Byron is a great person to work with and I look forward to coaching him this season. On the field, he provides a very serious scoring threat every time he touches the ball.

Coventry is a tremendous test for our squad. They have a great history in this game, a great coach in Mick Adams, and I look forward to hosting them in July.

My plan of building from the back continues. I'm very happy that, in Josh, we'll have one of the best goalkeepers in the league returning to our team.

All of today's signings are more than capable of contributing to the success of the team. Zimmerman and Brown provide depth in defense, and Randolph and Ready give us balance on our left flank.

Gavin creates a nice link between last year's squad and what we are doing this year. His ambition, energy and passion for the game will be a valuable asset to the Timbers and to the soccer community.

I am very pleased with today's wave of signings. Salim and Jacobi will add strength and speed to the defense for 2006; Drew and Oral will add some flair and character to our attacking abilities.