With Ipswich Town manager Paul Jewell today confirming rumours that he is interested in signing Pascal Chimbonda, Vital Ipswich contributor WiltshireTractor analyses the pros and cons of a move for the Blackburn Rovers defender:
Alas, we find ourselves in the middle of January with a new manager at the helm. However, the lack of explicit transfer activity has seemed a little bit on the strange side, seeing as Town seem to have been linked to a myriad of players every transfer window since Marcus Evans became owner.
Despite experiencing a hitherto humdrum January, a recent rumour has resuscitated the flatlining transfer window for the Blues. The subject of said rumour is internationally-capped right back, Pascal Chimbonda.
Chimbonda, since being signed by Paul Jewell for Wigan Athletic back in 2005, has forged an accomplished career in the top flight during spells at four different clubs. Primarily a right back, Chimbonda has seen time as a centre half and at left back, making him a versatile performer in the mould of Fabian Wilnis.
Were Town to land the Frenchman, what would he bring to the club?
First and foremost, it is indubitable that Chimbonda is a player of proven Premiership calibre, whose experience would count for a lot in the Championship.
Chimbonda arguably enjoyed his most fruitful spell under incumbent Blues boss, Paul Jewell, during his spell at Wigan in 2005/06. The defender was ever present in the Latics starting XI, drawing plaudits for his performances in just his first season in English football, appearing 38 times and bagging a couple of goals. To top it off, he was dubbed the Premiership’s best right back of that season when named in the PFA’s Team of the Year.
The Guadeloupe native’s feats did not go unnoticed by Raymond Domenech, the France coach at the time. Chimbonda earned his solitary cap during a friendly win against Denmark.
Despite his immediate success with the Latics, Chimbonda left for Tottenham Hotspur after just one season. After two years at White Hart Lane, he joined Sunderland for one season, before returning to Tottenham midway through the 2008/09 season. After his brief second spell at Spurs, Chimbonda left for Blackburn for an undisclosed sum, seeking first team football.
While the aforementioned proves that Chimbonda isn’t lacking in experience, the journeyman nature of his Premier League career does bring his loyalty into question. Moreover, a player with such experience to boast will no doubt be expected to receive a fitting salary.
To summarise, there is no question that the acquisition of Chimbonda would be something of a coup for the club. However, it has yet to be determined whether his demands would fit the club’s wage structure. Moreover, the club will not want to throw money at a mercenary merely looking to use Portman Road as a stage to attract potential Premier League suitors, should he impress, as Town look to build for the future.
By WiltshireTractor
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