Claridge signs one month deal

[CHAPPERS]

And straight into squad for Saturday.

 

[Scarface]

 

[Uncle Buck]

What squad number....

 

[Brighton Breezy]

8 I would imagine.

 

[Bigtomfu]

we've got a fookin striker at last

 

[GUNTER]

Claridge back where he belongs
by Andy Naylor


Steve Claridge wants to carry on playing for as long as possible Steve Claridge today set his sights on aiding Albion's Championship survival bid for the rest of the season.

The 38-year-old striker is signing for the Seagulls for a month and could make his first League start since March 2003 at West Ham tomorrow.

Claridge wants to concentrate on playing again after parting company last month with non-league Weymouth, where he was player-manager.

"Initially I think it is going to be a month, then hopefully we can extend it until the end of the season," revealed Claridge. "Management is very much on the back-burner now. I have made a conscious decision to play until I cannot play any more.

"Believe you me, I am not here to make a fool of myself. I am fully aware of my capabilities and I am still confident I can play at this level."

Claridge's last League appearance was as a sub for Mark McGhee's Millwall in May 2003. His last outing of any kind was in Weymouth's FA Cup replay defeat at Thame United's Windmill Stadium 24 days ago in front of only 411 spectators, quite a contrast to the 30,000 expected at Upton Park.

"I've missed that kind of buzz," Claridge said. "I went to Weymouth because of Ian Ridley (former owner). I would never have left the pro game but for him.

"Mark had offered me another contract at Millwall and I regret not taking it now. It is fantastic to be back involved day to day. This is where I belong, it has been my life for 20 years."

Albion will decide whether top scorer Adam Virgo is fit to return from a leg injury after training today.

The Seagulls' Dan Harding and West Ham's Calum Davenport have been named in the England under-21 squad for next Tuesday's friendly in Spain, but Adam Hinshelwood misses out.

 

[Beach Hut]

Great stuff - there's only one Steve Claridge

 

[Croydonbloke]

And straight into squad for Saturday.

If he scores tomorrow i`ll by you all a drink. If he scores in a month i`ll be surprised. Come on how can you get excited about Steve old boy Claridge signing up for you hardly headline news is it. Was once a good striker i`ll admit but not today.

 

[Titanic]

From the BBC:

Veteran Claridge joins Brighton

Brighton have signed veteran striker Steve Claridge on a one-month contract.

The 38-year-old, who was sacked as Weymouth's player-boss last month, told BBC SCR: "I haven't come here to make a fool of anyone - least of all myself.

"I've played in this league for 15 years. My fitness is good and hopefully I can still play at this level.

"I've missed League football immensely. I want to stay and play for as long as I can - I need to do this for myself because I love playing football."

 

[Uncle C]

Great news - Now lets watch Leon light up.

 

[Strike]

Remember the 1996 play-off final Croydonbloke, who prevented you getting into Premiership?

 

[fatboy]

Re: Re: Claridge signs one month deal

If he scores tomorrow i`ll by you all a drink. If he scores in a month i`ll be surprised. Come on how can you get excited about Steve old boy Claridge signing up for you hardly headline news is it. Was once a good striker i`ll admit but not today.

He does well against you.

I bet the Insider is busy updating the website, and again, NSC is first with the news.

 

[Skaville]

I've always loved Steve Claridge. What a fantastic, charismatic player, lower league Dalglish, socks rolled down, jumpers for goal posts, chestnuts roasting on an open fire etc etc

Obviously he's not the long term solution, but if he can come on for half an hour and give Knight the service he so desperatley needs (the odd ball to feet in the box would be nice!) then I for one am delighted.

PS Can Darren Currie please start whipping in some of those great crosses on the deck please - Crewe did it and look at the result.

 

[Indestructible Gull]

"I've missed that kind of buzz," Claridge said.

- Welcome to Withdean.

 

[Seagulltonian]

Hope McGhee knows what position he should be played in !

 

[Lammy]

To be honest with you I'm loving this deal! This is how we should have signed Kitson. one month at a time. Even if he never makes it on the field. Having a player like that around at training can only be a positive thing.

We've been crying out for an old head to put his foot on the ball and knock it about a bit. He's got Knight/Robinson alongside him to do the running for him. Hopefully they'll learn from him.

It's by no means a perminant or even long term solution but it is a step in the right direction!

Well done McGhee!

 

[Gritt23]

I think this is a good signing.
Does this mean Virgo is not gonna be fit for tomorrow?


.... now to get Dion Dublin up there alongside him.

 

[Lammy]

I've always loved Steve Claridge. What a fantastic, charismatic player, lower league Dalglish, socks rolled down, jumpers for goal posts, chestnuts roasting on an open fire etc etc

Obviously he's not the long term solution, but if he can come on for half an hour and give Knight the service he so desperatley needs (the odd ball to feet in the box would be nice!) then I for one am delighted.

PS Can Darren Currie please start whipping in some of those great crosses on the deck please - Crewe did it and look at the result.

I have to say I saw the goals on TV last night. I couldn't believe the space Crewe were getting! They may aswell have walked the ball into the net!

 

[Marc]

thoughts exactly Indestructible

Still, any signing is a good signing in my book, just hope he can produce the goods for us.

 

[Set of Tracksuits]

Remember the 1996 play-off final Croydonbloke, who prevented you getting into Premiership?

Just think, back then he was regarded as a bit of a journeyman!

He was 30 in 1996.