Being the son of a team manager has both many benefits and a myriad of drawbacks. Those looking to cause shenanigans will claim that favouritism among father and son teams causes problems. Sons have it rough in the league; Nigel Clough’s manager father, Brian, refused to call the younger Clough by his first name, electing to refer to him as “our number 9” instead. Managers who manage their sons may, far from being too lenient with their offspring, be too critical. Whether trying not to give too much leeway or trying not to crack down too hard, managers face a problematic conundrum.
Not that this will be a problem for Bob Bradley and his son Michael during this summer’s World Cup Finals in South Africa. One exception to the rule seems to be the Bradley family, US Coach Bob Bradley and his son Michael, who will compete in the World Cup Finals together this summer in South Africa.
Bob welcomed his son into the world while working as the coach of the Princeton University soccer team. When Michael was young, his father received a position coaching the MLS Chicago Fire, and Michael was raised in Palatine, gaining a love for the game that rivalled that of his father. After Bob gained a position with the Chicago Fire, Michael grew up in Palatine, and began to enjoy the sport immensely.
After an impressive career in Junior leagues, Michael signed up with the MLS Superdraft in 2004 and was selected 36th overall by the New York Metrostars, who just so happened to be coached by his father. Michael’s second year was big for both father and son, with a proud Bob leading his team into playoffs and Michael heading in the goal against Chivas USA that got them there.
His energetic performances at the heart of midfield as an anchor for Metrostars had caught the eye in foreign climes and in January 2006, New York Metrostars allowed Bradley to leave the club when he was sold to SC Heerenveen of Holland. Bradley quickly impressed the Dutch, playing a key role in the club achieving a place in the UEFA cup and, the following season, scoring an impressive 20 goals in 2007-2008.
Bradley’s success soon attracted the attention of bigger clubs wanting him in their soccer jersey, like Birmingham City, who wanted to sign Bradley but could not due to the relegation handed down from the Premier League. Instead , Borussia Moenchengladbach picked up midfielder Bradley, who has proven to be an asset, playing 58 games in the Bundesliga and racking up seven goals.
Michael Bradley’s success so far exceeded expectations that most took it for granted that he would be promoted to the National Team (and he was). Bob Bradley began coaching the team in 2006, leading Michael to become the core of the US midfield, setting up plays so that offensive players such as Landon Donovan can exercise the freedom to get towards the goal.
The US team is thankful for the father and son duo as they head on to the World Cup Finals in South Africa this summer.
