Bent's not for saleNov 21 2006
Exclusive by Raj Johal
CHARLTON insist they have no intention of selling star striker Darren Bent in the January transfer window.
The 22-year-old, who has hit six of the Addicks' nine Premiership goals this season and has eight in total, was left devastated by Iain Dowie's shock sacking last week.
Bent, who scored 22 goals last season - his first in the top flight after a £2.5million move from Ipswich - was the closest player to Dowie.
And he was said to be disillusioned at the decision to get rid of him despite a heart-to-heart with plc chairman Richard Murray and chief executive Peter Varney.
Bent's body language in Charlton's dismal 2-0 defeat at Reading on Saturday was not good, and speculation has been mounting since Dowie's departure that the England hitman will be sold in the transfer window.
Some of the Premiership's big boys, including Manchester United, are rumoured to be monitoring his situation. But the Addicks will do whatever it takes to keep him at The Valley.
"Darren signed a new, improved four-year deal in the summer and we have no intention of selling him," said Varney.
"He's a key part of our side and of our hopes of staying up. There have been no enquiries from Manchester United or anyone else for that matter. It's just paper talk - pure speculation."
Bent, like the rest of his teammates,looked visibly jaded at Reading after a week of turmoil at The Valley following Dowie's dismissal after just 15 games in charge.
The club has come under attack from all quarters for their decision to axe Dowie so soon - and even skipper Luke Young came out and said at the weekend: "Everyone was enjoying it and we weren't far from turning the corner.
"I was very surprised Iain Dowie was sacked. He had fitted in well after Alan Curbishley, and it had been a smooth changeover."
With talk of dressing room unrest, anger on the terraces and their side bottom of the table, Charlton's board are under huge pressure now.
"It's been difficult since we announced our decision last week," admitted Varney.
"We're being criticised by the fans, media and some players - but no-one knows the full story.We can't put that in the public domain.
"But we've done what we feel is in the best interests of the football club and people have to trust us.
"We've always acted in the club's interests before and have done again now. The fans have to give Les Reed a chance - even though we know the side played poorly at Wigan and Reading in the last two games.
"We want things to turn around just as much as the fans, and we will do everything we can to ensure that we do that."
And new boss Reed is expecting some fresh blood in the January window.
"We spent over £11million in the summer so I know it'll be a question of wheeling and dealing," said Reed.
"But if we need a boost I think there will be some funds available.And obviously if players move on, others will come in.
"But right now we have to get together and see who wants to get this club out of trouble, and who is just coming along for the ride."
Some interesting stuff !!
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Comments
What the hell is the full story?
Thanks mate :-)
Lol
There were obviously "issues" outside the playing field which made the board think that it was necessary to remove Dowie despite the mini recovery. These issues, whilst enough to sack someone, may be subject to a confidentiality clause in Dowie's settlement terms.
Anyway, slagging off former employees in the press sounds more Jordan than Murray.
Anyway, no one knows what it is so ..........