Dorman moving on from Revolution
Boston alum may try his chances overseas
Much of the New England focus in that year's draft was centered on the eighth overall pick that was used to claim Clint Dempsey out of Furman and yet, as 2007 draws to a close, Revs supporters are likely to feel as disappointed with the news that Dorman will not return to the organization next year as they were in January when Dempsey transferred to Fulham.
So how did Dorman, almost an afterthought in 2004, come to mean so much to a side he helped to reach three MLS Cups in four years?
"I was a low draft pick coming out of BU and nobody really expected anything from me," said Dorman. "I didn't really know what to expect back then myself but I didn't think I would ever play four years. I felt like I proved myself over the next couple of years through coming off the bench to getting a starting position."
Prove himself Dorman most certainly did, serving his MLS apprenticeship predominantly as a substitute in those early days, before establishing himself over the past two seasons as a key member of Steve Nicol's side. Now, however, Dorman has rejected the chance to sign a new contract within MLS and instead will pursue opportunities in his homeland.
"I have always wanted to play back in England having grown up there and it is a dream to play in front of my family and friends so I am looking forward to that," Dorman said.
Though he is excited to take the next step in his professional career, Dorman admits that leaving New England will be difficult. The Revolution were keen to retain his services, but unfortunately for Revs fans, the sides remained apart when it came to agreeing on the terms of a new deal.
"I would have loved to have stayed with the Revs -- I was happy there -- but financially it was never really an option," he said. "The numbers that were talked about were nowhere near what I thought I deserved. Once that developed I realized I had to figure something else out."
Dorman's last New England appearance was a late cameo as a substitute in the MLS Cup Final, a game he admits he was desperate to win to provide the perfect postscript to his Revolution career. The game was the first in this year's postseason in which he saw time.
Dorman's stuttering end to the season was in contrast to the blaze of glory in which he began the year. On July 14, his seventh goal of the season gave the Revolution a 1-0 win at New York. Operating in an attacking midfield role behind his side's strikers, Dorman was playing the best soccer of his career and was considered a strong candidate for all-star honors.
The accolade never came, however, and the second half of the season saw Dorman's form tail off to the point where he was omitted from the starting lineup. Looking back, Dorman is philosophical about what happened to his form.
"It was frustrating especially after I had worked so hard to get where I was and to go full circle to being back on the bench, pretty much where I was at the start. I did stop scoring goals but I still felt I was helping the team defensively but, as an attacking midfielder, you have to contributing more going forward," Dorman said.
Although he admits that playing in the heat of summer is something he has never got entirely used to and adds that the travel involved in playing a full season can also be debilitating, Dorman is adamant that he was still worthy of a place in the first XI.
However, his coaches -- Steve Nicol and Paul Mariner -- did not agree, though Dorman believes the difficult situation was handled as well as was possible in the circumstances.
"I would have liked to have played. At the start it was hard and I didn't really understand why I was being left out but I respect (Stevie and Paul) so there was never anything that came between us and I got on pretty well with them. Professionally, everything was fine," he said.
Although it was his decision to omit Dorman from his late-season lineups, Nicol is disappointed to lose an integral part of his squad.
"He was a huge part of the last four years. His goals, particularly in the first half of this season, were huge for us. He has played a big part in the success we have had and so we are disappointed he is not going to be here. It is his prerogative. His contract is up and he wants to try it at home so good luck to him," Nicol said.
Growing up as a Liverpool fan, Dorman watched his future coach on a weekly basis and has admitted that the chance to learn from Nicol has been a dream come true for him. Now, he hopes what he has learned will stand him in good stead in the future.
"(Nicol and Mariner) have played a major part. I have learned a lot from them in terms of who to be a professional, from coming in every day for training in the right frame of mind to resting up to stay fit for the whole season," Dorman said. "They also taught me how to enjoy being a professional and to have a good time while working hard. They are two great people to learn from." And so, with the first chapter of his professional career drawing to a close, Dorman is looking forward to his next move, not that he knows exactly what, or where, it will be. What he is sure of is the hard work that will be needed for him prove himself all over again.
"I would have liked to have signed a pre-contract agreement with a club but with the second half of the season not really going to plan I really have to go over there and show what I can do. Hopefully it works out," he said. "I am in a good situation in that I have four years under my belt for clubs to look at."
Having spent the last seven years of his life in this country, Dorman admits that leaving will be tough and believes he could end up settling in the USA, even if he does not make a playing return to MLS. That is a long-term aspiration, however. For now, the goal is simply to find the best situation for his promising career to continue to develop. Unfortunately for Revs fans, it will not take place in New England.
is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
