Upson loaned out

Published by: jack 2008-11-19

Transfers - January 2007 | Football - Times Online::
West Ham United have had a third offer for Matthew Upson, the defender, Vincenzo Montella (Roma) Loan OUT Luis Boa Morte (West Ham United) Undisclosed
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article1289078.eceHOME

http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/020905/21/d8x8f.html

Couple of interesting things:

1. Kolo Toure's mention as a center back. I think that's where he started his professional career, but I don't think he's played there yet for Arsenal (he's played just about everywhere else).

2. For you Denver Gunners, Reading is where former Rapids keeper Marcus Hahnemann has ended up after his time on the bench at Fulham.

Originally posted by Senor Askew
I'm miffed with Wenger for not giving him more opportunities. Yes I know his (Upson's) brittle physiology has done him no favours but still he seems to be fit and able to play for Reading, why not us?
It's not that hard to figure out, is it? From Arsenal's standpoint, it's a lot less risky letting Upson play himself into match shape in the First Division than it is to throw him into the fire in the Premier League or the Champions League.

And as far as lack of opportunities, you answered your own question. He and Jeffers are our own "Sick Notes," always getting injured whenever the opportunity to play presents itself. How can you be ticked at Wenger for Upson's fragile body?

Originally posted by dwinkler
1. Kolo Toure's mention as a center back. I think that's where he started his professional career, but I don't think he's played there yet for Arsenal (he's played just about everywhere else).

He hasn't played there for us yet, but when he was signed there was talk of him being able to play right-back, centre-back, right-midfield and centre-midfield. And considering he came on at left-midfield on Sunday, he looks like he can play just about anywhere. David Seaman should beware!

Originally posted by michaec

David Seaman should beware!

:D

How old is Matt Upson now? Has to be heading for 24 or so, really the do or die stage to break into the first team. Very much longer and it just won't be worth it.

Upson County GaArchives Wills..Baldwin, James May 29 1838 ::
Upson County GaArchives Wills..Baldwin, James May 29 1838 as well as such as may arise from the hire of negroes be loaned out to the best advantage,
http://files.usgwarchives.org/ga/upson/wills/wl474baldwin.txtHOME

I'm miffed with Wenger for not giving him more opportunities. Yes I know his (Upson's) brittle physiology has done him no favours but still he seems to be fit and able to play for Reading, why not us?

Toure reminds me of Lauren in his versatility. Lauren can play in center mid, wing mid, and left and right back. Toure seems to be as capable. Nice to have on a side that suffered some serious injury woes last season.

It has been good to see Pennant, Aliadiere, and Toure getting time on the pitch early in the season. I'm sure the team will need their contributions down the stretch as well.

As for Upson, he does need to get first team time and won't for a bit at Arsenal. He seemed to be getting very comfortable working with Campbell last season just before his injury. Hopefully, he can regain that form and come back stronger for the final push to another title! :)

Originally posted by dwinkler

It's not that hard to figure out, is it? From Arsenal's standpoint, it's a lot less risky letting Upson play himself into match shape in the First Division than it is to throw him into the fire in the Premier League or the Champions League.

If this was a month-long loan, I could see the merit in this argument. But this is a three month loan-- and with Upson, that means he'd probably get injured right before re-joining the team. ;)

Originally posted by Ian Lozada

If this was a month-long loan, I could see the merit in this argument. But this is a three month loan-- and with Upson, that means he'd probably get injured right before re-joining the team. ;)

Actually, I see this as an insurance policy that in 3 months as the injuries start to mount up at Highbury, Arsenal gets a match fit defender back in the fold. Figure that Upson is behind Keown, Campbell, and Cygan in the chart. Keown's likely to get hurt in a month or two and then Cygan or Campbell the following month... Perfect timing for Upson to get back. :)