Woodgate was a scoop for Spurs but bad for Arsenal - Graham
The signing of Jonathan Woodgate in the January transfer window could have made the vital difference to Arsenal this season, says former Arsenal manager George Graham. But he says he also understands why Arsene Wenger chose to keep his chequebook shut a
The signing of Jonathan Woodgate in the January transfer window could have made the vital difference to Arsenal this season, says former Arsenal manager George Graham.
But he says he also understands why Arsene Wenger chose to keep his chequebook shut and allow the Middlesbrough defender to sign for rivals Tottenham.
"I worked with Jonathan when he was a youngster at Leeds and let me tell you he is a very special defender," said Graham, who managed the Yorkshire club between 1996 and 1998.
"He is a class act but someone with his track record of injuries is seen by some as a risk.
"Tottenham went in for him and so far it has been a great signing for the club and a great move for the player.
"But Jonathan needs a lot of games under his belt and that hasn't always happened.
Most Read
- 1 Five jailed after 'cold blooded' murder of Enfield father
- 2 Walking book club: Hampstead Heath, Death and The Penguin
- 3 Hampstead Town's first Labour councillor stands down weeks into office
- 4 Highgate pub landlords to appeal restrictive licence approval
- 5 Olympic ace opens Highgate primary school's new running track
- 6 5 of the best things to do with kids in north London
- 7 Calls for removal of South End Green phone box
- 8 Campaign launched after girl suffers fractured ribs from e-scooter crash
- 9 Man wanted after serious assault in Sussex 'may live in Camden'
- 10 Monkeypox: 7 patients in Homerton and Royal Free hospitals
"Maybe Arsene felt it was not the right signing for the club, I can see why - but I can also understand why some fans would like to have seen him at Arsenal.
"He'll improve any defence when he is playing.