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Yesterday, new Cosmos owner Rocco Commisso had a conference call along with COO Erik Stover, and Head Coach/Sporting Director Gio Savareese with members of the media to discuss the vision and the future of the Cosmos. Before we begin, a special thanks to our colleagues who covered the conference call on twitter including, Empire of Soccer, First Team Podcast, and Luis Hernandez of This is Cosmos Country. Check their streams for more in-depth details of what was discussed.
Big ups to @DeltaReaper, @Eric_Giacometti, @FirstTeamPod, @EmpireOfSoccer and everyone else tweeting the hell out of this conference call.
— Jason Lind (@JasonKLind) January 10, 2017
Here are some of the highlights:
No Home Stadium Yet.
Rocco: We don’t have formal agreements of where we will play.. We are talking to 1-2 venues ..
— First Team Podcast (@FirstTeamPod) January 10, 2017
Rocco: High probability that the Cosmos will play in the Five Boroughs
— First Team Podcast (@FirstTeamPod) January 10, 2017
Although initial reports suggested that the Cosmos will play in MCU Park next year, Commisso has said the club is in negotiations with two venues. He also said that it is “very likely” the team will play in the five boroughs.
Returning Players
Rocco” My first priority is to retain most of the people .. Give Gio the opportunity to go rebuild the team .. He has my confidence
— First Team Podcast (@FirstTeamPod) January 10, 2017
Gio: We tried to bring everyone back but they joined other clubs .. We are trying to talk to other members of the coaching staff to return
— First Team Podcast (@FirstTeamPod) January 10, 2017
Gio: In regards to the players .. Ochieng, Calvillo, Richter will return .. They are talking to other players
— First Team Podcast (@FirstTeamPod) January 10, 2017
@DeltaReaper Trying to talk with Alecko. Jack Gaeta looks to be back. Memo Valencia entertaining several offers.
— Hot Take Louie (@DeltaReaper) January 10, 2017
Three players have been confirmed so far to be returning: Eric Calvillo, David Ochieng, and Ryan Richter. Others may also return but there is no confirmation yet. Commisso is giving Gio full control over the roster and signing players.
No More One World Sports
Commisso asked about OWS: "This is not a One World Sports deal. This is the #NYCosmos."
— EoS (@EmpireOfSoccer) January 10, 2017
The New York Cosmos will no longer have a relationship with One World Sports according to Commisso.
Staff And Players Will Be Payed
Rocco: “Absolutely” the former Cosmos staff and players will get paid
— First Team Podcast (@FirstTeamPod) January 10, 2017
@DeltaReaper "Rocco is not known for screwing anybody. Alright?" Rocco says club will make good on back pay owed for staff and players.
— Hot Take Louie (@DeltaReaper) January 10, 2017
— Jimmy (@JimsMaurer) January 10, 2017
Finally, Commisso confirmed all players and staff members will “Absolutely” be payed.
Everyone who was on the conference called seemed impressed with Commisso and excited for the future of the club. Hopefully in the coming weeks we can begin to see more positive changes for the Cosmos!
Everytime I hear Rocco answer a question I feel even more confident
— First Team Podcast (@FirstTeamPod) January 10, 2017