I am a lifelong New Yorker who long ago adopted British spelling conventions: "colour", "metre", words ending in "-ise", etc.
He didn't change his mind. Changing his mind would mean that he decided not to come. He merely postponed his arrival. He's still a part of this team.
No, it is not.
First of all, he didn't go back on his word in any meaningful sense; he is coming. But, even if he had changed his mind completely, neither would that have been something for which he would deserve denunciation. Sometimes circumstances change; and, in response, a person alters his/her course. That is how people operate in all aspects of real life.
For example: I am divorced, despite the fact that I promised publicly to stay with my ex-wife for life. But our relationship changed; and so I altered my course. I am quite happy that I did this, and would heartily recommend it to anyone in a similar situation.
Of course, a person might be constrained by a contract which limits his/her ability to change course. But Lampard's contract was with CFG, which allowed him to make this determination once Man City expressed its interest in retaining him for the rest of the season. In his situation and with his options, anyone else would have made the same decision, and rightfully so.
I never suggested that NYCFC are guaranteed to make the playoffs. But, with six teams qualifying from each conference, it is realistic to think that they could conceivably be in the running for the sixth spot.
It also saves several months of wear and tear on his body. You are correct to note that he will lack familiarity with whatever flow that the club will by then have established. But one would have to believe that a player of his calibre and intelligence will be able to fit himself in rapidly. All in all, the delay in Lampard's arrival is a net win for the club.
The crowds for the first two weeks have been great; and Seatlle's crowds are always good. That's the trend now in the league; and most observers expect it to continue.
Still, we shouldn't fail to acknowledge that the City-Galaxy match featuring both Lampard and Gerrard will be a level above. This does nothing to denigrate the fact that games around the league have an increasing amount of buzz to them. At the same time, this increasing amount of buzz is a direct result of the Beckham legacy, a legacy which was carried on by Henry, is currently borne by David Villa, and is soon to rest with Gerrard and Lampard. Players of this level give the entire league a boost, even in matches not featuring their teams.
When Lampard arrives, he will be the face not only of NYCFC but of the entire league. And this is a good thing.
It is true that each player needs to buy into the club for which he is currently playing. But, if a better opportunity (for example: playing for a top club in the world's best league) becomes available, we should not be insulted if that player takes that opportunity. Consider that, when one of the big English clubs buys a player from a smaller club, the smaller club's fans may be sad to see the player go, but they generally do not begrudge him the opportunity to hit the real big-time. Fans of NYCFC and every other MLS team need to have a similar perspective.
