All Things Footie | Wednesday, July 17 | Jordan
All Is Well
Not is you're a Leeds fan I suspect. Seriously, apologies to all those that tried to view all things footie today and failed. Server problems meant that the whole site was deleted and I've had to move the blogged pages (i.e. this one) to another server. It's all fixed anyway (for now).
It looks like the Rio Ferdinand saga will run a little longer, according to his agent he wants to move but is not unhappy at Leeds. Covering bases? I find the whole thing fascinating; as this is the first real test of the new transfer regulations in the UK. Under the new system — becuase Rio is under 28 — he must serve a minimum of 3 years at Leeds before he can demand to leave. The consequence of this agreement being broken is a combination of player suspension, fines and points docking from the club he moves to.
The ironic thing is that clubs saw these new regulations as a major threat. It would certainly be rather odd if they ended up forcing a players hand and effectively saving a clubs blushes. I don't need to say that if I was a Leeds fan, seeing my team's best player move to a major rival (both sporting and historical) would be unthinkable. I've heard it compared to Sol Campbell's move across London — the difference is that Leeds have a choice. I'd be thanking my lucky stars that UEFA finally got their act together.
I'm going to stick my neck out and predict that Rio will not move to Manchester United. I could well look a fool by the weekend.