RSL Seeks Findley Return

Former RSL striker Robbie Findley has been linked with a return to Salt Lake

Okay, so normally I don't get into the business of transfer rumors on here, and I try not to post things until they're a done deal, but this was pretty much given official legs this afternoon.  In a radio interview RSL GM Garth Lagerway discussed the option that Real Salt Lake are looking to bring former team leading scorer Robbie Findley back to Rio Tinto Stadium.

Findley departed the club after the 2010 season.  He was left unprotected in the expansion draft, and was selected by the Portland Timbers.  However he moved across the pond and signed a two year deal with English Championship side Nottingham Forest. After an injury filled campaign in his first season, Findley was loaned to League 2 side Gillingham FC, where he has been playing so far this year.  Findley has 1 assist in 7 appearances so far for Gillingham. He's taken 4 shots, with all 4 on target.  Last year he scored 6 goals in 26 appearances for Forest in all competitions. 

This is not a done deal though.  As Lagerway commented, there is red tape to go through on two different continents.  Here in the USA, the Portland Timbers still hold Findley's rights as per the expansion draft.  RSL would have to compensate them in some way.  If that occurs, his contract in England would have to be dealt with, as he is signed with Forest until June.  Whether Forest would release him or RSL would have to pay a transfer fee remains to be seen.  I tend to think the latter, as the current buzz in England is that Forest are after QPR backup keeper and former England International Goat Robert Green.  So basically, even though it was first reported yesterday by SoccerByIves, things still have a ways to go.

The move has been semi controversial in RSL social media circles.  Many fans, myself among them, see Findley as a natural speed merchant who could benefit from a return home and a pairing with Alvaro Saborio.  Others point to the fact that in 2010 Findley had a bit of an issue hitting the target for RSL.  Indeed, Findley hit the target just under 50% of the time in all competitions. 

So what are the potential advantages to bringing him back?  Well, his speed is the obvious plus.  I think he is a little more dependable than Fabian Espindola was, as Fabi often went too far wide for my taste.  He's also a proven scorer in MLS who is familiar with the team, the pitch, the fans, and of course the altitude in Salt Lake City.  Plus, he's not as volatile as Espindola, whose mouth and emotions sometimes got the better of him despite his fantastic work rate.

The drawbacks?  Well, fitness is a key issue.  Findley spent much of his time either injured or not totally fit in his final year at RSL.  As I mentioned earlier, he's also had a few issues in England.  Fans that gripe about his lack of finishing, or his tendency to miss the target also have a point, and to an extent the stats show that.  However, Findley has showed that he can score goals, even in England.  Perhaps the return to Rio Tinto would be good medicine for him

In the end I would urge skeptical RSL fans to give him a chance.  After all, he did help us win the MLS Cup.  Jason Kreis knows what he's doing.  Besides, with Saborio as RSL's only signed forward right now, there will be much more to come in the days ahead, Findley or no.