Billo Says: The Handyside Debacle

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 02/07/2001

THERE has been a great deal of speculation about the future of Grimsby Town defender, Peter Handyside, with a number of clubs said to be interested in signing the former Scottish U-21 International. The latest rumour is that he will sign for Second Division Stoke City early this week.

This news comes in a report from Mariners Net who also state, "Despite the best efforts of Town boss Lennie Lawrence to keep the former Scottish Under 21 International at Blundell Park, Handyside (26) has refused to sign a new contract with the Mariners and looks certain to have played his last game for the club."

"Stoke could see Handyside as an ideal addition to their squad, having missed out on promotion last season after going out in the play-off semi-finals, but they feel that they are close to being major challengers in the Second Division."

"Handyside has also been linked with Scottish outfits Livingston and Dundee, as well as Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion"

Billo says: This would be a bad move for Handyside and indicates a lack of ambition bearing in mind his demonstrated abilities with the Mariners. To leave a first division club for a second division outfit is a backward step.

"...Handyside has taken some very bad advice!..."

It seems that Lennie Lawrence's advice that another year with Grimsby could put him in the spotlight was good advice and it would be a pity if Handyside disregarded it to move to a lower division.

One cannot blame players leaving a club to better themselves. Their playing career is relatively short and they have to do what they consider is best for themselves and their families but in this case, it if turns out to be true, he has not only not bettered himself, he has also taken some very bad advice.

Do you agree or disagree with Billo's view? Place your comments on the Message Board!

Latest News: Lennie Lawrence is seeking to get Luke Cornwall back to Grimsby on a season long loan.

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