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Post by yenilira on May 29, 2011 19:30:23 GMT 1
It seems certain that Stephen Crainey (and Charlie Adam) have represented Scotland for the last time as Blackpool players, despite the former missing tonight's match in Dublin due to needing a toe operation.
The 29-year-old left back wants to leave Blackpool where he is out of contract, although having been offered a new deal, so, in the event of him not signing it, the 'Pool will probably receive no transfer fee for him.
The former Celtic, Southampton and Leeds player readily admits that the Seasider's stint in the Prem has put him in the shop window and has stated quite categorically - "I'm reluctant to drop back to Championship football. Hopefully someone will take a chance on me.........I feel I've proved I can hack it at the highest level."
He goes on to say that he would consider Scotland (Celtic are known to be keeping tabs on him) but he'd prefer a move to an English Prem League team.
Continuing, he says: "While I owe Blackpool a lot, I want to keep playing against the likes of Theo Walcott and Aaron Lennon."
His first 'cap' was under Berti Vogts, and had been out of the international scene for six years until recalled by Craig Levein a year ago.
Whilst Crainey can only wait and hope...........
YL.
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Post by seasider511 on May 30, 2011 8:09:29 GMT 1
I think Ollie has a serious re building couple of months ahead.
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Post by sandgrown'un on May 30, 2011 10:54:12 GMT 1
If Crainey casts his mind back to the Emirates he would have hot sweats at what Theo Walcott did to him. To his enormous credit though he realised that he couldnt compete with Premiership players and match their speed so opted for guile and he did very well. Whether another Premiership club see him as a target is another matter.
I will be surprised if he is not either with us next season or with a more "high profile" Championship club. I think also that sometime players have to realise when they have these delusions of grandeur that it is them that were in the team that was relegated. I have a lot of time for Crainey and if he can better himself fair enough but I dont believe he sets the football world on fire as much as he seems to think. Time will tell.
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Post by yenilira on May 30, 2011 21:10:56 GMT 1
Can't do but agree with you there, Sandy.
The number of times I saw Crainey getting skinned convinced me that he shouldn't want to be facing the likes of the Arsenal lads again, a case in point.
Tho' I do admit that when he came back this year after being out, he had vastly improved, espec against Wigan.
As you say, though - 'Time will tell'.
YL.
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Post by Tangerine Sherlock on Jun 3, 2011 8:45:17 GMT 1
Well i am rather miffed with crainey but wish him all the best as he seeks his money move to Bristol. A sideways step me thinks.
Wonder if he will make the Scotland team next season
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Post by pikeypete on Jun 3, 2011 9:24:34 GMT 1
All this "shop window" stuff is comparable with certain shop windows in Amsterdam. I just find it a little distasteful that players feel it necessary to flash their knickers to any Prem club that'll have them. Crainey was massively exposed at the start of the season and whilst arguably one of our most improved players is still only squad standard. Ambition is good but I wish he would be less of a tart.
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Post by yenilira on Jun 4, 2011 0:31:50 GMT 1
"...certain shop windows in Amsterdam." you talking from experience, Pete? YL.
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Post by bigjohncraven on Jun 4, 2011 9:58:27 GMT 1
I really hope Crains stays but we have to be realistic,he's 28 and this is probably the last decent contract he will get before the only thing he's good at in his life is finished. Your a long time retired in football so I understand his position and just hope Karl offer's enough to tempt him to stay.
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