Pat Noonan off to Norway, Franchino back with Revs

The New England Revolution continued their unusually hectic off-season today as they said so long to forward Pat Noonan who will now play his games with Norwegian club Aalesund. Noonan has been a large part of the Revolutions great run over the last few years, scoring 42 goals in 136 matches, but the team decided not to exercise their option on him.

This moves opens up $225,000 in salary money and all but guarantees Adam Cristman a starting position (and hopefully a little more then the $17,700 he got paid last year). Also, any hope that Twellman had of some how sneaking overseas probably dies with this deal.

But for every goodbye, there is a hello as the team welcomed defender Joe Franchino back to the club. Franchino has been an important player for the team in years past (including being their captain for a few seasons), but due to personal issues, did not play much in 2007.

The combination of Franchino, Chris Albright, Hay Heaps and Avery John in the backfield should make the Revs a difficult team to get past.

Rev's Joe Franchino taking indefinite leave

New England Revolution defender/midfielder and former captain Joe Franchino has left the club indefinitely.

The Revolution front office said it was for personal matters and further declared that, "this is the only statement the team will issue regarding this matter."

Speculation focuses on an incident last week when he was taken into custody after an incident with his car at a Foxboro Comfort Inn.

Between this and the recent grumblings by Shalrie Joseph about the team being in disarray, one has to wonder what is happening to the club.

Could all these signs point to a breakdown of the club, which has been pretty successful, at least on the pitch, for the last five years?

By the way, Celtic might still be interesting in trading for Joseph.