10 September, 2007

On The Dole World 11

As the transfer window was closing last week, managers and agents were working into the wee hours around the country to close deals on new players. The hundreds of players released over the summer have not all found new homes, as a number of fairly talented, if dented players sit on the shop shelves. Bizarrely, there is a list of said players on Wikipedia and some of these blokes have got a bit more footie in them:

Goalkeeper:
Pavel Srnicek
Released by Newcastle last year, having made 150 appearances for the Toon over a couple of spells. Maybe Harper's current form has something to do with his absence?

Defence:
Brent Sancho
The Trinidadian has sambad his last for Gillingham as they released him at the end of last season. The dreadlocked defender has a few options up his sleeve, but the smart money's on a move back to the Carribean to have a big relax, rather than have to play against the likes of Millwall twice a season.

Andy Legg
He had a huge throw. Like, uh, he could chuck it really really far, which meant that any throw-in in the opposition half was just as good as a corner. He would have had a great time servicing the likes of Drogba and Crouch, but it wasn't meant to be.

Mark Pembridge
Deemed surplus to requirements by both Coleman and Sanchez at Fulham, he has moved into youth coaching. You know he secretly wants to be back on the field, kicking chunks out of flashy strikers.

Roque Junior
He won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, but wasn't good enough for Bayer Leverkusen as they cut him this summer. More injured than old or crap, like the others on this list.

Midfield
David Thompson
'Mister invisible' has had a pretty good career on paper, buit who the heck is he? I know he's scored 5 goals for Liverpool and showed a few classy touches for Pompey and Blackburn, but this guy can't seem to impress anyone enough that they keep him for longer than a season. He's only 29! Would do a good job for Derby, or should swallow his pride and enjoy a sojourn in the Real League like the rest of us.

Quinton Fortune
Fortune morphed from a speedy get-to-the-byline winger into a real squad player in later years at Old trafford in order to stay in the team. He put up some memorable performances, but just wasn't good enough. That's why he drives to the Post Office every Thursday. In his Aston Martin.

Scottie Gemmill
He's not exactly a spring chick at 36, but Scottie's got some great footballing pedigree. His dad was one of the Scottish greats and was coached by Cloughie for his fiorst 3 years at Nottingham Forest. Maybe a career in coaching beckons. With a sideline in alcoholism.

Up Front
Cornell Glen
The second Trinidadian in the team, Glen was one of their best players in the 2006 World Cup, as he nearly upset Sweden in the group phases. He has played for the majority of his professional career in the United States, but has had a tough time with injuries and was cut by the LA Galaxy before this season started. Would get 10 goals in a Chamionship season for Colchester.

Savo Milosevic
The 34 year old former Villa striker is now out of contract with Osasuna and is officially clubless. Even though he was widely derided during his spell in the Prem, he still scored 29 goals in 90 appearances. Rickety legs and 100 games for Serbia might persuade him to retire, however. He might grab a few in the Real League.
Kevin Campbell
Ok, so he was never great, but he has done it before. He's scored a hatful of goals for Arsenal (really) in the early 90s and nearly one in 3 for Everton. His last appearance in the Premiership saw him running about like a madman under Gary Megson at West Brom, where he seemed to be much of a spent force. However, his attentions might not be solely on football anymore, as he has tried to forge a record label, with limited success, thanks to his beef with Mark 'Return of the Mack' Morrison.