I'll add (though maybe I shouldn't, as all I'm adding is third hand + lip reading + guessing ) I think it started with footballing issues. AVB wants his fullbacks to hug the touch line, and Beni has always cut in. I think the footballing issues turned into a personality clash, then insubordination. While I understand the need to keep insubordination from spreading, I can also see it from Beni's POV. He's always been a good pro when given, from his point of view, enough freedom to do his job properly.
Jake Livermore played 90 exceptionally boring minutes for Hull in their 0-0 draw with Aston Villa. Tom Huddlestone had the best chance to break the deadlock. Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Tom Carroll continued their runs in a winning QPR side as they both played a full game in a 2-0 victory over Barnsley. Niko Kranjcar played 88 minutes and Jermaine Jenas was an unused sub. Adam Smith was in Steve McClaren's side at Derby, which is reassuring. Nice to see the new manager picking him. A 3-1 win over Leeds looks like a good sign, too. Bongani Khumalo helped Doncaster to their 4th clean sheet of the season in a 1-0 win over one of the promotion favourites, Leicester. Kasper Schmeichel OG the only goal, bizarrely. Swindon Hotspur also won 1-0. Clean sheet for Grant Hall as he and Alex Pritchard played the full 90. Danny N'Guessen converting a penalty which Pritchard won to win it. No Mason, but Byrne, Kasim and Luongo all played.
Pritch seems to be tearing it up which is great news. I get what people have been saying about Benny playing in a different way to what AVB might want from a LB but if he doesn't like cutting in then why Naughton so much, who has no left foot AT ALL? I think there may be a personal problem between the two, maybe they just need time away from each other to let it cool off and they'll be fine...who knows. Benny tweets about Spurs a lot though and seems to watch the games, seems to have a genuine soft spot for us, which is nice.
I was at QPR today and the Spurs lads were great. Carroll gave a very disciplined, but creative performance and has an excellent "minder" in Joey Barton who was outstanding..Ekotto is way way superior to playing against teams like Barnsley and Niko Kranjcar looks fully fit and on top of his form. One who also caught the eye, was Gary O'Neil, another of Harry's old boys, who looks a class act at this level. I have no doubt the PL has not seen the back of Harry Redknapp just yet.
O'Neil is such a Redknapp signing, he has that drive and attitude. Seems QPR will be back in style. Carroll getting 90 minutes again is superb, its the only way he can furfil his potential, play 90 minutes each week and over time his decision making will improve, he will lose his bad habits and grow into a top class player.
Little Tommy did well today. There was big expectation on the home side today as with a two week break coming up, they needed the win, particularly as they missed a game midweek because their opponents, Wigan, were playing in Europe. I thought Carroll coped well with this extra pressure, and the fact he was happy to let Barton take control on occasions, should not detract from his level of contribution.
Incidentally, QPR's next 3 games are all away, and 4 of their next 5 are away. This will put young Tommy Carroll under test. I hope he copes with this. I am sure he will.
Livermore and Thudd have been bloody immense for us. They'll be knocking on Hodgson's door soon, though to be fair Thudd should be there over Cleverley already...
Benoit and Tom both played the full game in the Championship, as two second half goals from Charlie Austin – the second from the penalty spot – gave the R’s a 2-0 win over Barnsley, and ensured they remain level on points with leaders Burnley. In fact, it was a good weekend for all our lads playing in the Championship. Adam Smith was on the winning Derby County side, as the Rams secured a 3-1 home victory over Leeds United, while Bongani Khumalo’s Doncaster Rovers registered a 1-0 win at home to Leicester City, by way of an own goal by Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel. In the Premier League, midfielder Jake Livermore played 90 minutes for Hull City as they were held to a goalless draw at home by Aston Villa. In League One, Alex Pritchard played a key role as Swindon Town beat Tranmere Rovers 1-0. Alex won the penalty – being brought down in the box by Tom Hateley – from which Dany N’Guessan scored in the 29th minute to give the hosts the win. Grant Hall, meanwhile, stood firm in defence for Swindon, but Ryan Mason missed out again as he continues his recovery from injury. In Spain, Yago Falque started the game as Ray Vallecano secured three important points in their bid to claw themselves out of the lower reaches of La Liga, beating Real Sociedad 1-0. Yago was substituted in the second period, in what was his first game back after injury. There were no points for Cristian Ceballos in Portugal, though. Cristian started for FC Arouca as they played host to Primeira Liga leaders Porto, but after being substituted mid-way through the second half when his side were trailing 1-0, the visitors went on to notch a 3-1 victory.
A good afternoons work for the Swindon boys with a fine away win at Rotherham. Massimo Luongo and Alex Pritchard both scored in the emphatic 4-0 win.
Good to hear, it's going to be a mammoth effort getting promoted this season with Wolves sorting themselves, Orient and Peterborough setting a good early pace and Bradford looking like they're capable of collecting points through hard work and physical performances, just as they did last season. Should be a good test for our young players and ex-players.
The Pritchard free kick was awesome. I think that's two he's scored so far. Post the GIF if you find it!
Simon Dawkins is currently having a trial with Derby. I believe his contract with us expired in the summer, but there was a 12 month option deal in it. However, we chose instead to give him a short term 3 month deal which has now come to an end.
Swindon Hotspur host Notts County tonight. Ryan Mason is due to return from injury, adding to their host of Spurs connected players.
Not loan news, but news of a former player, Pascal Chimbonda has signed a 3 month deal with Carlisle United.
