april 29th
So as predicted yesterday Arsenal signed Dutch ‘starlet’ Robin van Persie (am I the only one who immediately thinks of adding ‘Thrower’ to the end of his name?), who does come with a bit of a bad boy reputation. We’re not quite sure where he’s going to play as according to the boss he can play left or right wing, or as a target man style striker. AW was pleased with his latest left-footed purchase though, saying “Robin is a great young talent and a fantastic signing for the club. He has shown great potential at both club and under-21 international level and will help strengthen our squad considerably.”
He’ll join the club officially once the transfer window opens at the end of May, and he’ll meet his new team-mates for pre-season training in July. And one of his new team-mates might be Anti Niemi, according to the Daily Record. There’s lots of talk about how we’re looking to bring in a new keeper and that AW is not entirely happy with Jens Lehmann. That said, we’ve gone most of the league season unbeaten and he’s conceded the fewest goals of any keeper in the Premiership. He’s also been available for every game this season, although he did pull out of last night’s Germany game with back injury. To my mind he’s probably as good as any other keeper in the league, there is no outstanding talent, but his temperament is a bit suspect. He seems like an intelligent guy, you just wonder why he has these flashes of lunacy. I imagine that if he is being replaced in the summer it’s more to do with that than his goalkeeping ability.
Anyway, I think silly season is well and truly upon us, despite the fact the normal season hasn’t ended yet. How else do you explain us being linked with Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and John Terry in the last few days? I did laugh when I read Gerard Houllier’s latest tactic when it comes to hanging onto his job. The Liverpool boss says this about any Gerrard transfer “You would have to cut off my arms before I let go of him because I would have them both wrapped around him.” A bit like the small boy clinging to leg of the couch because he wants to stay up and watch more TV. Desperate.
Not much else going o this morning. It’s pretty miserable weather wise here. Hurry up you stupid summer…..
