Woodgate

[Spur_Forever]

So he's signed for something in the region of 8 mil and is apparently on the club's top wage level:

http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/woodgatesigns.html

As you can probably guess from the tone of my post, I'm not entirely thrilled with this news. Don't get me wrong - on his day, this guy's a fantastic defender. Real Madrid doesn't sign many rubbish players. But there's a reason they chose to offload him as well. He's spent about as much time on the sidelines as Anderton, Owen and Duff combined!

If he can get fit, then him and Ledley will sort out our defense for sure. Dawson will lose his starting spot next to King and will have to fight hard to get back in the side. If Woodgate can't get fit, then we're back to square one, but bleeding money (in terms of wages) at the same time.

On the plus side, surely this means the end for Gardner and Rocha?

[The Double]

Shit, a strong gust of wind will take him and Ledley out for weeks.

[sendorange]

It is a gamble, but as an experienced and composed defender he is up there with the best and that is what we really need. He has had a decent record at Boro in terms of appearances as well, worth bearing in mind that Newcastle was an absolute graveyard for injuries and Madrid rushed him back too fast from an injury which actually originated from his last weeks at Newcastle and then worsened in Madrid if I remember right.

I heard that Gardner and Rocha definitely gone, Gardner maybe even on loan.

[HomeatHighbury]

So he's signed for something in the region of 8 mil and is apparently on the club's top wage level:

http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/woodgatesigns.html

As you can probably guess from the tone of my post, I'm not entirely thrilled with this news. Don't get me wrong - on his day, this guy's a fantastic defender. Real Madrid doesn't sign many rubbish players. But there's a reason they chose to offload him as well. He's spent about as much time on the sidelines as Anderton, Owen and Duff combined!

If he can get fit, then him and Ledley will sort out our defense for sure. Dawson will lose his starting spot next to King and will have to fight hard to get back in the side. If Woodgate can't get fit, then we're back to square one, but bleeding money (in terms of wages) at the same time.

On the plus side, surely this means the end for Gardner and Rocha?

8 million is a whole chunk of money...has Rocha played at all this season?

[sendorange]

It's actually 6.5 million with 1 million in addons. Which considering the likes of Gary Cahill and James McFadden are moving for near 5 million is not so bad.

[mattie g]

It's actually 6.5 million with 1 million in addons. Which considering the likes of Gary Cahill and James McFadden are moving for near 5 million is not so bad.

I said this in the January thread - at 7-8 million, it's an absolute steal if he can remain healthy. He's played in ~70% of Boro's games in the time he's been there; if he can match that for us, I'd be thrilled.

Woodgate is quality at the back, and a player who can legitimately fill King's shoes. I'm really happy this has come off, and can't wait to see him in the shirt.

[cdmphy]

By the way, he's played 72% of Boro's games since joining.

[Spur_Forever]

Well, I guess between him and King, we can now hope to have one world class defender playing at all times - which is not a bad thing.

[chanman83]

sorry If this sounds dumb, I'm still pretty new to european soccer so what in your opinions are woodgates pro's and cons besides he sneezes and he's out for weeks.

[jrob_blue]

Anyone know what kit number he'll be wearing?

[sendorange]

sorry If this sounds dumb, I'm still pretty new to european soccer so what in your opinions are woodgates pro's and cons besides he sneezes and he's out for weeks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnabsaqxbdU

[Mr Tips]

It's actually 6.5 million with 1 million in addons. Which considering the likes of Gary Cahill and James McFadden are moving for near 5 million is not so bad.

actually I believe it's £6mil, with £1.5 in additional potential add-ons. but who's counting, right? :D it's a steal at either pricepoint if he can be kept healthy. hopefully with Tottenham's new fitness program, that becomes more of a likelihood.

what's troubling is that from some reports, Woody's intended to be more of a replacement for King than a partner.

[soccernutter]

Anyone know what kit number he'll be wearing?

7? :D

[The Double]

Congrats on the wedding, man.

[-Fifth CharM-]

The guy is really good when healthy, the key word here being healthy. 2 season with Real Madrid, only 9 official appearance, ,1 goal, 2 own goals. He sure was unlucky with the injuries.

He spent so much time with the medical staff that he befriended them all. His first goal for Real Madrid, he ran over and hugged Dr. Alfonso del Coral, Real Madrid´s head of medical services.

sDRKhrjCh-E

[The Double]

what's troubling is that from some reports, Woody's intended to be more of a replacement for King than a partner.

Yeah, right.

[gdub171]

If he's healthy this is a major coup from the 'Toon army. I've always enjoyed watching Spurs games, but the defense has been atrocious the past couple of years. Dawson is junk and so is Robinson. This and a solid DM (or Zokora being productive) would make your club power for a Euro Cup spot easily.

[Phillyspur]

sorry If this sounds dumb, I'm still pretty new to european soccer so what in your opinions are woodgates pro's and cons besides he sneezes and he's out for weeks.

The pros are just that he's an upgrade on 3 of our 4 CBs.
Possible cons:

history of bad behaviour, especially with Leeds. Let's hope he's grown up.
Northern lad, not played down south before, might not settle.
Mercenary? - playing clubs off against one another? Just a short time ago joined his hometown club, he won't think twice about leaving us.

[Mr Tips]

Yeah, right.

hey, I said "some". but that's awesome that you've got such confidence in King's long term fitness. I'd love to see a King + Woodgate pairing week in week out.

[The Double]

hey, I said "some". but that's awesome that you've got such confidence in King's long term fitness.

On the contrary, I think if someone brushes up against either the wrong way they're out for a month. King signed a long term deal, he's not going anywhere.