Jun 12 2008
Gareth Southgate Eyes Glory
photo: footballthoughts.co.uk
Boro manager Gareth Southgate has come back from his summer break, and turned his thoughts towards adjustments Middlesbrough can make in this summers transfer
market. Southgate has eyed a few players, and is concentrating on individuals who will spread the goals across the depth of the entire squad. Because of a few gun-shy lackluster goal scoring performances last season, Southgate is looking for players to take stress away from the strikers, giving the team an overall better chance of succeeding.
Currently Boro are being linked with Paris St. Germain mid-fielder Didier Digard, if Southgate can find the £6million in transfer fees he’ll need to pay for the Frenchman. Southgate said of his interest in Digard “He is a player with definite qualities and is someone we are interested in. The one major difference between Didier and other players is that his club may be willing to sell him.”
In huge Blues news, Portuguese National Team coach Scolari, has been named the new manager of Chelsea. On a £6.25million a year paycheck, and being allowed £100million for this summer’s transfer market, Scolari has possibly just hit the managerial jack pot. Hopefully he can put up with the ever controlling Abramovich, and won’t be driven to insanity by the Russian. Who can forget the failures Abramovich has made in his failing relationship with Mourinho, and his awful appointment of Avram Grant.
Barry will be walking alone at Aston Villa, as the club have rejected Liverpool’s £15million bid for the England International. So for at least one more season, Barry can look forward to no European football. Unless O’Neill can acquire some better players this summer that is.
And Finally, West Ham have secured their golden boy Dean Ashton for the next five years, as the probably should be England International, committed in contract his long term future to the club. A good move for West Ham, as Ashton has proved pivotal to success in many of the club’s matches over the years. If not for goal scoring, certainly for the inspiration be brings onto the pitch, and the spirit he evokes in West Ham’s supporters.
