Thursday 31 January 2008

Sunderland swap confirmed

The move of Andy Reid to Sunderland for £4m, although not all of that is up front, has been confirmed while right back Greg Halford comes in the opposite direction on loan for the rest of the season. The 23-year old is known for his long throw-ins, possibly giving Pards another weapon in his armoury.

However, the Charlton supremo was somewhat qualified in his welcome: 'He's coming here on loan and I think he's got a lot to prove. It didn't work out for him at Reading, it didn't work out for him at Sunderland, so I think he needs to be a success here.'

It has been questioned why we need a right back with Moutaoukil on form, but we have limited cover and Halford is more of a utility defender.

The departure of Reid has clearly come as a blow to many of the Addickted, but perhaps the extent of the club's financial plight is perhaps now sinking in. If a finger of blame is to be pointed it should be at the manager of relegation threatened Coventry City. Who knows, having sent Palace down on the last day of the season, we might do the same for the Sky Blues and their manager.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wyn, I agree that Dowie must be held accountable for the money he wasted, but the board must take some of the blame for the current state of finances. They failed to plan for Curbs departure and as a result were forced in to making a bad appointment. Perhaps if they had provided the 11 Million war chest to Curbs, we would still be in the Premiership.

Anonymous said...

I'm exceptionally dissappointed Wyn. Andy was a player, and professional, of real class. He seemed to want do well for us with a passion.

I felt that he would become a real legend for us.

Did we really need the money now though? By the time most of it rolls in we will know if we are up or staying down. Surely it would have been beeter to wait until our fate was known.

If money was an issue why didn't we sell him in the summer? All that seems to have changed since then is an extra £1.5m for Gray.

I expect that as usual, it is a combination of factors that made minds up; all of which you have nicely covered.

I'd like to know how much, if at all, Reid forced the issue.


Pembury Addick

Anonymous said...

Yes I'm dissapointed too. Andy Reid was that bright spark of skill and vision that could lift a dour physical competition a game of skill, vision and entertanment ( and dare i say art ? no I'm besounding like Motty)).

I was looking forward to his return and no doubt we will miss what he can bring to the team. But as others have said, we are doing well without him, and in the last three home matches,we have attacked and held posession better than in previous home matches.

So, I'll mourn his leaving, but I don't think its has the same siginficance as the loss of Scot Parker and i'll aplaud him if he returns to the valey in an away kit.

Anonymous said...

Since Reid signed for Charlton, he has spent an awful lot of time injured - far more than he has played.

I think the club has done the right thing in cashing on the player whilst we still can.

Inspector Sands said...

I'd forgotten how far Coventry had fallen. Now that could be an interesting match...

Your first anonymous commenter must be a great laugh at parties :-)

Wyn Grant said...

One thing to bear in mind is a remark that Richard Murray is reported to have made at the agm: once you are a Championship club, banks regard you as a much higher risk than a Premiership club and treat you accordingly.

Anonymous said...

Why do we always sell our best and most influinial players on the 31st Jan.Three midfield players in last 4 years

Inspector Sands said...

Wyn - quite. It is even possible for anyone to run a Championship club without losing all their cash these days?