Why Harry Missed The Boat

The transfer deadline came and went and the excitement was minimal for most clubs. Despite the best attempts of Sky Sports News to whip the nation into a frenzy of expectation, one of the more interesting story's were the non-transfers of Martin Petrov and David Bentley.

When news broke on Monday night that the two players were in the process of exchanging clubs, most people assumed that someone had cranked up the City Transfer Bulldozer and the transfers were nothing more than a formality.

As it stood, Harry Redknapp looked certain to offload Bentley, a player that he had earlier informed us had no future at Spurs and had recently criticised on Match Of The Day for his drink-driving conviction.

Martin Petrov was less than happy with his current situation at the Blues. Injured whilst on international duty, Petrov missed the bulk of last season and his role had changed from nail-on starter to squad player. Petrov took this badly, a bit like someone awaking from a coma to find their partner had remarried and started a new family. Martin Petrov had been doubly unlucky, firstly to get injured and then to find out his replacement was Robinho, Britains most expensive footballer. Further evidence of the Bulgarians discontent was evident when he scored at the Nou Camp. As his team-mates attempted to kiss, hug and generally show their delight, the speedy wingman was intent on pointing to the name on his shirt. Maybe he was trying to announce his return, more likely he was advertising the fact he wanted out.

So in the land of theory, this should have been the most straight forward deal of the window. Tottenham had a player with no future at the club and City had a man who was, according to his agent "desperate to join Spurs".Surely everyone could meet at the Watford Gap service station, shake hands, exchange contracts, say hello, wave goodbye. No, Harry had to get clever.

City have been making headlines for their extravagent transfer activity for exactly one year and one day. This has deflected a lot of media attention away from Spurs who have spent something in the region of £180,000,000 over the last 2 years - if we're to believe the papers. Harry Redknapp thought he would try and recoup some of this by asking City for an extra £12 Million to smooth the deal through. It's rumoured that City offered a maximum of £8 Million. A stalemate was reached and the deal collapsed.

So as it stands City have retained a talented player who might yet have a future at the club if he sorts his attitude out. We also have Craig Bellemy who can play on the left should Robinho be rested/dropped/on holiday. On the right we have Shaun Wright-Phillips, wonderkid - Vladi Weiss and Craig Bellemy (again).

Spurs, on the other hand, have a player they don't want and an injured Luka Modric. City could never lose out on this deal but Harry was given a golden oppurtunity to resolve several problems for the Londoners. He tried to be smart and ended up being greedy. Not everything 'arry touches turns to gold.