FOOTBALL: OLD PRO... BRIGHT YOUNG THING

Saturday 05 February 2005 01:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

STEVE GUPPY

WYCOMBE WANDERERS, 35

THE FORMER Leicester City, England and Celtic winger Steve returned to Wycombe Wanderers in November only to help out the caretaker manager Keith Ryan, an old friend from his first spell at the club, and planned to move to the United States in the new year.

But John Gorman, who took over from Ryan as permanent successor to Tony Adams at the League Two club, wants the veteran to put his American dream on hold at least.

"I've asked him to stay for the rest of this season and for the season after that," Gorman said. "He is pure quality."

Guppy, whose career was transformed by Martin O'Neill at Leicester City and who won an England cap at his peak, may yet change his mind. "I've enjoyed being back here and it would be great to help the club get back up again," he said.

AARON LENNON

LEEDS UNITED, 17

NOT CONTENT with securing a deal to sign Derby's 18-year-old midfielder Tom Huddlestone in the summer, talent-seeking Tottenham Hotspur reportedly tried to snap up the 17-year-old Leeds United winger Aaron Lennon on the last day of the transfer window.

However, a bid of around pounds 700,000 was rejected by the new Leeds chairman Ken Bates and Lennon, brought up in the Chapeltown area of the city and still on scholarship terms, remains at manager Kevin Blackwell's disposal.

Lennon has been given an extended run after scoring on his full debut in the Championship at Sunderland on Boxing Day and interest in him does not surprise Blackwell. "People realise our financial situation makes us vulnerable and there will be predators looking to pick off our best players," he said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in