Transfer News - June 2007

Sorry I have not updated for a while but here is my latest update.

It happened last year and once again it happened this year. The big talk of the summer so far. Was Theirry Henry leaving Arsenal once and for all? After staying and signing a contract last year it was said that he would stay for the rest of his career after declaring his love for the club. How so much has changed in 1 year. David Dein leaving his post as vice chairman, the big move to the emirates and a poor season by Arsenal standards to say the least. 16million pounds for the star striker and although some people feel that Barcelona got a great deal, truth be told they did. Even at the age of 29, Henry was the best all round striker in the world. Goal scoring, assisting and his leadership is Barcelona bought. It is sad to see one of the greatest ever players to play in England to not be returning to our TV screens. But if the time is right then it is now for Henry. Arsenal have to ability and the structure to be a world class team and with a few new players i feel they will be.

Of course there has been lots of other news. 50million spent by Man United for Nani, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves. For me the potential in Nani and Anderson is great. Both touted as the next Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho respectively.

More transfers will of course be taking place but for now i am out and i wish Thierry the best in Spain and thank him for the great service he has given.

Good Result, Poor Performance?

The first full international in front of a packed new Wembley stadium was a weird one. England Vs Brazil. On paper it looked like a dream match to kick off the new Wembley's hosting of England matches. Kaka, Ronaldinho, Gerrard, Lampard, the list of talent on show was endless. But for all the hype the match was just a little bit....... Dull. The game didn't have the same spark that the Brazilians can produce and England were more workmanlike than wonderful.

All of the press was on two players for England. The in form David Beckham and the low on fitness Michael Owen. Owen for all of his effort looked a little lost on the pitch. No real support and lack of fitness showed for the striker as he failed to get a grip on the game. Beckham on the other hand had a fine game. Returning after McClaren sent him a SAS, the former captain stood up and showed that he merited his place within the squad with a fine all round effort and a assist for John Terry's goal.

Overall the result for England was a good one. To draw against Brazil is no doubt a good result. But you can just see and sense that something is missing from England.

Oh well if only Thierry Henry was English :(

Derby Delight, But Will Davies Stay?

Derby have done it. Since going out of the premier league in 2002 Derby have been floundering in the Championship for some time. Billy Davies came to the rescue and took them from near relegation candidates to a Premiership team. The playoff final is the most lucrative football match in the world. A kitty of 60million was to go to the winner and also a place in the premiership.

Steven Pearson scored the only goal to sink West Brom in the final and to book their place into the the premiership. In a action packed game, it was a up and coming star by the name of Giles Barnes that stole the show. After all of the jubilation and celebration there was a doubt about Billy Davies future. Boardroom issues have affected Davies and it is rumored that he might leave Derby before the season starts. It would be a shame considering he bought them back to the Premiership but that is my main issue. Will Billy Davies stay?

Milan Got Their Revenge

This Champions league final was billed as the revenge match for Milan after the 2005 final. Revenge wasn't the greatest word to describe this match. Liverpool and Milan played out the final in a workmanlike manor with little chances at either end and little action in between. The first blow to Liverpool was at the wrong time. Just before half time Xabi Alonso clumsily tripped up Kaka and the resulting free kick taken by Pirlo was defected in by Inzaghi. Which part of his body he used was always a big talking point but neither less the goal stood.

The goal that won the match was a great move. Kaka played a lovely ball over the top for Inzaghi who in typical fashion rounded the keeper to slot home the second and put the game beyond doubt. Liverpool pulled one back late on through Kuyt but it wasn't enough to deny Milan their 7th Champions league title.

But i do have a few questions and they are with Benitez. With Maldini and Nesta leading the back line i was surprised to see one striker up front. I also question the subs that he made. I feel that Harry Kewell should not of even been on the bench and his appearance was poor. Peter Crouch's appearance came too late for me and the introduction of Alvaro Arbeloa in the 83rd minute was as bizzare as anything. So with 3 English teams in the champions league semi's, it looked set for a English winner. Not time time, but here is to next year :D