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The Football Diner Big Interview:
Armando Salguero
interviewed by Chris Brophy
27/9/2007
This week, Football Diner had the chance to sit down and chat with Miami Herald writer Armando Salguero. We got the chance to talk about a variety of hot topics, but mainly, the Dolphins upcoming visit to Wembley.
Armando has covered South Florida sports for 25 years, starting as a 19-year-old in 1982. He’s covered the Dolphins since 1990 and hosts a Dolphins hour show every weeknight 7-8 on 790 TheTicket (790theticket.com). He has worked nationally for ESPN and also writes sports columns for The Miami Herald.
Armando, thanks for taking the time out to answer some questions for us here at Football Diner. Before we get to the ‘nitty gritty’ of the London game – how do you feel the Dolphins will do this season?
I thought this would be a good team this year, but the first three games have not borne that out. Thing could obviously change in the coming weeks before Miami goes to London, but until Sunday the team had shown a troubling inability to run the football with any consistency while also being unable to stop the run.
How much of a blow was it to the Dolphins organization when Nick Saban decided to return to college? It seems strange that a team that spent so many years being one of the most stable of NFL franchises under Don Shula has spent the past few years being in a state of flux.
Saban’s departure was a good thing. He showed no sense for making solid Personnel moves during his time in Miami and it could be argued he left the team worse off than when he arrived.
 What was your initial reaction to the news the Dolphins had given up a home game to take part in this historic match-up at Wembley?
I didn’t panic as most local South Floridians did. I think it’s a good thing for the Dolphins. The facts are South Florida is home to thousands and thousands of loyal Giants fans and they probably would have made a significant pilgrimmage to Dolphin Stadium had the game been played locally. As I understand it, in London, Dolphins fans actually out-number Giants fans. So the Dolphins will have a home field advantage, notwithstanding the venue!
Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga seemed a major player in making this happen. Why do you think he was so keen?
Huizenga is very pro-NFL and is often willing do step out with bold steps on matters he believes is best for the league. This is just one example
And what’s been the public reaction to this game? How upset are Dolphin fans at losing a home game on their schedule?
Folks are not thrilled, but there hasn’t been a tremendous outcry. Having said that, I don’t think the Dolphins will be doing this again anytime soon as the loss of revenue is significant.
How aware are you of the NFL interest in the UK and of the popularity of the Dolphins?
I’m aware that Miami’s team is also, in part, London’s team
Will you yourself be coming over to London to cover the game?
Yeah, I’ll be traveling to the UK for the game. I’m looking forward to it – I actually honeymooned in London in 2006 so it will be nice to return. I hope the weather is good!
Football Diner suggest a good brolley But what impact will this game have on the team? A lot of travelling involved and it’s not going to be a traditional build up to a game, could it be a possible disruption that lingers into the later parts of the season?
The team gets a bye week following this game so there really is no excuse for Miami claiming to suffer from any post-game jetlag or anything of that nature. If anything, the effects will be seen during the game, but that is not important because it will an issue for both teams.
What of the Dolphins opponent – The New York Giants – what’s your take on them?
Unfortunately for the NFL, the UK and the teams involved, both squads are struggling mightily right now, although they were much improved in week 3. That may change in a month or so when the game is played, but as it stands, it’s not looking too good for either the Giants or Dolphins. Neither team is the class of the NFL.
The interest in this game has been huge. Ticket requests went through the roof and the game is a sell-out and could have been a few times over. Do you see a London Game being a regular feature/fixture in the NFL calendar?
Yes, I do actually.
Fantastic – how do you see things following on from this? More games? A increase in the NFL schedule to 17 games with every team having an international game?
Well, the NFL clearly wants to extend beyond US borders. Regular-season games in London, Mexico and Canada are on the way, in my opinion.
Ok, what we are slowly trying to build up to – An NFL franchise in London, could it ever happen?
That, I believe, is decades away I’m afraid. You must realize the NFL is still focused on settling a franchise in Los Angeles, which happens to boast the second-largest TV market in the US. Market share equals dollars and that’s what the NFL is chasing – TV dollars.
There are also the logistical issues of having a team “across the pond.” That team would have a huge disadvantage in travelling to away games and could not claim an equal advantage at home because it would be a different club visiting every other week or so.
Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions Armando. Anything to add before we are done?
I’d love to find out where the Dolphins fan club can be located. Is there a pub or somewhere they gather?!
We presume so strong ale might be the only remedy for suffering through the Dolphins woes so far We’ll let you know!
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