From The Terraces publishes UNEDITED submissions we receive from you, the readers. It’s your chance to show us how this football blogging is done right, or to embarrass yourself and your ancestors.
Simply write to: editor[at]caughtoffside[dot]com.
This time, COS reader Sean throws in his two pennies on the end of Darren Bent’s London merry-go-round.
As you know, Tottenham have signed twice capped England international and (arguably) Charltons best player Darren Bent, with the 16.5m fee apparently angering the yid masses. Spurs had possessed one of the most potent strikeforces in the Prem already in Berbatov, Keane and Defoe (er, and that Mido character) so many of you are wondering exactly why Jol felt the eneed to purchase yet another striker? Many of you had your say on the matter, with the majority seeming somewhat put out/angered/mahing the keyboard in a furious bout of rage but personally, I believe Darren will prove a very sound buy for Spurs, and heres why.
Proven Goalscorer:
With a shit team. Bent was the driving force behind Charlton the year before last, (05-06) where they actually performed rather well under Alan Curbishley. He scored 18 goals that season, and was voted Charltons player of the season. He was the highest scoring Englishman that year and the third highest overall. Last season he netted 14, an impressive return when considering Charltons plight, showing his natural eye for goal and ability to score when the chips are down.
Time is on Our Side:
In quite a few ways actually. This transfer, which may seem astronomical this year will more then likely seem reasonable in the next. This is because transfer fees will continue to skyrocket, funded by the ridiculous money Sky are throwing at Premier clubs from their seemingly bottomless pit. Also, Bent is 23. he has scored many goals already, and will (hopefully) continue to develop his game under the eye of Jol and his coaching staff
Homegrown Alternatives:
For Tottenhams position? Errrrr, none. People have suggested names like Nugent, apparently on offer for 6m. Yes, this is a much better value deal, but at this moment in time, Nugent would not be a step forward for a club teetering on the edge of greatness. The only other I can think of is Alan Smith, a great player but a throughbred Northern lad who would doubtfully welcome a move to the capital. (and whats this talk about “Smith + 4m for Owen”?? who would give away an asset like Smith AND cash for that overrated piece of shit???)
Yes people, 16m IS a bit much. But only 5m of that will be paid straight away, with the rest over the next few seasons. And if Berbatov is destined to leave next summer, then a quality player like Bent who will have developed around Berba for a year would be an ideal replacement that would require no settling in. Tottenham do still need that elusive left midfielder, but we have only just begun July, so i think panic time has not yet come.