I’m the worst person in the world with money. If I’ve got it, I’ll spend it...but I’ll still try to find a bargain. I’ll scour the internet, ebay, backstreet shops and then haggle at the counter until I’m convinced I’ve got the best possible deal. Well, I am Scotch, innit.
But on the first point, it seems I’m not alone. The new TV deal for the English Premier League means even lowly-placed West Ham – who only just escaped relegation, you’ll remember – got about $75 million to spend from their share of the TV rights alone.
And with money burning a hole in their pocket, they waded in with a $45 million-plus offer for Darren Bent. That. Is. Mental.
Bent was the surprise package for Charlton two seasons ago. Last season he was no longer a surprise to rival backlines and they were ready for him. He was good but not great.
And there is no way on God’s Green Earth that he is a $45 million striker. Yet thanks to West Ham’s cash-happy bidding, suddenly he is, because other clubs like Spurs are having to match that kind of price tag to get a look in at him.
It’s not often I’m right and I’ll probably be proved wrong again but Bent will be another Kevin Phillips and Peter Crouch. He’s a great player for struggling sides – but clubs looking for a top ten finish need a player that can average a goal at least every other game. Bent will not be that man.
Meanwhile Henry is going to Barcelona for $40 million. Yes, he’s getting injury-prone and yes, he's near the end of his career. No, he didn't have a great season last year. He is however still devastating in front of goal, and a charismatic, inspirational leader for any team.
I’d like to think that if I had that kind of money kicking about, I’d be the one blowing it on that Henry bargain instead of throwing it away on getting Bent.
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Meanwhile Chelsea are picking up the best of the rest on free transfers. With Man Utd grabbing Nani and Anderson for a premium, this will be the real true test of Jose Mourinho’s management ability. For all their big spending in recent years, they still lacked depth in their reserves to last the long, long season in the Premiership and Europe. Now that Abramovich has cut off the cash, Mourinho has to find that depth on the free transfer list. This will be the season we find out if he is the Special One or just the $pecial One.
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It’s the off-season so that means Football Manager 2007. And from extensive research (ie playing until dawn, night after night), I can exclusively reveal that if Liverpool blow their entire budget on Fernando Torres, they’ll walk the EPL next season. But only with me at the helm, of course. Oddly enough though, my Scouse squad didn't include Harry Kewell. After an impressive display at the Asian Cup for the Socceroos, I got an offer that was too good to refuse, and Harry moved on to Europe. Surprisingly the side didn't seem to miss him. Of course that’s all just make believe. Isn't it?
But on the first point, it seems I’m not alone. The new TV deal for the English Premier League means even lowly-placed West Ham – who only just escaped relegation, you’ll remember – got about $75 million to spend from their share of the TV rights alone.
And with money burning a hole in their pocket, they waded in with a $45 million-plus offer for Darren Bent. That. Is. Mental.
Bent was the surprise package for Charlton two seasons ago. Last season he was no longer a surprise to rival backlines and they were ready for him. He was good but not great.
And there is no way on God’s Green Earth that he is a $45 million striker. Yet thanks to West Ham’s cash-happy bidding, suddenly he is, because other clubs like Spurs are having to match that kind of price tag to get a look in at him.
It’s not often I’m right and I’ll probably be proved wrong again but Bent will be another Kevin Phillips and Peter Crouch. He’s a great player for struggling sides – but clubs looking for a top ten finish need a player that can average a goal at least every other game. Bent will not be that man.
Meanwhile Henry is going to Barcelona for $40 million. Yes, he’s getting injury-prone and yes, he's near the end of his career. No, he didn't have a great season last year. He is however still devastating in front of goal, and a charismatic, inspirational leader for any team.
I’d like to think that if I had that kind of money kicking about, I’d be the one blowing it on that Henry bargain instead of throwing it away on getting Bent.
++++
Meanwhile Chelsea are picking up the best of the rest on free transfers. With Man Utd grabbing Nani and Anderson for a premium, this will be the real true test of Jose Mourinho’s management ability. For all their big spending in recent years, they still lacked depth in their reserves to last the long, long season in the Premiership and Europe. Now that Abramovich has cut off the cash, Mourinho has to find that depth on the free transfer list. This will be the season we find out if he is the Special One or just the $pecial One.
++++
It’s the off-season so that means Football Manager 2007. And from extensive research (ie playing until dawn, night after night), I can exclusively reveal that if Liverpool blow their entire budget on Fernando Torres, they’ll walk the EPL next season. But only with me at the helm, of course. Oddly enough though, my Scouse squad didn't include Harry Kewell. After an impressive display at the Asian Cup for the Socceroos, I got an offer that was too good to refuse, and Harry moved on to Europe. Surprisingly the side didn't seem to miss him. Of course that’s all just make believe. Isn't it?
