Welcoming Wales

It is an inevitable side effect of the media frenzy surrounding football transfers that by the time one is actually confirmed by club and player it is already old news. But now young Welsh superstar Gareth Bale has actually signed for Spurs. I had some reservations about this, of a rather general nature, regarding players becoming huge stars and being transferred for astronomical fees at too young an age. Moving to a new city, dealing with a tougher division – and doing it with the pressure of such a price tag hanging over your head... Then again, some people mature earlier than others and Gareth, soon 18, may well be ready for the move, one which all involved parties assure us he has thought through. When it comes to his ability consensus appears to be that he is absolutely brilliant and already fairly consistent in said brilliance. My first hand experience of his talent is limited to having watched one Southampton game and one Wales game all season, both of which his team lost – but he was very good in both. And his free kick goal against Derby, available on YouTube, was remarkable. So, I will keep my reservations for now - I’m sure he will be a wonderful addition to our young and developing side and can only wish him the best of luck with the challenges that lie ahead.

Gareth Bale (Image from www.tottenhamhotspur.com)