Trial or Error?

Last updated : 15 July 2005 By Chris C

Despite the fact that Saints’ overseas scout Terry Cooper has moved back to the UK, Harry seems to be back to his wheeling and dealing best (or worst) trawling the free signings of Europe’s leagues to try and uncover a gem.

If the players conform to Saints’ wage structure and show the necessary quality on trial, then Harry should be able to squeeze one or two more into his squad. More worrying is that Harry may be preparing for Crouch’s departure by bringing in potential recruits in advance. However, the encouraging news is that none of the players are strikers.

More encouraging still is that we actually have a left-sided player on trial. Pantelis Konstantinidis gets a big build up on the Saints website as a 29 year old former Greek international with pace and power. It does beg the question of why he is available on a free, but if he can live up to his billing then he would be a welcome addition to the squad.

Among the other ‘names’ are Algerian ‘free spirit’ Djamel Belmadi, Portugese defender Rui Marques, yet another former Pompey man in Valery Mezague and a ‘mystery’ centre back.

Two of the trialists are expected to feature in tonight’s match against Kilmarnock. However, there could be more if the match against Motherwell is anything to go by, when eagle-eyed Saints fans spotted mystery men Belmadi and Mezague appearing as ringers in the game against Motherwell.