Confirmed Summer Transfers (2013/14)

[Fabio]

Let's sign Dzeko!

 

[King Binny]

Almen Abdi, Cristian Battocchio, Gabriele Angella, Diego Fabbrini, Javier Acuna, Marco Davide Faraoni, Marco Cassetti, Daniel Pudil - Watford

WATFORD Football Club is delighted to announce the permanent signings of eight players ahead of the 2013/14 season.

The club has received confirmation from the Football League and The Football Association that the contracts of Almen Abdi, Cristian Battocchio, Gabriele Angella and Diego Fabbrini have been registered, following their transfers from Udinese.

Abdi, who collected the 2012/13 Player of the Season trophy after a glorious campaign at Vicarage Road, has signed until 2016, while fellow midfielder Battocchio has also finalized a deal until the same year, with Angella signing up until 2018 and Fabbrini 2017.

Striker Javier Acuna has also penned a deal until 2016, and Marco Davide Faraoni has agreed terms until 2018, both arrive from Udinese.

Popular defender Marco Cassetti will also be back at Vicarage Road next season after penning a one-year deal.

Daniel Pudil has also signed on the dotted line after agreeing terms on a deal from Granada until 2017.

The club anticipates receiving the same confirmation of their contract registration from the football authorities shortly.

 

[King Binny]

Jack Hobbs - Nottingham Forest (loan)

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Hull City defender Jack Hobbs on a season-long loan.

The deal for the 24 year old will become permanent at the end of the 2013-14 campaign, when Hobbs will commence a pre-agreed two-year contract which will keep him at The City Ground until the summer of 2016.

The former Liverpool trainee was an important cog in The Tigers’ defensive wheel last season, recovering well from a knee injury to make 22 appearances as Steve Bruce’s men gained automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Hobbs is no stranger to success. In addition to last season’s promotion, he played a pivotal role in Leicester’s League One-winning 2008-09 campaign and has picked up a number of personal accolades over the course of his career thus far.

Reds manager Billy Davies was delighted with his latest acquisition.

He said: “We are very pleased to welcome Jack to the club.

“He has for some time been recognised as one of the brightest defensive prospects outside the Premier League and I am delighted that we have been able to bring him in.

“To target players of his calibre is easy - the difficult part is making the deal happen. Not only do signings like this further signal our intentions this season, but they also highlight the hard work that is going on behind the scenes to ensure we are a force to be reckoned with.

“Things are slowly falling into place - there is still a lot of work to be done, but Jack is another piece in the jigsaw.”

 

[King Binny]

John Cofie - Barnsley (free transfer)

Barnsley Football Club have completed the signing of striker John Cofie on a one-year deal, with the option for a second year.

The 20-year-old, who spent time on loan with Sheffield United and Notts County last season, was snapped up as a free agent this afternoon.

After penning his deal at Oakwell, the striker told Barnsley Player, “Obviously I’m happy to be here,” he said. “I’ve been here for ten days training and they’re a great bunch of lads. It’s great being here so far.

“I spoke to the gaffer here and the plans he’s got for the club here, I want to be a part of.

“I’m going to get my head down, work hard and when I get the opportunity I’ll show what I can do."

Born in Ghana, Cofie turned professional with Manchester United and featured for England Under 17s before heading out on loan to United’s affiliate club, Royal Antwerp.

Reds Manager David Flitcroft, also speaking to Barnsley Player, added, "I've seen him when he was at Burnley as a kid. He's a player of immense potential and immense talent.

"I don't think he'll be ready for the start of the season. There's bags of potential there.

"Once we'd evaluated him over the week's training, the decision to sign him was easy."

 

[King Binny]

Henoc Mukendi - Patrick Thistle (6 mth loan)

Alan Archibald was able to add to his squad today when he secured the services of Henoc Mukendi.

The 19 year old, Congolese, joins Thistle on loan from Liverpool and will remain at Firhill until at least January 1st 2014.

Although born in Lubumbashi, Mukensdi, who stands at over 6 feet; now has British citizenship. He has been part of the Liverpool Academy set up since 2007 and has progressed through the youth ranks at Anfield.

Last season Henoc, who can play as a striker or wide on the left, spent the first half of the season on loan with League Two side Northampton Town. While with Northampton, Henoc made a total of 13 first team appearances and scored once.

As Henoc’s loan is a cross border loan it is subject to international clearance but should that come through in time he will be part of the squad for tomorrow’s friendly with Arbroath at Gayfield.

 

[themn]

Manchester City FC ‏@MCFC

7m​

JOVETIC SIGNS: Stevan Jovetic is now a Manchester City player! http://manc.it/197L0qh

 

[localny]

John Cofie? Like the drink ?

 

[King Binny]

Marquinhos - PSG (€31.4 million, 10% of profit i.e. €2.69 million payable to Corinthians)

Born on 14 May, 1994, in Sao Paulo (Brazil), Marquinhos is a product of the SC Corinthians youth academy and made his professional debut in the 2012 season, playing six times in the Brazilian first division.

In August 2012, he was transferred to AS Roma in the Italian Serie A. During his very first season in the Italian capital, he imposed himself as a first-choice central defender. He made 26 appearances in Serie A and played four matches in the Coppa d'Italia, including the final against city rivals SS Lazio.

Marquinhos will wear the number 5 jersey.

"The transfer of Marquinhos, a future star, whose qualities have already attracted the attention of Europe's biggest club's, is a source of great satisfaction for Paris Saint-Germain. It underlines the club's desire to look towards the future in order to construct one of Europe's biggest clubs", declared Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

"I am delighted to be joining Paris Saint-Germain, a club where so many Brazilians have played and helped write the club's history. I will do everything I can to continue that tradition and write my own name into the club's illustrious history books. Paris Saint-Germain will help me continue my progression alongside exceptional players, with the desire to win trophies and also win the hearts of the supporters", added Marquinhos.

 

[keniget]

That's a ton of money for a 20 year old defender - is he that good?

 

[Fabio]

I saw a bit of him last season and he looked decent

At 19 if you're a cb who is decent then yeah, you probably should go for a shit ton

 

[Hansern]

I havent seen him at all, so I've got no clue. But the 3rd most expencive defender in history after one season in Europe is a bit much...
The Roma fans have compared him to Aldair, which is obvs a sign of quality though.

 

[King Binny]

Jorge Pulido - Real Madrid Castilla (free transfer)

The defender, who comes from Atletico Madrid becomes the reserves’ first signing of the 2013/14 season.

Jorge Pulido, the former Atletico Madrid defender from Toledo, is a new Whites’ player. The 22 year old centre-back joins the reserves following the agreement between Real Madrid C.F. and Atletico Madrid and becomes of Alberto Toril Castilla’s first signing as they head into the 2013/14 season.

Atlético Madrid youth product, Jorge Pulido has chosen to leave the club and sign with cross-town rivals, Segunda side, Real Madrid Castilla on a free transfer.

Pulido was unsatisfied with the amount of playing time under Atlético Madrid manager, Diego Simeone last season and chose to make the switch under the direction of Alberto Toril.

The 22-year-old was allowed to leave Atlético Madrid and signed his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu offices on Thursday morning making the switch official.

The centre-back made just three appearances for the first team and only 14 appearances in his one loan spell with Rayo Vallecano in 2012.

 

[King Binny]

Raul Albiol - Napoli (€12 million)

“I am very happy, Napoli is a great team”, Albiol admitted. “I’ve made the right choice. I know Rafa Benitez will get the best out of me”, he added.

Real Madrid have received 22 million euros in transfers from Napoli this summer: 10 million for Jose Callejon and 12 for Raul Albiol.

Apparently on a 4 yr contract.

 

[King Binny]

Danny Graham - Hull City (loan with option to buy, Sunderland has option to recall in Jan)

The Tigers have signed striker Danny Graham on a season-long loan deal from Sunderland.

27-year-old Graham joins the Tigers having spent the last two seasons playing in the Barclays Premier League. He netted 12 times for Swansea City during their first campaign in the top flight in 2011/12 and added a further three goals in 2012/13 before moving to Sunderland.

Graham has also previously played for Middlesbrough, Carlisle and Watford.

"For me, it's arguably the coup of the summer," Bruce said.

"When he became available on loan we felt it was a no-brainer. There's no secret that it hasn't quite worked out for him at Sunderland, sometimes that happens.

"But before that he had four years where he was terrific. He took the Championship by storm with Watford and then went on to Swansea where he did well again.

"Hopefully, a change of environment and a change of scenery will see him back to his best.

"He's a goalscorer and he's a finisher. When he gets in the positions, he usually scores. That's what we're hoping from him."

Under the terms of the loan deal, Bruce has confirmed City will have an option to complete a permanent deal in 12 months.
"There's an option to buy at the end of the season and they've got a call-back option in January if they like," he added.

"We think it's a win win for both clubs. We're delighted we've got him and I'm sure Sunderland will be satisfied too. It hasn't gone so well for him there and they'll be looking for him to do well here to keep his value."

 

[King Binny]

Andre Santos - Flamengo (reportedly free transfer)

Arsenal left-back Andre Santos has joined Brazilian side Flamengo in a permanent deal, the Barclays Premier League club have announced on their website.

The 30-year-old Brazil international returns to the club where he had a short period on loan earlier in his career after spending two seasons with Arsenal.

He joined the Gunners from Turkish side Fenerbahce in August 2011 and made 33 appearances in total with Arsene Wenger's side.

The attacking full-back, who cost Arsenal £6.8million, was sidelined by a knee injury for a spell during his first campaign at the Emirates Stadium, during which he made 21 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals.

Last season he played 12 times for the north London outfit before falling down the pecking order behind England left-back Kieran Gibbs.

Then, following the £8.5million signing of Spaniard Nacho Monreal on the final day of January's transfer window, he joined Brazilian side Gremio on loan for the rest of the 2012/13 campaign.

He has now returned to the Campeonato Brasileiro with Flamengo, who he played 22 matches for while on loan from Figueirense during the 2005/06 season.

Santos has also played for Corinthians and Atletico Mineiro in his homeland.

Arsenal said in a statement on their website: "Everybody at Arsenal would like to thank Andre for his contribution to the club and wish him well for his future career."

 

[keniget]

Mad signing by Wenger that was - he looked badly out of shape and just plain useless.

Sadly Monreal is a good player.

 

[King Binny]

Oscar Garcia - Brighton (Head Coach)

Oscar Garcia has agreed a three-year deal as head coach of Brighton & Hove Albion, and revealed his new-look backroom team who will join him at the American Express Community Stadium.

The 40-year-old former Maccabi Tel Aviv boss and Barcelona youth team coach put pen to paper on his contract earlier today - along with his new coaching team.

He commented, "I am delighted to have signed a long-term contract with the club and I am now very much looking forward to the challenge ahead.

"Brighton is one of the most exciting clubs in Europe and the potential here is very good. The squad is strong and the footballing set-up is excellent. The aim is to continue the good progress that the club has made in recent seasons.

"I have already received a very warm welcome from the club's staff, players and supporters. Brighton & Hove is a very nice city, the stadium is superb, and a world class training facility is being built for our use from next season. Pre-season preparations are going well and like the supporters I am looking forward to an exciting season."

Oscar has recruited two of his loyal assistants from his time at the Nou Camp and in Tel Aviv: 44-year-old Juan Torrijo and 36-year-old Ruben Martinez.

Also joining the backroom team is former Albion left-back Nathan Jones as assistant head coach. Since leaving Albion for Yeovil Town in 2005, Jones, 40, has been first-team coach and assistant manager at Huish Park and last summer joined Charlton Athletic as part of Chris Powell's backroom staff.

Albion chairman Tony Bloom commented, "I am delighted to welcome Oscar, Juan and Ruben to the club, and welcome back Nathan - who served us with such distinction as a player.

"The club has made significant progress in the past three seasons, and our aim is to continue this progress under Oscar's guidance. His footballing principles and philosophies will ensure we continue to play with the style and in the way our fans have become accustomed.

"Oscar likes to play a high-tempo passing game, with an onus on attack, and I am sure the club's supporters will be eagerly anticipating the season ahead with him at the helm.

"His record at Barcelona was excellent and he is held in very high regard by the Catalan club. That is no surprise, as he won a lot of silverware with the club's youth teams and oversaw the development of players through Barca's renowned player development system.

"He further enhanced his credentials with an excellent debut season with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2012/13, leading the club to their first league championship for a decade, and I hope he is able to transfer that level of success to our club.

"He brings with him Juan and Ruben, and has also appointed Nathan, as he was keen to add someone with English coaching experience and a good knowledge of the Championship. Nathan has impressive coaching credentials and we are delighted to have him back at the club."

Nathan Jones - Brighton (Assistant Head Coach)

Nathan Jones has left Charlton to become Assistant Head Coach at Brighton & Hove Albion, the club revealed on Friday night.

The ex-Seagull returns to the south coast to work alongside new head coach Oscar Garcia after the summer departure of former boss Gustavo Poyet.

“I’ve had a phenomenal time here at Charlton and will never forget it, but the offer from Brighton was too good to turn down,” said Nathan, who made 183 appearances in a five-year spell with the Seagulls.

“It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to work with an outstanding group of young players here. They have given me absolutely everything and deserve all the success they achieved last season.

“The first-team management have also been brilliant with me and I’ll still see the gaffer and Alex Dyer as part of my Pro Licence course. Charlton is a fantastic club and I wish them every success in the future.”

Jones enjoyed a memorable stint at Sparrows Lane, spearheading the new developmental era with a trophy-laden campaign.

Under his stewardship the youngsters won the U21 Professional Development League 2 – South title before being crowned champions of the land after a play-off final victory at Cardiff City.

Jones also led the club to a Kent Senior Trophy success and took charge for a final time in Tuesday night’s 1-1 friendly draw at Bromley.

A proud Welshman and left-back of some repute, Jones hung up his boots last summer to take the plunge into a first full-time coaching role with the Addicks.

He had player-coached at former club Yeovil Town and also assisted former manager Terry Skiverton before the return to Huish Park of Gary Johnson.

A fluent Spanish speaker after a playing spell there with Numancia and Badajoz, he played for Brighton between 2000 and 2005 before a seven-season stint with the Glovers.

"I’m really sad and sorry to see a really highly valuable part of my coaching set-up go, but you can’t stop progress," said boss Chris Powell.

"I’ve been in a position myself, so has Alex, where you are in a good position with the development group and you have a real rapport as Nathan certainly had with them. It certainly shows in the way they played last year by winning the league and winning the play-offs, and that’s no mean feat.

"I always envisaged him being part of the coaching set-up here and progressing, but I think once you do something like what he did, it’s hard to keep people like that at the club. He’s been sought after and he’s gone to Brighton. I suppose the emotional pull of a club that he played for has gone against us, but also he is progressing to be part of the first team set-up, which he has always had visions of doing.

"I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone including all the players, we wish him well and thank him for what he did in the year he was here."

Youth Academy Director Paul Hart, who worked closely with Jones during his spell at the club, was also full of praise for the Welshman’s contribution.

“I’m very disappointed to learn that Nathan has agreed to go to Brighton, but not entirely surprised,” he said. “He’s done a marvellous job in the year that he’s been here and he thoroughly deserves the attention that he has received from Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club.

“Although we are extremely sad to lose him we are extremely pleased that he’s been offered such a prestigious role at that football club.

“Nathan is very enthusiastic and very driven and he’s taken on board the philosophy of our club and what we do with the young boys as well.

“He’s listened and he’s delivered and we had a great working relationship and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.”

 

[King Binny]

Richard Wood - Charlton (free transfer)

Chris Powell has swooped to make defender Richard Wood his second signing of the summer, the club confirmed on Thursday.

The 28 year-old centre back has signed a one-year deal with Charlton, after leaving Coventry City as a free agent in May.

The Leeds-born central defender had been on trial with the Addicks, featuring in four friendlies so far including both matches during the club’s pre-season tour of Spain.

An excellent communicator on the pitch, the Sheffield Wednesday academy graduate captained both the Owls and Coventry and has made over 300 senior career appearances scoring 17 times.

Speaking exclusively to www.cafc.co.uk Powell said he was pleased to complete the deal following the defender’s successful trial spell.

“Richard’s impressed during pre-season and it’s good to finally get the deal done,” he said.

“He’s a left-footed centre half who gives us options along the backline and we’re happy to have him on board.”

Wood made 189 appearances for Wednesday and captained the side on various occasions. The defender initially joined Coventry on loan in November 2009 and then permanently in January 2010.

Following signing the deal on Monday, Wood told www.cafc.co.uk that he was delighted to be joining Chris Powell’s men.

“It’s a very good club and I’m just pleased to finally sign,” said the defender.

“I’ve obviously come in on trial and did as best as I can and it’s worked out well in the end.

“I think I have done quite well in the games which has been really good, and to get the opportunity to go to Spain with the lads - I think that influenced everything as I got to bond with and the staff as well. I think that’s benefited me going out to Spain.

“My agent gave me a call and asked me if I fancied training with Charlton for a couple of weeks with a view to hopefully signing and I said yes, definitely, straight away.

“As soon as found out I wanted to come down and try and earn a contract and thankfully the hard work has paid off within these last couple of weeks.”

Wood becomes Charlton’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of Mark Gower from Swansea City in June, while Callum Harriott, Leon Cort, Dorian Dervite and Andy Hughes having all signed contract extensions.

 

[King Binny]

Mad signing by Wenger that was - he looked badly out of shape and just plain useless.

Sadly Monreal is a good player.

I think he'll be best remembered for that shirt swap with RVP.

 

[King Binny]

Nicky Bailey - Millwall (free transfer)

Millwall have completed the signing of 29-year-old former Middlesbrough midfielder Nicky Bailey on a two year deal from Monday.

Bailey, who cost Boro £1.4m when he joined them from Charlton three years ago, was a free agent after his contract at the Riverside expired this summer.

The London born player is pleased to be returning to the capital, but more than that is ambitious for success at The Den.

He said: "I believe that with the new players coming in added to those who did well in the early part of last season, we can be a force in the Championship.

I'm looking forward to a new start at Millwall, and ideally scoring more goals from midfield than I had the opportunity to do at Boro.

The fans at The Den are very passionate about their football, and I hope they will see in me a player who gives 100% to the cause every time I pull on the shirt."

Bailey becomes The Lions' sixth close season signing, following the arrivals of Stephen Bywater, Jermaine Easter, Lee Martin, Steve Morison and Richard Chaplow.

 

[King Binny]

Christophe Berra - Ipswich (free transfer)

Scotland international Christophe Berra has agreed a two-year contract with Town.

The move sees the 28-year-old reunited with Blues boss Mick McCarthy, the two having worked together at Wolves.

Christophe started his career in Scotland with Hearts, where he progressed through their youth ranks and made close to 150 appearances.

He spent six years at Tynecastle before Mick signed him for a deal reported to be worth £2.3m in January 2009.

The Edinburgh-born player became a regular in the Molineux club’s line-up and helped them win promotion to the Premier League that season, retaining his place in the side throughout their three years in the top flight.

Capped 27 times by Scotland, he arrives at Portman Road as a free agent after coming to the end of his contract at Wolves. In total he made 154 appearances for the Midlanders.

"I’m delighted to have signed Christophe. It’s a fantastic signing," said Mick.

"He helped get us promoted at Wolves and helped keep us in the Premier League for two seasons and I’m amazed actually that it’s gone so long and he hasn’t got a club. It’s terrific for us.”

 

[King Binny]

Raul Albiol - Napoli (€12 million)

 

[Roscoe Dash]

Looks photoshopped to me

 

[King Binny]

Dan Seaborne - Yeovil (free transfer)

Yeovil Town are pleased to announce the signing of Dan Seaborne on a two-year contract.

The six-foot-three centre-back has signed for the Glovers after his release from Premier League side Southampton at the end of last season.

Dan started his career at Exeter City where he made 86 appearances scoring five goals.

He then signed for Southampton in 2010 where he made 44 appearances and spent time on loan to Charlton Athletic and most recently AFC Bournemouth.

 

[King Binny]

Ikechi Anya - Watford (undisclosed fee)
Reece Brown - Watford (free transfer)

WATFORD FC is delighted to announce the permanent signings of Ikechi Anya and Reece Brown.

The club can also confirm that full clearance has been granted by the Football League and the FA regarding the transfers of eight players, announced last week.

Anya, 25, spent last season at Vicarage Road on loan from Granada, and the wing-back made 29 appearances for the Hornets as they made the Play-Off Final. He signs a three-year deal keeping him at the club until 2016.

Brown joins on a free transfer, after the 21-year-old defender left Old Trafford back in May. He has penned a two-year deal with the Golden Boys.

Schooled at Manchester United from the age of nine, loan spells with Bradford, Doncaster, Oldham, Coventry and most recently Ipswich Town make up the defender’s first-team experience to date.

Younger brother of United’s former defensive ace Wes, Reece has been training with the Hornets since the beginning of pre-season, and has appeared in all of Gianfranco Zola’s side’s friendly matches so far.

 

[King Binny]

Lee Hodson - MK Dons (free transfer)

Milton Keynes Dons have tonight (Saturday) agreed terms to sign Watford defender Lee Hodson on a free transfer.

The 21-year-old, who has been given permission by the Hornets to play in tomorrow’s friendly against Plymouth Argyle, will sign on a one-year deal with a further one-year option at stadiummk. The deal will be completed next week.

A right-back by trade, Hodson adds some much-needed versatility in the Dons’ defence as he is also capable of playing on the left-side.

Speaking to mkdons.com Robinson said: “Lee ticks every box of our transfer policy this summer, he is young and ambitious but he also has a wealth of experience with over 70 starts in the Championship to his name along with nine full international caps - for someone of his age that’s a remarkable statistic.

“He’s somebody I’ve really admired for a long time. He already knows League 1 from his spell at Brentford last season and I believe he will add great competition for places in our defence.”

Hodson came through the youth ranks at Watford and made his debut in the Championship for the Hornets at 17.

The Borehamwood-born youngster has had to battle Watford stalwart Lloyd Doyley to play in his favoured right-back position but has still managed to rack up an impressive 91 appearances for the Vicarage Round outfit.

In fact, despite his age Hodson already has a wealth of experience to his name with 96 appearances in the Championship and League 1.

Last season he joined Brentford on loan in November and went on to make 18 appearances for the Bees, including an appearance in their play-off semi-final first-leg against Swindon Town.

Hodson, who becomes Karl Robinson’s fourth new signing this summer, has nine caps for Northern Ireland and has also represented them at Under-21, Under-19 and Under-17 level.

Lee will wear the number 5 shirt.

 

[King Binny]

Mick Harford - Millwall (Assistant Manager)
Tim Beaker - Millwall (First Team Coach)

Harford(r)

Mick Harford becomes number two, Tim Breaker first team coach

Steve Lomas has named Mick Harford as his new assistant with Tim Breaker installed as first team coach. Neil Harris, who returned to The Den in a coaching role at the beginning of the month will work with both the first team and development squads.

Speaking about the appointment of Mick Harford, Steve said: "I'm delighted that Mick has joined us. He's a vastly experienced coach who I have known for many years now.

Mick will be a great addition to the staff and I'm pleased to have finalised my backroom team, with Kevin Pressman continuing as the goalkeeping coach as well.

I know there was speculation about Mick going to Newcastle because of his past connections with Joe Kinnear, but he's fully committed to Millwall and to doing a job for us here."

 

[DHSC]

Coady to Sheffield Utd on 6 mth loan.

 

[King Binny]

Coady to Sheffield Utd on 6 mth loan.

The Blades have today completed the loan signing of England U20s captain, Conor Coady.

The Liverpool player, who can operate in midfield or defence, has agreed a youth loan that keeps him at Bramall Lane until January.

Boss David Weir comments: "I've been aware of Conor's talents for a long-time, through his development with Liverpool and England and he is a great prospect. He will add competition for places in the midfield and will be an asset for us."

Coady, who was a team-mate of George Long at the FIFA U20s World Cup earlier this summer, featured for Liverpool twice last season, once in the Europa League and once in the Premiership.

Liverpool-born Coady becomes Weir's sixth signing since becoming Blades boss, joining Febian Brandy, Stephen McGinn, Sean McGinty, Jasper Johns and Lyle Taylor, who signed from Falkirk for an undisclosed fee earlier this week.

He could feature in this evening's encounter at Alfreton.

 

[themn]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/jul/22/barcelona-gerardo-martino?CMP=twt_gu

Barcelona appoint Gerardo Martino as successor to Tito Vilanova

• Newell's Old Boys coach will sign three-year deal
• Barcelona reached an agreement by video conference call
• Jonathan Wilson: an ideology shaped by Old Boys' network​

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• Sid Lowe
• The Guardian, Monday 22 July 2013 20.16 BST

Gerardo Martino has in recent years defended Barcelona against critics who have sought to diminish their achievements. Photograph: Bruno Magalhaes/AP
Barcelona have made Gerardo "Tata" Martino their new coach. The Argentinian, who led Newell's Old Boys to the semi-final of the Copa Libertadores, will sign a three-year deal at the Camp Nou, following Tito Vilanova's decision on Friday to resign because of a recurrence of the cancer that he first suffered in 2011.
Martino will be accompanied by his normal backroom team, including the assistants Elvio Paolorroso and Jorge Pautasso. It is not yet clear if Vilanova's assistants, Jordi Roura and the recently signed Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia, known as Rubí, will continue.
Barcelona spoke to the 50-year-old Martino before the weekend, as soon as they knew that Vilanova had to step down, and they reached an agreement by video conference call on Monday morning. Barcelona hope to make a formal announcement and hold a presentation in the coming days. Contracts are still to be formalised, however, and Martino is not expected in Barcelona until Wednesday – too late to take charge of the club's friendly against Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich.
Timing has been a key factor in the appointment, both from the perspective of the club and that of the coach. Real Sociedad and Málaga had approached Martino about taking over as manager this season. One of the reasons that he turned both clubs down was that Newell's were still competing in the Copa Libertadores. A semi-final defeat to Atlético Mineiro meant that he is now available.
Barcelona also spoke to the former midfielder and Barcelona B team coach Luis Enrique, who was widely considered the favourite. Luis Enrique, though, had only recently committed his future to Celta Vigo for the coming season. The other man that Barcelona had in mind as manager, both when Guardiola stepped down and early this summer, was Ernesto Valverde. But with Vilanova believing at the time that he was well enough to continue, Valverde agreed to join Athletic Bilbao.
It remains to be seen whether the final decision came from the board and the president, Sandro Rosell, or the sporting director, Andoni Zubizarreta. There has also been some suggestion that in consultation with the squad, Martino emerged as a more popular appointment than Luis Enrique. Leo Messi, like Martino born in Rosario, publicly praised him more than a year ago and Martino is an admirer of the Barcelona player. "It turns out that 20 years later, we [Argentinians] have the best player in the world again," he said.
Martino's appointment breaks with a recent commitment to promote from within and, going back further, with Barcelona's Dutch identity.
Yet Martino is considered a student of Marcelo Bielsa, under whom he played for Newell's, and a man who is likely to represent a certain degree of continuity at the Camp Nou. Bielsa had been among those coaches from whom Guardiola had sought advice as he set out.
Martino, though, is considered more pragmatic than Bielsa and far more adept at handling players on a personal level. He is a legend at Newell's, whom he dragged out of a crisis to win the title and has a stand named after him at the club's stadium. He is best known in Spain for managing the Paraguay side that narrowly lost 1-0 to la selección at the 2010 World Cup.He likes his side to pressure high up the pitch and play attacking football, based on dominating possession.
"I identify with Barcelona," Martino has said. He has supported the way the Catalan club have looked to play in recent years and defended them against critics who, he insisted, have unfairly sought to diminish their achievements.​