This column could almost be devoted to the
In a week when the payments to agents for the last six months were revealed it was perhaps no surprise to see Peter Ridsdale’s
Twenty-five years is not a long time in football and I would certainly be very worried if I heard the same news about Turf Moor.
Other than that it was a quiet week. That is apart from the departures of Nicky Barmby, Dominic Matteo, Mark Viduka and Ian Harte along with Danny Mills’ expected move to KKMC. And of course the arrivals of Craig Hignett, Brian Deane and Steve Guppy on loan plus their failed attempts to bring in other players.
Quite honestly no one can compete with that news but Stoke signed a couple of players this week. Goalkeeper Steve Simonsen signed from Everton, incredibly a week ago he was in talks with, yes you’ve guessed it,
He was joined by Dave Brammer who moved from
Crewe meanwhile are looking to give their squad a desperately needed boost with the capture of former player Gareth Whalley who is currently with
Former
Long Ball Joe’s back from
He’s brought in a couple of players. Kevin Horlock has signed from West Ham whilst Mark Rivers, released by fierce rivals
Full back Chris Makin has gone though, he has now signed for relegated
Regarding the break down of transfers it is a big well done to Palace Chairman Simon Jordan who told an agent to stuff it when he demanded a fee. It looked odds on that Tim Cahill would be leaving Millwall to join Palace in a £2 million plus deal until Cahill’s agents put in a £125,000 that he expected Palace to pay.
The deal now looks dead and in a week when payments to agents have been released it really is a superb stand at Palace. If Cahill is not happy then he should either pay the agent himself or find someone else to represent him.
Preston
They have tried to sign Clayton Fortune from
They have been in the news this week over the loans owing to the council on the stands but claim everything is in order and they are not being forced to pay it all back. Last season they only had a trading loss of £6.5 million but that was covered by chairman Doughty.
Wolves have made their first summer signing with the capture of young Aston Villa defender Rob Edwards whilst Marlon Harewood is not apparently happy to stay at West Ham. I would expect him to be on the first train to Nottingham when the twelve month period is elapsed to allow him to go back to
A number of clubs have brought the idea of ice baths into the training routine and that includes the Clarets. It is apparently to aid muscle recovery although I think I would prefer the more natural method of rest.
Sunderland
Rotherham have signed Paolo Vernazza who was released by Watford and former Sunderland and Rangers winger Allan Johnston is training with them but the big news there is the continued advertising that the club is for sale.
So we thought we would end this week by giving them a free advert – apparently they have had to pay for placing this particular advert in the national press.
FOR
the chairman – Mr K F Booth who is retiring
Contact: C. F. Booth Ltd, Clarence Metal
Works,
No timewasters please