by Steven S
Now that the Spainbots have left the rest of the world neutered with their laser guided football, attention has started to turn back toward respective domestic leagues where mere mortals can only hoof the ball in hope. Which segways us nicely toward the England team for the Olympics.
Which of course created a huge drama over the non selection of a 37 year old footballer playing in the American MLS league. Becks was dreaming of a final send off in the UK wearing an England shirt during the biggest sporting event held in the UK for half a century. The man clearly loves playing for his country yet carries a huge media circus on his back that would only have caused disruption to Stuart Pearce’s thankless task. Although the manager has lost the perfect scapegoat for their Quarter Final loss.
Stability was the theme of the week in North London. Tottenham confirmed Andre Villas Boas as their manager whilst neighbours Arsenal look certain to lose their captain this season. The reaction amongst Spurs fans was mixed following AVB’s recent tenure over at Chelsea which we all know ended rather badly. Importantly the managerial issue has been resolved before pre-season training begins ensuring the players time to adjust to their new managers meticulous preparations.
Of course we have reliably been told that there will be a £40million ‘war chest’ available for new players. Siggurdson was confirmed on a £8m deal from Hofenheim with Joao Moutinho primed as the first capture of the AVB era. If his tournament performances were anything to go by it would prove to be a great addition to the team given their history together at Porto. Boas’ now has another opportunity to show the league what he is really about, taking over a very talent squad. His rise from Academica to Chelsea was either a brief glimpse of his talent or the fortune of a very lucky man making this job critical for his future prospects.
Robin van Persie confirmed all Arsenal fans worst fears by announcing on his personal website that he would not be renewing his contract with the club, leaving a year to run on his current agreement. For a second summer running the club teeters on the edge of a struggle to maintain football progression amidst losing key players and boardroom division. Alisher Usmanov holds nearly 30% of shares yet remains unwelcome amongst those currently on the board, only fuelling the untraditional open dialogue out of the club.
Theo Walcott will also be looking at possible options available with one year on his contract and the North London club face the prospect of a summer very much like last year. Of course incoming personnel have helped provide adequate cover which along with returning players does not leave the squad completely exposed. However patterns are being repeated as mistakes are not being learnt by the owners creating further tension when preparations for the forthcoming season should be the focus. Every year the calls grow for Arsene Wengers head and either the off or on field struggles will hit the fan sooner or later, which may leave Arsenal armed with only hindsight.
More players leaving Rangers this week include Jamie Ness who heads down to Stoke and Steven Naismith becoming a typical Moyes signing. The Ger’s Steven Whitaker also joins the Premiership at Norwich who also turned Grant Holt’s transfer request into a new three year contract for the big man. Paul Lambert has been a busy man this week bringing in midfielder Karim El Ahmadi from Feyenoord and Matt Howton travels from Sheffield United for a big move to the top. Carlos Cuellar was released by The Villans, securing two years at Sunderland who in turn signed off the transfer of George McCartney over to Big Sam in East London. Southampton continue their preparations with the signing of to sign Alexander Buttner from Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem and Alan Pardew has brought in Gael Bigirimana to the Toon from Coventry on a five year deal.
Another brief week of action has passed so let’s hope for some smut and glamour to come piling out of our beloved football clubs soon. When we get to next Saturday wake me up and I’ll see what I can do for you. Over and out.
