Peter Wilt

Interview: Peter Wilt

GM Chicago Fire

June 20, 2005

Peter Wilt has long been a favorite of SoccerLoop.com. As saddened as we were by the news of Mr. Wilt having to step down at season's end, we're optimistic about where his future will take him. Peter has been quiet lately and we certainly don't want him stepping out of the light so we decided to catch up with him to see what has been going on and where he will be going. Here it is...

SoccerLoop: Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. The Fire are starting to find their form. What do you feel is the main reason for that?

Peter Wilt: We brought in fourteen new players this season and several of the returning players were recovering from injuries early in the year. It takes time for new players to adjust to each other. New England is a great example of the benefit of playing a similar lineup on a regular basis over time. As Fire players get used to each other, better play and better results will follow.

SL: Two players that you brought into the club, Jorge Samuel Caballero and Ivan Guerrero have impressed. What are your thoughts on there play?

PJW: The two Hondurans are both tremendous team players with tremendous international experience. They are very good leaders, respected and liked by their teammates. Ivan has been our most consistent player all season. He is an outstanding soccer player and makes others on the field better with his play and his positioning. Samuel is a talented player, athletic and a very good organizer in the back. He adds another dimension to our set pieces with his ability in the air as well. We have several aerial threats this season with Tony Sanneh, Jim Curtin, Lubos Reiter and Samuel.

SL: What does your current role with the club entail? Are you still involved with personnel and player trades? Were you involved with the Kelly Gray trade?

PJW: I have continued my role overseeing the team side, while completing the business transition to John's leadership. I continue to be the point person for the Fire with team personnel and player trades. I handled the negotiations on Kelly's trade with Dave and John's support. I am now working John into more of the team side by discussing various team issues with him on a regular basis. I expect the transition on the team side to be complete after the trade, transfer and discovery deadline of September 15th. After that, I will essentially serve as a sounding board and consultant for John and Dave until my contract expires at the end of 2005. At that point, I will give up my title of Chicago Fire General Manager, but will proudly retain my title as Chicago Fire season ticket holder.

SL: It's been about two months since you have been asked to step down and you have now had some time to think about the whole situation. What are your thoughts now about the decision AEG has made regarding you and John Guppy?

PJW: The recent change in New Jersey brought back some of the emotions from April for me, but for the most part, I have moved forward and am no longer thinking about AEG's decision. I try to focus on my areas of responsibility with the team and help the Fire however I can.

SL: Do you feel that you have done too much for the prosperity and integrity of the club to be let go?

PJW: No one's future should be based solely on their past accomplishments. Retention should be based upon an employer's belief in the person's ability to accomplish the assignment going forward. Past performance can be a good indicator of future performance, but it is not the only indicator. I am very proud of our past performance as an organization and I sincerely hope the future performance can be even more prosperous and retain the integrity that we developed.

SL: Many Fire fans and fans across the League, for that matter, were very saddened by the news. Have the fans started to warm up to John Guppy?

PJW: I think the fans have done a good job of seperating the two issues. Nothing John did caused the change in leadership to occur and the fans have recognized that.

SL: You were instrumental in getting the stadium constructed. Will you continue to be involved even after your term is up?

PJW: I plan to renew my season ticket for Bridgeview in 2006, so I will be involved as a fan.

SL: Will the team be looking for a sponsor for stadium branding rights, i.e. Pizza Hut Park in Frisco? If so, are there any early candidates?

PJW: Yes, an agreement in principle with a naming rights partner has been achieved and will be announced later this year.

SL: What does the near future hold for Peter Wilt?

PJW: I am very fortunate that many people have called me asking for my assistance, since AEG's announcement in April. I have been providing volunteer consultant services for a dozen or so projects and I expect that at some point I will either convert the relationships into paid consultancies or take on one of the projects exclusively.

SL: Will you be looking to get involved with another expansion club in a possible GM compacity? If so, is Milwaukee an option for you?

PJW: Most of the projects I've been consulting on have been in soccer and about half, including Milwaukee, have involved potential MLS expansion teams. If I were to become involved with an expansion team, I would likely serve as General Manager in addition to other responsibilities.

SL: What are your thoughts on Alexi Lalas being named GM of the Metros and also his statements regarding bring in worldclass players to play for them?

PJW: I am very happy for Alexi and hopeful for the MetroStars. It is important that the League's largest market have a large, passionate fan base. A leader with Alexi's common sense, celebrity and charisma will have an opportunity to be successful. Bringing in world class players to the MetroStars is nothing new - Donadoni, Matthaeus, Djorkaeff. The lure of nearby New York City improves the chances of the MetroStars securing major international players. If they can bring in more world class players at younger ages within the rules of the League, I think it will ultimately benefit all teams.

SL: Peter, thanks again for taking the time. It is greatly appreciated!

PJW: My pleasure.

Article by: Steven Patton