Report: Alan Green not returning to Atlanta United broadcasts in 2018

Bob Williams of SportBusiness.com is reporting that longtime BBC broadcaster Alan Green will not be returning to perform play-by-play duties for Atlanta United’s Fox Sports broadcasts this season. Green informed Williams of this new via e-mail.

Green came to Atlanta with nearly a quarter-century of experience as the BBC’s lead radio announcer. Green joined Atlanta United in June of the 2017 season, taking the lead on all of Fox Sports’ regional broadcasts going forward. Green routinely praised Atlanta’s atmosphere, but was at his best when delivering visceral body blows to the fanbases and atmosphere of other MLS teams while on road trips.

While Atlanta’s popularity received high praise from Green on his broadcasts, it appears to have double-edged sword here. Green won’t be returning due to the simple fact that he won’t have enough games to call. Atlanta United will be on national TV more than any other MLS team in 2018.

Possible replacement suggestions from the DSS staff include WWE legend Jim Ross, football and basketball hype man broadcaster turned Fox Soccer science experiment turned back to football and basketball broadcaster Gus Johnson, Me (I have four years of women’s soccer PxP experience and I’m a massive homer it would be great please let me do it), and most logically Kevin Egan.

Egan began the 2017 season with Atlanta United as a stopgap while Green finished up Champions League duties. Egan delivered a few memorable calls in his five games with Atlanta, including Miguel Almiron’s stunning hat trick against Houston (“It’s an absolute peach, from the Paraguayan!”)

Like Green, Egan also spoke highly of Atlanta United and its fans. His goodbye letter is one of the better DSS pieces ever.

Throw play-by-play announcer into the growing pile of things Atlanta United fans are waiting to be revealed i.e. Barco, second kit, USL team etc. Let us know who you think should be in the booth in the comments and on Twitter.com.