Source: Daily_Mail
NORTHERN EXPOSURE: A sure sign this region has become a deadzone
What does it say for the state of North East football that the topthree players in this year's player of the year poll have all now leftthe region?[LNB]Stoke's Danny Collins (ex-Sunderland) won it, second was Sebastien Bassong, now of Tottenham then of Newcastle, and third place went to Middlesbrough's former striker Tuncay Sanli, another new residentof the Britannia Stadium.[LNB]And for good measure, who was fourth and fifth? Only two previouswinners, namely Mark Hughes's best Manchester City signing Shay Given and StewartDowning, soon to make his mark at Aston Villa and stake a claim for anEngland World Cup Finals place.[LNB] Gone: Sebastien Bassong[LNB]Gone: Danny Collins[LNB]Gone: Tuncay Sanli [LNB] All being well Collins will make the journey up from Stoke on SundayNovember 29 to pick up his award at Durham's Ramside Hall Hotel. He iscertainly keen to make it and we'd love to see him.[LNB]His acceptance speech will make fascinating listening because thechances are Steve Bruce, the man who made the surprise decision to sellhim, will also be present. There may be some serious tongue-bitinggoing on.[LNB] More from Colin Young... NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Gordon's in, so Boro must back him with cash27/10/09 NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Gareth Southgate crowded out at Middlesbrough as Gordon Strachan emerges as the wanted man to lead promotion charge21/10/09 Northern Exposure: Newcastle fans want promotion far more than they want Alan Shearer in or Mike Ashley out 20/10/09 COLIN YOUNG: Ireland persist with Ireland when Reid could replace Reid06/10/09 NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Ian Harte fears the worst for return to Leeds 29/09/09 NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Bruce must win Cup to convince Sunderland fans22/09/09 NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Gareth Southgate can take this chance to bounce Boro back to the big time17/09/09 Blackburn midfielder Keith Andrews glad to silence the doubters at Ewood Park02/09/09 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE As a newcomer to North East management, and the region's press corps, Bruce might see the election of Collins, who follows in the footsteps of such giants as Alan Shearer, Niall Quinn, Juninho and Joe Allon, as a slight on him and his judgement.[LNB]But that is not the case. The truth is Collins was the only choice and he deserved to win it by a mile, as he did, no matter where his future lies.[LNB]All of us were surprised that Collins was sacrificed, but then we weren't privy to a deal which meant an initial £2.75 million down payment which could rise to £4 million.[LNB]He is one of the many gems unearthed by Mick McCarthy and his eagle-eyed scout Dave Bowman and one of the few not only to survive the Roy Keane era, but thrive in it.[LNB]He was the first Sunderland man to win the fans' player of the year award two years running. Although that may say a great deal about the competition at the Stadium of Light, it should not disguise his development into a decent and reliable defender.[LNB]He was consistent and hardly missed game but he's not world class. In fairness, judging by his solid showings so far, Collins is not in Michael Turner's class either. [LNB]And given that it has just been revealed that Bruce paid Hull City £4 million for a defender with credible England potential, who was valued at three times that amount in the summer, the new Number 4 has proved another excellent Bruce addition.[LNB]When Tony Pulis came in for Collins at the end of August, the Sunderland manager faced arguably his most difficult decision of the transfer window.[LNB]He was well aware of Collins' popularity, and his record under the previous managers, but he had to bring in cash to balance some of the millions given to him by Ellis Short and the fee was just too good to turn down, particularly for a player he knew he could replace.[LNB] New careers elsewhere: Shay Given (left) and Stewart Downing[LNB]And in fact he may have already. Injury and the settling-in period have denied John Mensah and Paolo Da Silva a run in Bruce's side so far, but their pedigree suggests they will prove more than adequate replacements.[LNB]Even the problematic left-back slot, now Collins's position at Stoke which has been exposed by George McCartney's repeated unavailability, has been solved by Kieran Richardson's seamless move into the position which Bruce's believes could be his most natural.[LNB]As for Collins, he is now a regular at Stoke, although he did mark his debut by giving away a late penalty against Bolton. Pulis will like him, he will play him and he will prove just as popular with the Stoke faithful. And the press.[LNB]At the least winner of the young player of the year is still on North East soil and Adam Johnson has finally been skipping over it following Downing's exit to Villa.[LNB]This award may be premature - unlike this season there were very few candidates - but Johnson has shown what all the fuss has been about. He was frustratingly inconsistent last season in his bit-part role, although there was the odd glimpse of brilliance, and he was unable to play in his favourite position. [LNB]Reason to be cheerful: Middlesbrough's Adam Johnson (right) celebrates another goal[LNB]But his maturity and confidence in the Championship, and nine goals thus far, have kept Middlesbrough in touch with the leaders to such an extent that Boro fans have barely noticed the absence of Downing.[LNB]It is in other areas they now need serious reinforcements. But while Gordon Strachan's priority is to find the right players to gel with the young talent he has inherited, seeing off the Premier League vultures hanging round the Riverside and Johnson is essential too.[LNB]That won't be easy while his new contract remains unsigned, and the speculation is bound to intensify while that remains the case and January approaches.[LNB]But at least Middlesbrough supporters know they have a chairman who will stubbornly resist even substantial offers for his best player, who is carrying the club's hopes on his tender shoulders. He may eventually leave for significantly less, with a compensation fee, but Steve Gibson is unlikely to do business now.[LNB]Can the same be said down the road at Newcastle?[LNB]Derek Llambias claims the club avoided a fire sale, and the squad left behind by the summer feeding frenzy was in fact planned all along.[LNB]But what if New Year offers come in for Andy Carroll and/or Nile Ranger?[LNB]They are the two young players who have really caught the eye this season, and Carroll in particular looks a menacing centre forward with a guaranteed future in the top division. If he stays it will be with Newcastle. If he is allowed to leave Newcastle might not make it at all.[LNB]They are getting by at the moment and winning most of the matches they should win (ie: all of them). But Chris Hughton needs all the men and all the talent he can get now to see the job through.[LNB]Common sense tells you that selling anyone in the squad would be madness. But common sense went out the window at St James's Park aeons ago. [LNB]And if Mike Ashley is prepared to 'sell' the name of the stadium, what chance have the players got?[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People:Derek Llambias, Steve Bruce, Stewart Downing, MARK HUGHES, Sebastien Bassong, Niall Quinn, Adam Johnson, Danny Collins, Shay Given, George McCartney, Alan Shearer, Tuncay Sanli, Mick McCarthy, Gordon Strachan, Mike Ashley, Michael TurnerPlaces:Newcastle, United Kingdom
