The Daily Dirt, August 30: Like a Boss

Two interesting pieces of information came out of Darren Eales’ interview on Georgia Public Broadcasting’s On Second Thought program yesterday. One was a confirmation of an expansion draft in December. We will start to dig deeper into this in the coming weeks, with a look at players around the league who could be available to Atlanta United.

The other notable comment was that a manager would be announced in a couple of months. This is a slightly longer timeline than previously implied by Carlos Bocanegra and Arthur Blank. It could potentially bring some targets who are currently employed by MLS clubs into play for the job. Doug Roberson discussed the previous rumors about Parkview High School graduate Josh Wolff, who currently is an assistant in Columbus under Gregg Berhalter.

Robin Fraser is another name that has been discussed for MLS job openings, he is currently an assistant at Toronto FC. Denis Hamlett is an assistant with the New York Red Bulls, he previously managed the Chicago Fire and has worked as an assistant under Jesse Marsch at both New York and Montreal.

Right now, Josh Wolff and Columbus’ season would be over October 23 as they are currently six points out of the playoffs. Toronto and New York are planning on deep playoffs runs and Fraser or Hamlett might not be available until much later.

Also, don’t forget about Giovanni Savarese of the New York Cosmos. The Cosmos’ last regular season game is October 29, and they are on pace to be the top seed in the NASL playoffs. The league’s final will likely be in mid-November.

Domestic

Toronto will have to get by without Sebastian Giovinco for a while (Waking the Red)

Nigel de Jong leaving LA and headed to Galatasaray? (LA Times)

Gyasi Zardes’ injury could be worse than originally feared (Goal)

More injury concerns for the Galaxy, Jelle Van Damme out with a MCL sprain (LAG Confidential)

A look at the players who will be missing this week from MLS action due to international call-ups (Washington Post)

Rayo OKC with a new problem between owners, this time involving part of its playing field (The Oklahoman)

Can the Seattle Reign get it together in time? (SB Nation)

Less than 20,000 tickets sold for USMNT World Cup qualifier next week in Jacksonville (WOKV)

International

Liverpool trying to find a loan destination for Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool Offside)

10 stars who could still move before the end of the transfer window (Fox Soccer)

Local

Grady Jarrett is a difference maker (The Falcoholic)

Braves lead the race for the #1 pick (Talking Chop)

Nick Chubb will be 100% in Georgia’s opener (Dawg Sports)