- Jun 8, 2003
- 6,734
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Who Phantom of the Lane
Date 5th Feb 2010
Time 09:00
Site COYS
Date 5th Feb 2010
Time 09:00
Site COYS
Firstly an apology, I wrote this on Monday evening, but havn't had access to a computer as I've been away the last few days, but here goes...
I cant believe it was a year ago I was writing one of these! I will write something in more detail in the next few days when I have a bit more time. Firstly can I just say PLEASE can we have a bit more positivity, look where we are now in comparison to a year ago, the progress we have made is outstanding. Yes Harry and Daniel have their faults, for example some say Daniel is too businessman like and doesnt know enough about football, some people say Harry only gets on with certain players and takes forever to make a substitution, others will have other grievances, others may not have any, but that is football, each to their own and everyone entitled to an opinion. Not my job to provide opinions, In the words of Adrian Durham for all you Talksport listeners, I deal in facts! And it is my job, or should I say a job I have taken on board, to provide all of you coysers will the latest going ons at the club.
So to give you a brief overview of our activity:
Ins-
Eidur Gudjohnsen- Harry wanted him in, thinks he offers us a wealth of experience in the race for Champions League and can play in a number of positions. Not fit to play yet, but has trained with the first team. Maybe a week or two till we see him in a Spurs shirt.
Younes Kaboul- Again Harry is a big admirer of him, and with the money that was owed to us by Pompey we only gave them £2m, Harry also thinks he can play as a rightback hence the decision to let Hutton and Naughton go out.
Kyle Walker- Called back as has played football all season and will privde cover at right back, If Naughton had played more football, he would of stayed.
Outs-
Alan Hutton- Was allowed out on loan when Kaboul came back in, expect him to leave in the summer.
Kyle Naughton- He just needs to be playing games and Harry recognised this, hence sending him out to get games, very highly thought of at the club, will be back for next season with more experience under his belt.
Gio- Doubtful he will come back, poor attitude, poor application, and gets drunk far too often, its no surprise hes ended up in Turkey, Barca didn't let him go for no reason, the same applies to us.
Robbie Keane- The players are all gutted at this one. King of the dressing room. King of the banter. King of keeping up the squad morale. Yes he has been poor this season, but it remains to be seen what effect it has on the squad without him there, but I can tell you the players aren't happy hes gone.
Troy- Didnt progress as well as had been hoped. Wasn't even close to the first team.
O'Hara- Had a bid from another club for him, but cant play for 3 clubs. Will re evaluate at the end of the season, but could be off permanently, but not to Portsmouth. Credit due to the lad, he wanted to go there and play rather than sit on the bench at us.
Maybes/ Rumours/ Nearlys
Now if I put every rumour in here I would be here all night, so I would rather just focus on a couple.
Begovic- So nearly signed, did the medical/ stayed in London/ verbally agreed to sign. Last minute agent spun it in favour of a move to Stoke where he has been promised first team football.
Scott Loach- Not dead yet this one. Watch this space.
Jones/ Moses/ Cahill/Anton/ Parker/ Lovren- All pie in the sky.
Future
Two top targets remain as Ashley Young and Micah Richards. we will see what happens with these in the summer, both players are interested. I am sure CL football will help with landing these targets.
Finally a mention to Pav. Feel for him as he desperately wanted to leave. Brum was the only real option but they could meet the asking price or wages. Hopefully he will get a chance now Keane has left. But he is very down that he hasn't moved clubs. Also a mention to David Bentley who after being told he has no future and wont play again, has really knuckled down the last few games after his surprise inclusion vs Fulham due to Niko being ill. Sunderland and Wham both inquired regarding loan deals.
Injuries.
Lennon about 3 weeks to go- Has met with Gary Lewin at the lodge and has worked out a rehabilitation programme. Will NOT being have an op. Should be back shortly, has started running and moving with the medical team.
Ekotto- Still a while off, Bale has got to stay fit and keep putting in the performances. Ekotto has a hip problem and its not a quick healer.
Woodgate- Having real trouble with his groins- hate to say it and dont want to tempt fate, but the R word may be looked into if the surgeon he is working with cant solve the problem.
I think that is about it. I am sure I have missed some things out and when I notice what I have missed I will update! For all of you that have PM's me and have not received a response I apologise, and will try to go through them. All in all we have made significant progress in the last year, we are sound financially, we dont pay silly wages and give in to player demands which have landed other clubs in trouble. We have a GOOD manager and a GOOD chairman who wants the best for the club and we are soon going to be moving into a wonderful new home which will enable us to compete with the best in the business.
Lets all try and remain positive, we have a strong squad that will be fighting til the end for this CL spot, we may not have signed everyone that we wanted but we have a talented group and we still have good cover. Most o f all we have a wonderful fanbase who i am sure will continue to support the team so brilliantly.
The future's bright, the futures lillywhite.