The transfer window has been notable for a lack of transfers, as we all knew it would be.
The interesting thing about Jermain Defoe’s return to Spurs is……that nobody else was in for him.
There are two parallel activities going on at Manchester City.The sheikh’s people are talking directly to Italy about Buffon, Kaka and superstars, while Mark Hughes is looking for players who can save him from relegation, like Wayne Bridge.
However, it’s possible that Wayne Bridge is Jose Mourinho’s first signing. The Special One could get Robinho playing every week, home and away.
Mainly, I’m watching Arsenal and Aston Villa, as they are competing for fourth place.
Last season Arsenal earned almost £40 million from six Champions League games against Sparta Prague, Sevilla, Slavia Prague, Steaua Bucharest, AC Milan and Liverpool.They need to earn that £40 million next season as well.
If Arsenal finish fifth, the loss of that £40 million would be a savage blow, financially. Especially as there are 7,000 corporate seats up for renewal this summer.
Transfers always take time, as complex financial arrangements have to be worked out and put in place, so I didn’t expect a lot to happen this week. But I’m watching Martin O’Neill, to see if he buys or sells. He doesn’t fancy Marlon Harewood, clearly, or left back Nicky Shorey, so he needs another forward and a left back.
Celtic’s Aiden McGeady is a possibility, as O’Neill knows him well. McGeady, 22, is a clever, fiery Irish winger who recently had a massive bust-up with Gordon Strachan.Today’s papers say the pair are friends again now. It would be interesting to see what McGeady could do in a stronger league than the SPL, where he produced seven goals and nineteen assists last season.
In Saturday’s lunchtime game, Aston Villa should thrash struggling West Brom. So Arsenal have to beat Bolton to keep up.
It’s January now and I think Jack Wilshere should be playing at least 90 minutes of competitive football every week. If he’s not playing for Arsenal he should go on loan. He can only learn the game by playing it. If you’re an exceptionally gifted teenage footballer, watching games is very frustrating. Jack was born to play football and needs regular match action against men he can learn from.
In the first Carling Cup semi on Tuesday, David Bentley had a nightmare. Harry played two strikers and two wingers and it didn’t work and Burnley led 1-0 at half-time at the Lane. Then H took off Bentley, put on Jamie O’Hara, and Spurs banged in four goals in 25 minutes. Last night a thunderous shot by Derby’s Chris Common gave the Rams a 1-0 lead to take to Old Trafford.