It seems to not involve Zola very much. Sullivan announced what he felt our policy should be in the January window in a press conference, then presumably ran it by Zola that evening. Apparently they agreed to get one striker immediately, and then another one and a defender (presumably a right back) by the end of the transfer window. Zola has not been mentioned by Sullivan in a multitude of interviews since.
I’m not sure how I feel about owners deciding who to buy. I’m not so naive to think it doesn’t happen elsewhere in football, but it’s an idea that as little as five years ago used to be held in distaste in this country. I didn’t know how to judge Nani’s eye for a player either when he joined the club, but at least he was brought into the club on that basis by others – Sullivan has effectively hired himself as our chief scout, and director of football. I have serious misgivings.
Grab any set of football supporters around a table in a caff for five minutes and you’ll probably come up with exactly the same set of names that we seem to be strongly linked with. The days of Francos and Diamantis coming out of the blue seem to be over – get used to buying known quantities from other Prem clubs. This means we will be paying a premium both in fees and wages – the upside is that we will be getting players who presumably know what they’re doing in this league (one of the main criticisms of Nani’s signings).
Apparently agent Barry Silkman is at the heart of what Sullivan is doing in the transfer market. I only knew him because of his made-public comments wishing an agonising death from cancer on Bobby Robson after a dispute. Classy stuff. But a quick google search tells us that he was mentioned in the Stevens enquiry on corruption in football alongside Pina Zahavi. I don’t need to hear any more for the alarm bells to be ringing!
I just dont know what to make of our new owners, who in any event only owe 50% – so what is Straumer’s role? I am not convinced it stabilises the club as most commentators suggest. It would have been far better for the club if new owners had taken it over outright, which is what Tony Ferrandes wanted to do.
Alex,
Great couple of articles. I still trying to process what i think about this. Before the dal i didn’t want them, but obviously there is some stablisation with them in charge. This has to be good, however many of there comments are worrying, th way they play up the debt, talk about wages then offer 100k. olympic, need i say more. I think they are more suited to rednapp mas manager than zola. Its all too much bling and publicity than considered well managed and thought out direction. However will have to wait and see, well in the end have no choice, I’m an iron and will support……
Paul
You have summed up my feelings Paul. There is an excellent interview with David Gold in today’s Telegraph. He has less to say than Sullivan and in the interview appears more measured in his comments. He said some encouraging, and sensible, things about the future particularly in their commitment to Zola and Clarke. But as you say we will have to wait and see.