As Birflatt Boy would have it, both Pete Sixsmith and Monsieur Salut have been guilty of wilfully wishing Simon Mignolet well. But is it right that the Sunderland Echo quoted him as saying once he learned of Liverpool’s interest, he set his heart on leaving? Zero mention, we learn at the Blackcats list, ‘of being sad to leave, hard decision, enjoyed his time here, appreciated the support’. Well, maybe he’s already said as much elsewhere. It would still cut no ice with our shadiest contributor …
Happy new year to all Salut! Sunderland readers
Just before Liverpool romped to victory at QPR, one of their fans, Colin Bundred, tweeted: “Devastated to see Henderson and Downing starting for us. How low has this once great club sunk?” Henderson helped his team to a three-goal lead before being subbed. But has he still plenty to do to win over Anfield? Neil Atkinson**, presenter of the Anfield Wrap podcastfeels Henderson has greatly improved but has some way to go before he can get close to the worship directed at his hero, Steven Gerrard. Interviewed before that game at Loftus Road, Neil had lots more to say, ahead of our own tough trip to Anfield, on Liverpool greats, the legacy of Hillsborough, Kenny’s downfall and what he sees as the folly of getting worked up about what Salut! Sunderland tends to call “cheating”. Arise Sir Gareth and Sir Jermain? …
Stephen Goldsmith writes: I have defended the abilities of Jordan Henderson as a footballer to quite an extent since his big money move to Anfield a year ago. If you believe your opinion is accurate regarding something, you are likely to express it and fully believe in it if you feel it is necessary to do so.
In the Daily Mail, it was a tale of two Matts, one (Lawton) starting his ‘story’ about Jordan Henderson’s call-up with the insulting words ‘Liverpool flop’ and the other (Barlow) praising his essential virtues – energy and quality delivery from wide areas – while, fairly, questioning whether these were suited to a deep-lying England role. Stephen Goldsmith – on Twitter @goldys_logic – admits to partisan pride but also sees Henderson’s involvement as a part of a commonsense blueprint for a brighter future …
The Daily Mail football writer Matt Lawton began his report on Jordan Henderson’s call-up to the England squad for Euro 2012 with these words:
When Jordan Henderson left, Sunderland supporters were divided into two main camps: dejection about what the move said of our own vaunted ambition, and the feeling we’d done some rather smart business provided the money was properly spent.
We are still waiting for the so-called marquee signings – two needed, three if the underperforming Gyan is on his way – but the money we received from Liverpool, £16m or more, still looks good.
But am I not right in thinking the overwhelming majority of SAFC supporters will feel pride and even reflected glory if he does well at Anfield, just as most of us smile when SuperKev bangs in two more goals for Blackpool? And Jordan’s doing well after a slow start against us.
Here is a digest of the week just gone by, as it was seen by Salut! Sunderland …
The week has been dominated by one issue: the sale of Jordan Henderson to Liverpool for £13m, £16m, £19.25m, £20m, money plus Ngog … you take your pick. Can’t the clubs simply be open about fees EVERY time there is a transfer, not just when it suits them? Why are some fees trumpeted, others “undisclosed” (though usually leaked in any case)? Answers on a postcard to Mr N Quinn.
Niall Quinn describes the deal as right for the club, says what no one denies, that Jordan Henderson “is a credit to himself, his family and Sunderland’s Academy”, and promises that work is in hand to strengthen areas that need it. Pete Sixsmith takes it philosophically, recalls another momentous transfer and adds his own tribute …
See also: Liverpool lullabies: Jordan Henderson, David Ngog and the wicked media
I remember where I was when news came through that Colin Todd had been sold. I was having a lunchtime pint in the Continental in Athaneum Street when someone came in and quoted from the Echo billboard outside: “Roker star leaves.”
This was long before the internet, mobile phones, Sky Sports News etc. In those days, that kind of headline usually meant someone like Colin Symm had gone to Lincoln City or Ralph Brand had signed for Invercockieleekie Wanderers. But we knew what this one was.
It goes without saying that Salut! Sunderland is sad at the imminent departure of just the sort of player we rather hoped Sunderland AFC would see as central to future development. After the Darren Bent saga, we also hoped we would never again sell a key player without having a suitable replacement or replacements lined up. It remains to be seen whether our wish will be granted in at least that respect …
See also: Thanks, Jordan, goodbye – and give us a wave at Anfield
So after all the “Jordan Henderson’s going nowhere” posturing, all the attacks on sports journalists for supposedly making up transfer stories, guess what? Reports all over the press, on the web and on the air say Jordan Henderson has all but been sold to Liverpool, just as the reviled hacks said would be the case. And just as I finish writing this piece, up pops a statement from Sunderland AFC:
Jordan Henderson will hold talks with Liverpool after the two clubs agreed a fee for the midfielder.
The 20-year-old, who played for England under-21s on Sunday, is set to discuss personal terms with the Anfield club.
A club spokesperson said: “A fee has been agreed with Liverpool for Jordan Henderson and he travels to Anfield today with the club’s blessing.”
With the club’s blessing! All we seem to be waiting for, it seems, is word on whether the fee is £20m, £13m plus David Ngog or something else entirely. On the reported inclusion of Ngog in the deal, I will say no more just now than that he was not the sort of player I had in mind when hoping against hope that we would not repeat the glaring errors of January.
Pete Sixsmith wonders what to do with himself now that footie is over. He casts his eye over assorted topics, and wonders whether the ominous interest from Anfield and Old Trafford will bring at last pleasure into the lives of those so eager to barrack “the best player we have produced since Colin Todd” …
The last week in May brings the end of the football season.
The so-called close season lasts for the whole month of June, unless there are exceptional circumstances like European Championship qualifiers. But local football grinds to a halt and the club committees have the opportunity to re-seed the pitches, paint the goalposts and sort out the budget for next season.
For dedicated anoraks like me, it’s a six-week period for recourse to reading books, going for walks and generally mooching around looking for something to do. Exam marking is usually on the agenda, but they have put it all online this year and I do not relish that, so may drop out.