Premier League Transfer News: Steve Bruce aims top eight while Harry Redknapp eyes Cole’s signature.
Steve Bruce’s Top eight dream:
Sunderland Manager Steve Bruce aims to break into the top eight after three consecutive seasons in the top flight. Steve Bruce took over as the Sunderland’s Manager in June 2009 and was able to survive for another season in the top spots of English football.
The manager explained that it may be very difficult to finish in the top group, but insists that he aims to do so. Bruce was aware of the fact that they lacked the resources and the establishment to finish in the top 8. The manager claimed that most of the teams finishing in the top eight were filthy rich or have had reasonable financial successes in the past.
Seven of the top eight teams have enjoyed the top flight in English football since the establishment of the English Premier league in 1992. Only the world’s richest club Manchester City has been relegated on one occasion but they currently hold the number fifth spot. Bruce stated that out of the top eight clubs, only Everton looks to be in danger of going out of the group, but have always been there since the club came into being. It is an accepted fact that teams who stay in the top flight attract the top players, have the chance to be recognized and established.
He praised Everton’s Manager David Moyes as being a top manager who has been able to keep Everton at the top, even though the club isn’t that rich. Bruce admitted that owing to the manager, it would be very hard to challenge Everton for the eighth spot. Sunderland’s manager thanked his Chairman Niall Quinn for the support he has given to him and he was happy that the team is improving in terms of rankings. Bruce was happy that they have completely established themselves in the league and are now seen as one of the regulars. Steve Bruce hopes to keep Sunderland in the top flight for the fifth consecutive season.
The Sunderland Manager aims to improve the team’s performance in their away fixtures after being able to win only two away games in their previous season. Bruce indicated that this would be his main goal as he claimed the he will try to keep Sunderland’s home and away records as similar as possible.
Redknapp eyes Joe Cole:
Joe Cole and his former club Chelsea failed to reach an agreement and Cole is now a free agent. Harry Redknapp has worked with Joe Cole when Redknapp worked in West Ham United and wants to sign him to play for Tottenham. Redknapp claimed that he signed Cole when he was just 11 years old and he considered the player to be a great professional and a “top top player”.
He was aware of the fact that many clubs would be aiming to get his signature, but would love to have him at White Hart Lane. He urged that he’ll just have to wait as he is not close to getting anywhere with him. Jermain Defoe, the Tottenham Hotspur striker is also keen on playing with Cole after training with him in South Africa at the World Cup 2010. Defoe praised Cole’s ability to learn and improve as he claimed that Cole is very passionate about football. He maintained the fact that Cole loves football and was strong and sharp in training and would be almost perfect for the Spurs if they could sign him. Spurs finished fourth in the English Premier League and have gained a Champions League spot as well.
Redknapp hopes to find one or two key players before the start of the 2011 season with players who can perhaps make a difference and fill the cracks in the team. Liverpool finished seventh in the English Premier League and was out of the “Big Four”. He praised his squad and argued that it may not be easy to find players who are better than the current players. He is however hopeful that he might find some players within the next few weeks and Cole might just be the player that Redknapp needs.
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