McKenzie explains reasons for Charlton switch
Tuesday, 01 September 2009
By John Stanton
LEON McKenzie says the chance to return to his favoured central striking role is one of the main reasons why he will sign for Charlton today.
The Croydon-born attacker, who has endured a torrid time with injuries during his spell with the Sky Blues, can also play on the left of midfield, but he is planning to earn a place up front as the Addicks bid for promotion.
“Charlton is near all my family, the package is decent and 100 per cent better than what Coventry offered me,” McKenzie told the Coventry Telegraph.
“I didn’t know the manager, Phil Parkinson, but he obviously knew of me and thinks I will be a good addition to his squad.
“I know it is a drop down but it is a good club and hopefully I can help them get back up to the Championship.
“They have had a fantastic start to the season, winning all five of their league games so far, and I know that a fit Leon McKenzie has still got a lot to offer.
“I am sure the manager will break me in gently and hopefully I will get a chance to play up front again, which is what I really love doing
0
Comments
And even at 31 he should still be athletic.
Can he hold the ball up well, in a lone front man role?
Because primarily that's what we'll need if Burton get's injured, etc
i think he'll be a good signing but BBClaus hates it when people talk about themselves in the third person. see, sounds stupid doesn't it?
Haven't we got McLeod to do that .......? ;o)
Incidentally, talking about Dizzy ... do you reckon, he's now the highest earner at the club?
Or does that honour fall to Yassin....?
He said the deal was 100% better NOT that it was twice as much.
If if you take what he says literally I took that to mean that we offered him a longer contract than the 3 months from Coventry.
So even a 50% lower monthly salary would be 100% better if 12 month deal.
By 100% better he probably means we're paying him £100 extra a week...
Forgot about him!
I dare you to say that to his face given his family's other sporting achievements : - )
LEON McKENZIE is disappointed to leave the Ricoh Arena, insisting he still had plenty to offer the Coventry City.
But City chairman Ray Ranson insists the club were more than fair in their negotiations with the 31-year-old forward, having paid him throughout the summer when he was out of contract.
McKenzie rejected a short-term deal that would have kept him at Coventry until Christmas when the club – wary of his recent injury problems – were planning to reassess the situation.
Instead McKenzie opted to return home to London for a more secure contract with League One pacesetters Charlton Athletic.
He had a medical and agreed his personal terms at The Valley on Sunday and was waiting for Coventry to sign his release forms over the Bank Holiday to enable him to complete his switch and sign for the Addicks until the end of the season.
Clearly frustrated about leaving City, McKenzie said: “I have worked really hard to get back to the levels I am at.
"Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am a good pro and I feel the club should have done better for me.
“The manager wanted me to stay until the end of the season and all the players have said it doesn’t make sense.
As for "well we cant sign anyone re the Take over etc " seems we can as long as they dont cost us anything and of course we can still sell !
If he can stay fit should be a good signing at this level. Just have to hope he hasn't lost any of the ability he had.
As a bonus he can play left wing if needed.
I dont know whats wrong with me but i couldnt give a rats,
I am absolutely loving this season best one for yrs....
if we are scoring goals and we are winning I am happy..... end of....