i just read this article on als http://www.a-love-supreme.com/roundup.htm it's good to hear him selling sunderland to muntari and i think all three of our ghana lads are going to be a huge benefit to the club, on and off the field. i particularly like this quote sure, the cynic in me says he's just paying lip service, like many players have done in the recent past (i don't have to name names) but i do really believe stuff like this when it comes from mensah and gyan, god-fearing christian lads that wear their heart on their sleeve. it just breaks my heart that john's injury problems stop him from being a mainstay in our defence; although if it wasn't for his injuries i think we all know he'd be playing for a more successful club. it's always one step forward and two back when it comes to his fitness and i just don't think i could justify taking him on permanently at the end of the season, unless by some miracle he stays fit for the majority of our games. chopping and changing our defence to accomodate john on the rare occasions he is fit is not fair on our other centre backs and is not good for the defensive unit in general. sorry rocky.
I wrote an earlier article saying that ive heard there is an option of him going under the knife which would sort out all his injury problems. It would however mean he is out for a year. BUT after that year he would be as good as new. I say sign him up for 1-2million pounds, and have it written it a pay-as-you play contract that if he can remain largely injury free, then after a year he will be given a bumper new contract or something. We can't let a talent like John fade into obscurity, especially if there is an option to help him through his injury problems. Just my 2c
fair points, i hadn't actually heard of that op. if it would sort him out, then it might be worth it, i'm not sure what the financial implications are though, having him out for a year. also, what's the garuantee the op would completely fix him?
Just remember hearing about it on the 606, and after a quick search, this came up: "Ghana defender John Mensah is eager to make his second World Cup appearance and does not want to book any appointment in the operating room before that time. The Sunderland player has been affected by a back problem which has led to consistent hamstring problems, disrupting his impressive outing in the English Premier League. Mensah was again taken off in their game against Manchester United after the injury surfaced again but Mensah has ruled out an immediatesurgery to correct the problem. The surgery is likely to rule him out for more than six months meaning he will be unavailable for the Black Stars if he undergoes the operation before next month’s tournament in South Africa. Mensah insists the surgery must be done after serving his country at the tournament in South Africa. He said: “If there will be any surgery at all it has to wait until after the season and the World Cup.” The defender recovered from the chronic back injury, but doctors recommend he undergoes surgery for a lasting solution. The Black Stars’ assistant coach Kwasi Appiah has already paid him a visit at his Sunderland base and has assured the nation of the player’s readiness for South Africa 2010. The deputy skipper of the four-time African champions is well respected back home and was instrumental during their 2006 and 2008 Nations Cup campaigns. Mensah, who made his continental debut for the Black Stars at Mali 2002, stood out during the World Cup run in Germany in 2006." There are no guarentees i think, but worth the chance. So long as it wasn't a 5 year deal on 60k per week, then we will be alright. I trust Quinn will provide something that will be mutually beneficial for club and player. http://sports.peacefmonline.com/soccer/201005/42783.php
It seems to me we're happy to give a year's wages to the S. American lads who are known to take time to adjust. I'm right behind Brucie doing that, though it didn't work out with PDS. What little we've seen of Riveros and Angeleri might sggest the wait is going to be worth it. So what's wrong with giving the same consideration to Big John? If we can sign him for a decent price, I'd gladly give the lad the time off for the op and to recover. He's been a credit to us on and off the field.
agreed as i said on another thread about mensah only wish we could keep him fit ,his last injury was his ankle not his back so hope we can get a few games out of him ,even so his input on signings he has been worth it imo
Mensah and Turner are beasts together in CD. Although Bramble has been a monster too, but they are the first choice partnership for me. Ha'way Mensah, sort out these niggles, for the love of SAFC.
