My Top 10 January Transfers

With the January transfer window slammed shut just over a week ago, the time has now come for me to analyse the transfers and pick my top 10 transfers of the window so here goes:

10. Taye Taiwo AC Milan - Queens Park Rangers (Loan)

A very good capture for QPR in my opinion.  As well as being a complete animal on Fifa 12 for his pace and strength, the Nigerian left back also has bags of experience playing almost 200 times for Marseille in the Ligue 1 and lets be honest, if your at AC Milan then you must have something about you.  Left back was certainly a problem for Mark Hughes side who had Armand Traore, not the best full back in the world lacking consistency and the all round play needed for a side who are desperate to stay in the top flight. Taiwo will add a bit more in defence and attack - the 26 year old found the net 17 times for Marseille and is a very good free kick taker.


9. Will Hoskins Brighton & Hove Albion - Sheffield United (Loan)

Coming in at 9th place is Will Hoskins.  The striker joined Sheffield United on loan from Brighton on deadline day in a move that saw the former Watford player return to League 1.  It was only last season when the prolific frontman netted 20 goals in a Bristol Rovers side that eventually were relegated to League 2.  The hitman will be looking to find his goalscoring touch again after scoring only once in seven games for the Seagulls this season.  United will be hoping that Hoskins' probable partnership up front with Welshman Ched Evans will bear fruit and, if it does, expect the Blades to be up in those automatic promotion places come May.


8. Jonny Howson Leeds United - Norwich City (£1.5m - £2m)

8th place goes to new Norwich midfielder Jonny Howson.  Howson who was Leeds captain joined the club for a fee believed to be around £2million.  The 22 year old joins former team mate Bradley Johnson in the centre of the park for the Canaries and signals another of their players that has played his way to the top having played in League 1 with the Elland Road club.  Howson was known as one of the best young stars in the Championship and one renowned for often popping up with a goal.  A good signing for Norwich who will now look to maintain their Premier League status by the end of the season.


7. Clarke Carlisle Burnley - Northampton Town (Loan)

Its not often you get an intelligent footballer but this is what Northampton Town now have.  Clarke Carlisle who has appeared the television show Countdown, was playing for Burnley in the Premier League only two years ago and has decided to take the plunge to join League 2 relegation battlers Northampton Town.  The Cobblers who are managed by Carlisle's former Gaffer at Watford, Aidy Boothroyd are currently struggling at the foot of League 2 and three points from safety and conceded a whopping 56 goals so far this season.  Carlisle, Boothroyd and the Cobblers fans will be hoping the defender can help block a very leaky backline.  An experienced campaigner, Carlisle will be hoping not to add another relegation to his CV.


6. Matt Tubbs Crawley Town - AFC Bournemouth (£800,000)

In at 6 is one of my favourite ever Crawley players; Matt Tubbs.  Tubbs joined Bournemouth for a fee of around £800,000 only two days after he sealed Crawley's path into the fifth round of the FA Cup in a record breaking sale for the Red Devils and a record breaking purchase for the Cherries.  Fans favourite "Tubbsy" banged in 40 goals for the Reds in their Blue Square Premier Championship winning season and had already found the net 17 times this campaign before his move to his home-town club.  I know what your thinking ..... "He's bias and he's only putting him in there because of the Crawley connection ...." the truth is, I honestly think he can fire in the goals to get Bournemouth into those play offs / automatic promotion places come May (See you next year Matt!).  A good deal for both clubs with Crawley only singing him for circa £55,000 in July 2010.


5. Nicky Maynard Bristol City - West Ham United (£1.5m)

Number 5 in the list is striker Nicky Maynard who joined West Ham from Bristol City on deadline day.  The 25 year old was a January target for the likes of Wigan Athletic and Roy Hodgson's West Bromwich Albion however decided that east London was the place to play his football.  Prolific at Championship level, the Hammers will have felt they have a bargain for a player who was out of contract at Bristol City at the end of the season.  Having smashed in 45 goals for the Ashton Gate club over four years including a "Football League Goal of the Year" in 2009, Maynard will be hoping to replicate that at the very least at Upton Park.  This signing shows that Sam Allardyce means business in terms of winning promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.


4. Steven Pienaar - Tottenham Hotspur - Everton (Loan)

A late, late deadline day signing was the loan deal of Steven Pienaar.  The hardworking South African only joined Spurs last January from the Toffees and is a signing that David Moyes' side was crying out for.  There is no doubt Pienaar will add a lot more creativity to a side that is, to be honest, lacking in that department.  A deal that seemed to be on and off for the final few hours of the window, Pienaar will be a replacement for the departed Diniyar Bilyaletdinov who was transferred to Spartak Moscow.  A signing that suits both parties - Pienaar knows Everton, Everton know Pienaar and he will actually play games, unlike his last year at White Hart Lane.


3. Sebastien Bassong Tottenham Hotspur - Wolverhampton Wanderers (Loan)

Defender Sebastien Bassong sneaks into third place for what I believe is a great bit of business from Mick McCarthy.  Frozen out at Spurs, the Cameroon international defender will shore up the Wolves defence and lets be honest here, I'm probably better than Christophe Berra and the mistake prone Richard Stearman ..... Well, maybe not but nevertheless, a superb signing for the relegation threatened Wolves.  If Mick can get Bassong back to the excellent form he showed for Newcastle that quickly prompted Spurs to splash £8million on the centre back then I feel that they might have enough to stay in the top flight.


2. Billy Sharp Doncaster Rovers - Southampton (£1.5m - £2m)

The runner up to my prestigious "Number 1 Signing Award" goes to Southampton new boy Billy Sharp.  The 26 year old has been a consistent performer in the Championship the last few years at Doncaster where he notched an impressive 25 goals in 49 games including 10 in 20 this campaign.  An excellent signing for the Saints who fought off interest from Leicester City and Ipswich Town for the lethal front-man's autograph.  Having worked with Southampton manager Nigel Adkins before at Scunthorpe United, Adkins knows what he's getting and will be hoping that a potentially potent strike-force of Sharp and the Championship's top goalscorer, Rickie Lambert up top can help push Saints into the Premier League in a few months time.


1. Nikica Jelavic Rangers - Everton (£7m)

Drum roll please .......... and the winner is ..... Nikica Jelavic!  The striker finally made his "dream move" to the Premier League by signing along with Steven Pienaar on deadline day.  David Moyes needed a clinical striker or two and that's what he has in the tall Croatian who bagged an impressive 30 goals in 45 games for Rangers albeit in the SPL where you have a 50% chance of winning the league.  A typical Everton type signing in that Jelavic didn't break the bank (Money was used from the Bilyaletdinov sale) and will score a few goals in the Prem with the service from Pienaar, Phil Neville, Royston Drenthe and of course Leighton Baines who simply loves to get forward.  Believe he will be a very good player for the Toffees.


And there we have it! ...


Feel free to leave comments below on the ones that got away and the ones that are rated too highly or not rated enough! Enjoy!

Tubbs The Tormentor As Reds Tame Tepid Tigers

It was another memorable day in Crawley Town’s history as the Reds marched on to the fifth round of the FA Cup after a 1-0 win away at Hull City.

The early start began with the departure time of 8am, when 13 Crawley Town Supporters Alliance coaches departed from the Broadfield Stadium for the long trip up to Hull.

Arriving in Hull at around 13.30, an influx of away fans joined a good number of home supporters in “The Walton Club”, just a stones throw away from the very impressive KC Stadium.

IMPRESSIVE: The KC Stadium

The team news was in with the Tigers resting a number of their bigger, better known names such as Robert Koren, Paul McKenna, Cameron Stewart and Liam Rosenior as well as Aaron McLean who was on the bench.  Coming into the side was Josh King, on loan from Manchester United.

Crawley lined up with new signing Sanchez Watt in place of Scott Neilson in midfield as their only change from last week’s draw at Plymouth Argyle.

JUST WATT THE DOCTOR ORDERED: Sanchez made his debut

The game kicked off with Crawley immediately taking the game to the home side; after only a couple of minutes Tyrone Barnett managed to wriggle free of Jack Hobbs only to see his shot saved by Mannone. Soon after, Matt Tubbs tried an audacious bicycle kick from a Dean Howell cross only to see his effort fly wide of Vito Mannone’s right hand post.

Barnett was next to have a go at the Hull goal when he rounded Arsenal-loanee Mannone only to see his strike cleared off the line by Tom East for a corner.

Hull finally had their first effort on Scott Shearer’s goal when Tom Cairney’s curling left footed effort was superbly tipped over by the goalkeeper.

Half time came and there were mumbles of “We’re doing well”, “Hull are poor”, “They’re there for the taking” and “Just need a goal”.  Whilst waiting we noticed Aaron McLean getting stripped off and warming up with one of the Tigers’ coaching staff… Gulp!

The teams came out and as we predicted, McLean was on and another Manchester United loanee Robbie Brady came off. Crawley looked to up the tempo and after some early pressure David Hunt’s corner wasn’t cleared by the Hull defence and fell for Claude Davis, whose shot was blocked before his defensive partner Pablo Mills was brilliantly denied by Mannone.

Minutes later, the opening goal finally came. Dannie Bulman’s superb pass with the outside of his boot saw Hull’s offside trap self-destruct, giving Tubbs the freedom of the City half to take a touch before slotting under Mannone - his finish ultimately his last in a Crawley shirt. Behind the goal the stand was bouncing with the optimistic 1,600 visiting supporters dreaming of another Cup upset.

Tub-thumper: Reds hitman celebrates with Tyrone Barnett

Nick Barmby’s side started to lay siege on the Crawley goal; a ball in from the left found Richard Garcia about 8 yards out. The former West Ham player’s effort was heading into the bottom corner of the net only for Shearer to fantastically reach down low to his left and flick the ball away for a corner.

The Red Devils then went up the other end of the pitch and the brilliant Kyle McFadzean, playing in a defensive midfield position, saw his ferocious right-footed drive palmed onto the roof of the net by Mannone.

A controversial moment then arose when McLean was sent clear by Corey Evans (brother of Manchester United defender Jonny) only for Shearer to come tearing out of goal. Former Peterborough goal-machine McLean tried to flick the ball over the ‘keeper and although City fans were shouting for a handball from Shearer, referee Stuart Attwell deemed it hit the Scot’s midriff.

McLEAN: Came on for the Tigers

Crawley soon after had a chance to kill Hull off when Barnett saw another effort beat Mannone only to be scrambled off the line by Joe Dudgeon; the ball falling to Watt whose volley skimmed off the post and out for a goal kick.

With the ball bouncing around the Crawley box for the final seven or eight minutes, Reds fans were praying, turning their backs on the game and covering their eyes. One final chance fell to the home side as a last gasp corner saw Mannone go up for it only for Bulman to chase clear and tripped by substitute Mark Cullen. Shearer smashed the ball upfield and Attwell blew his whistle for full time, marking another sensational win for Crawley Town as an exuberant game finally came to a close.

It was a fantastic display from the boys in red, with an awesome display from every single one of the lads; effort, passion, never say die attitude, we had it all.

The coach journey back was buzzing with talk of who we want in the next round, the possibilities of Alan Smith joining the club, Giovani Dos Santos joining on loan and which KFC meal is best!

The next round sees us drawn at home to Stoke City, last year’s runners up.  There’s no doubt it’s a difficult game, but on our day we really can beat anyone. Stoke have Europa League matches against Valencia around the time of our game so their manager Tony Pulis may have decisions to make in terms of team selection and resting a few of his so called bigger names – so this is a winnable tie in my opinion.

Tony Pulis will bring his Stoke side to Crawley in the Fifth Round

COYRs!

Thanks to www.gettyimages.com for the use of the images.

Toothless Reds Lack Cutting Edge Against Pirates

Bristol Rovers away was a game I had highlighted when the fixtures came out due to the close proximity to my flat in Southampton.

After a brisk yet chilly twenty minute or so walk to Southampton Central Railway Station, me and three others were kindly greeted to the £14.00 return with the Groupsave - On some of that.

The 11.10 train to Bristol Meads station soon arrived, we hopped on and around an hour and a half later we changed and boarded another train that would shortly lead us to the exotically French sounding Montpelier station.

MONTPELIER: Tattoo-ed in graffiti and not as nice as it sounded!

We were here. 13.24 was the time as we exited the station and, if anyone reading this has watched the film Green Street, the station was pretty much the same as the Macclesfield station in the movie (Where the West Ham fans go to Manchester and get off at Macc before moaning about the lack of taxis and jumping into a removal van.)

Instead of me waffling on about the high number of kebab, KFC-esque chicken and chip shops we passed on the long walk up to the Memorial Stadium, onto the game....

They hadn't had a clean sheet since October and we hadn't failed to score in a game since September so there was always going to be goals wasn't there?

Just looking at the churned up pitch you could tell it was not going to be a pleasant game.

We played the formidable diamond that seemed to work so well last week against the other side from Bristol; Bristol City.

A boring first twenty minutes occurred where, apart from a succession of corners from the away team and a Joe Anyinsah effort for the Pirates that sailed just over the bar, not a lot happened and the next twenty five were bare of chances too. Entertainment?

A second half change for Crawley at half time and Scott Neilson came on for the unusually in-affective Sergio Torres, who during the first half was elbowed in the face (Robbie Savage style) by the referee after a quick free kick;  Steve Evans seemingly desperate for a little more pace in the side.

We were beginning to up the tempo a little bit more and Matt Tubbs had the first real chance of the game when his effort was kept out by Gas' loanee Michael Poke, before bouncing back to the Reds top scorer only to see his scuffed second effort unbelievably stopped by the goalkeeper.

PUT IT IN THE POKEY!: Pirates 'keeper kept Reds at bay

It wasn't soon after when boss Steve Evans was forced to make another change; an aerial battle between Kyle McFadzean and Rovers' Irish defender Cian Bolger saw McFadzean with a bloodied head needing stitches and Bolger with less teeth than he had at the beginning of the game;  Hope Akpan replacing Bolton Wanderers target McFadzean.

BLOODBATH: McFadzean needed stiches

Minutes after McFadzean's departure, Crawley had their best chance to snatch a goal when, after a Rovers attack Dannie Bulman fed team-mate Neilson but, with Bolger and fellow centre back Aaron Downes pleading with the linesman to put his flag up, the Crawley wideman clipped the ball over Poke only to see his effort creep wide of the left hand post.

Neilson was beginning to menace the Rovers back four; acting in a position just behind the Reds front two of Tubbs and Tyrone Barnett and it was the substitute again that set up a chance for Barnett who could only blaze one over the bar and minutes later snatch another shot wide of the target.

Strike-partner Tubbs was next in the queue of Crawley players having a pop at goal; but his goalbound strike from twenty yards was pushed wide from Poke.

Matt Tubbs failed to find the net... for once!

It was the home side's turn to finally test Scott Shearer in the Crawley goal but Craig Stanley's effort went well wide.

It was soon back up the other end of the pitch as the scheming Neilson had another chance; after beating both Bolger and Downes, the pacy midfielder tested Poke from twenty yards, only to see his strike that was sneaking into the corner of the net acrobatically finger-tipped out for a corner from the former Torquay and Southampton custodian Poke.

Scott Neilson was a constant thorn in the Rovers side 

As the game was fizzling out, one last chance fell to the visitors but Barnett could only skim his header out for a throw in from Dean Howell's deep cross - An effort that really summed up a frustrating afternoon for the away side after a result that saw us slip from first to third.

To sum the game up, as I've said, "Frustrating" would have to be the word.  Lots of possession (67%) but if you don't have a man to put the ball in the net it means little. Little or no creativity (Its no use pumping the ball up to little Tubbs when he's up against the giant Bolger (Or should that be Boulder?).

IMPRESSIVE: On loan Leicester youngster Bolger was solid for the Pirates

After having time to contemplate the (Poor) game on the train back if you get a point away from home and win your home games you will be there or there abouts.  Manager-less Rovers were a poor side though, in truth I was expecting a little better (Trying to impress the possible new manager watching in the stand etc) - Danny Woodards at right back has an excellent game though, as did the brick wall that was Bolger.

Next up is Plymouth away.  Another local-ish one for me I suppose (3.5 hours!) The table doesn't lie so I'm expecting a win against a, it has to be said "Rejuvenated" Pilgrims.

GREEN ARMY!: Next stop.... Plymouth!

COYRs

Photos courtesy of www.crawleytownfc.com 

Terrific Tubbs Leads The Way As Reds March On

It was FA Cup day again and this time we were taking on Championship side Bristol City.  I couldn’t believe that it was coming up a year since my favourite ever Reds’ moment; Sergio Torres winner against Derby!

Torr-ific!: Sergio's Goal Is Still My Favourite Ever Crawley Moment

Onto the game and City were at full strength.  Prior to the game there was discussion as to whether Nicky Maynard would play or not due to the hive of transfer activity surrounding the former Crewe Alexandra player.  The striker was in the starting line up… along with Martyn Woolford, Albert Adomah and a rare treat for us Crawley fans with former England goalkeeper David James in between the sticks.

Experienced 'keeper James started the game...

... As did the much coveted forward Nicky Maynard

The game begun and after an even first twenty minutes or so the first chance came.  However, Woolford’s ball into the box was somehow skewed wide from the highly-rated Maynard.

Crawley were beginning to look dangerous and Josh Simpson had an effort that cracked David James’ right hand post and trickled along the goal line before being hacked clear by Robins defender Louis Carey.

The Red Devils hit the same post once more.  This time, prolific marksman Matt Tubbs saw his shot cannon off the same post and drop to Tyrone Barnett who managed to slice his effort wide.

It was the second half where the home side really went for the jugular and began to lay siege on James’ goal.  Last year’s third round hero Torres had a shot deflected behind for a corner that the Argentine delivered onto Pablo Mills’ head; the Crawley captain seeing his effort gratefully end up in James’ gloves.

More chances were reigning down on City’s goal with the majority of the home support believing it was only a matter of time before their team found the net.  A high Dean Howell cross found the gangly Barnett who rose above Lewin Nyatanga only to see his looping headed effort fall onto the top of James’ goal which was living a charmed love.

With just sixteen minutes of normal time remaining, the exceptional Kyle McFadzean flicked the ball over the top of Bristol’s sleeping defence allowing Matt Tubbs to race through and slot past ex-Liverpool, Portsmouth and West Ham ‘keeper James to send the majority of the 3,779 crowd wild with many behind the goal (myself included) to find themselves further down the terrace than just minutes before!

Fans favourite Tubbs shoots past James...

... Before being mobbed my team mates Hunt (L) and Simpson (R)

Matt Finish: Tubbs Sends Reds Into The Fourth Round

Chants of “Que Sera Sera” and “Championship? Your Havin’ A Laugh!” were soon ringing around the bouncing Broadfield Stadium.

It soon got better for Crawley as visiting midfielder Stephen Pearson (Who funnily enough was in the Derby side that was beaten at the same venue at the same stage of the Cup last year) was given a second booking from Andy D’Urso for a cynical challenge on the outstanding Simpson.

City tried to snatch an equaliser that would culminate into a replay at Ashton Gate with Maynard seeing his goal-bound left footed volley from just outside the box magnificently blocked by Reds’ right back David Hunt.

Late, late into the game, a looping cross from substitute Yannick Bolasie was fumbled by Scott Shearer only for Maynard’s snatched half volley (slow motionly) creep past the post.

The home side held on for the three minutes of added time before adding another scalp to the ever-growing list of higher Football League clubs to their list and reach the fourth round of the competition for only the second time in their long history.

The magic of the cup eh?!

What can I say?  An almost faultless display from every single member of the Crawley team.  I’m not going to lie, I did fear the worst when I saw their team however we were brilliant from start to finish.  Man of the match could go to any of the team. Fantastic.

The draw will see us travel to Hull City and visit the spectacular KC Stadium – Not the dream draw but very much winnable!  We have shown we can beat Championship sides and the Tigers are hardly invincible at home.

HULL-O TIGERS!: The KC Stadium Awaits Evans' Men

I do love The FA Cup!

COYRs!

Photos courtesy of www.crawleytownfc.com

Gills dampen my Christmas cheer

After polishing off a few of the day before's leftovers it was the beginning of the traditional Boxing Day football.   I've got to admit, I've never really been a fan of the swish dinners and the gallons of drink and festive cheer that Christmas time brings, but instead just look forward to the mass influx of games that my team are going to undertake in a short period of time.

Anyway, after the day started so well with AFC losing to Oxford at home and my old man spotting in the front garden two magpies (Something about seeing one for sorrow and two for joy) I was looking forward to a game which saw top of the table Crawley host the play-off chasing Gills.  Hessenthaler's men naming a a couple of ex-Crawley transfer targets in their starting eleven with former Peterborough winger Chris Whelpdale lining up on the right hand side of a four man midfield and striker Danny Kedwell, an ex-Wimbledon and Grays forward that always seemed to play well against us.

Kedwell was made welcome by the home fans

Our line up looked strong even without the influential loanee Andy Drury who had returned to Ipswich following his three month loan spell; another loan ranger, this time Michael Doughty replacing Drury in a midfield diamond that saw defender Kyle McFadzean play in the defensive position, Sergio Torres and Dannie Bulman in the middle and QPR man Doughty in the attacking position.

Opposite where I was standing behind the goal, The Gills had packed out their end; 1,300 hardy souls made the short trek from Kent.

An even first eighteen minutes occured before a shambolic backpass from the usually reliable McFadzean saw Jo Kuffour take a touch only to be taken down by Claude Davis and with little hesitation referee Darren Sheldrake showed red to the Jamaican centre back.  McFadzean then was moved to centre back alongside Pablo Mills; a partnership that worked so well during the promotion winning campaign of last season.

OFF: Davis is shown red from Sheldrake

The sending off looked to fire our boys up.  David Hunt's long throw went past everyone before trickling past Ross Flitney's post and Torres also fired wide after a loose ball dropped to his feet.

The breakthrough wasn't soon after when, after winning one header, McFadzean stooped for another only to be clipped on the head by a high Matt Lawrence boot.  Penalty to Crawley and up stepped the in form Matt Tubbs to smash the ball home for his 16th goal in all competitions.  Gillingham then had a little spell straight after the goal that lasted about 3 minutes where they tried to grab themselves a quick reply however we went in at half time a man down but one goal up.

Matt Tubbs smashes home the penalty

The second half saw our visitors come flying out of the blocks and after Chris Whelpdale's ball in, Jo Kuffour sneaked in at the back post before scoring with what looked as if it hit his stomach; the ball squirming past Scott Shearer in the Crawley goal.

Whilst on the subject of Whelpdale's balls, after the game it was confirmed that, after a high challenge where David Hunt was booked, the Gills winger had split his scrotum - an injury that makes every grown man wince!

YELP-DALE!: Winger needed stitches after his unfortunate injury

Kuffour's brace was completed minutes later when, after a Crawley attack, Gillingham caught the Red Devils on the break and after Kedwell fed his strike partner (Strange considering that it’s normally Kedwell the one getting fed) the ball around thirty yards out before the on loan Bristol Rovers man ran and ran and ran at McFadzean, beat the defender before firing past Shearer at his near post from inside the box.

Kuffour has 7 goals in 11 games for the Gills

From here, Crawley huffed and puffed without really earning themselves any noteworthy chances, Mills' effort from twenty yards was comfortably saved by Flitney and, during the five minutes of added time, Gillingham outcast Luke Rooney, who boss Hesenthaler said would never play for the club again after a contract dispute , was sent off after a second booking.

One last chance then occurred for the home side; Josh Simpson's cross was headed into the corner by Tubbs only to see his effort smashed off the line by visiting defender Garry Richards.

The defeat ends our fifteen game unbeaten run as Gillingham extend their to ten

Disappointing result.  We seemed to lack width the whole game.  The diamond never worked at the start of the season before Steve Evans changed the system to the basic 4-4-2 system with wingers.  We definitely missed Drury on the left.  In the 14 games he was here we never lost - He gets recalled and we are defeated!  After the game, I read a worrying stat that Crawley last won a game on Boxing Day against Welling United ten years ago so maybe the omens weren't with us.  

However, onto the next one (As Jay-Z's song goes).  Strugglers Barnet are next to the Broadfield on Friday.  Although they have picked up in recent weeks, I'm quietly confident of a win.


Photos courtesy of www.crawleytownfc.com