Matchmaking players returns with a little cracker from London who is not getting the love he needs in Manchester from his new Italian partner. Don't worry Shaun, there's plenty more fish in the sea, and luckily I'm well versed in rod skills, so let's sort you out...
Shaun Wright-Phillips - Manchester City
Shaun's had to cope with some turbulent relationships throughout his career, and this isn't the first time he could have been a candidate for a matchmaking. His first love was at Manchester City, where he became a huge hit with the fans after securing regular first team football in the 2001/02 season under Kevin Keegan. The relationship seemed to be flourishing, and after playing up front and at wing-back, Shaun settled down to play on the right wing and netted 11 goals in both the 03/04 and 04/05 seasons, which isn't half bad from midfield. He was becoming a more and more attractive prospect with these kinds of performances though, and the most seductive temptress at the time started fluttering her eyelids in Shaun's direction in the form of Chelsea. Shaun couldn't help himself, poor lad, and ran off down south with the exciting new girl. However, as with many that have been brought under Chelsea's spell, it didn't end happily. There were some happy times for our man at the Bridge, but he was never quite made to feel special, and his first team opportunities and the relationship eventually ground to a halt. Luckily his old flame was there to take him back and show him some love again at Eastlands. It looked like he was back where he belonged, but Roberto Mancini took over from Mark Hughes, the likes of David Silva and Adam Johnson arrived on the scene and Shaun has to sit on the bench watching his girl getting with other guys. Well you don't have to do it anymore my man, because I'm finding you another girl, and she's going to be a corker.....
Everton?????
The Toffees have been in unusual form this season, mainly thanks to their lack of goals. Players that should be banging in the goals like Yakubu and Louis Saha just havn't been doing it and David Moyes constantly relies on his midfield, and his left-back to do the strikers' job. Now Shaun is clearly not a striker, but he is a goal-scoring midfielder and a player that will certainly create opportunities for the forwards, that you'd hope they'd convert at least some of. Tim Cahill is heading off to the Asian Cup in January, and speculation continues that Steven Pienaar is to leave continues which means that there may be gaps in the Everton midfield that Shaun could well fill. As far as inspirational signings go, it has been a while since the Goodison faithful had a lot to shout about with Jermaine Beckford hardly getting the juices flowing in the summer. Shaun has an impressive 36 caps for England and is still a big name in the English game and would be sure to excite the scousers that where blue shirts. Can Everton excite our man though and there be an exciting match to be made on Merseyside?????
Newcastle United?????
After the surprising dismissal of Chris Hughton from St. James' Park, Mike Ashley said it was because he wanted more Premier League experience at the helm. This could well mean that they are looking for some more of the same on the pitch as well. Wayne Routledge has been fairly successful on the right-side for the Magpies, and Jonas Guttierez has a decent pedigree, but it's fair to say that SWP would be an improvement on both of them. The Newcastle faithful were wholly underwhelmed by the appointment of Alan Pardew, but they absolutely love a big name signing, and if Pardew wants to get them onside then that would be the best way, after winning games obviously. With Newcastle continuing with big men upfront, especially Andy Carroll, they need quality delivery from midfield, and Shaun can definitely provide this. There seems to be a lot of reasons for this relationship working, but will our man be tempted up to the north-east? He's never had to wear strips before, maybe they're not his thing?????
Stoke City?????
Now this seems slightly less likely than a move to Newcastle, but that is harsh on Stoke who have become an established Premier League club with a team (mostly) full of very good players. The Potters, much like The Magpies play with big front men, usually in the form of Kenwyne Jones, and will also appreciate quality wingers, as they have with Matthew Etherington who has excelled in the last couple of years. Jermaine Pennant has come in on-loan and done well, but Zaragoza might be pricing Pennant out of a permanent move to the Brittania Stadium, leaving the right-wing spot in the Stoke side vacant. Tony Pulis' signings have been very impressive since getting his side into the Premier League, with the likes of Jones, Tuncay, Huth and Begovic all having Premier League experience and quality, and SWP would add to this impressive list. He would certainly feel loved and wanted in the Potteries, as he would arguably be the biggest signing in the history of the club. Could this be a match made in heaven? Or the Potteries?????
So who's about to change their relationship status on facebook and show a lot of love for the little man?????
I think it's pretty much a certainty that Shaun will be in pastures new by the end of the January transfer window, as the spark has well and truly died out in his current relationship. He's a man with a lot of character and clearly loves his football as you can see from the smile he wears on his face. So the question is, where is he going to enjoy his football the most? Any of the three would be an improvement on him sitting on the bench at Man. City where there is an unhappy dressing room anyway, and it's hard to pick one that would be a better option than the other two. The initial reaction would be to choose Newcastle as their fans probably have the best reputation in the country, and really do show their players some love. This would be harsh on Stoke, who have the loudest fans in the land, and Everton who are known as the People's Club so they would welcome him with open arms. Being pushed for a decision though, I am going to go with The Magpies, it could well be the perfect place for Shaun to finish his career with first team football and being adored by the fans. I think the Newcastle midfield needs an image improvement as well, and Shaun would certainly soften the gruff exterior displayed by Nolan, Barton and Smith. Come on Mike Ashley, get your cheque book out and make this happen, there could be sparks flying in the north-east very shortly.
Newcastle fans, can you make this a dream come true?
Everton or Stoke, have I made a terrible decision?
Who else wants Shaun to ride into town?
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