All Things Footie | Wednesday, August 29 | Jordan
Start With a Blanc Sheet of Paper...
So...... United have signed Laurent Blanc from Inter, should provide some valuabe experience in the void left by yip yap Stam the big Dutchman, and someone to kiss Barthez's head. Will he be able to fill his boots at 35 years old though that's the question? probably not, that's the answer. It's clearly been Blanc because of the impending Champions League deadline (Friday) but Ferguson must surely have someone else in mind to bring in before Christmas or he can kiss the Premiership goodbye. Oh sod it he can kiss it bye now if he wants too.
Fulham have splashed out considerable cash (the best part of �13m) on the French striker Steve Marlett I can't say I've heard that much about the lad to be honest, I thought Eric Carriere was the latest gem to be unearthed in the in French football mine - I guess not though. It's a lot of money, but at least Saha now has a partner, you have to feel for Barry Hayles and Luis Boa Morte though after their performances last year. They aren't quite Premiership quality though unfortunately and I fear the buy is another wise move by the wily Jean Tigana - not a cheap one though.
Silvinho will probably be on his way at the end of the week too, another lad you've got to feel sorry for. Celta Vigo look set to snap up the silky South American for around �5m. Ashley Cole's maturity and assurance combined with his attacking flair puts him ahead of the little Brazillian on Arsene Wenger's team sheet and Silvio Mendes Campos is too good to be sitting on the bench all season. He seems a great bloke though and I sense that even though he was only with Arsenal a short time he's going to be missed - good luck Silvi.