1st September 2003: One in, one
out, one award. Berthe has finally been granted his French passport,
Jason Roberts has left the club....on loan and GM grabs the first
managerial award of the season.
With Wigan fans' websites reporting that Roberts was heading to the
JJB for a medical having agreed terms with the Latics, Harry Redknapp
suddenly appears with an offer that appears to have been agreed with
the Baggies following a first contact on Friday evening, and with
the player this morning. The Pompey boss was also willing to forego
a loan deal with Leed for Ian Harte in order to sign JR, as Premiership
clubs are only allowed two domestic loan deals and they already have
Alexei Smertin on loan from Chelsea.
Personally, I'm glad he's gone to a Premiership club and I would not
have relished the prospect of facing him in a league game this season.
Additionally, if he had cosen Wigan, it would have signalled a distinct
lack of ambition on JR's part given that deals from Premiership clubs
were on the table. A loan move means that the chance to return to
the Baggies fold remains should he ever make up with Megson, as he
would still have a further two years on his contract after this season.
Good luck to him, I sincerely hope he does well for Portsmouth.
And speaking of Mr Megson, he's hopefully not been jinxed by receiving
the Manager of the Month Award for August - the August awards always
seem to go to the league leaders, surprisingly enough. But GM's other
two awards as Baggies manager were followed up with victories - keep
it up, GM!!
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