A sudden and surprising announcement came out today that the Riverhounds have released Collins John. Per the press release-
“Collins has a young family, and there was a strong desire for them to return back to Europe,” said Riverhounds CEO Jason Kutney.
John signed with the Riverhounds ahead of the 2014 season. He scored four goals and had one assist in six USL PRO appearances. He also added a goal and an assist in two U.S. Open Cup matches.
“He’s been a great professional since joining the Club and has offered tremendous support for our players as an individual who has played at the highest levels of the game. I know I speak for the Club when I wish he and his family well back in Europe,” added Kutney.
“I want to thank the entire Pittsburgh Riverhounds organization and its great fans. I am very sad to be leaving the Club,” said John.
Ouch.
John was a bit of a mixed bag this season. He came to the team late in the preseason after a lackluster few years abroad, and from some accounts was lagging behind on fitness. Even so he had a lot of experience that we hoped would elevate the rest of the team. After missing the opener he made an immediate impact in his first two games by putting up 2 goals and 1 assist before picking up a controversial red card. After he returned from his suspension John saw a lot of play time, but like the rest of the team couldn’t find the scoring touch like he had in his first two games. John also donned the captain’s arm band for a while though to little effect on the field. As Katic experimented with the line up over the last month or so John lost his spot in the starting 11. Even as a super sub John didn’t seem particularly effective. His last appearance in a Riverhounds jersey was on July 4th against Rochester when he came off the bench in the 67th minute and recorded 1 shot. John’s final stats (according to the USL website, which is different than the press release for some reason) were 11 GP | 70.5 Min / Game AVG | 4 G | 1 A | 9 P. Even with his scoring drought John leaves the team as the points leader with 9, and tied for first in goals with 4. On paper John was a decent get that turned out just alright. The entire season pretty much summed up in one player.
John is already back in Europe and on trial at Crawley Town FC, having played in a friendly last night and another this weekend. We wish him luck.
Having a “big named” player, who was captain for a while, jump ship is rather disheartening to say the least. Everything that’s come out states it was a decision for his family. I don’t doubt this and don’t fault him for it, however I’m sure playing on a bad team made it a rather easy decision. On the plus side per Matt Grubba it was a mutual release and there is “no further obligations for either side, cash-wise.” I’m sure a bankrupt team appreciates that. Also, we should see more Cabrillo now which we’re always for.
It makes you wonder if any of the other players will hit the eject button on their contracts, or if they’ll be the band on our Titanic and continue playing until the bitter end. There are still 10 games to go. Mathematically the Hounds aren’t eliminated from the playoffs yet, but realistically we all know they are. All that is left is pride, and hopefully that’s enough. If not it’s going to be a long, cold winter.
The Hounds are back at home tomorrow against Charlotte. Kick off is at 7:00 pm. Our tailgate starts around 4 or whenever people get off work.
#UNLEASH
