Newcastle confirm Perch capture.
Posted on July 5th, 2010 | 127 Comments |
Perch has moved from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee and signed a 4-yearr contract on Tyneside where he will hopefully become a valuable squad member. It was revealed earlier that a fee had been agreed between the two clubs and that Perch would sign subject to passing a medical.
James Perch had been linked with us back in January which is perhaps something to do with Colin Calderwood who used to be his manager at Nottingham Forest, although according to the news on the official club website, Hughton has been fishing for Perch for sometime now. Speaking to nufc.co.uk, Hughton had this to say;
“James is a player I’ve admired for some time and it’s great that we have been able to secure his services. I’m certain he will prove to be a great addition to our squad.”
I have to be honest, he wouldn’t have been my first choice signing, but then equally I don’t really know enough about the lad to rubbish him before he kicks a ball for us. I think it is widely regarded that he won’t be a first choice player for us and his versatility could always come in handy throughout the season.
Perch can play in a multitude of positions, including all the way across the back four, in the defensive midfield role and on the right side of midfield, which is pretty impressive. Whether or not he can play them well is a different matter and is something that only time will reveal. He has made 220 appearances for Nottingham Forest in his career, scoring 12 goals in the process, and he was excellent against us at St James’ Park last season.
Still, Hughton wanted him and now he has him so I will give him my backing, same as I do with any player in the black and white. It could turn out to be a shrewd piece of business from the club which allows them to channel some more money elsewhere in the team, if indeed there is to be anymore money spent, which is another debate that will no doubt loom large at some point.
Hopefully this is the first of three or four signings that can add to our team as we aim to avoid relegation in our first season back in the Premier League. I notice Geovanni from Hull has just been released, perhaps we should go for him? Maybe, but this all about James Perch.
I guess all that is left for me to say is, welcome aboard James
Blog No250 8)