Lion Links: 1/1/15

Happy New Year, Lion faithful, and a belated happy birthday to midfielder Darwin Ceren, who turned 25 yesterday.

We got one last fun little bit of news in the waning hours of 2014, as it broke that Frank Lampard would be staying with Manchester City through the end of the English season. Bad for the MLS? Maybe a bit, but the struggles of our expansion rivals have certainly provided some laughs for Orlando fans.

Anyway, we hope everyone had a happy and safe New Years Eve, and we’re looking forward to an exciting year covering Orlando City SC in 2015!

Man City Keeping Frank

The struggles continue for Jason Kreis, Claudio Reyna, and New York City FC. Parent club Manchester City has finally made the move we all saw coming official, deciding to keep Frank Lampard through at least the end of the Premier League season. It seems mean-spirited to pile on at this point, but we’re going to power through and do it anyway because of our commitment to journalism.

Pulis Sr. Takes Over at West Brom

There are two coaches in the Pulis family again! Son Anthony Pulis is a coach with Orlando City's youth academy, and his father Tony Pulis has been picked up to help faltering West Brom avoid relegation in England.

Pulis has found success as a coach in the top English divisions with Stoke City and Crystal Palace, however he's had issues with ownership almost everywhere he's been. It's worth noting that not once in his career has the elder Pulis had a team relegated. Apparently, West Brom were willing to risk a clash of personalities to assure they stay in the top flight.

Seattle replaces Yedlin

The Seattle Sounders may have found a replacement for Premier League-bound right back DeAndre Yedlin, in the form of former EPL back Tyrone Mears. Having spent the last three years with Bolton in the English Championship, the 14-year veteran brings a wealth of top-tier experience to Seattle. However, he was released by Bolton following the last season, and the 31-year-old has been plagued by injuries throughout his tenure there. Still, if healthy, Mears could be a solid replacement for Seattle’s fullback vacancy.

DC Mayor Signs Stadium Bill

It looks like it's actually happening for DC United! It's been years in the making, and as someone who grew up in DC and attended dozens of matches at RFK, I can tell you it's been incredibly frustrating. Outgoing mayor Vincent Gray signed the bill approving construction of the new stadium at Buzzard Point in Southeast DC, near where the Washington Nationals play baseball.

Turner Reminisces

Orlando right back Tyler Turner posted a great picture of the Lions celebrating their regular season crown after their final year in USL Pro. No link here, just thought I'd share!

One of the best nights of 2014 with the best group of guys! @orlandocitysc

A photo posted by Tyler Turner (@tturner_02) on Dec 12, 2014 at 12:04pm PST

2014 was certainly a momentous year for Orlando City, and we can only watch and wait to see what 2015 will bring. One thing you can be sure of though, is that we here at The Mane Land will have you covered for Orlando City news and opinion in 2015, and hopefully many years to come!

Happy 2015!