It looks like New England Revolution midfielder Andy Dorman is on his way to St. Mirren of the Scottish Premier League, according to the Boston Globe’s Frank Dell’Apa, who says there are positives and negatives to be drawn from the move. Remember that the 25-year-old Dorman ended the 2007 season on New England’s bench, indicating he might be surplus to Coach Steve Nicol’s requirements next season.
On the one hand, it’s nice to see that Major League Soccer is producing players that top flight clubs across Europe would be interested in. However, when you look at the numbers — the salary numbers, that is — Dorman’s move paints a more depressing (not to mention pressing) picture. At the Revolution, Dorman made less than $120,000 over four seasons. At St. Mirren, his one-year contract will be worth nearly $400,000 with bonuses, underscoring the fact that MLS is miles away from competing with Europe’s leagues when it comes to salaries. Dell’Apa says that New England simply couldn’t match St. Mirren’s offer, which came without a tryout, based solely on recommendations and his resume.
Dorman, who is a British citizen, was set to make his debut against Gretna Wednesday, but the game was postponed due to the death of Motherwell’s Phil O’Donnell, who collapsed and died during a match at Fir Park last week.