I have literally been attempting to write this open letter to Andrew Hauptman for the last 5 months or more. Apathy and Disgust for the the downward spiral of the Chicago (Dumpster) Fire keep derailing me. But no longer…
Dear Andrew Hauptman / Atul Khosla / Frank Yallop / Brian Bliss:
In consideration of what will be the start of your 8th full season as Owner & Chairman of the Chicago Fire, I have no faith in the course you have charted for this team. To be honest, at first, I had hope following the way AEG decided to neglect the Chicago Fire and treat it as an afterthought following the dismissal of Peter Wilt, followed by a succession of staff that either weren't up to the task or never were interested in the Chicago Fire other than as a stepping stone to some other sports management destination. That hope was obviously misplaced on my part.
There was of course, concern with Andell Holdings being headquartered in LA, that it would simply be a continuation of the operational method of AEG. Scraps from the table. But as this would be the only MLS property Andell would hold, there was hope that things would improve. Sadly, I would take being second fiddle in the AEG stable to the oscillations between what appears to be abject neglect and petulant micromanagement that have been the hallmark of the past seven seasons in Chicago.
On the neglect end of that spectrum has been an a perceived unwillingness to hire competent front office personnel to run the leadership, management and technical operations of the club. From the co-opting of icons of the club’s history, the shabby treatment of former and long serving players & club heroes,
It has been a path that has taken a solid and competitive club and turned it into