Friday 9 January 2009

Big signing from Hatters

From relegation threatened Luton Town to relegated Charlton Athletic, but up two divisions in the process. That is the experience of our new signing Matthew Spring. At least he is a central midfielder, a position that has long needed strengthening.

He has so far spent the season on loan with Sheffield United and arrives at The Valley for an undisclosed fee. He has signed an 18-month deal, offering the prospect of adding League 1 experience to his c.v., but Spring's recruitment is initially on loan to enable him to be eligible for tomorrow's match against Forest.

'We're really pleased to get Matty on a permanent signing,' said Phil Parkinson, who confirmed that Spring would go straight into his squad for the fixture against Forest. [This often means a role on the bench]

'He's a quality footballer and an experienced player. I've said that there is a certain category of player we're looking for, ones with Championship experience, and Matty fits the bill.'

These comments from a Watford fan where he had a spell after going from his initial stint at Luton to Leeds are interesting given the context in which he joins Charlton:

'He came from Leeds with something to prove to Aidy and typically sceptical fans and by the end of that mad afternoon in Cardiff he became one of the star turns in a season of amazing and unexpected highlights. Straight into a team of unknowns, favourites for the drop, Spring was a hit straight from the off, scoring on his debut against Burnley. Weighing in with a frankly obscene number of goals for a midfielder, Spring was the first to leave the celebrations at Cardiff and trot off down the tunnel. Whilst the players donned silly wigs and sprayed champagne it was Spring who departed in a manner that was the equivalent of pulling up his shirt to reveal a t-shirt that simply said "Job Done". That's my kind of player.'

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