So the Alouettes finally decided to announce that Jim Popp will be staying with the club through 2014. It's not really a surprise, Jim Popp has been with the team since 1996 when the Als made their return to Montreal.
In 14 seasons under Popp The Alouettes are 168-88-1, the team has never missed the playoffs, played in 12 East Finals, 7 Grey Cups and won two of them. The numbers pretty much forced the organization to re-sign him at any cost.
It was funny talking to the players today. Because Jim Popp is a great asset for an owner and a team president because he finds ways to fit so much talent under a very small Salary Cap. For the players, you would think he's just the guy that can get talented players at a reasonable price.
"I think he's honest with everything that he does" -Anwar Stewart
"Everyone in this locker room can thank Jim and the whole staff for bringing us in, we appreciate what he's done for us" -Anthony Calvillo
"He gave me an opportunity, because I was out of work" -Avon Cobourne
Of Course no one expects negativity from any Alouette players when commenting on a member of the organization. So I had to ask Calvillo about Popp The Negotiator.
"When it comes to negotiating, at times it can be a different person, but that's what he does and he's good at that"
I think Calvillo hits the nail on the head. To go along with finding talent anywhere and convincing players to not only come north to Canada but to a province where language "could" be an issue, he gets them sign for salaries that work best for the team.
So it'll be 4 more years Jim Popp steering the Alouettes ship. Stewart already has ideas on what he can do first with the new contract under his belt.
"Probably takes him maybe an hour to get his hair just right in the morning, maybe he can get a trim with this extra money he just got"
I'm sure they have clippers in the locker room.
No comments:
Post a Comment