Reyes, Hargreaves, and Wigan
Buyer's beware.
Madrid coming for Reyes is a dream scenario for Wenger - Real is in such a buying frenzy that he can unload one of his few misstep signings and perhaps profit from it. Reyes has been a disappointment for a few years now. Wenger should re-invest the proceeds elesewhere - with his keen eye for talent, he is sure to get better value for the money.
Owen Hargreaves has issued a "come purchase me" plea to the Prem. I am sure someone will quickly forget years of not liking him and overpay Bayern for one of the few bright lights for England at the World Cup. Bayern should sell for a good price - he has been a good servant there, but I think he can be replaced.
I'm worried for one of the feel good stories of last year, Wigan. I'm still scratching my head about the purchase of Emile Heskey. Seemed like some desperation to stop the exodous after losing Roberts, Chimbonda and Bullard. But I would be surprised if Heskey can replace Bullard's goals, let alone Roberts. 5.5m pounds? Emile Heskey screams free transfer at this point in his career. And I think Blackburn robbed them for Roberts - 2.2m seems a steal for his production, pedigree be-damned.
Paul Jewell succeeded in winning Wigan promotion from the Championship, an exceedingly difficult feat. The following year he accomplished a yet harder feat, he kept them up (and in some style). Now he faces the task of survival after suffering the old "big clubs raid and sign away top talent of successful small club." Throw in what looks to be a dicey and pricy Heskey signing, and Jewell will really be put to the test once again.
Madrid coming for Reyes is a dream scenario for Wenger - Real is in such a buying frenzy that he can unload one of his few misstep signings and perhaps profit from it. Reyes has been a disappointment for a few years now. Wenger should re-invest the proceeds elesewhere - with his keen eye for talent, he is sure to get better value for the money.
Owen Hargreaves has issued a "come purchase me" plea to the Prem. I am sure someone will quickly forget years of not liking him and overpay Bayern for one of the few bright lights for England at the World Cup. Bayern should sell for a good price - he has been a good servant there, but I think he can be replaced.
I'm worried for one of the feel good stories of last year, Wigan. I'm still scratching my head about the purchase of Emile Heskey. Seemed like some desperation to stop the exodous after losing Roberts, Chimbonda and Bullard. But I would be surprised if Heskey can replace Bullard's goals, let alone Roberts. 5.5m pounds? Emile Heskey screams free transfer at this point in his career. And I think Blackburn robbed them for Roberts - 2.2m seems a steal for his production, pedigree be-damned.
Paul Jewell succeeded in winning Wigan promotion from the Championship, an exceedingly difficult feat. The following year he accomplished a yet harder feat, he kept them up (and in some style). Now he faces the task of survival after suffering the old "big clubs raid and sign away top talent of successful small club." Throw in what looks to be a dicey and pricy Heskey signing, and Jewell will really be put to the test once again.
posted by the idiot at 5:01 PM
1 Comments:
Man U seems the most likely buyer for Hargreaves for all the reasons you mentioned. The mitigating factor is the huge amount they splashed out for the injured Carrick at that same position. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think Hargreaves (with his stock suddenly so high) will want to play for Villa, despite the dawn of a new day in the Midlands. Just conjecture.
I forgot Heskey was only 28 as well - that is amazing. Yet, I try to judge more on the trajectory of form over recent years, rather than simply age, and Heskey seems in steady decline. Sure, he could turn it around, but i wouldn't bet 5.5 m on it.
Your comment re: Jewell points up how hard it is to be a manager at a small club. In my mind, he has already proven he is a legit coach over the last 2 years (w the previously discussed accomplishments).
Generally, most of these small clubs should be thrilled just to avoid relegation, yet Wigan supporters might suffer from unreal expectations and Jewell might come under fire this year if they can't repeat the success of the last 2 campaigns (hopefully, the fans and Wigan board are more realistic than this).
My view is if Jewell and Wigan are relegated, he is still a good manager. If they can avoid relegation, he is a very good manager. If they can produce anything like the results (and style) of last year, he is brilliant. If they improve on last year, he is a god.
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