by DAVE MARTINEZ

I would like to announce my departure as Editor-in-Chief of Empire of Soccer — and the start of a new era for this very site.

It is my distinct pleasure to introduce you to the new Editor-in-Chief of EoS, Jack Bell.

In actuality, Jack doesn’t need an introduction to New York soccer fans. A 23-year veteran at the New York Times, Bell pioneered the Gray Lady’s modern day soccer coverage, running the wildly successful Goal Blog for the publication. He served as both a Staff Editor and Soccer Columnist for the Times. Most recently, Bell was also Senior Media Specialist with the North American Soccer League.

Jack’s network of contacts and vast experience in our field will serve to take EoS to new heights. As an avid follower and fan of his work, I can say that with great certainty — and I wish him nothing but the best.

As for myself, the future is wide open. I haven’t applied for any media credentials nor have I secured a new place of employ. In short: I will see where the world takes me. I’ll expand on that and more on Twitter, where you can follow me at @DaveMartinezNY.

As I depart, I’d like to thank the fantastic writers of this site for their hardwork and dedication. I would also like to thank the readers of EoS for your tremendous support these past six years.

Trust me: the best is yet to come.