Mr. Burns is responsible for player acquisition, youth development, and scouting – all of which are arguably organizational shortcomings. Since becoming Vice President of Player Personnel in 2008, the club has compiled a record of 44-68-42, and over the past three seasons, the team has the worst aggregate record in all of Major League Soccer. Burns’ tenure has been marked by high profile signings that didn’t last an entire season, unused roster spots, and a poor draft record. In short, he has had a major role in the slow decline of the on-field product.
- We demand that the Revolution relieve General Manager Michael Burns of his duties immediately.
Demand #2: Enhance the Quality of Communication Between Ownership and Fans.
Revolution fans have spent much time and energy over the course of many years trying to resolve issues with the Front Office, and little ever seems to come of it. We need ownership to demonstrate that they are engaged and that they care about the club and its future.
- We demand that the club host a forum with fans where a member of ownership discusses the future of the club and agrees to answer questions from fans. In addition, we demand that ownership commit to communicate with fans electronically at least three times per season.
Demand #3: Take steps to make Gillette Stadium more Soccer Friendly.
There is little that is more frustrating to Revolution fans than feeling like a guest in our own home stadium. We concede that the New England Patriots are the primary tenant, but that’s no reason to ignore the existence of the Revolution. If the organization can not provide a suitable home for the Revolution, they should at least provide a first-class playing surface. This demand will be dropped should the organization announce an agreement to build a new stadium.
- We demand the installation of box nets and video ad boards such as those found at numerous other venues around the league. We also demand permanent Revolution signage inside the stadium that can not be removed or covered over during other stadium events, and that there be no visible football lines on the pitch from the beginning of the MLS Regular Season until the first Patriots preseason home game.
Demand #4: Improve the relationship between Revolution fans and stadium security.
It is our belief that the the actions of TeamOps personnel has led to the loss of numerous Revolution fans over the course of the last eleven seasons. Ownership needs to acknowledge that Revolution fans have been held to a far stricter standard than other soccer fans who attend matches at Gillette Stadium, and take steps to address the inequities.
- We demand that the club establish a way in which fans can electronically submit and review both positive and negative feedback regarding specific TeamOps personnel. We also demand an explanation from TeamOps executives on how they conduct employee performance reviews. In addition, TeamOps executives must disclose any specific training given to employees in regards to soccer crowds and agree to allow Supporters Groups to provide feedback on that training.
Demand #5: Enact several long-term requests from Revolution supporters.
Many Revolution fans feel that our concerns and suggestions fall on deaf ears. The organization as a whole needs to demonstrate that it is not taking its loyal fans for granted.
- We demand the club operate a shuttle bus service from an MBTA Commuter Rail stop to the stadium for every home game for a period of one year. The service should be advertised on the team’s web site and on Revolution telecasts. After one year, the team will be free to make any decision they wish regarding the future of the service.
- We demand that the organization work with the club’s Supporters Groups on at least one large “tifo” display per season.
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