High press-ure

[dave.woodhall]

Just because the sun's out don't think yo u can get away with it.

www.thebirminghampress.com/2013/07/10/by-unpopular-request/

[eastie]

Perfect summing up dave.

[villasjf]

A good read again Dave thanks.

[Simon Ward]

A sensible piece Dave!

[garyshawsknee]

Well said Dalian and Dave.

[Virgil Caine]

Dave, good article once again, and it also reinforces my view that football in this country is slowly eating itself. Those who run it know that is a patient with a terminal illness but whilst they are enjoying fat salaries and no accountability there is no motivation to stop the malignancy. Corruption, greed, avarice, hell you could go through the 7 deadly sins and football would be ticking them all. We now have an uncompetitive league format, a national side that will not win anything in my lifetime, a restrictive strategy to develop youth, club management that is at best volatile, a product that only the broadcaster thinks is the 'best' in the world, player power beyond what is healthy, foreign ownership of clubs totally disengaged from altruism, suspicions of money laundering and criminal involvement and a warped belief that winning( or at least being involved with) a European Champions League is the only thing that matters.

The sport is now an industry in every bad sense of the word.

[dave.woodhall]

Dave, good article once again, and it also reinforces my view that football in this country is slowly eating itself. Those who run it know that is a patient with a terminal illness but whilst they are enjoying fat salaries and no accountability there is no motivation to stop the malignancy. Corruption, greed, avarice, hell you could go through the 7 deadly sins and football would be ticking them all. We now have an uncompetitive league format, a national side that will not win anything in my lifetime, a restrictive strategy to develop youth, club management that is at best volatile, a product that only the broadcaster thinks is the 'best' in the world, player power beyond what is healthy, foreign ownership of clubs totally disengaged from altruism, suspicions of money laundering and criminal involvement and a warped belief that winning( or at least being involved with) a European Champions League is the only thing that matters.

The sport is now an industry in every bad sense of the word.

You say that but every year it gets richer.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Good read.

Regarding the timing of the transfer request, I wonder whether it's more than a co-incidence it came just hours after Spurs found out they'd lost the battle to sign David Villa?

[Hookeysmith]

Very good read and to the point. How many clubs relish the fact they can waltz in and take players yet when it happens to them scream murder?

Its always been a food chain but in the modern day it is the food that dictates where / when it gets eaten!

[darren woolley]

A good post Dave.

[Tuco Salamanca]

Enjoyed that, thanks.

I'm not that bothered about him going if he doesn't want to be here but I am concerned that this is going to turn into a saga. I don't see him being the first choice of City, Chelsea, Arsenal etc, more of a contingency plan if their first choices don't come off. That leaves Spurs who history suggests will be happy to leave it to the last minute to try to force the price down (though I don't see that working). So it may run and run...

Hopefully it's true that we've set a deadline by which time the transfer has to be completed and after that he's stuck here.

Bloody footballers 

[not3bad]

Hopefully it's true that we've set a deadline by which time the transfer has to be completed and after that he's stuck here.

We did with Barry, the deadline ran out but the incessant rumours continued.

[sonlyme]

The key element in this affair is the relationship between agent Kismet - and player Benteke.

Benteke comes over as a simple soul - Kismet not quite that.

Benteke has been 'guided' by this chancer since he was a little kid - grooming one might otherwise call it. Kismet may well have spent every moment since Benteke started coming good trying to drum up interest in his one big asset.

It leaves a sour taste.  Use up the majority of your transfer budget on an unknown kid.  Stand by that unknown kid when all are doubting.  Play that unknown kid in front of an experienced top class striker.  Watch with pride as unknown kid proves you right and starts coming good.  Gasp in disbelief as the once unknown kid immediately asks for transfer.

Benteke came good for Villa - but let's be honest - he a bit rough and tumble - Lionel Messi he ain't - we can and will find as good if not better players - let's hope they prove to be better people.

[Tuco Salamanca]

Hopefully it's true that we've set a deadline by which time the transfer has to be completed and after that he's stuck here.

We did with Barry, the deadline ran out but the incessant rumours continued.

Ah yes. It's pretty meaningless if the player still wants away I suppose. Oh joy.

[The Left Side]

Sums it up for me.