Domi is a left back who will "add leadership and composure to our backline," according to Director of Player Personnel Mike Burns. He’s played throughout Europe during a fourteen or fifteen-year career, starting out at Paris Saint-Germain and making stops at Newcastle United, Leeds United, Espanyol and Olympiacos.
More after the jump.
Newcastle United being my favorite club in Europe, I had the opportunity to poll several Magpie fans for their memories of Domi. Most remembered his goal against Sunderland in the ‘99/’00 season (not surprisingly), but it would appear that the manner of his exit is a bit hazy.
@NUFCThreatLevel: He was a great Left Back…went a bit mental and thought his religion demanded he move back to France. If I remember correctly.
@MarcSDuffy: I had high hopes for Domi at NUFC. Made a great start too but never kicked on.
@JoshuaHeppell: I remember his goal vs the M*ckems. Legend. Shame he turned into a prick.
@JamesFoth: he was a greedy little bastard, turned up at Leeds a few years ago.
None of this says much about how he will do in New England. Plenty of players have been spoiled or erratic in their youth only to become grounded and mature professionals later in their careers. Furthermore, I’ve only been able to confirm that Domi departed Tyneside on sour terms, not that it was due to any wrong he committed.
Beyond that, it would appear that he had a bit of ability about him during his time there, and that was also on display in Paris, Barcelona and Piraeus. This addition looks to be a good one from any point of view. Domi will give us an experienced option at left-back and perhaps serve as a mentor for the emergence of Seth Sinovic, along with the experience that Burns is hoping for.
The next big moves will probably be made on Thursday in the SuperDraft. Especially considering this pickup, I’m expecting the Revs to go with a forward. Will Bruin and Corey Hertzog would both be welcome additions to the forward line, and are likely to be the best strikers available when New England picks.