Wednesday 20th February
New Austrian GM brings mystery, uncertainty

By Jason Compton
FWL.org.uk

VIENNA (AP) – You could have knocked people at the storied Kreinstadion over with a feather when word got out that Jason Compton would be taking over the Austria Dark Knights. With the team still reeling from the shocking news of team founder Mario Kreiner's second departure, many expected a look at a younger, rising talent. Instead, the Dark Knights brought in Compton, a retread from the London Monarchs where he spent 14 up-and-down seasons before leaving and taking a series of broadcasting jobs. "I think it's a disgrace," said one long-time season ticket-holder who asked to be identified as Mr. S. "Not a winner, not an Austrian... what were they thinking?"

Compton's hiring marks a surprising new chapter for the storied FWL franchise. Of the four "FWL Expansion" teams (Austria, Mexico, Paris, and Ireland/Berlin), the Dark Knights have by far enjoyed the greatest on-field success, with eight division titles and a perfect 3-0 record in the league's title game. One FWL Bowl victory came with a team so stacked with talent from Kreiner's first tenure that the team's new general manager raided the accounts and ran off to the Bahamas shortly after the season began, but even without guidance all season long the squad racked up an astonishing 16-1 record in winning it all.

Subsequently, the team suffered through the infamous Bridson Dismantling, in which the team's stars were parceled out for meager returns, sending the team into a six-year losing slump. While some blame the new GM, privately some league sources have indicated that the team was in such dire financial straits due to the embezzlement scandal of Season 6 that Bridson had no choice but to field cheaper players. Whatever the true story, only Kreiner's return restored the team to prominence and winning ways—small wonder the team plays in a stadium which bears his name.

Unlike the team's first changing of the guard, this time the Dark Knights are not untouchably packed with talent, coming off a season with the worst point-scoring offense of any Kreiner-era side (18.3 PPG) and a defense accused of losing a step and some focus. And there will be no honeymoon—Austria's schedule opens with two playoff teams followed by the always-dangerous Frankfurt Galaxy.

With the FWL draft mere days away, veterans have not yet reported for camp—and the question of which veterans will report is now a very different one indeed. Kreiner was the league's ultimate youth-obsessed horse-trader: no player was ever off-limits for a deal, and few went on to collect gold watches for long, faithful service. Compton, on the other hand, is known as a veteran-friendly manager more careful to deal—critics charge that he is unwilling to make the big move until it is too late, and is a weak draft evaluator to boot. Indeed, Kreiner's last act as general manager was to get the Dark Knights a top first-round pick through trade, and involved shipping away a player Compton once traded to the Dark Knights! The team had been trying to move standout veteran wide receiver Matthew Hatchette, but league insiders say they would be shocked if Compton moves Hatchette now. Through his agent, Hatchette declined comment.

Compton's affinity for long-time players is already showing in his field management moves. John Soloman, who at middle linebacker anchored a stout Monarchs defense for nine seasons, has been hired as head coach after spending several years coaching in the Italian league. Serving as offensive coordinator is Josh LaRocca, who led the Dark Knights at quarterback in their first two championship seasons and spent his last, largely forgettable season (100th career TD pass notwithstanding) on the Monarchs' roster before retiring.

Reached for comment, quarterback Curt Anes, who was frequently sat in favor of both Matt Mauck and Brian St. Pierre last year, said he would keep an open mind. "Nothing has changed for me. I expect a good camp competition against Matt and Brian, and plan to go out and play the best football I can."

Compton appears to appreciate his predicament. If he attempts to emulate Kreiner, he runs the risk of not taking advantage of his strengths and being seen as a poor imitation. But if veterans feel too comfortable, they may not give their best. "As much as we can, we are going to look at this team as a brand-new squad and make the decisions we think will put the best players on the field come game-day," he said. "But the Dark Knights have a long and rich tradition, and one of those traditions is to be open for business to the other teams in the league, so I say here and now—the Dark Knights are going to stay open for business."

NEARLY A KNIGHT BEFORE

This is not the first time since his abrupt departure from the league that Compton's name has been connected with a London rival. Years ago a vacancy with the NY/NJ Knights nearly went to Compton, but a breakdown in negotiations kept him in the analyst booth. "I just decided I wasn't ready to deal with the New York media," he now says.

DRAFT RICHES?

An incoming GM could hardly ask for more from his new team—the Dark Knights have three picks in the top 13 selections this season. Compare that to the plight of returning GM Ross Mather, newly appointed to the 0-14 Barcelona Dragons, which has no pick until the second half of Round 2. The new staff have been hastily scouting declared players, knowing that the Dark Knights are a team built to win sooner rather than later.

Currently, the team has only one other Day One pick—the 46th selection in the third round. A league source indicates that the Dark Knights are pondering a deal to secure a fifth Day One pick.