Bent Impresses England's New Manager
The Sunday Mirror 'exclusive' this morning was really nothing of the sort, a veritable 'non story' if ever there was one. I remain sceptical that Curbs is the front-runner for the England job, but rumours abound that the FA is contemplating a management 'team' with Curbs a key member, possibly whilst retaining his Charlton job. Given Middlesbrough's patchy record under Steve McLaren I suspect the club gains little from his England involvement, and Charlton should resist a dual role for Curbs if the FA go down this route.However, if Curbs does take the England job, Darren Bent could at least surely relax safe in the knowledge that his International credentials would no longer be doubted. Worryingly however for fans of the national team, Bryan Hughes is also eligible for England.
It's been said before both here and elsewhere, but Darren Bent's contribution to our season really cannot be overestimated. Given that he is able to score 19 goals with patchy service, it is little wonder that the club has probably already slapped a £12million+ price tag around his neck. The most impressive aspects of his forward play are not only his wide range of 'types of goal' (evidenced nicely today), but also his phenomenal 'goals-to-chances' ratio. He is clearly our most natural finisher since Mendonca (admittedly there wasn't much competition), and in truth the Wearsider never really proved himself at the top level (partly due to injuries). More crucially during a disappointing season, he has been the difference between midtable mediocrity and a relegation fight.
'Boro obviously played a weakened side, rightly seeing the possibility of a UEFA Cup semi-final place as more important than a near-meaningless League game. It will be interesting to see where the FA Cup figures in their priorities if they overcome Roma on Wednesday, but assuming it figures higher than the League, then we will likely face a tougher challenge in the Cup game which does not bode well given we were fortunate to prevail today.
It was good to see Curbs willing to make two half-time changes, and I'm hoping we see more of Thomas and less of Hughes in the final games of the season. It paid off this time, other times it won't, but whilst winning is ultimately the key, fans also want to be entertained and the eleven that started the game today (Bent aside) hardly set the pulse racing. I've argued before that winning and entertaining needn't be mutually exclusive, and given the right balance between artistic freedom and team responsibilities, our flair players can achieve both goals.
Our final visit to Highbury on Saturday is being shown here in full, albeit delayed, so I will be turning my phone off, staying away from the Internet and will look forward to seeing us no doubt do our best to ensure Tottenham's European challenge continues to fade fast.
posted by New York Addick @ 10:38 PM
4 comments
Bent's been a revelation this season.
I'd like to see him at least in the WC squad for England but I'm not sure on Sven's policy of picking known players rather than those in form.
I think Darren could be a surprise hit at the WC, which would increase the pressure on Charlton to sell him, albeit at a higher price.
Indeed. Darren showed true international class during the first 23 minutes of his debut.
In many ways he reminded me of NYA playing rugby at school.
Sadly I cannot see Bent with us next year, if Liverpool have any sense they will come in with an offer £12m plus, he has more long term potential than Owen and achieved more than Owen this season, without getting injured. It is a pity if bent goes, but it may give us the money to bring in the 8 - 10 players we need for next season.
It seems to me that even if Curbs does not get the England job he will be off this summer. He has refused to renew his contract, which is evidence enough. However, his experience with Murphy and Smertin must have convinced him that he can't take Charlton any further. The club as a whole seems to have hit the buffers, and this must have a lot to do with the manager losing his enthusiasm and drive. The current safety first tactics, in tactics, in the lack of new signings in January and in the unwillingness to bring young players through all speak of an end game to me.