Shomari Ramsay
Published on February 26, 2010

BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- Joseph Barone has the Italian accent, the coaching pedigree and is doing his best to reassure Brooklyn Italians fans their new coach will take the club back to the top.

"Everything we're going to do is going to be done with a foundation of integrity with every aspect of the program," Barone said. "We're going to represent Brooklyn with class on and off the field."

Barone was offered the job late Friday afternoon, and promises the Brooklyn Italians organization their decision will be met by awards and high accolades. "I am happy to be given the responsibility and cherish the opportunity to take our club to the top," Barone said.

Brooklyn Italians President Jerry Valerio said Barone agreed that coaching the Italians is a destination job. He praised him for his long time dedication to the club.

"We are grateful for the contributions that Barone made to the Brooklyn Italians,” Valerio said. “We know that we made the right decision and we wish him luck in his new position.”

Brooklyn Italians midfielder Jme Amoaka said some players might have considered transferring if they weren't impressed with their new coach. After meeting with Barone, though, they seemed satisfied with their new leader.

“We have always encouraged players to go beyond the common goal of college soccer. Brooklyn Italians has alumni that are, or who have played, in the U.S. National Team, Europe, MLS, and the many divisions of the USL” Barone said. As a direct result of its extensive youth operations, the Club’s senior Men’s side has achieved national prominence.” To date, Brooklyn Italians has won two U.S. Open Cup (now known as the "Lamar U.S. Open Cup"): the first in 1979 and for the second time 1991” said Barone.

"He reaffirmed everything that the players wanted to come to the club for," Amoaka said. "He said he wants to embrace the tradition. He says he wants to be a really good coach here."

Barone kicked off his tenure by announcing tryouts for the 2010 NPSL season. The tryouts will be held on Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7 from 3:00PM to 5:00PM, at John Dewey High School in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

For more information, log on to www.brooklynitalians.org