This week’s ‘Eagle Speaks’ is in its new Saturday slot and the last of the pre-season. It is still hard to believe that we about to embark on a Premier League season but the fact is, we are.
Regardless of what the so called experts think it is absolutely fantastic to be in this position even if it is far sooner than any of us fans ever expected. But I am certain that all involved with the club are going to give it a damn good go, as us fans will certainly be doing.
So on to the football stories of the week that has passed.
International Friendlies
Bizarre to consider that within a week or the Premier League starting there was a complete fixture list of friendlies for international teams. This caused havoc for a lot of teams preparation for the weekend and quite obscure that the scheduling was such. In saying that, a great game at Wembley saw England win 3-2 over the old enemy Scotland. In other games Wales played out a goal less draw with the Republic Of Ireland. Considering these were ‘local’ friendlies, players of other clubs were not so luck, many having to travel a good distance and back. I’m sure that there will be at least one Premier League manager bemoaning the fact on Match of the Day on Saturday evening.
Bent Saga
Fact is, this player seems to be a footballing renegade and we here at The Eagles Beak are glad that Palace did not cave in to his demands. We have Chamakh on board in what was a rather favourable deal with us but we don’t need any more fallen or problem players from current Premier League teams. Maybe Holloway would have brought the best out of him but if things don’t work out early in our season then what we do not need is a destructive influence in the dressing room. We need to keep as much of what we had last season. Yes, he is a proven goal scorer but he seems to fall out favour with clubs all too quickly. We have a view here that signing players from lower leagues you get a whole lot of raw talent along with that real hunger to succeed which is something that perhaps players going in the other direction don’t possess.
Suarez Sale
Having refused to apologise to team mates and staff at Liverpool the troubled Uruguay striker was forced to train alone which perhaps seals his fate at the club. The only true interest in signing him appears to have been from Arsenal who are not only looking desparate to sign a player, any player this summer, but more interestingly arguably need to add a world class striker. There is no denying that Suarez is that player but he comes with baggage and an awful lot of it. Again, it remains to be seen what will happen but we have to remember that he has still to face six games out that remain from his domestic ban.
Big Kick Off
It may have passed you by but the Premier League kicks off this weekend. It has been truly wonderful to see the build-up that includes Palace this season, none more so than the Sky Sports advert with title music ‘Higher Love’. The very final frame sends shivers down the spine every time. It is finally here and this season is going to be no different to any other that we have encountered in recent years. It is still going to be a rollercoaster but a rollercoaster that is stopping at every Premier League ground.
