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Payton and Cook
Views from London Clarets contributors on those surprise recent moves
Re Payton, I have just read a report in the Sun on our Andy's exploits. Apparently he had been on the pop on Sunday afternoon and then decided to drive round to his estranged wife's house. The car was crashed into the side of the house and Payton was arrested half naked hiding in a cupboard, whereupon he became abusive and aggressive, according to the report. He was led half dressed to the police station in handcuffs to be charged and kept in overnight. He was said to smelling strongly of booze and refused to give a breath test. Frankly, he is lucky not to be banged up, and it's not the first time that something like this has happened. Basically the bloke is a time bomb, and the next time he will undoubtedly get porridge.
Whilst we were dependent on his goals to survive, I expect a certain amount of tolerance was afforded to our Andy over his misdemeanours and well documented re-fuelling habits, however at 34 it's time to get shut. He hasn't started in the first team since Taylor arrived, and really we haven't needed him. He has got four goals this year, but three have been penalties. Basically, he is not going to get any fitter if he is juiced up all the time, although his game doesn't rely on fitness. He has been a fantastic player, but if he loves the club so much he ought to behave himself and stop being a prick. With all the money they earn, why can't footballers take a taxi when they need to travel? With a three year driving ban, he'll have to now. What are the odds on him driving whilst banned, given his previous track record?
Verdict: Get shut ASAP.
More of a loss is Paul Cook. However, Firmo is wrong to suggest we are light on cover in this area, with Briscoe, Branch, Moore, Grant, Weller, Ball and SGL all midfield players. Cook is also heading over the hill, and it's better to offload a runner rather than take the wreck down the scrappie once he fails the MOT. I would imagine that he was asked to make way for the first time on Saturday and after being No. 1 for three seasons this must have been a blow to his pride, especially as he was playing so well. I don't feel comfortable with this move, but then we beat Palace without him.
Verdict: Bring him back into the fold ASAP. Swallow your pride, Stan, we might need him at some point, but if not, que sera sera. We'll survive.
UTC.
Igor Wowk
December 2001
I must admit I was as surprised as everyone else about Paul Cook's sudden departure. However, after giving the matter some more thought, I don't think there is necessarily anything suspicious about this. I don't know the details of Cook's contractual situation. However, if he's out of contract at the end of the season, and a new deal can't be agreed on, then I think Stan is doing the sensible thing by trying to get some money for Cook. I am a fan of Cook, but he can't go on forever, and if we do go up at the end of the season (and I don't want to think about it too much - its not really going to happen, is it?) Paul Cook is probably not the kind of player we would be looking to keep.
I think everyone will have heard about Payton's escapades. I think the sooner we get rid, the better. I can't believe he has been so stupid. All he has to do is train hard, keep in shape and not get into trouble for the final few years of his career. He'd stay on good money, possibly get a few appearances in the Premiership (there, I've gone and mentioned it again!) and keep the adoration of the fans. Clearly that's just too difficult, and at his age he is too long in the tooth to start changing now. He was on a good deal at Burnley, and there are plenty that would have swapped places with him. Pack him off to the tangerine scum for good.
I don't think much needs to be said on the new contracts for Gnohere and Little. I wasn't sure Arthur would be able to cut it in this division, but he is proving me wrong with every game (especially today's match at Preston!). I can't believe we can hold onto Little for ever, but at least with the contract extension, if he does go, we'll get some money for him.
We should continue to trust in Stan!
Joanne Pilkington
December 2001
Must say that I agree that Stan is having a bit of a clear out. With Alan Moore and Branch now fit, I suspect Cook would slip down the pecking order. Payts, meanwhile, has never been Stan's favourite, and his behaviour is not in keeping with what Stan expects of his professionals. Therefore, bye, bye. Obviously Stan is still on the hunt for new players, as the Robbie Blake story suggests. However, I would like to see us go for a big striker to challenge Taylor for his place. Maybe Adebola if he gets fit again, but someone like Simon Haworth at Wigan could be a good option.
Cozzo
December 2001
More on Payton and more on Cook
As with all articles on the site, the
views expressed in the comments section are those of the individual contributor, and do
not necessarily reflect the view of the Burnley FC London Supporters Club
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