Part One: We look at Keano’s signings so far during the January transfer window…
After only several days in charge, Roy Keane sent out his first clearest signs of intent and ambition when signing 6 players on deadline day in August. Only 6 days into the January window, and already there is a transfer frenzy hitting Wearside again, with faces set to arrive and leave Wearside in the coming weeks.
In the first of a three-parter, we look at the players Keano has already added to his squad only days into the transfer window.
Carlos Edwards
Edwards is the highest-profile signing of January, and arrives after Keane dished out the biggest fee for a player since arriving on Wearside, after paying £1.5m for the Trinidad and Tobagan winger. He comes highly rated, given that several Premiership teams had been watching him, and has 6 goals from midfield this season already. But at 28 years old, he’s not a rising star, and should be at the peak of his talents.
Clearly his international teammate Dwight Yorke had a part to play in the move, which probably is the most useful thing Yorkie has done since signing for us. Hopefully Edwards shows a bit more endeavour, creativity and energy than his pal Yorke.
There is no doubting a right-winger was needed, following the sale of Keano’s best pal Liam ‘Lennie’ Lawrence, following a training ground spat. Given that our only other right-winger was on loan at Rochdale, Stephen Elliot stood in brilliantly, providing tricky wing play and valuable service that he himself would have thrived on.
Maybe now that Edwards has arrived he can throw his name into the hat again for a forward place, offering competition for the ever-impressive David Connolly and the hit-and-miss Daryl Murphy.
What’s been said
Edwards
‘It is most footballers’ dream to play in the Premiership and I am at a club that will be going places.
‘I took this opportunity because the club speaks volumes for itself. We have a great bunch of players and staff also, and hopefully they can get the best out of the players.
‘I needed a change and I wanted a change, and I was coming to a club that will be going places. Hopefully at the end of this season, we will be in the Premiership and we can just go from strength to strength.
‘With Roy Keane being the manager of Sunderland, it did not take me a split-second to accept the offer. It was the ideal thing, it was the first thing. He is a younger manager who has been places and won things that most players have not even dreamt of winning.
‘That had a big part to play. I could not refuse the opportunity of coming back up to the north to sign for Sunderland. Hopefully I’ll play come Saturday, but if not, I’ll just have to wait a bit longer.
‘I’m coming to a club that has been places and knows what it is like to be in the top flight. It’s time the club was back where it belongs.`
Keano
‘We have been looking out for players and trying to get players in the right position because I have had to chop and change a lot.
‘I have been looking for somebody to play wide right who has an attacking ability and Carlos came to mind. We have had him watched and he played up here a couple of weeks ago. Dwight Yorke spoke kindly of him and we are delighted to get him and delighted to get him so early as well in the transfer window.’
Jonny Evans
Keane has gone back to his old club to sign Jonny Evans, the Manchester United centre back. Also highly rated, the 19-year old Northern Irish international has been on loan at feeder club Royal Antwerp for the past few months and like his Edwards, will come into contention for the FA Cup tie at Preston on Saturday.
Its believed that Keano has been tracking the young stopper for quite some time, and tried unsuccessfully to bring him in before the last deadline. But now he has his man and it is hoped that he can add some pace and assertiveness to an often shaky defence.
Despite supposedly capable playing at left back, Keane has said that he is determined to play him at his preferred position of centre-back, probably learning from the decisions to play naturally central players such as Danny Collins and Lewin Nyatanga in a full back position, decisions that have not always worked out.
What’s been said
Evans
‘I’m delighted to be here. When Sir Alex (Ferguson) asked me where I wanted to go, I said Sunderland straight away.’
Keano
‘Jonny came up last night and I’m delighted with him. He’s on loan until the end of the season and it’s good for him to be back in England and playing.
‘He’s been so enthusiastic since the moment I spoke to him and that’s great, he can’t wait to get started. He can play at left back – he’s played there for his country and enjoyed it – but I see him as a centre-half.’
Martin Fulop
Fulop’s move to Sunderland has been made permanent, as has Ben ‘sexytime’ Alnwick’s move the opposite way to Spurs. Despite having only made one appearance so far since his loan move, and not an entirely convincing one at that, at home to Luton town, the big Hungarian has a big fan in Roy Keane, who has parted with £500,000 to sign the ‘keeper.
Fulop made 33 appearances for Coventry last season in the Championship, and many Coventry fans are disappointed not to have signed him on a permanent deal. But let’s be honest, only daft Scottish baggage handlers choose Coventry over Sunderland.
At 23 years old Fulop has many years ahead of him, and plenty time to dislodge top performer Darren Ward from the number one spot. But given Wardy’s performances this year, Fulop must be up for a fight.
What’s been said
Fulop
‘I am really pleased to join the club on a permanent basis. I’ve been here for over a month now and I really like the set-up – they are a great bunch of lads and a good team.
‘Of course, my aim is to get a starting place and establish myself as club number one for many years and I will continue to work hard to achieve this.
‘I know I have tough competition with Wardy, but hopefully I will make the jersey mine.’
Keano
‘Marton is a young, hungry player who clearly wants to well for the club and hopefully he’ll be a top player for Sunderland in the future.`
Watch out for Part 2 in this feature, reviewing the players Keane has shipped out in 2007.
michael ballack, jah?
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