Bentley Cleared - Case Dismissed
Wednesday, 29 October 08, 03:47 AM · Comments (36)
This little lot because of football pundit Guillem Balague. The full article is here.
"There was one player in the Spurs dressing room who did act in a way that was less than professional. It is clear that this player, who joined the squad out of shape and in poor condition, was looking for someone to blame for his struggling form. This was something that was observed by his national coach as well. It is a pity that this player's behaviour should cast a shadow over the reputations of his colleagues."
Clearly the intimation there is we're talking about David Bentley.
It is no secret that there was some class of outburst from Bentley prior to the Udinese game. His angle was he was bewildered at being played out of position. It's suggested when he questioned this he was benched for his trouble. Balague goes on to suggest that no other players were involved...
But is Guillem actually suggesting that this was a one man revolution staged by a guy barely in the door three months? Sure, Bentley gives no less of an impression of a cocksure teenager on gawdknows how much a week than many other Premiership boys. But was really the rotten apple here?
The second issue is that of fitness and form. Which doesn't stack up.
You might be able to point at a brief hiatus in his training schedule as the transfer with no end rumbled on. However his initial appearances for Tottenham were good and let's not forget - he was selected repeatedly. By the very people imposing the new regime of baby food and something called 'another session this afternoon.'
The third point is the snub from the England coach. Bentley lost his jersey for the same reasons he lost his rag with Ramos. Out of position, poor communication lines and ultimately out of sorts. He wasn't going to get picked for anything.
Mind you, Ballague also said he felt the timing of Juande's dismissal 'was the most suprising element. When did you envisage it Guillem, when we started visiting lots of new grounds next season?
My judgement is that Bentley was far from on his own and moreover acted reasonably. If anything he sped up a process whereby we as a Club could move out of a quagmire of defeat. Bentley was a catalyst for something good. Case dismissed. And I might advise Mr Balague to stop toadying up to people and deal in facts...
Last Sunday's performance underlined just how far the dresssing roon had slipped from Wendy's grasp.
As a result I'm playing that same stuck record.
Let's get behind our lot and then we'll see what we can really do.
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Reply to Sid Trotter:
Bentley has talent for sure, but if he's not motivated then he'll suffer - as he did under Wendy for all to see.
A good man manager will have him back in form very soon (and that cross for Pavlova was one sign of it returning). Harry is one of the best of these man-motivating...
By this, I presume you mean Lassana Diarra. (You don't know a fellow called Ginge, by any chance, do you?)
Seeing as the possibility of attracting the Velosos or Sennas were slim when we were fifth are positively miniscule now we're twentieth, the answer is: yes.
Balague seems utterly incapable of dealing in facts. He recently wrote an article claiming that Frank Arnesen is "a compatriot of Martin Jol". Although I've no doubt he has the inside track on La Liga, he ought to quit claiming to be an authority on the Premiership as he continously lets himself down. The twat.
The very man indeed - yes he's good (despite his Arsenal upbringing), but what I wouldn't give for a Barry instead!
Bentley has a track record of being somewhat of a character. The manager must keep an eye on this and play him like I know he can. By this I don't mean time on this pitch, but using his own brand of "no wonder he's in the reserves" kind of man management. Given the much needed guidance, we may start to see more of the skillful performances and less of the hair gel tantrums from DB.
Ref Balague...I listen to him for anything to do with spanish/s.american football, but in regards to the EPL, a bit of salt wouldn't go amiss.
36 Comments · Add yours
Bentley has talent for sure, but if he's not motivated then he'll suffer - as he did under Wendy for all to see.
A good man manager will have him back in form very soon (and that cross for Pavlova was one sign of it returning). Harry is one of the best of these man-motivating managers around so I soon expect him to be back to his Blackburn best
On a side note - do we really need Lasagne Diorahea? even though Adams will let him go?
How many revelations were in that Bentley interview?
One.
That Pavyluchenko wears shellsuits, and drives an XR3i.
Aside from that, the lad said what we could all see with our very own peepers. We are a bit shit. What do you do when someone points out that the emperors not wearing any clothes? Obviously, if you're a journalist of little repute, waste column inches by writing "UNBELIEVABLE CLAIM OF INSOLENT KID!"
I found the interview a candid and thumb-uppable companion to my rib and saucy nik-naks and Tango break.
Kudos to boy for standing up and pointing out that Juande Ramos was as naked as a jay bird.