Deadline Day - The Fall Out

Last updated : 01 February 2008 By Chris Daniels

With Stevie Hammell deciding to return to the land of the haggis after all, yet another homesick family bless them, Tilly moved quickly to sign 21-year old Wolves full-back Charlie Mulgrew. Originally from Glasgow, he signed from Celtic for the midlands outfit in 2006/07, at least Charlie has been moving south in small stages so he should last to the end of the season when his loan period ends. He also played on loan for Dundee United and according to the Wolves website on the way to a Scottish cap before a cruel injury struck. We will have to see.


The 6ft 3" defender (hurrah), who made 6 appearances for Wolves last year, can also play central defender (plan B, see preview), and left midfield, so not only versatile, Tilly must love that word, in two positions, but three. Ron must be well chuffed, three players for the wages of one. Can play on Saturday and probably will do.


As for Hammell, we will all miss that cultured left foot, and those free-kicks, but let's face it, for 18 months he was part of a defence that shipped one hell of a lot of goals. He was great going forward but had many defensive shortcomings, especially in the hurly burly stuff at Championship and League One level. I applaud Tilly going for total footballers but maybe Flav, Clarkey, Adam and Steve all playing in one defence showed that some more streetwise toughness is needed to get us out of this league as well as some inches. Good luck Steven back at Fir Park.


The Blues also completed the emergency loan signing of Chelsea's Anthony Grant on deadline day; the deal will see the 20-year old remain at Roots Hall until May 2.


Grant, a versatile, (it must be on the CV of any potential signing), midfielder who can also play in defence, had a previous spell on loan at Luton Town this season, where he featured five times and actually played against us for the Hatters in November when he came on as a substitute. I'm afraid I was far too cold to remember anything after the Harrold penalty debacle!


Last year, Grant made 47 starts for Wycombe Wanderers during a season long loan in League Two. During his short career, Grant has also been capped by the England under-16's, 17's and 19's, so that's two we've got now, brilliant! He began his time at Chelsea as a trainee, making his debut in 2005 when he replaced Joe Cole in the last minute of their premier league game at Manchester United, as did Barnard for Spurs, now this is getting spooky!


More likely an addition to cover any Macca/Bailey suspension if Captain Kev gets the sulks, he could be on the bench against the Borient, and a useful 89th minute sub for Revell with us 1-0 up after he became the second Blues player to score on his debut in a week, maybe.