Offseason Speculation

So, what are the most pressing needs for the Chicago Fire this offseason? A head coach and a striker are clearly at the top of the list. Regarding the former, Steven Goff has reported that Real Salt Lake assistant Robin Fraser has interviewed for the job. The obvious upside for Fraser is that, as a player, he has scored a goal for Chicago, even though he wasn't on our team. As a result, Section 8 has already chanted his name on occasion. So the pump is primed if that's how this turns out.

One name I've only seen as speculation by a guy whose knowledge of the game is only slightly better than his horrible taste in music is UIC head coach John Trask. I'll need to do some digging to find out if Trask is really on the short list, or the long list, or any list, but I like what he's done with the UIC program.

Meanwhile, up top, I have to wonder if Chicago would be interested in Eddie Johnson were he to come back to MLS. Fulham is looking to get rid of him, and he hasn't exactly lit up the nets while in England. Still, I suspect he could give Patrick Nyarko a run for his money for the second starting forward spot next to Brian McBride. I'm not sure what would have to happen for us to get him, but if a stateside return is in the cards, it would be worth looking into.

None of this is intended to be anything more than me thinking out loud.