Heaps: ‘Combination of Things’ Prevented Jones’ Return
- Updated: March 9, 2016
Photo credit: Chris Aduama/aduamaphotography.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Around the time that Jermaine Jones was getting ready to address the Denver media for the first time as a member of the Colorado Rapids, Revolution coach Jay Heaps spoke to why he felt the club wasn’t able to re-sign the star midfielder.
After negotiations on a new deal deteriorated, the Revolution, who held Jones’ MLS rights, traded the U.S. international to the Rapids on Friday in exchange for a first-round draft pick and allocation money.
The move officially concluded Jones’ time in New England, an ending that Heaps wasn’t shocked to see given all the moving parts.
“I think it was a combination of things,” Heaps said on Wednesday. “I don’t think it was one thing or the other. The offseason wasn’t as fluid as it would be with the suspension, with the national team, and being a free agent (outside MLS) – all those confused matters a little bit.”
Another thing that threw a wrench into those negotiations: Location.
During Jones’ stay in New England, he’d routinely take the first flight to Los Angeles following a home match to see his wife and five children. Less than 48 hours later, he’d be back on the training pitch in Foxborough. To say it was an ideal situation for the 34-year-old box-to-box midfielder would be a stretch.
“There was also the sentiment that he wanted to be closer to home,” Heaps said, “and when everything was finalized, it was the best possible scenario for both sides.”
Another member of the Revolution who echoed that idea on Wednesday was striker Charlie Davies, a personal friend of Jones even before the midfielder’s splashy arrival in Aug. 2014.
“I’m very happy for Jermaine,” Davies said. “I would love to see him still play, so I’m glad that it worked out for him and the family, and as well for the New England Revolution.
“I think it’s good for both parties so that we can kind of move on.”
Although Jones’ criticism of the club during negotiations was well-publicized, Heaps views the midfielder’s 18-month stay in a positive light.
“We loved having him here,” Heaps said. “I loved coaching him, and I think he impacted our group immensely.”
Related Posts
About Brian O'Connell
