Before the start of last season I made a few predictions based on the signings that Lee Clark made. Was I right?
Stephen Gleeson – ‘A midfielder was certainly needed, but whether it had to be one who only looked average in an MK Don’s squad, remains an issue.
An aggressive player, with serious attitude problems, having sulked like a 2 year old child whilst losing one match with Stockport, strutting around the pitch like Sulley from Monsters Inc. He doesn`t add much in terms of goals, his highest stat, being the amount of yellow cards he gets. I can see him flopping like a paralysed fish.’
Now, as you can tell, I didn’t really give Gleeson a chance. Having seen him play on several occasions now, I am willing to say that I was almost spot on. He has shown signs of tenacity and I was a bit harsh about his attitude but his goal scoring isn’t a brilliant skill he possesses.
Wes Thomas – ‘Rotherham’s campaign last season was boosted by Thomas, and with a keen eye for goal, for a fee of zilch, it certainly is a bargain. Cheeky eye candy for the ladies, however, may cause jealousy for many of you male bluenoses out there.
But I guess, if he’s banging in the goals, everyone is happy and in my opinion, the best signing of the summer by Lee Clark. Absolute steal. I’d go as far as saying, he is the angelic version of our Marlon King. (With faster pace and a bit more hair. Not much more, mind you.) ‘
I guess my view of Wes wasn’t entirely spot on. He has made a few good chances but not enough to cement himself as a first team starter. This may be due to Gary’s reluctance to play 2 up front. Now, I think Wes is a fringe player.
David Edgar – ‘David, shone for Burnley in his time there, like the KFC sign in Birmingham Centre. Standing at six foot and four inches tall, when he stands on his toes, he could be the new defensive Zigic, despite not being able to shoot.
Oh wait, I guess he is exactly like Zigic then! (Just a joke, I love the big man!) Anyway, Edgar is versatile, brilliant in the air and has the exact experience needed. ‘
I am still a fan of Edgar. With Spector slipping up in pre-season, I think that Edgar will play a crucial part this season if he remains fit. Despite not being at the peak of his game for the Blues’, he is certainly a talent. Not as good a signing as I had hoped unfortunately.
David Cotterill – ‘Despite an unfortunate strike of baldness, ‘Big Dave’ as I like to call him, is only 26 years of age with a lot of experience playing in a variety of leagues.
From a winger, I’d like to see a higher contribution to the goal scoring tally than that, but having had the top assists in League One in 2012, also achieving player of the year.
So I can’t be too critical. Big Dave has more talent in his left little toe than Burke does, at this current stage. Bizarre that people would suggest otherwise.’
Cotterill has certainly added goal scoring to his armory which certainly contributed to Birmingham City having such a high league position last year. A superb signing and I’m so glad that he re-signed for longer as I feel he is integral to any future success.
Clayton Donaldson – ‘Any 30 year old that can pull off a snapback, I’m all for. But I take it, some of you are harder to please, so I’ll start off with the facts.
In his full career, he has near enough 1 goal every 2 games, spanning from non-league to League One. The 6ft 1 striker scored 18 goals to help clinch promotion for Brentford last season.
For me, he’s a good signing. Not as good as Thomas and Edgar, but a close third. For want of a better comparison, Clayton is a broader Peter Crouch. However, he seems to have a commitment issue almost as big as Katie Price’s.’
I was wrong to judge his commitment and also rank him third in the overall list of signings. He scooped up more awards last season than I even thought existed as well as having the work ethic of a farmer. He has adapted to Championship life so well. He does tend to miss a few sitters but I can forgive him that.
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