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Carlo and Chimbonda sign up for Harry’s revolution
Tom Collomosse26.01.09
Harry Redknapp today expressed his frustration that Pascal Chimbonda will not be able to play in Tottenham's clash with Stoke tomorrow after rejoining the club.
Chimbonda's return to White Hart Lane — only six months after he was sold to Sunderland for £3million —was not completed by today's noon deadline, meaning the defender will be forced to wait for Saturday's match at Bolton to make his second “debut”.
However, newly signed goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini did put pen to paper in time for tomorrow's match.
Redknapp says skipper Ledley King will miss the Stoke game due to a hamstring problem, and fellow centre-back Jonathan Woodgate is doubtful with back trouble, meaning Chimbonda's presence would have been a timely boost for Spurs' struggling back line.
The White Hare Lane boss said: “The deal should have been done this morning, but we over-ran the deadline and it was done something like 15 minutes late.
“It is disappointing, because if we had completed it 15 minutes earlier, he would have been available against Stoke. But we are delighted to have him back. He has energy and gets forward, as a good attacking full-back should. He was outstanding at centre-back for Sunderland against Blackburn on Saturday, and he can play anywhere across the back four.”
Despite a patchy start to the season for Sunderland, Chimbonda had been showing signs of a return to form.
He had started the last four games and impressed against Blackburn in the FA Cup playing at centre-half instead of full-back.
Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia was full of praise for the defender and said he was sorry to see him leave.
He said: “I thought he was outstanding on Saturday but he has struggled personally.
“He's struggled to settle. We had an opportunity to maybe make things a little bit happier for him.”
Wigan first brought Chimbonda to the Premier League from French side Bastia but the full-back lasted just one season before his excellent form prompted Tottenham to seal his signature for £4.5m in August 2006.
Sbragia declined to reveal the fee, but it is understood the club would recoup what they paid Spurs for the one-cap France international — thought to be around £3m.
Goalkeeper Cudicini joined Chimbonda in signing for Spurs today, meaning Redknapp has now added four players to his squad this month.
Cudicini, 35, has signed an 18-month deal after being released by Chelsea on a free transfer, and is expected to make his debut at White Hart Lane tomorrow.
“Chelsea can confirm Carlo Cudicini has signed for Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer,” read a Chelsea statement.
“The club would like to take this opportunity to thank Carlo for his years of service and wish him well.”
Redknapp had been looking for a goalkeeper since releasing reserve-team keeper Cesar Sanchez earlier this month, however he expects to be thwarted in his attempts to sign Kenwyne Jones from Sunderland.
The Wearsiders have signalled their intention to keep the Trinidadian striker, meaning Redknapp's hunt for a partner for Jermain Defoe goes on.
Redknapp added: “Our chairman Daniel Levy has spoken to their chairman Niall Quinn, but he is not for sale, so we move on.
“There is nothing we can do. Daniel and Niall have spoken quite a few times, but if there is no deal, there is no deal.”
Redknapp now hopes Woodgate will recover from a back problem in time to play tomorrow, but winger Aaron Lennon remains a doubt with a groin injury.
Reader views (10)
Andy S - You said it yourself the only player selected by me, not playing under Jol, was Woodgate. Of Course Keane, Defoe & Berbatov played in the same team. The solution to the problem is simple, you still need to sign a quality left-back & left-side midfield player, which was all you needed under Jol to force your way into the top 4. Bent should never have been signed, especially at £16.5 million, it upset the balance of strikers at the club at the time. Tottenham having just signed 4 players for approx £31 million will easily avoid relegation, but fail to qualify for europe. Next season you need to sign a left back, a left midfield player & 2 forwards. Campbell will return to Man U & you should look to replace Assou-Ekkoto, Dawson, Bentley, Bent, O'Hara, Hutton, Taraabt (spelling?)& Bale. These players are simply not top 4 material.
- Amused Emirates Onlooker, London
To: Amused Emirates Onlooker - That was never Jol's team: Woodgate arrived after Jol left, Defoe, Berbatov and Keane never played in the same team, and most of the players that got us to 5th place twice (Carrick, Davids etc) had already long since departed. It is players like Huddlestone, Jenas, Assou-Ekotto etc that have taken us from 5th to 16th. We have never replaced Carrick (Zokora is a joke), and the lack of effort in the current team is scandalous. We are struggling because consistency, effort and endeavour and common sense have all disappeared at WHL. If you do have a real solution to the crisis then please tell us what you suggest, if not keep quiet.
- Andy S, East London
Robinson, Chimbonda, Woodgate, King, Essou-Akotto, Lennon, Jenas, Huddlestone, Keane, Berbatov, Defoe, with Martin Jol in charge. Now that was a good team, finished 5th twice strangeky enough!
Funny goings on at White Hart Lane! Im certain Comolli was installed by Arsenal & Daniel Levy is an Arsenal fan by all accounts! Sack the excellent Jol, put the undertaker Ramos in charge then sack him for having the audacity to win the Carling cup, then instal second-hand car dealer 'Harry' turn back the clock on a couple of previously owned old bangers. Now it all makes sense!
- Amused Emirates Onlooker!, London
Left back now please Harry !! and a replacement for Bent!
- James, London
Harry's dishonesty at throwing the FA Cup game at Old Trafford destroys any good feeling I had about him.
I'm afraid the 'barrow boy tag' was spot on.
Teddy Sheringham's face on ITV said it all. Is Harry telling the fans they, and Teddy are fools.
His name dropping regarding signings is wrong and he should be brought to book by the authorities for that, indeed Spurs should be charged with tapping up players.
I have supported Tottenham for over 30 years, but the recent shanangings just shows the standards have dropped to unacceptable levels.
Mr Levy comes across as a very profesional and sincere individual, but his actions (which he complains other clubs are guilty of) speak louder than any facade.
- Kevin, North London
Obviously Spurs believes in Karma!
Why get rid of the players who were loyal, just shows previous Director of Football did'nt have a clue...
Look out for Malbranque and Keane...
Harry we need a left back/midfielder
- Adrian, london
Spurs fans we know the truth of how bad a director of football was? Getting rid of the better players who had Premiership experince and buying over paid superstars...
Good, at least these players maybe would appreciate Spurs as a club... If you leave Spurs, you don't go to Sunderland!
Bring Keane....at least we would'nt ahve to wait for these players to settle...
- Adrian, london
Yet another case of Tottenham taking back a player before the buying club had made the full and final payments, good business........We'll have to wait and see!!!
- Paxton, N17
This all must be really embarrasing for Spurs. What transfer policy?
- Bobby Brown, Norway
Defoe & Chimbonda return, all we need now is Jol, Berbatov, Robinson, Keane, Malbranque & hey presto 5th place! Can Daniel Levy please explain?
- Rob Hotspurs, South London
