Benjamin joins Leicester

[Palace Don]

BENJAMIN TO FINALISE FOXES MOVE
By Simon Lansley, PA Sport

Cambridge striker Trevor Benjamin will complete his move to Leicester on Wednesday in a deal which could eventually earn the Second Division club £1.5million.

The 21-year-old will become Peter Taylor's fourth signing since he took over at Filbert Street following the recent arrivals of goalkeeper Simon Royce and defenders Gary Rowett and Callum Davidson.

"Trevor is a hungry striker who has scored a lot of goals with Cambridge," said Taylor. "It's no secret that we have been looking to strengthen our attacking options and Trevor is an excellent addition to our squad."

The 6ft 2in striker will cost the Premiership club an initial fee of £1million, rising to £1.5million based on appearances. He will be unveiled at a 3.30pm press conference at Filbert Street.

Cambridge chairman Reg Smart said: "It is a marvellous opportunity for Trevor to progress his career with a Premiership club under the guidance of Peter Taylor, who has an excellent reputation for developing young players.

"Trevor was a raw talent when he arrived at the club as a 16-year-old and while he still has a lot to learn, his progress with us was reflected by his recent call-up to train with England Under-21s."

Benjamin's sale will be a record for the Second Division club, beating the record set when Dion Dublin joined Manchester United for £1million in 1992.

***If Benjamin was a realistic Coppell target, then he needs to start his search again...Who would you sign up front for Palace??????

[Neil the Eagle]

In view of the question posed at the end of this piece, I've moved it from the Ask Kev & Chocky forum to Palace Discussion rather than to World of Football http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/wink.gif

And to answer the question ... Ole Martin Aarst from Genk (an ideal replacement for Matt Svensson)

[eagle mart]

What about Jermain Penant (sp) from the arse on loan for a year?

Then try for Kanu & Viera

[Palace Don]

Yeh, I thought that Jermaine Pennant might have been the second Arse player we were signing (wishful thinking!).... Good youngster, but we still need someone experienced up front...Who else fits the Shipperley mould?

[James Verrinder]

Luke Beckett from Chesterfield has an enormous amount of potential. He's like a more physical Jansen.He scored 12 goals in 20 odd games for them last season and would cost around £500k

[Big Fella]

There seems to be a lack of 1st Division class 'old fashioned' centre forwards. I would love to see Shipperley (or Dyer) back. If not someone like Paul Furlong, who although a bit of a donkey, always scores goals at this level and is an aerial presence, something we lack. And has anyone else heard the rumour (i repeat RUMOUR) that we put in a £2.5 million bid for Matt Jansen on Monday, which of course was turned down flat.

[Clapham Grand]

I thought that Luke Beckett played for Chester, didn't he single-handedly keep them up with his goalscoring exploits?

Paul Furlong is a donkey.

It's a real shame about Trevor Benjamin, he would have been a great signing.

David Kelly has been released by Tranmere on a free, big and strong, but rather old.

Shipperley coming back to Palace, how many did he score last season?

[James Verrinder]

Chester.Thats what I meant. its all Deliverance country up there anyway!
does anyone else reckon he'd be a good signing?

[Men At Work]

I thought that Luke Beckett played for Chester, didn't he single-handedly keep them up with his goalscoring exploits?

Chester were relegated to the Conference. Chesterfield finished bottom of the Second.

Paul Furlong is a donkey.

And Birmingham have replaced him with Horsfield. Go figure.

David Kelly has been released by Tranmere on a free, big and strong, but rather old.

Old dogs perk up a bit when surrounded by pups. Why do you think Linighan played so well last year http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/smile.gif

Shipperley coming back to Palace, how many did he score last season?

14. Even if he scored less than that I think he would be good for us because he would cause enough trouble in the box to give Clinton a lot more opportunities (assuming he's not playing right midfield anymore http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/smile.gif )

[Evil Eagle]

[quote]Originally posted by Clapham Grand on 07-12-2000 02:58 PM

It's a real shame about Trevor Benjamin, he would have been a great signing.

I couldn't agree with you more Clapham. However I do believe that Neil Harris of Millwall would be an ideal choice to target.

Big Fella it is common knowedge that Matt Jansen would love a return to SE25 but Blackburn would want a sizeable amount and Matt would have to take drop in wages.

[Edmundo]

A "lower" league perspective...

Luke Beckett? Division 3 is his level. I could just about imagine him having a reasonable season in the second every so often (say 12 goals), but he's simply not got the potential to be a first division player.

Benjamin? Uncle Ron wanted him badly, but wouldn't put his money where his mouth is when Brentford could have had him 12 months ago. If he had done so, we would be playing you this season. I rate Benjamin very highly on the evidence of the four times I've seen him play. He may have made the step up a bit too soon, but don't count on it.

[James Verrinder]

Seeing as Ron loves our new owner so much,what would be the chances of a good deal for Owusu and the other fella (is it Partridge??)at Brentford?

[Clapham Grand]

I thought Brentford had a major goalscoring problem last year? Signing a forward must be their top priority too.

[arussell]

Brentford do indeed need a goalscorer as Edmundo will testify and have been searching for some while now. They were also after the other Cambridge stiker - Martin Butler - who went to Uncle Al's mob at Reading.

I don't personally think Owusu can cut the mustard any higher than where he is now based on his erratic season last year - dunno how you feel about that one Edmundo ?

I still repeat that we should sign Harris and Shipperley. Other possibles - Kevin Lisbie (Charlton), David Healey (Man U), Richard Cresswell (Sheff Wed) and of course like you all - I'd love to see Jansen back !

[Big Fella]

As my Paul Furlong idea has been shot down in flames, what about John Aloisi, who now seems to be surplus to requirements to Coventry. He is still young (24?) and is a goalscorer. I think we would all admit though that we really want Shipperley back.

[James Verrinder]

Aloisi or Whelan would be good. I said on another thread that Barry Hayles from Fulham was a good potential signing and apparantly he is next on the way out from there after Horsfield

[Jason]

Aloisi. . . . . .probably the best idea on here so far, given that our chances of getting Jansen back are ZERO (would be nice though). What would Aloisi cost . ..750K ?

International commitments could be a problem though

[arussell]

Barry Hayles ....no ... John Aloisi ...yes if Coventry were prepared to sell him, which I don't think they will. Even though they're trying to off-load Whelan and are signing Boothroyd, I think they would still want him.

Ironically we nearly signed Aloisi before of course but he wouldn't join us while Venables was managing Palace.

[babs]

I'd love to see shipperley back or if not jansen,
I do think that david kelly would be a good buy he scored his fair share of goals for tranmere last season and the one thing we need up front is experience and he certainly has plenty of that! plus he would only cost us his wages

[Clapham Grand]

Will Aloisi push us towards or over the limit on non-EU players?

Would Hayles want to join Palace? Yes, if he uses the same bog facilities we were subjected to at Craven Cottage! http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/dead.gif

[Eagle]

If i'm right didn't Hayles follow Palace as a boy and i think he'd go anywhere as long as he could have first team football.
It looks as if Tigana has caused a bit of a stir at Fulham!
Aloisi by the way would be a good signing i think.

[Small number]

Will everyone get over Neil Harris.. he scores but wouldn't fit in at Palace and is to much like Morrisonm, Just more lazy. If we were to sign a striker it should be either Shipperley, or Asaba.

------------------


'The wise will one day rise'

(so there's hope 4 me then ;)

[Men At Work]

Originally posted by Clapham Grand on 07-12-2000 04:37 PM
Will Aloisi push us towards or over the limit on non-EU players?

Depending on his background he may already have a European passport. If he doesn't need a work permit then he'll automatically be EU compliant through dual nationality.

[Edmundo]

You want Lloyd Owusu? Make us an offer. Lloyd was fantastic in Division 3, but struggled big time last season. He seemed to lose interest and ignore the coaches' instructions. Maybe he'll come back and prove us wrong this season. I hope so. But in the meantime, I'm sure Ron would consider any offer very seriously.

We've been after a traditional number nine since Ron arrived, but Ron has never felt ready to push the boat out when there have been possible answers to our problem. Trevor Benjamin was one, and we might have got him if we'd offered £750,000 a year ago. Scott Partridge is a different kind of player altogether - more of a "hole" forward in the Peter Beardsley mould. He had a poor season too last season, but the consensus is that he has the talent to do it at this level - but perhaps not in your division.

Neil Harris scored a hat-trick and absolutely tore us apart in April. He would be a very good buy, but I suspect Millwall won't sell - especially now that SHaw has gone.

If you are looking for the same kind of player that we are - then I think the real truth is that they are few and far between. The good ones are very highly prized (and priced).

Don't know if you'd spotted it, but Kevin Gallen and Chris Kiwomya haven't signed new contracts at QPR and are available on Bosmans.

[topper]

just read that Linvoy Primus has joined portsmouth on trial....didn't e figure in Coppells wish list ?

Agreed that a striker is needed. how about doooogie ? is he still around ? have to agree with the majority on this thread, that Shipperley would be a fine foil to morrison.

Although I am just glad that Palace are still in Div 1 and playing @ Selhurst, cheers to Simon Jordan

[Evil Eagle]

Aloisi, Hayles, Shipperley and young Neil Harris can all do a good job for the Eagles up front, but remember guys there are other areas in the squad which we need to stenghten. For example the back line needs serious attendtion. Any suggestion folks. Mark Bircham of Millwall looks like a good choice as he can also play in midfield.

And what about some experience players we can pick up on a free transfer, John Moncur or Steve Potts for example any suggestions.

[le piddler]

I think that going for harris from millwall is out of the question, as was'nt the millwall chairman quoted as saying that he would not sell any players to Palace again after we boought fat-boy roberts??
Barry Hayles I've heard from Fulham supporting friends is a bit of a cart-horse with a s***e touch.
Good buys would obviously be getting Shipperly
back or Richard Cresswell from Sheff Wed ormaybe Noel Whelan??(depending on his wages)

[Neil the Eagle]

Originally posted by le piddler on 07-12-2000 10:28 PM
I think that going for harris from millwall is out of the question, as was'nt the millwall chairman quoted as saying that he would not sell any players to Palace again after we boought fat-boy roberts??



True enough, but I understand they can't afford to be choosy about who buys their players at the moment - they need the money!

Whilst we are on the subject of Millwall, does anyone know what happened to their young left-back Lucas Neill - I used to rate him, but after a serious injury I never heard much more about him ... anyone??

[This message has been edited by Neil the Eagle (edited 12 July 2000).]

[Pete B]

At lot of these names may well be pie in the sky but isn't it great just having a thread like this again. The mere fact that we can all start speculating again is enough for me at the moment.

However, I will throw in my names

Shipperley
Sean Devine at Wycombe
Terry Phelan (wages permitting)
Dean Blackwell

[Eagle]

After looking through at some of the other clubs squads and seeing who may be available here are some strikers that may work well with Clinton:

Dougie Freedman (Forest)
Forest may be willing to sell and was good last time with us, unfortunately wasn't a favourite of Steve's

Kevin Lisbie (Charlton)
Good young pacy striker and understand Coppell was interested in him last season

Dean Holdsworth (Bolton)
Always wanted to come back to London and can score goals

Ian Moore (Stockport)
Troubled us many times last season, good in the air and knows where the goal is

Paul Furlong & Dele Adebola (Birmingham)
Both good in the air, quick and score plenty of goals between them

Lee Bradbury (Portsmouth)
I liked him when he was with us last, works hard, and when on form scores goals regularly

Kevin Gallen & Chris Kiwomya (QPR)
Both yet to sign new contracts so available on free's, good strikers who can score goals

Barry Hayles (Fulham)
Will be looking for first team football, strong and pacy stroker will trouble any defence

Nathan Blake & Ashley Ward (Blackburn)
Both good strikers who know where the goal is and are very good in the air, good target men

Arnar Gunnlaugsson (Leicester)
Good player, never materialised from move to Leicester, needs a new start at a new club.

So there are some players who may be worth checking out to be a good partner for Morrsion.

[Palace Don]

Thanks Neil.

By the way, did you get the cheque for the Euro 2000 shirts...?

[Rev.B]

I know Aloisi definitely has an Italian passport. He started his european career in Serie B. I'm not sure if he's the right sort of player for us though. He likes having the ball played behind opposition defences rather than upto him for him to hold the ball up.
However I'd like us to play a sort of football which doesn't rely on pumping the ball up the pitch for a big man to hold up. In which case a player with quick feet that will play the ball as it comes to him may be what we should look for.
My suggestion - Jamie Cureton of B.Rovers.

This tactic worked fairly well in this division when we had Freedman and Dyer upfront. Morrison is better than Dyer and so all we need is a new Dougie!

[Glazier]

Big mistake jumping two divisions. He should have joined us first. http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/wink.gif

[arussell]

I think Lucas Neil is still at Millwall Neil - although he was laid off for a while.

Jamie Cureton is another who's caught my eye - although he was never that prolific at Norwich in the first division (a bit like his strike partnet Jason Roberts who was at Wolves) and only seems to have taken off since he's been playing in the second.

I still say Harris and Shipperley but there are some interesting choices listed here now.

[Neil the Eagle]

Yes thanks Paul - to keep it on topic ... how about rescuing Bruce Dyer from Barnsley? Cue abuse ...

[Dave]

Originally posted by Neil the Eagle on 07-12-2000 12:20 PM
Yes thanks Paul - to keep it on topic ... how about rescuing Bruce Dyer from Barnsley? Cue abuse ...

I hear that Barnsley will be in the selling mood all summer- so it's a possibility

[Kai]

Neil, Aarst would not come to Palace. He was top scorer in the Belgian League last season, and although he would have been an excellent signing his sights are probably set higher than the English 1st division.
Besides he might follow his team manager Trond Solleid to Bruges.

[Palace Don]

What about Shipperley. Good foil for Clinton maybe?? I'd love him back at Palace...

[arussell]

We need TWO strikers and the answers are Neil Harris and Neil Shipperley.

Possibly Kevin Lisbie - but he is more similar in style to Leon and Clinton.

[Neil the Eagle]

Kai, yeah, you are right about Aarst, it was a bit of a in-joke. Those that know me will know that I've been banging on about him for a couple of years now! I've even got an Anderlecht shirt with his name on the back!

He has been linked with Leeds, Villa, Spurs and Leicester (in O'Neills days) and is quoted as being "desperate" to play in England.

However he's is way out of our price range, due to his goalscoring record last season, but as hasn't really delivered in any other season, he might just be a flash in the pan.

IMHO Most English first division sides on a level with the majority of the Jupiler League (Belgium's Premier League) which is like Scotland but with only one half-decent team instead of two.

Stand Up if you hate Club Brugge!

[Palace Don]

Neil Harris would be a great acquisition for Palace, but how much would we have to pay do you reckon??? A mill!? Shipperley could be purchased for around 300,000 IMO...

[RednBlue]

I'm surprised no-one's mentioned Marcus Bent. Venables never gave him a chance, yet he's proved to be quite a useful player. Is he out of our p-rice bracket now?

[East-End Eagle]

I think Ashley Ward was a great suggestion, a good target man is what we need, CLinton can bang them in. I would love to see shipps back, but I think that is highly unlikley, so WArd may be a better option.

[Evil Eagle]

Arsenal have three more good player we can get on the cheap, Paulo Vernazza would make a good centre back as well as centre Midfield, Alberto Mendez is an ideal right winger and Graham Barrett would make the perfect partner for Clinton Morrison.

Also what about Marcus Bent or Richie Humpherys from Sheffield Wednesday.

[Gooders]

Marcus Bent is out of our price range now - I heard 3 million quoted.

[James Verrinder]

Beattie from Southampton and Booth from Sheff weds? I think Booth would probably cost a bit too much but Beattie would be good.Eng Under 21 player and I dont think he's a regular at Southamton

[RednBlue]

Originally posted by Gooders
Marcus Bent is out of our price range now - I heard 3 million quoted.
Bloody tragedy - Janssen and Bent - neither of them wanted to go! Aaargghh



[This message has been edited by RednBlue (edited 13 July 2000).]

[Baloo]

Originally posted by James Verrinder on 07-13-2000 11:01 AM
Beattie from Southampton and Booth from Sheff weds? I think Booth would probably cost a bit too much but Beattie would be good.Eng Under 21 player and I dont think he's a regular at Southamton

James Beattie looks like a top player and should definitely be enquired about - he reminds me of Shipperley. Southampton have plenty of forwards and may agree to sell one. However, I doubt Beattie would drop the division.

[Glazier]

Originally posted by Small number on 07-12-2000 06:27 PM
Will everyone get over Neil Harris.. he scores but wouldn't fit in at Palace and is to much like Morrisonm, Just more lazy. If we were to sign a striker it should be either Shipperley, or Asaba.



Asaba would be useful he's a Palace supporter. http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/wink.gif

[Clapham Grand]

Can't believe that Southampton would want to sell Beattie, he's one of their bright young things, as is Wayne Bridge who would be very tasty down the left wing.

[This message has been edited by Clapham Grand (edited 13 July 2000).]

[arussell]

Ok - I've taken the liberty of compiling what IMHO are the best suggestions so far for strikers, although I have to say that one or two of these at least will be out of our salary/transfer range.

So in no particular order we have ....

James Beattie
Marcus Bent
Matt Jansen
Neil Harris
Carl Asaba
Jamie Cureton
Richie Humphreys
David Healey
Neil Shipperley
Richard Cresswell
Andy Booth
John Aloisi
Barry Hayles

Anymore suggestions ? - anyone want to forward this to SC and SJ ?? http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/biggrin.gif

[James Verrinder]

According to www.footballtransfers.co.uk, (http://www.footballtransfers.co.uk,) Noel Whelan is out of contract soon and would be available for nothing. Check the website out anyway as there are hundreds of players to choose from and speculate about

[Gooders]

Let's be patient. There is no room for all of these people in the Premier League any more and those of them that really WANT to play football for their money will eventually start looking at Division 1.

We've just picked up two allegedly good players from one of the best youth academies in the country simply because they aren't going to get a look in at Arsenal.

5 years ago they would be playing for the first team quite regularly by now.

Marcus Bent's departure was indeed a tragedy Red'n'Blue - I always thought he looked like he had loads of potential - much more than Dyer, for example. Shame.

[Spanish Dan]

3 Wednesday srikers on the list - you must be having a laugh! Their awful strike rate was one of the main reasons that they did so badly last year - and Cresswell and Humphries couldn't even force their way into the team. I can't see any of them setting the first division alight this year.

[Evil Eagle]

Tommy Black older brother Micheal who is currently at Tranmere would make a good partner to play up front with.

[This message has been edited by Evil Eagle (edited 13 July 2000).]

[Small number]

Whilst we are on the subject of Millwall, does anyone know what happened to their young left-back Lucas Neill - I used to rate him, but after a serious injury I never heard much more about him ... anyone??

Neil... Apparently been very impressive this season... Aston Villa had a 1 Million pound offer refused for him on transfer deadline day.