Brooking Backs Arsene

Since there is no sign – so far at least – of West Ham United manager Alan Pardew softening or retracting his criticisms of Arsene Wenger’s policies with regard to the recruitment and development of players, perhaps he should be referred to the views of the F.A.’s Director of Football Development, Sir Trevor Brooking , formerly of West Ham and England.

According to reports, Trevor has acknowledged that “a technical inferiority among young English footballers forced Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to import foreign rather than domestic talent.”

Trevor is quoted as saying: “I’m sure Arsene Wenger would love a team of Englishmen, but his priority is a successful side, regardless of nationality.”

There is so much good sense here that we can only hope Pardew reads and acts upon it.

Unless of course he is hell-bent on adding the name of Sir Trevor Brooking to the list of distinguished football people he has been foolish enough to criticise.