Blimey didn’t the summer go round quick. No sooner had the mighty Blues completed their campaign with a magnificent victory over Arsenal than the cases were packed and it was off to Scandinavia and Northern Spain.
Pre season friendlies are a chance to bed in new players and utilise the intense training to become match fit. Nothing compares to the actual playing of a match. As an old golf pro once answered when asked what was the best shot he had hit in his career ‘on the practise area probably!’ You can train from dusk ‘til dawn but it counts for nothing.
The summer transfer window has been a disappointing one. Normally there is a hectic flurry of activity and a daily flow of players moving around the country but just lately the players just don’t seem to be out there. The combination of the Bosman ruling and the creation of the transfer windows were a catalyst for frantic acquisition manoeuvres. But this summer has been painfully slow.
Mehdi Nafti and Walter ‘the Rifle’ Pandiani were two transfers that were bolted on. Or so it seemed? My my didn’t they drag out? I guess there was no rush on our part. Our board play a canny game of business cat and mouse and we should give them credit for signing them both despite the procrastinated saga. The recent signing of Nicky Butt on loan was inspired. Last season was not his best at Newcastle but he wasn’t on his own. Don’t forget they finished below us! I’m sure Brucie will get the best out of him and he will prove to be a valuable member of the team.
The signature of Mikael Forssell was a golden one. He is such an awesome finisher that surely we have to go on to score more goals this season. Do not be under any illusion. The game of football is simply about scoring more goals than your opponent. Too often last season we were incapable of finding the net, upon going a goal behind could you honestly see us scoring two in most games?
Strange then given our lack of goals that Big Emile won most of the Player of the Year plaudits. And quite rightly so. Despite a lack of assistance, decent service, or a foil to play with he battled without complaint throughout the season. Big up respect to ya dude. Or whatever they say!
On a melancholic note it was sad to see Darren Carter depart this summer. That lad has played a huge part in the history of this club and is one of the reasons we are sitting comfortable in the Premier League. I accept the decisions of Brucie and the board, I might not always agree with them, but I accept their judgement to do what they feel is right. I’m sure we all wish Carter the best of luck at West Brom. He is one of us.
Staying on the gloomy theme I see the injury curse has started early this season! Last year we lost Forssell almost straight away followed by Dunn (again!) and Muzzy. Already Nafti is declared out for the season and Brucie must dread the sight of players hobbling off the training pitch. A decent run of luck is due.
Maybe the ideal line up will see Maik Taylor, Mario, Kenny, Matty, Jamie, Pennant, Butt, Izzett, Dunn, Forssell and Heskey. Hmm where to put Pandiani? And Nafti? And Clemence? And teacher’s pet DJ? And Tiny? And Tebs? And Anderton? And Morrison? Wow, you know something? We actually have the makings of a damn fine squad.
Bring on the Cottagers. Let battle commence. In the words of Montgomery just before his men got in their tanks ‘Right men get in your tanks’.
Keep Right On.