Rumour Mill – Harry the Loan Arranger
Last updated : 03 October 2005 By Chris C
Keen to show off the talent for wheeling and dealing that has plucked the likes of Belmadi, Hajto, Kosowski and, er, forgotten man Tejera out of the hat, Harry has decided to start his own transfer window. He has announced that during the two week international break he will be looking to bring in at least one player in on loan to help address Saints’ lack of firepower.
Alin Stoica
With the overwhelming need for a proven goalscorer, Harry has revealed that we are trialing… another midfielder. Stoica, a Romanian international, is something of an enigma with descriptions varying from the new Hadji to a difficult character. He was released from Brugge as long ago as last December and is a free agent after several unsuccessful trials, including one at Derby. This has all the makings of another gamble, but it is not clear whether he will prove a Belmadi or a more anonymous Tejera.
3/5 Broadsheet
Carlton Cole
Loan veteran Carlton Cole was reportedly offered to Saints on loan last season only to repay us by banging in the second goal of the season against Villa. With Chelsea’s stellar line-up and 4-5-1 formation, his chances are looking severely limited. Although Chelsea may favour a loan to a Premiership club, he could prove a decent signing.
1/5 Some bloke down the pub
West Brom striker
With West Brom hoarding an EU striker mountain, it would appear a logical venue for a loan deal. Take your pick from whoever is not playing out of Ellington, Earnshaw, Horsfield, Campbell, Kanu and even Kamara who rejected Saints for the Baggies. Robson has not played ball with the Rumour Mill and has been rotating his strikers in the search for the winning combination, but Earnshaw and Campbell look the best bets.
2/5 Tabloid
Mystery foreign striker
The Rumour Mill has to admit being stumped as to who Harry might bring in from overseas. With signings from as far and wide as Poland and Uruguay, even the Rumour Mill’s legendary scouting network doesn’t know which airport to watch. While the Premiership is by far the most desirable place to find the proven striker we require, Harry admits that it is ‘not easy to persuade clubs to let players go’. Given our signings this season the best we can do is suggest ‘some Polish bloke’. Remember you heard it here first...
2/5 Tabloid
Guide to On the Cross ratings:
0/5 Men in white coats time
1/5 Some bloke down the pub
2/5 Tabloid
3/5 Broadsheet
4/5 Official site
5/5 Holding up a shirt
