TECHNICALLY SPEAKING Ex-Metro Vermes Wizards technical director
Former MetroStars and U.S. National Team midfielder and forward Peter Vermes was named technical director for the Kansas City Wizards Wednesday.
Vermes will oversee the soccer operations, including the active roster and youth and reserve teams. He also will help administer the coaching staff and subsequent search as well as be responsible for the training staff, scouting, team administrators and equipment manager.
"I have been entrenched in soccer for my entire life and in many capacities and I am both honored and excited to be named the technical director," Vermes said in a statement. "There is a lot of work to be done, but we are all up to the challenge.
"First and foremost I will do everything in my abilities to take this team back to a championship level, but also bring back a renewed sense of pride and professionalism. To have the opportunity to help put a stamp on an organization and to stay in Kansas City is more than I could have possibly wished for, but now my competitiveness and work ethic will take over."
Vermes, who turns 40 Nov. 21, announced his retirement from pro soccer over three years ago. He played for three MLS teams, including the Wizards for three seasons (2000-2002). He was a member of the Wizards' MLS Cup championship team in 2000.
Vermes, a Delran, N.J. native who resides in Overland Park, Kan., has served as the Blue Valley Soccer Club's technical director since 2003. Today the Blue Valley Soccer Club is one of the largest clubs in the Midwest with more than 5,400 youth players. Vermes will remain on staff as a consultant.
Vermes captained the Metros in 1996 before he was traded to the Colorado Rapids prior to the 1997 season.
"There will be a different mentality in the locker room and we will from this point forward be viewed differently by other teams around the league," Vermes said in a statement. "Our primary objective is to make this not only the model
franchise in Major League Soccer, but also in the United States. Anyone who does not believe this can be done probably would not fit into the equation.
"Is this a one year, three year, or five year plan? We don't know yet, but I can tell you that we will be moving forward every minute we are on the field, working out, or meeting. The key ingredient is to provide a first-class operation for the players, take care of them on and off the field, and communication. With the new ownership group, there is no reason this can't be achieved."
