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THE SCOTT STONEHOUSE COLUMN 4-8-05
Well, where do I begin? I think I will start by stealing some of the limelight from another new columist, Toby Higgins. At just 17 years and 5 days, I look certain to take the spotlight as the youngest columnist here at ComeOnBoro.com.
I don't mean to sound like a parrot on Toby's shoulder, but let's get the formalities out of the way first shall we. A big thank you to ComeOnBoro.com for giving me this opportunity, and I hope I can carry on this column for the full season, and beyond!
So, everybody ready, keep your arms and legs inside your computer chair, this column is going to be a bumpy ride... and where better to start off than with the Boro and the summer acquisition's, starting with Yakubu.
Well, the big Nigerian striker is second to Thierry Henry over the past two seasons for Premiership goals, and after bagging four against us on the last day a couple of seasons back, Steve McClaren spotted the potential there, and thus the lengthy transfer sage begun.
It took McClaren long enough, but we finally got our man. Reported figures of 6m, 6.5m, 7m, 7.5m, 8m were all muted and the final price announced by MFC was 7.5m. And if that price gets us the man second to Thierry Henry, despite some negative reports it is a bargain in my eyes.
With reports of Anelka's price tag of 8m, Owen's price tag of 12m and Shevchenko at a whopping 59m... but then again Milan would blatantly try and prise as much cash from Abramovich's oil tycoon grasp as possible. But still 7.5m, we can only wait and see if the 'Yak' does the business, and I am certain that he will be a great success here.
Secondly, the lesser known, and the presumably still banned Emanuel Pogatetz. The former GAK defender was signed as cover, despite McClaren stating he was "competition" for Franck. Nobody is going to take the left back position from Queudrue.
I couldn't even see Ashley Cole, Roberto Carlos, Kakha Kaladze or even Phil Neville coming to the club and getting in the squad ahead of Franck. Sorry Phil.
Where were we, ahh yes, Pugatex, Pogates, Pogatrek, whatever your dad calls him... Emanuel Pogatetz, signed for a some may say large fee for a back-up player. Maybe the 1.8m could have been spent towards replacing the departing Bolo Zenden. But as i always say, only time will tell, we must wait, and hope that Steve has something up his sleeve, and pulls something out of the bag.
Stephen Appiah, was one of the names most consistently linked with the Boro through the football-free season, and in-between watching England's opening high morale, bowled back down to earth by Warne and co, and the odd Golf tournament, it was rumoured Boro were favouring a loan deal.
This seem's to be our favoured choice with players either un-proven or out of our budget or wage structure (Mills, Zenden, Mendieta...Michael Thomas?) but just as Fenerbache stumped up with a 5.5m bid, Boro decided enough was enough. But it was too late.
Despite Juventus accepting our bid, Appiah had agreed terms and was on his way to Fenerbache. So the one question that I seem to keep asking myself is this. If the 5.5m is there for the spending, why hasn't it been used to replace the loss of (former) fan favourite and playmaker Bolo Zenden?
Andy Van Der Meyde, a Dutch international available for around 4.5m. The likes of Boateng, Jimmy Floyd and Reiziger could sway his decision to come here. He is a pacy right winger or attacking central midfielder, and he is available.
Edgar Davids was available on a free transfer. He may be out of the 24-28 age group McClaren is aiming at but we could have used the 5.5m to pay for his mercenary style wages.
Steed Malbranque, available for around the 5m mark, proven in the Premiership, as scouted by Manchester United two seasons ago, and could score more goals with a better club. Boa Morte. Fulham look set to ask for around 6m for his services, and sorry, but i think he is a tad over-rated.
Peter Lovenkrands, 600k, bargain. Anybody who follows the Mickey Mouse league that is the SPL will know he has genuine talent and his goal in the 3-0 win over Livingston was a corker> He would have to style his play to suit the tougher Premiership, but would you rather see Boro pay 600k for him or the estimated 6m for Boa Morte?
I feel I must comment on Bolo's departure. I have read his interview and the answer to the Parmo question says it all for me. At Villarreal he clapped us, and did the old "EIO" after the game despite losing. During that match when we chanted his name he would clap and always show his appreciation, as he did at most Premiership matches.
This went a long way to him achieving almost "fan favourite" status amongst the white banded supporters, but let him rot on the benches at Anfield. Watch as we beat them, watch as we chant, and show our love for Boateng, Queudrue, the players with a real love for Boro and show him what he is missing! Out with the old, in with the new... hopefully.
Personally, I was glad to have a season with no England internationals. It meant that Steve McClaren could focus 100% on Boro, replacing Zenden and bringing in more new players but suprisingly we have seen only two new faces. Not exactly what the Riverside faithful were looking for.
When McClaren said his time with England would benefit us because he could see more talent. Did he mean Pogatetz when he played for Austria against England? No, he played for GAK against Boro. No new players when Steve is with England and no new players when Steve isn't with England. I am still waiting for the benefits of his England/Boro arrangement, and I am sorry to say, I think the "benefit" will be Phil Neville.
The fiasco at Darlington, could have saved our blushes. Darlo were out playing us. Maybe they never really troubled Schwarz, but still they played with the quicker tempo and we looked slow and un-motivated. I will never forget leaving that stadium and seeing Southgate, Queudrue, Viduka and Yakubu all in their full Boro kits, boots 'n' all, driving away.
And Viduka's stern words when I questioned him about the events. "There's a bomb...you better get yourself well clear..." And then he drove off and away, probably to meet back up at nearby Hurworth. Not the best pre-season, but hopefully we can see off Liverpool. A Ravenelli-esque hat-trick from Yakubu would do the trick. 3-0 could see us top of the table...Bring it on!
My name is Scott Stonehouse, they think it's all over...it is now!
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