£2m For Kayal A Fair Price?!

Owen Coyle’s career has been noteworthy despite me thinking of Mr Burns from The Simpsons every time I see him on Tv. He developed a reputation for playing the game: “The right way” at St Johnstone and Burnley. Though, in truth any manager who doesn’t see hoof-ball as Plan A in this country can be lazily labelled as a student of the game.

Coyle’s defection to Bolton – shafting Burnley in the process – has hardly done his reputation any harm and most are not making a great deal that a student of the game still uses the delights of Kevin Davis instead of becoming Boltonlona.

But, I digress.

Last week a Bolton Insider (sic) stated that Coyle was looking to use his knowledge of the Scottish game to sign our Beram and a striker from Dundee United with more baggage than an airport terminal. £2m was quoted for both players with the insider stating about Kayal: “He has only played in Israel and Scotland.”

Kayal’s 10 games in the Champions League – more than most of Bolton’s squad will get in their career – and 18 caps for his country are conveniently forgotten.

While Scotland should be not held in the same regard as other leagues in the world, I’m quite certain that Coyle is of sound football mind. This opening salvo, via the medium of source and complicit press, is nothing more than an unsettling warning shot.

Kayal, worryingly, seems to be treading the path that’s been well worn before. One season, which his ability has shone, coupled with a meager contract, when compared to others less esteemed in the squad, has seen him turn to big-hitters in the contract game rather than those he was comfortable with.

Coyle’s opening shot, which our CEO wrongly commented on, has done the trick. The player will either get a move, which will see him go for a fraction of his value or he will get the contract he craves with a clause that will see him move sooner rather than later but to both parties satisfaction.

The later seems the more pleasurable outcome. Well, as pleasurable as it gets in the modern game.

New Heineken ad, ‘The Date’. Watch a legendary date in action. #thedate

Previously On The Celtic Blog (Click On The Pictures For Untold Delights)