Charlton have just signed Ben Alnwick although he only played a handful of games for you my main question is was he better regarded than the Keeper we let go last month David Button? Also what are the chances of you letting us have Obika when the loan window reopens next week?
If I'm completely honest, Alnwick is woeful mate. He played two first team games if I remember rightly, one against Burnley and the other against... I can't remember. He conceded 3 against Burnley, 2 of them preventable in my opinion. As for Obika, it wouldn't surprise if you guys get him on loan and then eventually seal a perm deal. IF you don't get Obika, get hold of Chirs Powell and tell him to go for Shaq Coulthirst from us, young striker with good potential.
Both were Burnely IIRC, SoS. Conceded 3 in the Carling Cup semi-final and 4 in the league, after we'd already confirmed our final position. No offence E17, but he's looked awful whenever I've seen him. I've heard that Obika's in talks about joining you and there's not really a place for him in our squad, so it'll probably happen. He scored a lot in our reserves and got a few big goals for you, so it's a move that'll suit everyone, for me. Good luck with the season.
Yeah, sorry but I have to be honest, he's been abysmal whenever I've seen him for the first team or reserves. Better to find out this way then have us build him up as a good signing only for him to flop I'd assume Obika's available. He's nowhere near our first team and I don't think he's played for our development squad either so unless we're a cone short for training sessions I can't see any reason why we'd want to keep hold of him.
Alnwick is, quite simply, the worst keeper I've ever seen play for Spurs. If he's being signed as cover that'll be fine, just hope that your first choice keeper isn't injured. Somebody mentioned Obika and Charlton a few weeks ago, but said Obika's wages went up so Charlton would be paying more and that was a sticking point. Worst case scenario, loan in Coulthirst instead. He's been looking good in the U21s and reserves for the last year, and has made the matchday squad for our Europa League games this season as well.
Wasn't there an unsavoury event when he went out on loan before too? Something about a sextape threesome or something similar? Or have I got the wrong player?
correct player but it was when he played for Sunderland, its why Keane got rid to you in the 1st place if my memory serves me correctly, he went to you fulop came to us. Goalkeeper Ben Alnwick, 19, winger Liam Lawrence, 24, and striker Chris Brown, 21, are identified as being involved http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/local/all-news/shame-of-safc-stars-in-sex-romp-video-1-1127730
When he came to us, he was valued at £1 million, which at the time was probably reasonable as he was seen as one of our brightest goalkeeping talents. But that was about 8 or 9 years ago and since then he has been a poor advert for the modern day footballer. Lazy attitude at Spurs, made his money from the game so couldn't be arsed about any sort of commitment and generally came across as a bit of a tit. And when he got a chance, as others have said, blew it by having a couple of nightmares.
Obika for many years was the next big thing, our staff used to say "we have this young player who could be better then Lineker". He was rated that highly. There where demands from our fans to have him included in the first team but as usual with our club we tend to fail to incorporate young players, and they often lose their way, but the talent is still there, if he has a proper chance with a team that believes in him. All Obika needs is to find his confidence and there is still a chance he could fulfil his potential, gain a move to the premier league if he impresses, so I would hope we include a sell on clause if he does move.
Thanks guys. Ben Alnwick is coming in as cover for Ben Hamer effectively replacing another ex Spur David Button who we sold to Brentford. According to inside sources our deal for Button was for a deferred transfer fee which was due in this window and we sold him to the Bees for a similar amount.It would not surprise me if your resale / buy back clause got sold on with him. It seems then that Alnwick had longer match time for you than Button who lasted 12 minutes at the Keepmoat. As well as the matches you mention I vaguely recall seeing him in a Cup game at Old Trafford when you had an injury crisis.The other interesting thing about them is that they both have also had spells at Barnsley,Doncaster and Leyton Orient. I notice Obika made your 25 man squad,does this mean he might be used in the Carling Cup / Europa League games? This might delay any loan?I have heard that you require a fee for him whereas we are suggesting a generous resale clause.
In the Europa League it's hard to say how strong our teams we put out will be as AVB doesn't like to treat as a tournament for the second string but I think he'll have to make significant changes, particularly for the away games. That said, Obika's still way down the list, Defoe started the game at WHL when we were already 5-0 up so I think he'll be the first choice striking option if we choose to rest Soldado and Harry Kane is also ahead of Obika. As for the League Cup, we have a tough match against Villa so it might be we field a fairly strong side. I hope he does move to you guys as he clearly has no future with us and he did well last season in our reserves and for you guys and needs regular football at this point in his career. Unless we have an injury crisis I think he'll move on soon.
Think he made the squad because he's 22 now and therefore won't be eligible under the sub-21 rule. So he either had to be registered to have any chance to play in the league or he'd only be eligible to play in cup games. I think a loan move is pending personally, deep down, despite always being a player that looked to have great potential, he's never really kicked on after his first spell at Yeovil and so I think it'll be best for all parties if he gets a loan move now and hopefully a perm from it, whether it's you guys (which I hope it will be) or someone else.
Isn't there some rule about having to put anyone eligible into your squad or something? I'd still expect Obika to go, even if he did make it.
Talking of David Button, here's more evidence (as if it were needed) of what a great guy Brad Friedel is http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/brentford/news/button-friedel-helped-my-career_103059.html
