Everyone can see it coming. How can’t they? Harry has practically laid out the itinerary for Levy’s approach to seal a deal. It’s a matter of funds and wages. Period. Harry has openly drooled at the prospect of bringing Cole to the Lane, obviously feeling that he is a player who could take the squad to the next level.
How do the supporters feel? I’m sure there are mixed emotions. Why would we want a player who has had a recent spat of injuries? Why would we want a player who has been released on a free? Why would we want a player who did nothing at the World Cup? The list of questions go on and on…
There is another school of thought behind this transaction. Cole’s experience in all competitions. Hard-working ethic. Skill. Leadership qualities. A bargain purchase except for the potential unrest which could be caused due to his wage demands.
One thing I have realized about Harry though, he is a man that has always managed his relationships with care, attention and respect. Other than just go after new players he’s never managed, he tends to also keep a lookout for players he has had experience managing. Case in point: Defoe, Crouch, Kranjcar, Kaboul (Boateng anyone?). Granted, all were Pompey players who wanted to avoid the sinking ship; however, he was still able to woo them when needed.
My point? He is piecing together the puzzle from his past experiences. Cole is another piece Harry wants. I’m not saying he will not go after new players, but he will search for experience first and foremost. Experience under his management. Experience under others. Experience, experience, experience.
A summer where we could potentially bring in Cole and Forlan (if you believe the media) would be a massive success in my opinion. The latter seems to be a stretch, but you never know. After all, our manager doesn’t really know how to keep a secret. We’ll have a good idea of our fate very soon.
COYS!!
Tags: Experience, Football Transfer Targets, Harry Redknapp, Joe Cole, Premier League Transfer Market, Tottenham Hotspur
July 11, 2010 at 6:09 pm |
Like you said I don’t know if I want to see him in a spurs shirt or not. But as you said in your last post “I trust the gaffer blindly” and I surly feel the same.
July 13, 2010 at 3:30 pm |
Rather Cole than Bellamy. He’s experienced and Premiership ready, English and fits our recent signings profile and as you say known to Harry. Young enough, just, for us to get our moneys worth.
Wages or signing on fee will be a problem as it would be disruptive on a squad that has been recruited under quite strict pay limits.
Forlan is most unlikely, too old, too expensive ands his previous failure at Man.Utd will count against him. He will have plenty of other offers to consider too after his sparkling performance over the last season.
Good analysis of a tricky problem