Boyd deal dead in the water?

By Albatross
March 4 2004

Hartlepool United forward Adam Boyd may well not be signing for Boston permanently after all. Despite having been thought to be a done deal just a couple of days ago, the move has apparently collapsed because of the fee Pools wanted for Boyd.

Boyd's loan deal expired last week, and progress had apparently been made on a permanent deal - Boston claimed a couple of days ago that Boyd was keen to join them and had agreed personal terms, and that the move was simply waiting for the nod from Pools. However their official site reported yesterday that the deal is dead because Pools hace asked for a transfer fee that is "above the amount originally agreed and above Boston United's valuation."

This coincides with the re-appointment of disgraced boss Steve Evans, and the arrival of several other players. QPR forward Eric Sabin has arrived on loan, former Arsenal forward Jermaine Brown has joined until the end of the season, and midfielder David Noble - another former Arsenal trainee currently at West Ham - has also signed for the same period. Boston have also just concluded a protracted takeover, and you can't help but wonder if the deal for Boyd - who has become something of a fan's favourite - was ever going to happen under the circumstances. There may yet be a change of heart though, especially after Evans tore into the team following their 2-0 defeat at the hands of Southend, saying afterwards "I think we need to bring in some players to strengthen the squad because this one is not good enough."

Is it reasonable for Pools to demand a fee, given we've let several other players leave for free or at best nominal fees? The difference with Boyd, compared to the likes of Henderson and Richardson, is that he's under contract until the end of next season rather than this; also, he's considerably younger. No-one seems to doubt that he has talent, it's the application that's been the problem - and judging by the reception he's received at York Street, the move away from home has been good for him.

Where does it leave the Pools forward? The answer would seem to be, "in limbo" - he didn't take part in last week's game with Shelbourne, has apparently been told he doesn't feature in Cooper's plans, and now finds himself with an uncertain future with his home town club. Where it once looked like he might get one last chance, it's hard to see it happening now when he's not even being considered for the bench despite being one of just three fit pro forwards at Pools. His initial return from Boston, with a much publicised extra poundage, seems to have well and truly shot his bolt at Victoria Park.