Guitarjay
11 Aug 2004, 08:29 AM
Can Frank Arnesan do to Tottenham what Wenger has done for Arsenal? Make French the first language? :O) Seriously though, transform a team of underachievers into title contenders?
Keep in mind that Santini is the first team coach, nothing more. All transfers are handled by Arnesan, whose track-record speaks for itself.
Arnesan has hit the ground running, and has already signed a Brazilian centreback (Rodrigo Defendi - aged 18), a Swiss Leftback (Reto Ziegler - aged 18), an Australian Rightback/winger (Spase Dilevski - aged 19), a Cameroonian Leftback/Winger (Thimothee Atouba - aged 22) and a Hungarian goalkeeper (Marton Fullop - aged 18) in cover for Paul Robinson, probably the best goalkeeper England have to offer. Now we're reading about a possible interest in Shaun Wright-Phillips who seems reluctant to sign a new deal at Man City (not that I blame him). We've also signed Sean Davis who is a promising youngster, and Erik Edman, who impressed in defence for Sweden at Euro 2004.
In terms of youth development, I think both Johnnie Jackson and Rohan Ricketts will develop nicely under Arnesan. Remember this... Ricketts will develop into the left-winger that England have needed for years!
Its clear that a defensive weakness has been identified at the Lane, and positive action has been taken to start correcting this weakness. If it keeps Richards, Doherty and Tarricco out of the squad, I'm happy!
And Carr...? I think its a result we got £2M+ for him! He had a couple of great seasons 4 years ago, and has underachieved ever since. Maybe he was in-need of a new challenge, and so hasn't been able to focus properly, who knows?? In my view, he falls into the 'dead wood' category, along with Richards, Doherty, Tarricco, Poyet, Anderton & Keller. Gardner has showed potential, but needs to establish himself as a consistent performer.
Keep in mind that Santini is the first team coach, nothing more. All transfers are handled by Arnesan, whose track-record speaks for itself.
Arnesan has hit the ground running, and has already signed a Brazilian centreback (Rodrigo Defendi - aged 18), a Swiss Leftback (Reto Ziegler - aged 18), an Australian Rightback/winger (Spase Dilevski - aged 19), a Cameroonian Leftback/Winger (Thimothee Atouba - aged 22) and a Hungarian goalkeeper (Marton Fullop - aged 18) in cover for Paul Robinson, probably the best goalkeeper England have to offer. Now we're reading about a possible interest in Shaun Wright-Phillips who seems reluctant to sign a new deal at Man City (not that I blame him). We've also signed Sean Davis who is a promising youngster, and Erik Edman, who impressed in defence for Sweden at Euro 2004.
In terms of youth development, I think both Johnnie Jackson and Rohan Ricketts will develop nicely under Arnesan. Remember this... Ricketts will develop into the left-winger that England have needed for years!
Its clear that a defensive weakness has been identified at the Lane, and positive action has been taken to start correcting this weakness. If it keeps Richards, Doherty and Tarricco out of the squad, I'm happy!
And Carr...? I think its a result we got £2M+ for him! He had a couple of great seasons 4 years ago, and has underachieved ever since. Maybe he was in-need of a new challenge, and so hasn't been able to focus properly, who knows?? In my view, he falls into the 'dead wood' category, along with Richards, Doherty, Tarricco, Poyet, Anderton & Keller. Gardner has showed potential, but needs to establish himself as a consistent performer.