Wit the announcement that Dominic Kinnear was returning to San Jose to be the Earthquakes head coach following the conclusion of the MLS regular season, conversation quickly turned as to just how effective the 47-year old will be in his new post.
On ESPNFC, former Houston Dynamo midfielder Stuart Holden weighed in the coaching move, and the U.S. International had plenty of praise to heap on his former coach.
"For Dominic Kinnear, in my eyes up there with the best coaches in MLS," said Holden. "His track record proves that, he's got a record of developing young players."
Holden should know. As a 20-year old, Holden debuted for the Dynamo and quickly expanded his influence on the team. By 2009, his last year in MLS before moving abroad to play in England, Holden was an MLS All-Star and regular fixture on the U.S. men's national team. Current Earthquake Tommy Thompson will hope to follow a similar career trajectory under the guidance of Kinnear.
Holden continued with his words of support, crediting Kinnear for the role he played in establishing the Dynamo as a force to be reckoned with in MLS. Holden was part of two MLS Cup championships with Houston, and he believes Kinnear can do the same to resurrect a moribund San Jose franchise.
"Dominic Kinnear is the perfect guy to build that franchise and get them back on track as they look to go through what Houston went through with the rebranding and the new stadium and bringing in new and exciting players, and bringing back that excitement to Bay Area soccer."
Did someone mention a new stadium? As coach of the Dynamo, Kinnear was the leader of a team that went unbeaten for 36 games following the opening of BBVA Compass Stadium. Impressive home results that the Earthquakes will hope Kinnear can match when their new stadium opens ahead of the 2015 MLS season.
"It's the right time for Dominic Kinnear to now get on to a new challenge."