News

Summer Transfer Thread: Part 2

|
Image for Summer Transfer Thread: Part 2

It was just over a week ago since the first installment of the summer transfer thread, but it seems that little progress has been made in the transfer market.

Like last time round, the goalkeeping position is still up for grabs at Portman Road with Shane Supple told many weeks ago by manager Jim Magilton that he has to do more to get that number one jersey. Ok, he has the number one in terms of squad number, but not as first choice goalkeeper at Portman Road.

In that department, Richard Wright is the favourite by a country mile to become the new first-choice. Last week we reported the Wright deal was nearing completion, with just a few things to be ironed out between the player and the club. It appears that Wrighty would cost around £200,000 to secure his services at his hometown club next season.

Two centre-backs signed already this transfer window and it seems unlikely that there will be another new face in that position as yet. It seems much more likely that Jim Magilton will be signing a new left-back after putting Dan Harding on the transfer list at the end of last season. However, he could still be given a chance to shine as he once did should no-one come in for him. Carlos Bocanegra was linked with a move to the Tractor Boys after his release from Fulham. The American subsequently joined French Ligue 1 side Rennes.

I say it is unlikely that we will sign another centre-back for a while, but Roger Johnson is still no nearer to agreeing a new deal at Cardiff City. He has 12 months to go on his Bluebirds contract and should he fail to agree a deal at Ninian Park, then City would ultimately have to sell him now to avoid him leaving next summer for nothing.

This week we said goodbye to Gavin ‘Sicknote’ Williams who left for pastures new at Brizzle City. It was a deal that suited all parties – Williams moves within touching distance of his family, Bristol sign a quality player (on his day), and we get a player that spends more time in the treatment room than on the pitch while also getting his hefty wages off the wage bill. Should we be thankful he even passed the medical? Slightly over 50 appearances in two-and-a-half years at the club suggests we should, but a fresh start may be just what he needs and could prove a bargain at a reported £100,000.

There seems to be no plans in place to fill Williams place in the team because Town are blessed with centre-midfielders with Owen Garvan, David Norris, Tommy Miller, Liam Trotter, Velice Sumulikoski and even Ed Upson all vying for two spots in the team.

Left-midfield is a position that needs addressing however, only right-footed Alan Quinn is a known left-midfielder. Manager Jim Magilton is a known admirer of Plymouth’s Hungarian wizard Peter Halmosi, but Premiership interest may prove too much to resist for the Argyle player.

Kevin Phillips is staying at West Brom, while that leaves the door open in the race for known Blues target Shola Ameobi. Earlier in the week, we reported that Jim could turn his attention to Colchester United striker Kevin Lisbie in his search for a new striker after failing in bringing Ameobi, Kyle Lafferty and Emile Mpenza to Portman Road.

And finally, I quote from last time: ‘The revolving door is very much open, and there will be plenty of activity we suspect in the coming days and weeks at Portman Road.’ Perhaps I should be more careful what I say this time…

Share this article

There's only one Bobby Robson.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *