Darren Bent signs for record £16million

[Ossie]

"While Arsenal were coming to terms with Thierry Henry's exit, Charlton striker Darren Bent last night agreed to join Tottenham for £30,000 a week less than was on offer at West Ham a week ago.

Spurs will pay a club record £16million for Bent, with £13m payable now and a further £3m in success-related add-ons. "


Well, I hope he's worth it, because its a lot of money

source: Daily Mail

Link (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=463835&in_page_id=1779&ct=5)

[MarlowSpurs]

Especially as he's cost £5.1 million more than Berbatov

[RuFuS]

Darren Bent last night agreed to join Tottenham


Mmmmm........ he aint yet... i'm getting seriously bored with this :eek:

[berbzy 'G']

Bent won't last long at Spurs... Infact... I think he won't even last to the January transfers... Lets be honest, Is Darren Bent gonna get first team play...

[Spur]

Bent won't last long at Spurs... Infact... I think he won't even last to the January transfers... Lets be honest, Is Darren Bent gonna get first team play...

In a word...Yes.

Word is he's got his medical today or 2moro, most likely 2moro, then we will announce it.

[Ossie]

well i've copied it because the daily mail gives it as a done deal

[Gino Ginelli]

****'s sake. Am I the only one who thinks this is a bad move, both footballing and business wise?

[Spur]

****'s sake. Am I the only one who thinks this is a bad move, both footballing and business wise?

It's alot of money.

But how you can say it's a bad footballing decision I don't know. Bent gives us what we don't have. We had three strikers on or near 20 goals each this season. For the next they will be on or past 25.

Bent gives us something we've needed for a long time to unlock the most stubborn of defences. Add to that the pace and runs and we've brought in a wonderful striker who will do the business.

[Milney yid]

I'd be very happy with this move if it was £7-10mill. But £17? Definately seems a bit excessive when you think how many world class players have gone for less. We'll have to wait and see, hopefully MJs got it right again and he'll be a great signing for Spurs. Looks like this means the end for Defoe though.

[shoot_ffs]

on the face of it, 15+m looks like pretty heavy going, but we've been pretty shrewd with our buys, even if the players ability may be questionable.
take routledge for example, we bought him at market price, but no doubt when you subtract the add-ons from the deal, we've paid very little for the opportunity to look at him. i'm sure we'll sell him for more than we've outlayed to date, even if it has been harsh on the lad.

i don't doubt bent's finishing for a minute. i think both keane and defoe have had to improve on their finishing the last two years, in light of the competition. bent has certainly played and scored well against us, and his goals have been noticeable considering he plays for a poor charly side. if we can get him for 13m + add on's i'd be happy with that. i'd see him playing 30+ games a season with defoe, helping both their england chances, assuming defoe wants to stay. bent's pace and size being attributes we've missed since sir lez. i think he'd be a big hit for us.

[berbzy 'G']

I can see how Charlton would have to sell Darren Bent for £16 million due to there relegation... But Bent himself isn't worth that much... I can only see bent for Spurs as a 4th choice striker... he will have to work hard to be able to get first team-play... But I can't see it happening... If Jol decides to replace Bent for players like Keane or Berbatov... Then Defoe will leave...

[Gino Ginelli]

That's what it comes down to though isn't it? We're outlaying 13m for a 2nd choice striker. Sorry, but no way would Bent get picked ahead of Keane for one minute, and Berbatov?! Ppphhh...

Plus forwards are not the position we're weak in, it's the other obvious ones that we all know about. So that's how I think this is a bad footballing signing, and business because it's 13 to 16m on a player we don't need.

And before anyone says, he gives us something that we don't have, no he doesn't, we already have top strikers and more. If Keane or Defoe were starting every game they'd easily be getting 20+ in the league each. But they don't, their starts are pretty much even, so they score roughly 20 for the season. So by that rationale, Bent isn't going to be getting anymore than that because he's gonna be playing the same number of games as the others.

As I said, daft use of financial resources, which should have been spent on more important positions.

So there...

:p

[Spur]

That's what it comes down to though isn't it? We're outlaying 13m for a 2nd choice striker. Sorry, but no way would Bent get picked ahead of Keane for one minute, and Berbatov?! Ppphhh...

Plus forwards are not the position we're weak in, it's the other obvious ones that we all know about. So that's how I think this is a bad footballing signing, and business because it's 13 to 16m on a player we don't need.

And before anyone says, he gives us something that we don't have, no he doesn't, we already have top strikers and more. If Keane or Defoe were starting every game they'd easily be getting 20+ in the league each. But they don't, their starts are pretty much even, so they score roughly 20 for the season. So by that rationale, Bent isn't going to be getting anymore than that because he's gonna be playing the same number of games as the others.

As I said, daft use of financial resources, which should have been spent on more important positions.

So there...

:p

And what if we were going togo with 3 up front? Would you advocate such a signing then?

You've got to consider we are now firmly in a buyers market, the recent influx of foreign investors, the new TV deal. If you think we're going to buy anyone this summer or next for a reasonable price your very much mistaken Gino. The first 50million player in my opinion will be this year or the next, and after that the sky is the limit. Ronaldinho, Kaka, CRonaldo, these re players that will move on one day and when they do there will be double the amount of Clubs than right now can afford them. I reckon our transfer record (after it's broken right now) will be broken again next summer, and maybe the summer after too.

[jrio]

And what if we were going togo with 3 up front? Would you advocate such a signing then?

You've got to consider we are now firmly in a buyers market, the recent influx of foreign investors, the new TV deal. If you think we're going to buy anyone this summer or next for a reasonable price your very much mistaken Gino. The first 50million player in my opinion will be this year or the next, and after that the sky is the limit. Ronaldinho, Kaka, CRonaldo, these re players that will move on one day and when they do there will be double the amount of Clubs than right now can afford them. I reckon our transfer record (after it's broken right now) will be broken again next summer, and maybe the summer after too.
But you're not thinking of all 3 up front, are you? Clubs that play 433 usually have 2 wide players ala Chelsea or adopt a formation like ManU where Rooney moves out wide but often tucks in. I don't see us doing this unless we're losing and then we switch to Keane playing just off the front 2.

I think Bent would be picked ahead of Keane for a big game, but would he be ahead of him for a major key game, like a final, a major semi or similar? It's worth pointing out that one of our big failings has been scoring and winning against the big 4, and Bent's record against them is equally poor.

[RuFuS]

Word is he's got his medical today or 2moro, most likely 2moro, then we will announce it.


We'll see and i'm still bored with it all.

[shakey18]

Roll on the 1st of July when the window is actually open, so some real deals can be completed.Agreed that it is getting boring now with the SAME old shit being "reported" day in, day out.NOW GO OUT AND GET A ****IN LEFT WINGER!!!!!.

[peterc]

****'s sake. Am I the only one who thinks this is a bad move, both footballing and business wise?

Totally agree, wasted money on an over-rated, overpriced player. Lets hope he fails his medical tomorrow.

[hastingsyid]

totally agree a lw is a must and all this ****ing around is doing me head in

[RuFuS]

Agreed that it is getting boring now with the SAME old shit being "reported" day in, day out.

"reported" ****in "reported" it's more like jackanory.

I'm gonna start a thread DID YOU KNOW ?

Like DID YOU KNOW david beckham is leaving Real Madrid.
Like DID YOU KNOW Henry is off to barcalona
Like DID YOU KNOW Berbatov is going to ( ) fill in blank
Like DID YOU KNOW Bent is going to spurs

Then we can talk about it till the paint peels off any inanimate object you care to think of and eventually they become fact in some peoples minds.

[peterc]

Darren Bent
Charlton Athletic chief executive Peter Varney has spoken to Sky Sports News in order to clarify Darren Bent's situation, amid reports that he is poised to sign for Tottenham.

Speculation has been rife in Sunday's press that the England striker has all but wrapped up a switch to White Hart Lane, with Charlton and Spurs having come to an arrangement over the fee.

However, on the contrary, Varney has confirmed that Charlton have not struck an accord with any club, other than West Ham, who Bent rejected the opportunity to join.

West Ham had a bid accepted by Charlton that was thought to have been in the region of £17million and, while Tottenham are known to be vigorously pursuing a deal, they are not willing to match this valuation.

This has not, though, stopped speculation that has claimed Bent is close to making the switch across the capital to join Martin Jol's Tottenham.

"West Ham matched out valuation," Varney told Sky Sports News.

"As a result of that, we gave them permission to talk to Darren but he declined to join them.

"No other club has matched our valuation and therefore, despite all the speculation in the press today, that remains the situation."

Let's hope we do not increase our bid for him ,overpriced and over-rated.

[Baleinho]

this is just starting to do my ****ing nut in now.

We will know on the 1st July- hes probably signed for some vast amount that is nowhere near his actual valuation.

Bent should be the last thing on our minds as we NEED A LEFT WINGER FFFFSSSSSSSSSSSS

[shoot_ffs]

just wondering what happened to our supposed fourth choice wonder signing last year. carlton cole?? is he making the tea at west ham?

think we'll have n'zogbia sorted for left wing next year.

as for bent, he would give us something new - pace!! and obviously over keane and defoe he can nod a few in too. leaving the other squad positions aside for a minute, does everyone think having an expensive fourth striker is bad?

whoever buys him will end up paying say 4m over the odds for him, but he's a young english talent and there's nobody else of his type of his age or coming through the u21's. If you wanted to buy lita or nugent you'd end up paying 4m over the top too. I'd see us playing two pairs of strikers, as we did last year except mido was injured and not performing well enough, and poor berby looked like he was going to have a breakdown come march. I'd rather have 4 strikers of equal quality, than be worried that resting berby could mean losing the game. If we have the money do it.

[Ioang]

When you buy an english player who's been in the prem a while you're buying something invaluable - the finished article. Berbatov took a while to adapt, Sheva never did, Zokora had a bit of a 'mare at the start and how many other flops have we seen? Kanoute!?

We still haven't spent more than last year, and this year we have loads loads loads more cash - even increased season ticket prices! Whats your beef lads?

[Baleinho]

whoever buys him will end up paying say 4m over the odds for him, but he's a young english talent and there's nobody else of his type of his age or coming through the u21's. If you wanted to buy lita or nugent you'd end up paying 4m over the top too. I'd see us playing two pairs of strikers, as we did last year except mido was injured and not performing well enough, and poor berby looked like he was going to have a breakdown come march. I'd rather have 4 strikers of equal quality, than be worried that resting berby could mean losing the game. If we have the money do it.


i like that. well said. The only trouble is for the money we are paying can you honestly say he will provide the goods on a consistant level? Id like to think so. Who knows- come december/january time when bents had a dam few games we will look back at this and say 'jesus i cant believe we slated him for the money he's joining for'. He could provide the x-factor that we need to break into the top 4!

On the flipside we need to think about poor JD. I bet he's shitting himself at the prospect of being put even further down the pecking order at spurs. That leaves the option that he will more than likely begone shortly. I genuinely cant see defoe staying any longer knowing that not only does he have to go through keane to get a first team place- its also now darren bent. But hey again i said id keep quiet about jd as this has been mentioned millions of times in the past week or two.

4 quality strikers does seem like a mouth watering prospect but for ppl getting games i doubt all four will be perminantly happy. We shall see what happens....

Next you'll b hearing bent going to ****ing gooners rofl... i love the papers and their bullshit...

[RuFuS]

I warned you :D

DID YOU KNOW THAT : only west ham have matched charltons valuation of darren bent that why they were allowed to talk to him.

WELL DID YOU ?

[highlander]

if we were to sign Bent, which is looking increasingly likely, then we would have 4 top quality strikers. this would enable us to unlock almost every defence in the league. yes there are other weaknesses in the team but at the end of the day if we score more goals than we let in then we will be a strong team. with Bent we will score more goals

[Shuggie13]

As long as we address the other key areas I really do not see the problem with signing Bent. If we pay a little bit over the odds so be it, it is sending out a statement of intent, that we are building a squad that is going to be a force to be reckoned with for a long time to come. It's not as if we are a Newcastle that pays silly money and wages for 'maybes' or the over-rated. He is young and has something to offer that we do not currently have in our strike force.

[TomMcLaren]

I keep coming back to the fact that he scored 14 PL goals last season playing in a dreadful Charlton side. Implies to me that he could have got many more playing for us. Although on current price talk, that's a million quid a goal, I think that is reasonable value, and he could have far exceeded that playing for us. Get him in.

Quote from ESPN: "Despite Charlton's price-tag being more than the fee Barcelona paid Arsenal for Thierry Henry, Bent's value would be expected to increase if he improves on his first two seasons in the top flight when he has scored 37 goals and earned his first England cap."

[jrio]

There's a definite sense of buying him as extra insurance if Berb leaves at the end of next season. As we'd be expecting 25m+ from the sale of Berb it makes clear financial sense to pay more than we'd normally be comfortable with.

[hodgy]

gotta to feel alittle bit sorry for d bent in this situation. is he worth 16/17 million. it's what charlton have valued him at. he just goes out there and does a job most of us only dreamed off. well i did anyway. a bit less lager and cider and you never know i could have made the bench for hereford united once or twice. anyway he has to live up to the price tag which they have put on his head. if he can live up to the price tag happy days for whoever sign him. if hefails then he is a flop ala chris sutton at chelsea.

[proto]

agree with jrio

we're signing bent partialy as security. cos berb will go next summer if we fail to bust into the top4, as much as i hate it, its the way it is. And bent is a player who we can keep if we make slower progress. Bent is coming to fill the gap berb will leave if we don't make it or hes coming to give us quality depth as we push into the CL. either way i'll be pleased to have him despite the inflated value.

untill last week i was holding onto the idea of keeping defoe, hes done a job for us at times and hes shown some loyalty and maturaty i didn't think he had TBH. but i can't see him being of any great value to us as maybe a 4th choice. It'll probably cause a mini riot saying it, but i've warmed to the smith rumours, a forwards squad of berb, keane, bent and smith makes more sense to me than berb, keane, bent and defoe. Smith is used to being down the pecking order and imo hes more usefull as a sub to us than defoe because although hes not the class of defoe where defoe excels, he can play deeper and isn't 3ft tall. and too often when defoe comes on he can't get into the game cos he can't muscle in, somtimes hes great, but it depends on the circumstances and who we're playing. where as smith can fill pretty much any role in any situation replacing berb, keane or bent if one gets a knock but most of all if we're chasing a game we can bring on a 3rd forward without putting keane whos an instinctive striker out of goal range. its just a shame i've always thought smiths a bit of ****, but i ain't gonna hold that against him if he works in the squad like i think he could. plus we could make 2 or 3 mil making that change, money that can be thrown at one of them dutch kids or some pure lefty

[Spur]

Smith and Nugent are worth about the same, maybe Nugent we could get a little cheaper.

I'd rather Nugent than Smith. Smith's a knob.

[TomMcLaren]

I think Nugents a nob as well tbh.

[choda]

Well you're dead right proto.

Defoe is even more limited as a sub than he is usually because when strikers come on they want to make an impression by doing their thing: movement, pace, going by players, clever link play, one two's, making a physical nusnance of youself or winning headers etc. But what's is Defoe's thing?

He hasn't got a thing. All he can do really is shoot, which is why I don't like him because for me a striker has to have strength, cleverness or movement in his armoury to add to shooting/finishing ability to be top player.

Smith's a legend for me. I don't know how somebody can call him a knob. He's so honest and unselfish. He'd be a great fourth man as he'd give us something different again. A hustler and bustler that can make thing happen in that way. And he has more ability than he gets credit for.

[proto]

i think people think hes a nob (well me anyway) stems from his leeds days..... he came from a whole team of knobs managed by a knob... and its stuck.

apart from his wonder goal, i didn't see anything of Nugent last season, so i dunno what he's like. Smith makes sense, but if theres a player in the same mould with top top level playing and winning experience at the smith price talked about, they'll do too, just can't think of anyone more realistic.

i see today the Rumour mill is saying we're off bent now, i would imagine thats bollocks. but if its not, there's foreign targets that can do what he does, especialy if we're considering breaking 15mil, problem is, they're not EPL proven. But i like bent, i'm sure he'd be great for us so i'm still hoping he comes.

[olly27]

Well you're dead right proto.

Defoe is even more limited as a sub than he is usually because when strikers come on they want to make an impression by doing their thing: movement, pace, going by players, clever link play, one two's, making a physical nusnance of youself or winning headers etc. But what's is Defoe's thing?

He hasn't got a thing. All he can do really is shoot, which is why I don't like him because for me a striker has to have strength, cleverness or movement in his armoury to add to shooting/finishing ability.

Smith's a legend for me. I don't know how somebody can call him a knob. He's so honest and unselfish. He'd be a great fourth man as he'd give us something different again. A hustler and bustler that can make thing happen in that way. And he has more ability than he gets credit for.

Well throwing a bottle back into the crowd might have something to do with it!..whats the chances of hitting the person who fired it in the first place!...although that was back in his leeds days and he's obviously matured a bit since then!

[choda]

Well throwing a bottle back into the crowd might have something to do with it!..whats the chances of hitting the person who fired it in the first place!...although that was back in his leeds days and he's obviously matured a bit since then!

Oh ya he's firey all right. But I like that. He's not a ******. He was young when he did that.

And fair ****s to him a guy throws something at him and he hits the ****er back, what's wrong with that?

I'd like more of that eye for an eye treatment! But I take your point that he could have hit an old lady. Rio. :o At least Smith was a youngster who's grown up, and he actually is a hard man.

Rio's just a ***** who hits people who won't hit him back.

And I know he aimed for the advert boards, but he's still a twonk.

[olly27]

Oh ya he's firey all right. But I like that. He's not a ******. He was young when he did that.

And fair ****s to him a guy throws something at him and he hits the ****er back, what's wrong with that?

I'd like more of that eye for an eye treatment! But I take your point that he could have hit an old lady. Rio. :o At least Smith was a youngster who's grown up, and he actually is a hard man.

Rio's just a ***** who hits people who won't hit him back.

And I know he aimed for the advert boards, but he's still a twonk.

I was reading what some of the Man U fans were saying about the Smith speculation...he's a crowd favourite up there as he wears his heart on his sleeve so to speak...his work ethic is good and he has fight and agression in him...he may not have an abundance of quality but his gritty determination is admired and appreciated by the United faithful..I personally think he would be a good signing for the figures that of been mentioned...he's defintitely not a midfielder but could do a job there in a desperate situation..I think because he was played out of position for so long at Man U..its tarnished his image a bit in footballing terms..which in turn has lowered his market value...could end up being a very good bit of business..Furgeson got that wrong playing him in midfield in my opinion..Smith was excellent, playing in his natural position, against Roma..defending from the front and pressing their defence...

[bocayid]

According to reports, relegated Charlton Athletic are now stalling on the Darren Bent deal.

The Charlton board met on Monday, with the Independent reporting that their conclusion was that they are in no rush to sell, as finances do not demand it.

Ipswich Town are entitled to a slice of the fee, due to a sell on clause when Bent moved from Ipswich to Charlton in 2005.

That fee is thought to be around the 20% mark, which could see £3million being handed to Ipswich.

Charlton have already started to prepare for Bent's departure signing Luke Varney and Chris Iwelumo, but will Spurs or another side match their £17 million evaluation for the England striker?

Or are other reports correct and a deal has already been agreed and will be announced within the next 24 hours?

[olly27]

According to reports, relegated Charlton Athletic are now stalling on the Darren Bent deal.

The Charlton board met on Monday, with the Independent reporting that their conclusion was that they are in no rush to sell, as finances do not demand it.

Ipswich Town are entitled to a slice of the fee, due to a sell on clause when Bent moved from Ipswich to Charlton in 2005.

That fee is thought to be around the 20% mark, which could see £3million being handed to Ipswich.

Charlton have already started to prepare for Bent's departure signing Luke Varney and Chris Iwelumo, but will Spurs or another side match their £17 million evaluation for the England striker?

Or are other reports correct and a deal has already been agreed and will be announced within the next 24 hours?

What other reports are saying that?

[TomMcLaren]

Everyone seems to forget Smith's racist antics with Bowyer as well.

[choda]

Everyone seems to forget Smith's racist antics with Bowyer as well.

What racist antics?

The fight is it? I'm not condoning what Bowyer did but I don't think racism was involved there either. The asians were shouting abuse at them and then a fight started.

And it was Bowyer and Woodgate who were charged, not Smith.

[TomMcLaren]

Charged, schmarged. I think we all (think) we know what happened. A friend of mine from Leeds (Leeds fan no less) followed the case quite intently, and declared the testimony to be a complete load of shit, just based on his geographical knowledge of Leeds city centre.

[choda]

But what's it got to do with Smith?

[Spur]

But what's it got to do with Smith?

Proves he's a knob.

Glad we cleared that one up.

What would he offer to the team that we could use? I thought you liked one touch passing and playing football the right way. I'm not going to deny we need some more aggression but Smith is two bob and most certainly ain't the way to go.

If United get 5million they'll be laughing.

[peterc]

What would he offer to the team that we could use? I thought you liked one touch passing and playing football the right way. I'm not going to deny we need some more aggression but Smith is two bob and most certainly ain't the way to go.

If United get 5million they'll be laughing.


I'd rather we spend £4-5 million on Smith than £16 -17 million on Bent.
;)

[Baleinho]

smiths really lost his touch and stuff since he got injured i think. He wont be the same player he was at leeds.

id rather we spent the 16-17 mill on bent and have a proven consistant goal scorer than spend 5 mill and get a player who has no form :/

[choda]

Proves he's a knob.

Glad we cleared that one up.

What would he offer to the team that we could use? I thought you liked one touch passing and playing football the right way. I'm not going to deny we need some more aggression but Smith is two bob and most certainly ain't the way to go.

If United get 5million they'll be laughing.

What proves he's a knob? What did he have to do with it? I honestly can't remember him being mentioned.

And remember papers make up bullshit all the time. The 'Leicester gang rape' to cite one example.

I do like good football. So with Smith you can't play good football? :confused:

Manu looked pretty good against Roma.

[bocayid]

Bent - set to sign for Spurs?

SPURS TO CONFIRM BENT SWOOP - REPORT
Tottenham are on the verge of announcing they have signed Darren Bent, according to the BBC.

The corporation claims that Spurs and Charlton agreed a fee for the striker on Wednesday.

The England international rejected a move to West Ham two weeks ago despite the Hammers offering £17m for his services and according to media reports, the 23-year-old had 'set his heart on moving to White Hart Lane'.

He has scored 37 goals in 79 games for Charlton since moving from Ipswich in 2005.

Reports indicate that Bent is willing to accept up to £20,000-a-week less in wages than was on offer to him at Upton Park to join Spurs.

Should his arrival at Tottenham be confirmed, it is bound to prompt speculation that Jermain Defoe - already third choice behind Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov - could leave the club.

[MaccYid]

yeah heard this morning, didnt want to post in case it wasnt totally accurate. Medical should commence at 3 this afternoon. Strong rumours that we are after both Petrov and SWP

[Yiddo]

Now it looks concrete I'd like to chip in with how refreshing it is that Bent would rather play for us and earn £30,000 per week less than Wet Spam were going to pay him. Really nice to see someone who puts footballing ambition above filthy lucre.
He seems a really genuine bloke. I hope he will be a great success at the Lane. (or wherever we end up for a couple of seasons if they develop it)

[Gino Ginelli]

Well like I said before, I not particularly impressed by the deal, especially if the "compromise" between Spurs & Charlton is 13-15m plus add ons. Maybe he has more penetration than Defoe, but selling one for 10, then buying another for potentially 15 seems unnessecary, especially given that we have larger priorities as far as I'm concerned.

But seeing as it's done, then there's no point complaining about it. I may as well look forward to seeing a new (stronger?) forward line this coming season. Berba/Keane, Keane/Bent, Bent/Berba. There's a partnership for any given opposition I suppose. Let's see what happens.

[Spur]

What proves he's a knob? What did he have to do with it? I honestly can't remember him being mentioned.

And remember papers make up bullshit all the time. The 'Leicester gang rape' to cite one example.

I do like good football. So with Smith you can't play good football? :confused:

Manu looked pretty good against Roma.

I was messin' calm down. And one game don't make a player.

Smith is a very, very average player. With teams like Cardiff and Middlesbrough going after him can you claim otherwise? What was it? 5 Championship teams wanted him last year? Same goes for Cisse, but French teams rather than Championship sides. NOw no-one wants him at all either.

The funny thing is Choda, you always mention Keanes goalscoring ratio compared with JD's, compare them both to Smith, who cannot play midfield either to save a lightbulb let alone his life, and your laughing.

Right now, Berba, Keane, Jermain, Bent - we've got arguably the most complete and ferocious looking strike pools around. That's no exaggeration. You could put any two of them (excluding JD and RK) or three of them and your laughing. Just like United if they get anything over a penny for Smith.

Is it any coincidence he's lasted two seasons and their looking to get rid? He's a two-bob player. I'd rather Marlon Harewood or Jason Roberts, and that is saying something. Lita or Zamora even. I would rather 30 goal man Kevin Phillips than Alan Smith. The bloke is just shit.

[Gino Ginelli]

I'd rather Marlon Harewood or Jason Roberts, and that is saying something. Lita or Zamora even. I would rather 30 goal man Kevin Phillips than Alan Smith. The bloke is just shit.

Woah, woah woah! Worse than Marlon Harewood?! That's just being nasty!

[choda]

I was messin' calm down. And one game don't make a player.

Smith is a very, very average player. With teams like Cardiff and Middlesbrough going after him can you claim otherwise? What was it? 5 Championship teams wanted him last year? Same goes for Cisse, but French teams rather than Championship sides. NOw no-one wants him at all either.

The funny thing is Choda, you always mention Keanes goalscoring ratio compared with JD's, compare them both to Smith, who cannot play midfield either to save a lightbulb let alone his life, and your laughing.

Right now, Berba, Keane, Jermain, Bent - we've got arguably the most complete and ferocious looking strike pools around. That's no exaggeration. You could put any two of them (excluding JD and RK) or three of them and your laughing. Just like United if they get anything over a penny for Smith.

Is it any coincidence he's lasted two seasons and their looking to get rid? He's a two-bob player. I'd rather Marlon Harewood or Jason Roberts, and that is saying something. Lita or Zamora even. I would rather 30 goal man Kevin Phillips than Alan Smith. The bloke is just shit.

You're the one who needs to chill. I was only asking what he had to do with it, because some of you are so quick to call him a knob.

All I said was he'd be a good fourth man to have. Something different again, and I do think he's good player. I'm not completely at the mercy of current form the way you are.

I compare JD's goalscoring to Keane merely to point out that he doesn't even score more goals than Keane. I'm the first person to point out that being a striker is about more than just goalscoring. It's a team game, bob.

You may notice that back when you were talking crap about our strikers I was telling you how it was and that's exactly how it turned out. :p

[Spur]

All I said was he'd be a good fourth man to have. Something different again, and I do think he's good player. I'm not completely at the mercy of current form the way you are.

If that were the case i'd be asking for a new goalkeeper and right winger, but you don't see that happening.

You may notice that back when you were talking crap about our strikers I was telling you how it was and that's exactly how it turned out. :p

Please explain.

[JuicE]

you guys are a ****ing joke! Still arguing like a couple of spoilt bitches. Get over it! Arrange a date and get a room or something! :rolleyes:

[peterc]

If Bent's signature cost us a reported £16.7 million ( priced more than Berbatov, who are we trying to fool??), I personally think it's a well over the top price, the worrying part of this is that most premiership clubs will be looking to import players due to over priced tags on British footballers, this in the long run will affect the choice and chances of players playing for their country. Let's hope this signing will not turn out to be a disaster.

[olly27]

If Bent's signature cost us a reported £16.7 million ( priced more than Berbatov, who are we trying to fool??), I personally think it's a well over the top price, the worrying part of this is that most premiership clubs will be looking to import players due to over priced tags on British footballers, this in the long run will affect the choice and chances of players playing for their country. Let's hope this signing will not turn out to be a disaster.

Good point Pete..its verging on the ridiculous now...the fact that these grossly inflated fees keep going up for Britsih talent and show no signs of letting up..this will inevitably lead to more imports being brought in which obviously has implications for improving and developing our national side..

With Bent though he is proven in the prem and is still only 23...but still seems expensive...just the way it is now..still happy we got him..:)

[choda]

If that were the case i'd be asking for a new goalkeeper and right winger, but you don't see that happening.



Please explain.

You just tend to ignore the wider picture entirely at times. You were raping Keane earlier this season and saying we need a better striker.

Smith a good player. If Drogba is world class then Smith is a good player. I don't know how you can call him total shite.

He has played midfield for both his clubs which will put down his goal stats. They're probably still not prolific, but still good I would say, and he brings much to any squad or team he plays in.

He will cause defenders a problem all night. He'll hustle and bustle and create room for himself and others by doing it, and he'll chase every single ball with all he's got.

This might not seem like much but it will be a catalyst for your teams tempo, and getting some work rate and flying at the opposition with quick passing.

He leads from the front superbly and he has far more ability than you give him credit for. He will hold the ball up well and bring other people in, and he can take chances too.

He's a good player. Saying you can't play good football with him is bollocks. ManU didn't have to change their style with him in the team did they?

In fact against Rome this year, their best performance for years in Europe, Smith was the catalsyt to a truly awesome display of high tempo football. They blew Rome off the pitch.

I'd take Smith over Defoe any day of the week for us right now. Bent, Keane and Defoe are all different but they are roughly in the same mould, except Keane and Bent are better versions.

Smith is more a target man, who would give us another option when needed. And you're saying why are ManU selling? I believe it is Smith who wants to go to get more opportunities.

With them buying another striker, and two more wingers his options are going to be even more limited. They will have Rooney, Saha, Tevez (or whoever), Solskaer and 433 with all the wingers/forwards they have, not to mention playing Ronaldo or Giggs as a second striker.

[olly27]

Smith isn't shite..he's just a decent premiership player...he's by no means in the top bracket but to call him utter crap is just flippant...or you could argue that he's got away with murder playing for his country and Man U!...but sure what do the real experts in the game know anyway!

[choda]

His stats are 1 in 4 for Leeds, where he was first choice. But at least a year of that was as a midfielder, so I think if it was purely on playing up front it would be more like 1 in 3.

For ManU he played loads of games in midfield and has also been mostly a bench player. Again stats have to be thought about before any quick judgements are made.

He's not a world beater, but I think what he lacks in ability he makes up for a lot by his attitude, which is first class. And he does get goals.

His goal stats in reality aren't far off Defoe and he's miles better all round player. He actually has other attributes like: strength, bringing others in and work rate.

I think he has deserved some call-ups to be honest. I think he's a good player, better than decent.

[Chaydle]

Smith is an honest, aggressive, hard working little so and so who gives 100%. He's one of those players opposition fans hate but home fans love!

But he is supposed to be a striker and for me doesn't score enough.

[olly27]

Thats what football is all about - opinions..its great!..Spur thinks he shite, I thiink he's decent and you (choda) think he's good...after all we would have bugger all to talk about if we all shared the same views..thank god for forums!! oh and happy days its friday..:)

[choda]

Thats what football is all about - opinions..its great!..Spur thinks he shite, I thiink he's decent and you (choda) think he's good...after all we would have bugger all to talk about if we all shared the same views..thank god for forums!! oh and happy days its friday..:)

Absolutely mate.

There are one or two facts too though. ;)

I can accept an opinion of decent, but shite and preventing your team from playing good football is bollocks.

[olly27]

Absolutely mate.

There are one or two facts too though. ;)

I can accept an opinion of decent, but shite and preventing your team from playing good football is bollocks.

Yeah agree mate..on another note am trying to get down to see Spurs play St Patrticks Athletic...worth a peak or not - what you reckon?

[choda]

Yeah agree mate..on another note am trying to get down to see Spurs play St Patrticks Athletic...worth a peak or not - what you reckon?

Yea, maybe. But it's a bit to travel for a nothing game.

I can't make it anyway.

[maartenndal]

If Defoe stays we'll have 4 good strikers and there is no need for an other striker as Smith. First finish the Kaboul-transfer.

[berbzy 'G']

The main good thing for me is about buying Darren Bent is if Berbatov gets tired on the picture towards the last 10-20 minutes or so, Bent can replace him to play along side Keane (We all know Defoe and Keane can't play together upfront)...

[Spur]

Absolutely mate.

There are one or two facts too though. ;)

I can accept an opinion of decent, but shite and preventing your team from playing good football is bollocks.

I never actually said that did I? All I said was I thought you liked the flair players rather than the hustle players.

And hustling is all he has. A decent shot? No. A head he does, but passing range or anything else for a striker he does not. He used to be good, when he was at Leeds he was very good, i'm sure he never played in midfield for them though.

Loyalty has to be questioned, moving from Leeds to United is hardly a common transfer. And it's United that want rid, otherwise he wouldn't have said he was after a new contract.

He's not a good player. He is very, very average. A good team for him is probably West Ham, where he can share his views with the fans. But you won't see anyone decent go in for him. He may actually start the season at United, just because no-one decent will want him and he won't join anyone who isn't a good team, like Boro.

I just don't see why we should get him. He won't offer anything to the side. And most definately not an improvement on current players. Like I said, there's tons of strikers i'd take ahead of him. If it's someone to bring others into the game and a targetman you want then there's absolute shitloads of players who do that and are much better at doing it than Alan Smith.

[jrio]

He used to be good, when he was at Leeds he was very good, i'm sure he never played in midfield for them though.
I think he got pushed out to the right for several games when they were a bit short there and Fowler had joined, giving them 4 strikers with Viduka and Keane.

Loyalty has to be questioned, moving from Leeds to United is hardly a common transfer.
Actually, it's surprisingly common. Jordan and McQueen in the 70s, Cantona and Ferdinand more recently. As Leeds desperately needed to offload players, loyalty wasn't really a component in the deal. Fans were bitter at his destination, but look at the situation the club was in.

[choda]

I never actually said that did I? All I said was I thought you liked the flair players rather than the hustle players.

And hustling is all he has. A decent shot? No. A head he does, but passing range or anything else for a striker he does not. He used to be good, when he was at Leeds he was very good, i'm sure he never played in midfield for them though.

Loyalty has to be questioned, moving from Leeds to United is hardly a common transfer. And it's United that want rid, otherwise he wouldn't have said he was after a new contract.

He's not a good player. He is very, very average. A good team for him is probably West Ham, where he can share his views with the fans. But you won't see anyone decent go in for him. He may actually start the season at United, just because no-one decent will want him and he won't join anyone who isn't a good team, like Boro.

I just don't see why we should get him. He won't offer anything to the side. And most definately not an improvement on current players. Like I said, there's tons of strikers i'd take ahead of him. If it's someone to bring others into the game and a targetman you want then there's absolute shitloads of players who do that and are much better at doing it than Alan Smith.

Actually you said 'What would he offer to the team that we could use? I thought you liked one touch passing and playing football the right way', which implied that you would have difficulty doing that with Smith.

I do like technical players, but it's a physical game as well. You need some of that too.

Granted Smith is more physical than technical. But I think he's a lot better technically than you give him credit for. And I wasn't suggesting that we buy him as one of our main strikers.

Do you really think Fergie would start a guy up front on his own in a huge european game if he was very, very average?

[Spur]

Do you really think Fergie would start a guy up front on his own in a huge european game if he was very, very average?

By saying that your implying Louis Saha is world class. Let's buy him too!

[choda]

By saying that your implying Louis Saha is world class. Let's buy him too!

Saha isn't far off world class. And yes, I'd love to have King Louis at the lane.

He's class act. My only worry is bullshit rotation.

I think we'll handle three big guys just fine along with a youngster like this new spanish fella or Teddy or somebody like that.

[choda]

I think he got pushed out to the right for several games when they were a bit short there and Fowler had joined, giving them 4 strikers with Viduka and Keane.

Actually, it's surprisingly common. Jordan and McQueen in the 70s, Cantona and Ferdinand more recently. As Leeds desperately needed to offload players, loyalty wasn't really a component in the deal. Fans were bitter at his destination, but look at the situation the club was in.

How long was Venables reign?

Smith spent he whole time of his reign out forward right. And played midfield on several occasions for O'Leary.

I agree with your view on his transfer. Leeds had to sell and United were willing.

What was Smith to do? Refuse and put Leeds into pearl of not existing? Besides it was a great move for him and I don't remember many other big clubs wanting him.

He wasn't shafting Leeds, he could've gone earlier, and he got them some money they desperately needed.

[Spur]

Saha isn't far off world class. And yes, I'd love to have King Louis at the lane.

He's class act. My only worry is bullshit rotation.

I think we'll handle three big guys just fine along with a youngster like this new spanish fella or Teddy or somebody like that.

The new Spanish fella you mention shows just how inept Sky Sports is.

They reported we had signed Yuri Berchiche and that he was a striker, that he had behavioural issues.

Here's the annoucement from the Club.

http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/view_archived_article.html?art_id=5170

You'll notice that Sky took three weeks to come up with the article. And that they actually had an accurate article published three weeks earlier when it was actually right.

We wouldn't need any more young strikers anyway, unless we were considering getting rid of Pekhart or Dixon, Barcham or Barnard, and a couple of others we have too. The coaching staff have high hopess for several of our youngsters, although Ben Alnwick is not supposed to be one of them.

[choda]

The new Spanish fella you mention shows just how inept Sky Sports is.

They reported we had signed Yuri Berchiche and that he was a striker, that he had behavioural issues.

Here's the annoucement from the Club.

http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/view_archived_article.html?art_id=5170

You'll notice that Sky took three weeks to come up with the article. And that they actually had an accurate article published three weeks earlier when it was actually right.

We wouldn't need any more young strikers anyway, unless we were considering getting rid of Pekhart or Dixon, Barcham or Barnard, and a couple of others we have too. The coaching staff have high hopess for several of our youngsters, although Ben Alnwick is not supposed to be one of them.


Jesus, that is ****ing awful reporting.

The left back we signed week ago! And they were making up bull about behavioural issues.