Old Pink Boots is Back

By: Daryl | April 23rd, 2009

Took a while, but have got my feet back under the table in my St James’ Park office following the recent accidental sabbatical. And who better to welcome me back than Old Pink Boots himself: Nicklas Bendtner?

For those unfamilair, Bendtner was a controversial signing last January, when I spent my transfer budget on him and Diego instead of signing Salvatore Foti.

Foti has been magnificent for Roma (he joined this summer, depsite my offering him significantly better wages) but Bendtner “did a job for me” (as we say in the pretend football manager business) last year. Before I sold him on to Charlton less than six months later.

Bendtner was signed for just £3.6m (Arsenal didn’t want him) and just two months later he scored the winner vs his old team in the Carling Cup final to deliver my first ever trophy. He also scored two injury time goals vs Hull that turned a draw into a win, thereby contributing to our eventual Champions League qualification.

So I owe love the guy. But he wasn’t very consistent, ultimately scoring 5 goals (plus one assist) in 14 games. I knew that we’d have to upgrade to improve, so Bendtner was offered up to the highest bidder and Federico Laurito came in. Hightest bidders were promoted Charlton with £4.1m.

I was happy to make out with the Carling Cup, Champions League qualification and a the £500k profit on what was one big gamble of a signing. The downside is that we’d have to face him again one day, and that day was today (actually yesterday, as I played this match last night).

vs Charlton (away)

Charlton were 18th going into this, and Bendtner had scored just 3 in 11. But I had Coloccini mark him tight, show onto his weaker left foot and tackle him hard anyway. I also gave Shay Given a start in order to keep Irish eyes smiling, and hoped I wouldn’t regret it.

Jonas got us off to a brilliant start with one of his trademark “dribble to the byline but then cut inside and shoot” moves in the 17th. Beats crossing the ball anyday, 1-0. Two minutes later, the ball fell at The Pog’s feet, and the big Russian did his own trademark “smack the ball as hard as I can” strikes, which look great when they fly in, as this one did.

Danny Haynes got one back in the 74th and Charlton applied some late pressure, but Shay Given came to life and saved everything Charlton could manage to throw at him.

Result: W 2-1

As for Bendtner… he got a 6.9 rating, but didn’t do anything to really hurt me. Won 10 out of 21 headers, went on four dribbles and had one out of three shots on target. Not bad, but not great, which is why I’m much happier with Federico Laurito.

Here’s how we’re doing in the league:

Next up, a Champions League trip to the San Siro. I’m already qualified, but can take first place in Group D if I somehow get a win over Mourinho and co.