Article: Why Did We Sell Gary Speed?

By Matthew Jones
July 21 2004

Why did we actually sell Gary Speed? Both Sir Bobby Robson and Freddy Shepherd rate him as "one of the best" so WHY did we sell him?

Speaking about the sale of Speed, Robson said:

"It's difficult to let a player like Gary go. He's one of the best. Gary's one of my favourite players; he and Alan Shearer are two of the first names that spring to mind when you think of role models on and off the pitch. He's a true professional; Bolton have got themselves a very fine player."

And chairman Freddy Shepherd had this to say:

"It's always difficult to let a player like Gary go. He is one of the best of the best as a player.

"He is totally professional and he always gave 100%. He has had a fabulous career here and he is one of my favourite players.

"I want to give him the accolade he deserves. He and Alan Shearer are the finest role models on and off the pitch that you can get in football."

The above two quotes bring back the question, "WHY?" - If the manager AND the chairman rate a player as "one of the best", then why sell him? 

Robson see's Speed as a role model, both on and off the pitch - this is exactly the sort of player you need at a club.  Somebody the kids will look up to and think, "Yes, I want to be like him".  Shepherd also commented on his "totally professional" attitude and he too mentioned that along with Alan Shearer, Speed is one of the finest role models in the game!

Anyway, Speed has left the club and thats that, but who is going to replace him?

Could Jermaine Jenas be given a chance to shine?  Only problem is though, he would need to play a defensive role.

Owen Hargreaves said last week that he's staying at Bayern so there is another option down the drain!

Nicky Butt was one of the players rumoured to be arriving at St James' Park, but he has jetted off with the rest of the Manchester United squad for thier tour in the States!  Doesn't look like he will be joining us then, because if he was, surely he would want to spend the pre-season with us?!

However, if the deal for Butt hasn't been concluded yet, he still needs to get fit for the new season, so going with Man Utd would be very sensible. It's only a 7 hour flight back from the States, so it's no great hardship to him is it.

Plus, Man Utd took Veron over to America last year for pre-season before selling him to Chelsea half way through the tour so you can't rule anything out just yet.

It's a similar situation to what's just happened with Gary Speed too.

Who would you like to see replace Speed? Comments on the article and your views on a replacement: jones_ufc@hotmail.com, or post on the message board!