This from the BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/charlton_athletic/3408875.stm The more I have thought about this possible transfer, the more stupid it seems. Yes, Scott Parker is a very good midfielder. But is that what Chelsea needs? Or do they just need to weaken Charlton Athletic to stay up in third place? At Chelsea, Parker would just be another midfielder creating chances for the attackers. He could add some fiestiness defensively and a goal here and there. But Chelsea really needs a striker or two to finish the chances they are already creating. Jimmy Floyd and those boys just are not getting it done up front. Parker won't help with that. Such a transfer would only hurt the Addicks and probably Parker in the long run.
Here is another article about the no deal. http://skysports.planetfootball.com/transfernews.asp?type=article&id=182351 Good points about the hinderance to the Addicks, possibly preventing them from catching Chelsea. Here is an interesting opinion article about Saha and Parker, and the state of the EPL. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3410269.stm It is a pretty good read.
That second one is a good read. I, for one, don't think that has to be the reality of football. And I disagree with the writer that anyone of us in the same place would do the same thing. Working in the regular world, I see that there are other opportunities for me. But I stay where I am because it is a great fit -- for me, my career, my family. It's not just about money for all of us. I wish someone could get in Parker's ear and point out to him that he could build his own career by staying at Charlton. If he goes, his career will be in the hands of a manager who rotates his lineup regularly. There is no guarantee he will be able to crack the lineup and stay there for any extended time. If he were to go to Chelsea or anywhere else, he will just be another name on the long list of good and great players. If he stays at Charlton, his name would be at the top of the list. He will be the one credited with getting Charlton to Europe, etc. He will be Charlton. That's what Curbs will become as manager and I think he recognizes that. Curbs sees that he has a chance to build something great and not follow in anyone's footsteps in doing it.
I really liked the last few points that you made. Both Curbs and Parker can become Charlton Athletic. Getting to Europe would legitimize both of their places.
If I'm being honest, I agree with a lot of what's been said here although I still hope that we get Parker in the end. In spite of the all the new players that have arrived this season we still lack "bottle" and Parker has proved himself this season in that respect. Did anyone read anything into Peter Varney's statement, "The board unanimously felt that both £7m and £7.5m were unacceptable for the best young midfield player in the country" - not exactly an outright dismissal is it?
Well, it appears that Chelsea wasn't offering what almost all pundts felt was the right price....about £12m. The offer of only £7.5m plus additional monies for 90 starts (not appearances) is absolutely rediculous. With the rotation system used at Chelsea he might get 90 starts in about 7 years. I'm hoping this is the end of it and Chelsea claimed it was their final offer. We'll see.
I also hope this is the end of it. The window stays open for only ten more days. And Chelsea has a lot of important things to do. So, they should be way too busy to mess with this anymore. Especially since they don't want to spend THAT much on Parker. Obviously he is not that valuable to the Blues. And yes, Chelsea needs some "bottle" but they need it up front.