Sorry lads and lasses, been a bit out of the loop recently with work 'n that. What's the latest on Landon for PFC? We got Pompey at the Lane of course in just over a week. Will Baby Jesus (from my local USA team the Earthquakes) be part of the show? It would be something if Spurs was his first encounter. Anyway, like I said, been out of the loop for a few days. Interesting in the Harrods vs Spurs thread that there will be a record number of Americans on a Premier pitch at Loftus road on Sat. Shame it's not on the goggle box but I'll be tuning on my laptop while watching the Merseyside derby. Come On You Spurs.
Portsmouth have signed 2 strikers in the past week and one isn't Landon.. so, do they want more? Not sure... doubt it.
The situation is constantly changing. All parties involved--Portsmouth, MLS, San Jose Earthquakes, Landon Donovan and Bayer Leverkusen--have agreed and signed off on the deal. The solitary hold-up is FIFA who seem to be mandating this new USA Transfer Window imposition. They can get Donovan to Portsmouth, that's the easy part, But the problem is that they cannot get him back to San Jose after the English season, because the next window for the USA is not until August 15-September 15. So while he could join his MLS team immediately upon the end of the English season, he couldn't play until August 15, which is unacceptable to San Jose and MLS. Portsmouth still is very set on trying to bring Donovan, because he's more skilled than the other players they're bringing in. But, at the moment, it is very touch and go, and not looking likely that FIFA will budge on this one. Unfortunate, because Donovan would have definitely made an impact for them. Frankly, I was hoping the rumor that Spurs were going to swoop him on a permanent transfer were true, because he's the best American, and that includes Howard, Friedel, O'Brien, McBride, etc. -Digital
Fifa makes me angry -- just seems like they change the rules on a whim whenever they want -- I know I know there are other threads for this. I'd like to see LD at Spurs, but from his point of view I think a 'being thrown into the lions den' for a few months with a relegation threatened club, getting tons of playing time etc. would be better for his development -- I can't see LD in the starting XI consistently for Spurs at the moment minus injury woes.
There can never be too many threads criticising the corrupt mess that is the current FIFA administration under Sepp Blatter.
He's also been played at A Mid or withdrawn forward at times during his playing days......and quite succesfully at that.
The Donovan Has Landed.... maybe Thanks for the detailed and succinct update, Digital. You should be writing for an on-line sports paper. Second thoughts, you're too good. You need to start making stuff up, the wackier the better I have often thought about how excellent it would be for Landon to play for Spurs: one of my favourite players playing for my favourite club. Seeing as how Postiga and Zamora can't hit a cow's arse with a banjo, and that Kanoute is now looking at the Olympics as another means to avoid WHL, I reckon Donovan could have knocked a few in for us meantime, plus as stated above he's a solid midfielder when required. Thing is, unlike FFC, I reckon we only notice players in the US if we happen to be playing friendlies against them, a la Convey. So maybe a few Spurs vs Earthquakes games could be in order. Is it worth us all "flooding" Spurs with e-mails about jumping in for LD? Probably a bit late for that now right? I'd love to see the Pompey deal still happening for him, it will be fascinating to see how he fares, and it will continue to cause an upsurge in interest in the States about the game in general and the English football scene in particular, and ultimately MLS benefits. But it certainly would only now happen way after the Spurs match next weekend. Which is a good thing, because after Boca and Bridey's performances in FFC's win over us today, we don't need any more o' that for a while. Still, Keller gets that free dinner in the West End! Roll on the FA Cup replay home to Citeh. A few hours after the Fulham match and I'm suffering THFC withdrawal symptoms already..... we need to get back to winning ways. Pleaty, get your act, and the defence, together.