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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
actually I believe it's £6mil, with £1.5 in additional potential add-ons. but who's counting, right? 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.
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. [youtube]sDRKhrjCh-E[/youtube]
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.
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.
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.
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.
The two are completely different defenders. I think that if they can stay fit they're very complimentary. King is all about speed and athleticism. Woodgate has more of an aerial presence and has fantastic positioning.
no, no...I'm aware of his contract; it's the knee that I'm worried about. some suggestions that Woodgate is in to shoulder most of the workload, and that a Woodgate King pairing will be more of a part-time affair due to the need to rest King more frequently.