Rumour Alert.... Woody Wanted?

dave wrote...

Rather sell Woodgate than Downing so we can sign Alves. He has been poor this season.

Posted by: dave  | January 23, 2008 11:26 AM

Nigel wrote...

If Boro want to build a top six team, then we can't afford to sell our best players, and that means keeping Woodie and Stewie.

If The Barcodes want a centre back then we should offer them either Riggot or Huth, both are better than what they have now. Better still sell them nobody and watch them struggle!

Woodgate may not have been on top form this season, but to quote whoever said it first , 'form is temporary, class is permanent'.

Selling one of the best defenders in England sounds completely potty to me, GS stated he wants to build a team around Woodgate, which seems like an excellent strategy to me.

Posted by: Nigel  | January 23, 2008 12:23 PM

stockton red wrote...

I've said it before and I'll say it again. We are 2 points above the drop. We do not have the biggest squad in the world. The summer is the time to sanction major departures not now. There is too much risk involved with selling key members of the squad in our predicament.

Posted by: stockton red  | January 23, 2008 12:46 PM

Holgate Ender wrote...

I take it this is all tongue in cheek. Sources, two plus twoing, can see the logic... Boro would be daft to sell Woody to them now. I see you have only given the rumour a 6.5 rating AV. What would you give the Downing one?

**AV writes: I think that one currently stands at 8.5 but it varies with evry leak and counter-leak.

Posted by: Holgate Ender  | January 23, 2008 1:02 PM

Werdermouth wrote...

It's always said that every player has his price - Boro paid £7m for an injured Woodgate and got him close to his best again so he should be worth closer to £10 now.

I don't think Woodgate is that important in the sense that he's irreplaceable - Wheater, Huth and Pogi are all very capable in the centre, plus we also have Bates and Riggot.

What's probably more important is the message selling Woody could send out in terms of other players re-signing or attracting new signings.

Though having said that it's time Boro appeared less clingy once they have a decent player on their books and brought players in and out whilst also looking to make good business.

A club our size needs to keep the team fresh as several seasons in lower mid-table won't keep mature top players hungry and their performance levels will start to drop off (eg Yak) and subsequently so will their value both on and off the pitch.

Posted by: Werdermouth  | January 23, 2008 1:06 PM

boro4ever wrote...

Why do we need to cash in at all? Where's all the tv money can't Gibson dig deep till the summer when the tv money is set to double?

We need to keep the heart of the team or we may's well just give up and stay an average team. We've already got rid of two of our best players in viduka and yakubu. It amazes me how much we have gone backward since losing uefa cup.

Why do we always seem to be 3-4 players away from being the finished article even though we carry on buying more than we sell?

Come on lads we can moan as well as getting behind the team. Newcastle and Sunderland put us to shame. At least they keep supporting the teams when things are'nt going there way

come on lets build a team instead of demolishing one.

Posted by: boro4ever  | January 23, 2008 1:12 PM

Ian Gill wrote...

Werdermouth

There is sense in what you say, overseas clubs do it all the time. You only have to see the CV's of many of the South Americans for European clubs, they constantly move around.

It is even more so for the coaches even if they have won titles!

We now need AV to rate the comings of
Alves
Fred
Hulse
And the goings of
Rocky
Mendi
Boat

*AV writes: Okay, the official Watch This Space Rating for the substanc ein those stories are:

Alves 9
Fred 1.5 if Alves signes 7.5 if he doesn't.
Hulse 1
Rocky 3
Mendi 0.75
Boat 4.5

Posted by: Ian Gill  | January 23, 2008 1:37 PM

David Morrison wrote...

AV, any news on the alves saga, knvb are meeting today any timescale when we could hear whats happening?

**AV writes: Afternoon, going into the evening we believe.

Posted by: David Morrison  | January 23, 2008 2:00 PM

mark j wrote...

We are trying to build a team , Woodgate is from Boro and that means a lot to a lot of boro fans.

It is risky selling him as on his day he is world class and that is what we are trying to do -make our first 11 and the rest of the squad able to compete with the top clubs over 38 games injuries included.

Dont sell our Best players!

Posted by: mark j  | January 23, 2008 3:10 PM

Steven Aithwaite wrote...

Selling Woodgate would not be the answer, its fair that yes we do have cover in defence and the Huth-Wheater partnership is going well, but first we have to ensure we keep Wheater (Pally Mk2) on a long-term contract.

PS. I didn't see the reserve game this week, but the pictures suggest that Mido is still carrying a fair bit of festive weight, so don't expect a first team return too soon.

Posted by: Steven Aithwaite  | January 23, 2008 3:16 PM

percyparmo wrote...

Cant make my mind up on this one AV.

On one hand Woody is excellent player but then again doesnt play as often as we would like. And in the rapidly improving Wheater and Huth,along with Poggy,we are ok in that dept,so on that basis id say yes 10 million in Summer.

On the other hand he is quality and if he could turn out regular then keep him.Tough one this but would never sell him to the Mags anyway, on principle.lol.

Posted by: percyparmo  | January 23, 2008 4:13 PM

Ian Gill wrote...

Had a quick look at KNVB website and from the summary the AZ case has been rejected at the tribunal and that Heerenveen are able to transfer Alves to another club - I think.

The full findings are in Dutch (or Double Dutch in my case) so unsure of the implications.

Posted by: Ian Gill  | January 23, 2008 4:37 PM

JMc wrote...

Put through Babelfish so a rough translation. AZs claim seems to have now been thrown out.

Pronouncement arbitration committee in ' zaak-Alves ' The arbitration committee of the KNVB has rejected the progress of AZ.

AZ want at the arbitration committee enforce that sc Heerenveen would cooperate in the transfer of Afonso Alves of sc Heerenveen to AZ.

Moreover AZ progressed that sc Heerenveen be prohibited to cooperate in a transfer of Alves to another club. The arbitration committee believe that the transferovereenkomst - by not meeting the agreed conditions - are expire, and that lord peat therefore it is no longer kept to in the transferovereenkomst it has been described the obligations.

For the complete consideration of the arbitration committee we refer to the sentence, which is here to find.

**AV writes: Yes.

Posted by: JMc  | January 23, 2008 5:03 PM

John Sutherland wrote...

I dont want to get anyone excited but theres a posting on the Dutch FA's website which suggests their arbitration meeting has rejected any AZ claims on Alves. My freaky-deaky Dutch is a little rusty though

Posted by: John Sutherland  | January 23, 2008 5:35 PM

LeeB wrote...

I see the Dutch FA have ruled on Alves. Alkmaar has no claim, so he can be sold.

Posted by: LeeB  | January 23, 2008 5:57 PM

CHRIS wrote...

Hereveen told they are the owner of Alvez player rights...they can sell him....just appeared online.They decided against AZ

Posted by: CHRIS  | January 23, 2008 5:57 PM

Lurking Teesside Based Mag wrote...

According to the gormless idiot Alan Oliver, "Boro fear a move by Newcastle to sign Woodgate".

Having studied Oliver's stories for accuracy over the years I feel that the stories claiming Woodgate is returnng to Newcastle are "wide of the mark".

Oliver was adamant that Harry Redknapp would be walking his 2 dogs on the Tynemouth beach and that he couldn't say no to the Newcastle job. Aa

And Martin O'Neill was a certainty to choose the Newcastle job a couple of years back according to the hapless one.

His inaccuracies and gaffes are seemingly never ending.
The man writes nothing but bilge which is probably why he is even ridiculed by Newcastle fans on t'internet! (My moneys on NUFC signing Van Buyten rather than Woody!)

Posted by: Lurking Teesside Based Mag  | January 23, 2008 5:58 PM

Si wrote...

Er...Stephen... the problem is that Woody sees himself as too good to be just "cover". Such an ego comes from having played at both Real and the Champions League.

I'll have more thoughts on this situation later...

Meanwhile, I hear of positive developments on the Alves front! Although if we do sign him, we may have to sell Woody after all...

Posted by: Si  | January 23, 2008 6:54 PM

Garry Sharpe wrote...

Pains me to say it but I think Woody going to the barcodes probably rates higher than a 6.5 in the rumour scores.

The fact that Arca was chosen as new captain, ahead of Woody surprised me but maybe the writing was already on the wall for Woody at this stage.

The fact that we are negotiating Wheaters new contract as a matter of urgency (although contract negotiations may have been underway already)may also be telling.

I would be really disappointed to see Woody go and given that we have already been told that we don't need to sell to pay for the Alves deal I would be interested to see what would happen to any funds realised from Woody's sale. Does Gareth have another target in mind for the money I wonder?

Posted by: Garry Sharpe  | January 23, 2008 7:08 PM

Richard wrote...

I've had my personal doubts about Woodgate, his injury proneness and his attitude since he joined Boro. A move to Newcastle under Keegan might be attractive to him.

Whilst I don't like to feel that we are doing anything other than building the strength of the club, Woodgate has sufficient question marks over him for me that I'd rather he went than, say, Stewart Downing. Particularly since we're well covered for central defenders at present.

If we can make money on him, I'd not lose too much sleep on that one! Get Wheeter's long-term contract sorted out quickly though!

Looks like we've got the green light on Alves as well, so interesting times ahead.

Posted by: Richard  | January 23, 2008 7:15 PM

DavidT wrote...

Just seen BBC Web which state Dutch FA have backed Heerenveen so can make Alves available for transfer.

Could be on his way.

Up the Boro

Posted by: DavidT  | January 23, 2008 8:17 PM

bradinho wrote...

I would like to keep Woody for all the above reasons but also because he is a different kind of defender too - Wheatear and Huth could be twins, Pogga is of the same mould.

Woody has that extra bit of class, if we still need cover after that then we would be extremely unlucky but the youth should provide cover when needed (lets hope they are all as good as Wheater!).

Posted by: bradinho  | January 23, 2008 11:31 PM

bradinho wrote...

I see that Fulham have signed Litmanen despite him not having a club for 6 months....

"We know he's got the quality. It's just a question whether the six- or eight-month lay-off has made a major difference to him," Hodgson said.

But a more interesting quote is: "My theory is great players don't forget how to play. If they are fit enough, they can do what they are good at. "

I would think that this is ammunition for all those Mendi lovers!!!

Posted by: bradinho  | January 23, 2008 11:47 PM

Neil (Baku) wrote...

I'm 50/50 on whether Woody is sold or not, regardless of who he might go to. There are also rumours about a move to Liverpool.

On the playing side this season he hasn't hit last seasons heights by a long way, but you might say he has been MIA more frequently. We have a solid if not articulate central defence with or without him.

I still believe Woody has a simmering disagreement with Southgate (and possibly even Gibbo) over something, what I don't know.

Southgate made an inquiry for Pompey's Matt Taylor, a possible left back, and a successful bid would have realeased Pogi back into contention for a central defence spot.

Add to this the post from our Teesside based Mag, and you have all the ingredients for some hack to trump up a believable story to keep his editor off his back and maybe stay on the right side of Mags fans that don't think he's an idiot.

As you say Vic, it is the witching hour and anything can happen.

And anyway, when Newcastle are playing in the Champions League next season or the season after, Woody wouldn't be able to manage 2 games a week, would he (or Woody) lol!!

Posted by: Neil (Baku)  | January 24, 2008 6:10 AM

Danny wrote...

If Boro do want to attempt a top six place next season then we need to keep Woodgate.

OK so he might be a little injury prone but on his day no other defender in the Premier League comes near him. Remember his debut against Arsenal when he had Thierry Henry in his pocket?

Woody is top drawer and a player Boro need to keep if they want to have aspirations of breaking into the top six.

Very interesting times ahead for Boro i think. The signing of Alves, the hopeful signing of Fred coupled with the quality of Tuncay behind them, Downing and O'Neil suppling the firepower and Woody and Huth in defence then it could all of a sudden become exciting again.

Posted by: Danny  | January 24, 2008 7:41 AM

Danny wrote...

Shola Ameobi to Boro? please god NO.

AV, please tell us that your official Watch This Space Rating is: Shola Ameobi 0.001

Posted by: Danny  | January 24, 2008 8:34 AM

stockton red wrote...

I dont really understand all this.

All the other teams in our mini league at the bottom are strengthening their squads to try to stay up and yet there is constant speculation at our club about the departure of two of our leading players.

Do you think Sunderland would sell Jones or Wigan Heskey at this moment in time?.

Nobody knows the finances at the club but surely the striker signing can be financed against a short term loan guarranteed by the sky money and if necessary a player sale in the summer. Why is such a momumental gamble being taken with our premiership status?

If Downing and Woodgate are sold and we end up being relegated Steve Gibson will lose all credibility and support

Posted by: stockton red  | January 24, 2008 9:25 AM

Chris wrote...

Once again we are getting close to the end of the transfer window and Middlesbrough are still to wake up and react.

All the clubs around us are quickly snapping up players to increase their squads although some may say the quality of these signings can be questionable and the players we are linked with on paper seem to be of more quality we are being left behind.

The scary thing for me is that i feel there may be more truth in the players leaving the club than those who are potentially joining.

I for one would like the club to add to what we've got and try and push forward and hopefully once and regain our standing in the premier league we had a few years ago instead of been seen as relegation contenders which we have seen for the last two years.

What do other Boro fans think?

Posted by: Chris  | January 24, 2008 10:31 AM

Werdermouth wrote...

I know a lot of people are sounding pessimistic over the potential loss of big players in the January transfer window but I can only see Woody leaving and not Downing.

It makes sense to me, Woody is probably one of our top earners and at 28 is value will fall steeply in a couple of years. Also there is no guarantee of him being either picked or fit for the first 11 and he would be a luxury bench warmer for a club our size.

Plus as a former Galactico, it may be true that he's 'unsettled' (whatever that means?) and is impatient over Boro's rebuilding as potential top 6 challengers.

Given that Alves is seen as a replacement for the Yak (inc. transfer fee and wages) then freeing up the investment in Woody could also allow Boro to take on another top striker such as Fred.

Though if we do buy 2 top strikers it leaves Mido and Ali as second string options, with Tuncay playing just behind them it would only leave room for 1 central midfielder between Downing and O'Neil - which doesn't sound quite so solid and little more Keegan than Southgate.

Posted by: Werdermouth  | January 24, 2008 11:30 AM

Andy, the Hague wrote...

stockton red - calm down dear, it's only media speculation....

**AV writes: Today's update... there definitely seems to be some interest from Newcastle but there is no formal bid as yet... Boro aren't looking to sell to balance the books but, and it is a big, but admit there is a point at which they may be tempted if it feels it suits the club.

Posted by: Andy, the Hague  | January 24, 2008 11:36 AM

Nigel wrote...

I'm sure that by the 31st we will have signed Alves and Woodgate and Downing will still be Boro players. I think its important to distinguish between rumour/press speculation and the clubs intentions, the two are not the same.

Posted by: Nigel  | January 24, 2008 11:43 AM

Nigel wrote...

Keith Lamb is reported as saying that the club has had no offers for any of its players. This is a fudge if ever there was one, so a question for AV and the sports editor, when you ask the question, 'is the club prepared to sell Woodgate or Downing in this transfer window?' what answer is given? The answer to that question even if evasive would give us a much better idea as to Boro's intentions this coming week.

**AV writes: There is a hierarchy of phraseology that you have to cut through. You have to remember that so much is done behind the scenes before we get to the "bid" stage - Boro haven't bid for Alves, Spurs haven't bid for Spurs - but much of it must go unsaid because to make it public could land a club in trouble.

Hence so much is done in code through the media.

Posted by: Nigel  | January 24, 2008 12:16 PM

Ian Gill wrote...

Some light relief.

The League Managers Association has advocated club managers coming through the ranks and taking the requisite qualifications.

They are concerned that so many posts are going to overseas managers. They are similarly concerned over the number of foreign players in our leagues. They are concerned at the long term impact on british (including the Celtic nations in this) football both at league and international level.

Very laudible indeed.

And the new President of the LMA is .... fanfare and roll of drums. Fabio Capello. Doh!

Posted by: Ian Gill  | January 24, 2008 1:49 PM

Lauren wrote...

Do we have to sell someone to get Alves?

If we do, don't sell Downing!

How much money do boro have for transfers??

Posted by: Lauren  | January 24, 2008 5:56 PM

Garry Sharpe wrote...

Apologies for being slightly off topic here but I wanted to pick up on a point made by Werdermouth above.

If Alves does join us, and I think he will (fingers crossed), then I agree that our likely first choice pairing will be Mido and Alves up front. I can't see us playing Tuncay just behind these two though, I think a far more likely option is to play him on the right and move O'Neil into the centre of midfield alongside our new club captain Arca. Sounds like a good line up to me :)

Posted by: Garry Sharpe  | January 24, 2008 7:29 PM

lee drury wrote...

AV
Can you tell me why Heerenveen are fighting AZ over Alves? If the Evening Gazette is right that AZ have offered around 15 million for Alves, why would they want to contest that? Is it not in their interests to accept that money and let AZ worry about Alves going on strike?

**AV writes: AZ reportedly offered 14 Euros, which is about £9.5m . They presumably believe they can get more than that from Boro and/or do not want to let him go to one of their rivals, especially one they think has hi-jacked the player.

Posted by: lee drury  | January 24, 2008 9:17 PM

Nigel wrote...

AV - Thanks for the answer, your response and Keith Lambs 'fudge' suggest to me that both Stewie and Woodgate would be sold if the price is right, I just hope that the 'right price' is silly money. 8 million for woody and 10 million for Stewie doesn't seem like silly money to me.

**AV writes: I think those figures could see cracks appearing in the club's resolve to keep their players.

Posted by: Nigel  | January 24, 2008 9:28 PM

bradinho wrote...

Middlesbrough midfielder Fabio Rochemback has held preliminary talks with Brazilian side Gremio, according to the player's father and agent. (1433 GMT - Setanta Sports)

How much money? Enough to finance Fred as well as Alves???

Posted by: bradinho  | January 25, 2008 2:35 AM

Werdermouth wrote...

With the alleged Boro fire sale about to get underway I've drafted a press release to help raise funds to balance the books...

Still looking to obtain a January bargain before it’s too late?

We can offer you:

A central defender who has played at the highest level at one of Europe’s top clubs (albeit once or twice) is now available for clubs who are looking to sign a genuine big name - £8m

If you’re looking for the less confident left-footed younger twin brother David Beckham, then this player is surely for you - £10m ONO.

Every club needs a Brazilian midfield maestro who is deadly at set pieces, but if they are just looking for a Brazilian then this player ticks that box - £2m

At his peak this Dutch master was the ultimate midfield destroyer, now into his late career he can still run up and down the pitch (albeit warming-up along the touchline) – Offers around £1m.

This striker played an important part in almost winning the World Cup for his Asian country has now gained plenty of premiership experience and is looking to start scoring for your club - £5m ONO.

This top-class attacking midfielder from Spain has played for some of Europe’s top clubs and was once worth £30m but is now available free to a good home.

Posted by: Werdermouth  | January 25, 2008 8:33 AM

Nigel wrote...

Lauren - Good question, the club has reportedly said that no players need to be sold to buy both Alves & Fred, so if true we can assume that there is around £20 million avaiable, before any players have to be sold.

Then there are strong indications that if Spurs offer £10 million for Stewie and £8 million for Woody that they may be both sold also, putting another £18 million in the pot for spending in the summer.

In addition if we bring in one or two strikers we will have too many midfield players, Rocky, Arca, Boateng, Catts, Tuncay, Aliadiere, O'Neill. So I think a couple of those will move on in the summer, bringing in at least £5 million depending who is sold.

We may also loose Riggot at some point as that would leave us with plenty of centre backs even if Woody is sold. So there is plenty of cash avaiable and the potential to raise plenty more.

I personally will be gutted to see either of Stewie or Woody leave as seeing home grown class players in your team is as good as it gets for me, but I can see the potential of the team GS is building and that to is exciting.

Whoever we buy this transfer window is only the start, I think another busy summer of transfers is on its way.

Posted by: Nigel  | January 25, 2008 9:15 AM

Ian Gill wrote...

Lee Drury

AV makes a good point about Alves. When Liverpool tried to poach Heinze ManU were exremely stroppy and made sure he went to Real.

And Arsenal extracted every penny they could and Gallas out of Chelsea for Cashley Cole (plus they got rid of an Englishman who thought he should be paid something closer to the overseas players by a Frenchman).

Heerenveen may be miffed about the alleged pre contract for a player they were arguing with. Plus it is a team in the same league. The other factor could be the terms of our offer making it more attractive though I guess bile may be at the root of it.

Werdermouth

I remember when Leeds were in the midst of their firesale and the story ran the rounds of a fan going to buy tickets. At the ticket office he asked for two at £30 to receive the reply strikers or defenders?

We dont know the situation at Boro but we have had enough cloth cutting quotes to keep Burtons going for a decade. I suppose the club will make a decision based on what any player offers and plan B if they leave.

In Downings case he is double marked so finds it difficult to skin opponents like he used to. He does, however, have the ability to deliver a mean ball, he has added more goals to his armoury and creates space for others by simply being double marked.

Jinky is a very good dribbler but doesnt have an end product yet, he has potential but is not a proven premiership player. The club has to balance the money they would receive against the potential drop in effectiveness of the team.

Woodgate has picked up a few injuries and has not been as good as last year. The whole defence has been shaky so it is unfair to blame just him bearing in mind we had so many injuries at the start of the season.

We all know his qualities so the question again is how good is plan B. Wheater, Huth, Pogo and Riggott are all good centre halves. We know the first three pose a threat at set pieces and will get some goals (as will Riggott). Will Woodie return to type and stay injured?

Summing up, would the club be seriously weakened if we took £13-14million profit? Of more concern to me is can we afford to take the risk in our current perilous position.

A succesful last half of the season would do no harm to their values, a poor back end would leave us in a true firesale with damaged goods. Living in the east midlands the demise of Leicester, Forest, Derby and Coventry strike alarm bells.

**AV writes: There are other things to be considered. What if a player wants to leave? Or doesn't buy into the squad philosophy? Or is depreciating in value rapidly.

For years Boro's big problem has been letting contracts run down on players or holding on too long and then seeing them leave for nothing meaning vast new investment just to stand still.

Selling players while they are still major assets is a different problem but a more manageable one and one that gives the boss more leeway to shape the team as he wants rather than constantly fire-fighting.

Posted by: Ian Gill  | January 25, 2008 9:37 AM

dennis wilson wrote...

dont believe this, woody's off to tottenham, WHY are we selling our assetts when we are one point of relegation zone.

Please answer and tell us some good news AV

Posted by: dennis wilson  | January 25, 2008 9:56 AM

craggylad wrote...

Quick thought on the woody latest!

Sky says offer in excess of 7million.James mcfadden was bought for nearly 6 million, michael dawson was bought for around 8 million i think?

To sell woodgate for less than ten million would seem a mistake for me, especially as Spurs regularly pay over the odds for players. Pascal Chimbonda for 6 million! Would think it a good deal if Robinson was threw in though!

Posted by: craggylad  | January 25, 2008 10:14 AM

Werdermouth wrote...

Ian

Yes it’s true that the real fire sale would start if we were relegated – though I think if we sign Alves and Mido’s diet works out we should have enough fire-power to stay up.

Though I agree with AV that it’s better to cash in on players whilst they have value rather than risk losing them for little or no money 6 months down the line.

I think the loss of Woody, especially if he’s not happy, is manageable and would represent good business for a 28 year-old injury prone player who could end up as another Mendi.

I also think the Boat won’t be happy as a squad player (which he surely is now) and if we can get reasonable cash for Rocky I’d take it (he’s always been looking to leave since he arrived and it would be unwise to take up the 2 year option on his contract this summer).

We should wait until summer before deciding on Downing – his price won’t fall and I think he’s committed on the pitch and we need his service.

Posted by: Werdermouth  | January 25, 2008 10:33 AM

dennis wilson wrote...

Ah silly me we are two points above relegation, thats cheered me up.

Well said, any fee for woody should be more money than 7 to 8 mill. still cant believe we are selling him. I love Boro.

Why are we doing all this? Come on southgate we need to stay up and thanks to keith lamb for up until today I didnt believe we would sell woody or downing.

what next stewy to go and Alves to not sign... what a great season.... not!

Posted by: dennis wilson  | January 25, 2008 10:40 AM

mohd alan wrote...

AV

Words fail me, except the ones necessary to write this "E" mail. Here we are two points above relegation and while our rivals are snapping up players left right and centre to avoid the drop we are seling our assets i.e. our players!

Some time ago I wrote that the club appear to be asset stripping, another contributor caled me an idiot. Well an idiot is a person with a feeble mind, but surely even some one with a feeble mind would not sell one of their best players in our current predicament.

I just keep hoping for some positive news and I am certainly not a whinge bag, but it is not going to happen is it? is it?

Posted by: mohd alan  | January 25, 2008 11:31 AM

Orange Dave wrote...

Dennis Wilson

You took Keith Lambs comments seriously? - shame on you! The usual patter and brinkmanship designed to keep the price up by giving the impression we don't want to sell unless silly offers come in.

I think we may have shown our hand too soon in letting Woody open talks with spurs, as thet gives the impression we're happy to settle for the 8 million, and other interested clubs will just come in and match it rather than improve on it.

I personally don't think any team's going to get more than half a season from Woody now, and he may not be happy with not getting an automatic game.

Let's hope Huth stays fit, Wheater continues his form, and that we buy some cover for left back so we can move Poggy into the centre as cover when needed.

With money no object, I would rather have seen Riggott sold, and I'm sure he'd do a good job for someone, but we do have an excess of centre halves at the moment.

I can see Woody on the phone to Downing in the summer telling him how good it is down there.

I think we'll see other teams in for him - where do you think he'll end up AV?

**AV writes: Spurs are in the driving seat. Maybe KK will persuade him that Newcastle is closer to London than Tottenham is.

Posted by: Orange Dave  | January 25, 2008 11:36 AM

Neil (Baku) wrote...

I think we need to hear what AV is saying.

Read between the lines, "There are other things to be considered. What if a player wants to leave? Or doesn't buy into the squad philosophy? Or is depreciating in value rapidly."

I for one KNOW that Woody has not been happy at Boro for some time, and the signs have been there for all to see. The reasons why he is unhappy or fallen out with Southgate will stay with him at least until he actually moves.

But the sad fact is that if a player is not happy it affects his performance, and as we seen with Yak it starts to effect the rest of the team.

In my opinion it is no coincidence that the defence has looked more solid in recent weeks.

It will be a sad loss because Woody is a cultured player, and where we will be left wanting is in his ability to read a game, something which I do not see in any of the centre backs we will be left with.

Funny though how the transfer window has thrown up so much in Boro's case, truly the witching hour, and it's not over yet.

Downing at 10mill anyone?

Posted by: Neil (Baku)  | January 25, 2008 11:38 AM

Ian Gill wrote...

AV

Further to your comments, as I posted, will Woodie return to fitness or return to being unavailable for periods?

Interesting that last season he had a fitness coach from Real helping him, has that disappeared and he is under the sole tender care of Rockcliffe?

Or is it simply the club sees a good peice of business. Even better if we get into a bidding war between Spurs and Toon. £8 million for Dawson is dwarfed by the £7million for Boumsong.

If he is going to go, get the best deal we can and wish him well for the future. He is a boro lad after all, lets just hope he doesnt come back to haunt us.

Still doesnt mean he is gone yet.

Rumour has it Downing has had a meeting with Gibson, let us hope that went well and we ddint have Count whispering sweet nothings in Gibbos ears.

Posted by: Ian Gill  | January 25, 2008 11:49 AM

dennis wilson wrote...

Orange Dave,

Your right, shame on me!!! next I will be believing that we are gonna spend the money on a class defender in woodys role, or even that we are that good we dont need to replace him!

Finally we could spend the money on two strikers, whats the betting we will suddenly have four defenders injured a week after woody's gone

Posted by: dennis wilson  | January 25, 2008 11:55 AM

Nigel wrote...

So Woody is off, I think £8million is not enough but more to the point is if Woody is unhappy which I think AV is indicating then he needs to move on.

I'm glad I saw him play for Boro and I hope he has a great career at Spurs, great player, good bloke.

Posted by: Nigel  | January 25, 2008 12:27 PM

Patrick Steele wrote...

Fail to see the objective point of all this squealing about Woodgate.

£8m+ for a part-time defender is good business IMO and without him we still have a strong defence, though perhaps an experienced left back might be a useful addition.

Our problems are further up the pitch, hence the need to keep hold of Downing.

Posted by: Patrick Steele  | January 25, 2008 1:05 PM

Ste wrote...

How is it that we can NEVER conduct a tranfer of a player without it dragging out into a saga when other clubs seem to tie up deals in 48 hours? Keith Lamb needs showing the door and the club appointing a better chief executive.

Posted by: Ste  | January 25, 2008 1:06 PM

jiffy wrote...

8m for Woodgate represents a charge of £1m per game he is likely to play for them this season IF they are lucky and its a big if.

1) He doesnt justify his wages in terms of the amount of times he gets onto the pitch.

2) When he does get on his injuries have so slowed him down he is no longer Premiership standard.

Anyone prepared to give us back the money wasted on him we should be biting their hands off frankly.

Posted by: jiffy  | January 25, 2008 1:13 PM

mark j wrote...

AZ are giving it 'If he does nt want to come here then Boro will have to pay'

Their bid of 13.4 mil is only to hoik the price up as they know he doesnt want to stay in Holland. Thanks AZ.
Hurry up Lambo, Shake hands with these Tulip fanciers!

Posted by: mark j  | January 25, 2008 1:55 PM

Ian Gill wrote...

Jiffy

Checked Woodies career stats, he has played 186 league games since August 1998.

Sad to see him go but that is life.

Ste

We do complete January signings and we actually featured in the Times today in a table of the worst January signings of all time. cue chart type music

At no 16 is Dong Goal Less

At no 9 Maclcom 'are you sure two aspirins cure a broken leg' Christie

At no 2 Michael 'who ate all the pies' Ricketts.

Sadly we do not get to number one because that has been granted in perptuity to Toons aquisition of Alain Boumsong.

Posted by: Ian Gill  | January 25, 2008 2:25 PM

Mainy wrote...

Am I the only person who see's the benifit of selling woodgate?

I think his record stands at plays 3 out 1 or 2. How the hell do you build a team around that as someone said above? The only team you can build around him is a medical team.

People say he was great last season, was he? or was it the fact that player of the season Poggi was moved to centre back!

This season he has been outshone by a 20 year old kid who learnt his trade kicking a plastic ball on redcar beach.

My main concern about selling woody is the fact that wheater has apparently only got a contract that runs till the end of the season. Make sure he signs first b4 selling.

The other thing about woody and spurs is that it will flush out interest from other clubs, eg newcastle & they will hopefully get into a biddin war for him which could lead to an increase in price from spurs - or a cut price deal for robinson.

Posted by: Mainy  | January 25, 2008 3:56 PM

lauren wrote...

Does anyone think we will get alves after all this?

Posted by: lauren  | January 25, 2008 4:01 PM

lauren wrote...

i really hope we get Alves!

AV :do you think we will get him? will we be able to get a work permit??

**AV writes: They wouldn't have spent this much time and effort so far if they weren't confident of both.

Posted by: lauren  | January 25, 2008 4:38 PM

Kier wrote...

All things considered, this would not be a bad piece of business. At 28 and a re-occuring injury problem it may be best to sell our Boro boy. 8 Million pounds, not bad especially with the group of younger players in the same position.

Take Woody's wages and use the funds to help re-sign Wheater and Downing! If Poggy goes back inside and we are left needing cover at left back why not try to bring back Frank. With the arrival of David Murphy at Brum he may enjoy comming back to re-join the fight. Just a thought.

Posted by: Kier  | January 25, 2008 5:35 PM

Phil ex Warrenby wrote...

This is the best bit of transfer news for years.8 mil for an unhappy player and at last a real goal scorer [we hope]

yes I agree with Mainy woody was injured too often and tho' he done a job for us ,it is now best for all that he moves on.

I hope he goes to the Gunners and wins himself a couple of the big ones champs league or the like or maybe he can stop Man U and the cheat from Portugal from winning the League

Posted by: Phil ex Warrenby  | January 28, 2008 12:20 PM

Ian Gill wrote...

Was it a premonition? The following was posted 22nd Jan by yours truly. Here is hoping it doesnt come to pass.

'Richard.

Certainly credible but let me lob a grenade into the debate.

Boro get the go ahead to sign Alves. He is of course a man of his word having been contracted to Heerenveen and going on strike, then signing a contract with AZ which he wants to get out of to come to the premiership.

Negotiations start and, at the last minute, in come a bigger premiership club who have been biding their time pending a resolution. Luckily Alves is a man of his word...........

Meanwhile Boro do a deal with Spurs to fund the purchase which completes before the Alves deal collapses. Fred stays at Lyon.

Rob Hulse, come on down. He walks through the smoke having spoken the immortal words 'Mathew, this week I am going to be a premiership striker'

**AV writes: I wonder if Rob Hulse knows he has become a cypher for Boro embracing mediocrity?'

Sorry folks, fingers crossed

Posted by: Ian Gill  | January 31, 2008 10:54 AM