Though a few are now gone, NYCFC has recently done a tremendous job in making sure R.J. Allen and Thomas McNarmara stick around.
The NYCFC has experienced a flurry of player retirements, exits, and acquisitions, bringing a great amount of change to the 2017 roster. But to win consistently, you must keep your core intact.They accomplished just that with two moves.
The re-signings of defenseman R.J. Allen and Thomas McNamara will go a long way to accomplishing this and they both deserve any rewards that come their way as this two-year franchise doesn’t do nearly as well without them. This is exactly the thinking that Sporting Director Claudio Reyna expressed, via Mark Booth of NYCFC.com.
ICYMI, @Tommy_Mc15 and @RJ_allen27 have re-signed new contracts! https://t.co/yEm3NhoUts
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) January 8, 2017
“We know that in order to keep building in this league a degree of continuity is required and that’ s why it’s so pleasing to have secured the futures of two players who have delivered for the club on a consistent basis.”
Allen, the right back who joined NYCFC when their first season, started off in a way not satisfying to the organization found himself in 2016 breaking records along the way. His six assists were the most by a defender with his May 15 50-yard through pass to David Villa something we have come to expect from R.J.
“It means the world to me to have the opportunity to play in front of my friends and family week-in and week-out and it’s something I don’t take for granted.”
As for Tommy McNamara, the energizer bunny of NYC, he was one the original members of this franchise. His 10 goals in 49 games, many of an important nature, has garnered the attention of the club who recompensed him quickly.
“When actions like these are taken it shows the faith and expectations placed on meand I’m fully on board to try to live up to them.”
The happiest of all has to be NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira, who had his prayers answered with the re-signing of these two young veterans.
“They are the perfect examples of the types of people we want in this squad,” Vieira pointed out, “Serving as role models for what can be achieved with hard work and love of the game.”
