Burley's wheeling and dealing puts Redknapp to shame

Last updated : 30 January 2006 By Chris C
The battle of the south coast managers was raging today, as Redknapp and Burley fought it out to earn the title of Hampshire's top wheeler and dealer. There were even reports that shipping in the Solent had to be halted due to the amount of dead wood being shipped out of the respective harbours.

Saints announced the quality signings of two Scandinavian internationals hungry to make their respective world cup squads.

First up is former Saint Mikkel Nilsson's rival for the Sweden right back slot, the bruiser that is Alexander Ostlund from Feyenoord, whose game should be much more suited to the rough and tumble of English football. At 27 he is at his peak and will provide tough competition for the born again Chris Baird.

And George Burley finally answered Saints fans prayers by singing of all things, a striker! Peter Madsen is a Danish international, also 27, and again hungry to keep his place in Denmark's world cup squad. While not the target man that we have been lacking, he is quick and skillful and is looking to get back on the goal trail after a series of injuries in the last 18 months.

He signs for the club on loan from Cologne, but Saints have already negotiated a buy-out clause to extend his stay if things go well.

Welcome to the club, boys.