Source: Daily_Mail
David Bentley vows hard graft at Birmingham after Spurs loan exit
[LNB] [LNB]David Bentley stepped out at Birmingham City determined to shed his playboy image, realising only hard graft will convince the doubters in the Barclays Premier League that he means business. [LNB]The former England midfielder wants to swap style for substance at St Andrew's by showing he is no spent force as his spluttering adventure with Tottenham comes to a temporary halt. [LNB]A refusal to play for England's Under 21 side, shortly after he had confessed to a gambling problem, flagged up the fact that the former Arsenal trainee was one to keep an eye on. [LNB] Ready for action: Bentley is hoping to make his Birmingham derby in Sunday's Midlands derby against Villa[LNB]Sharing the same initials and playing in the same position as David Beckham, allied to some good-natured horseplay last season when he tipped a bucket of water over Harry Redknapp's head following Champions League qualification, has only cemented those views. [LNB]His failure to justify a £15million transfer fee following his move from Blackburn Rovers during the summer of 2008, however, is weighing heavily on the 26-year-old.[LNB] He said: 'There's a misconception of me out there. I think people believe that I don't want to play. But I love what I do.[LNB] 'I love waking up in the morning, coming to work. I think it has got lost in translation. You see me bouncing behind cameras, throwing things over the manager. I like enjoying myself, being around the lads. I accept that I could be more media-savvy. I think more with my heart than my head sometimes. [LNB] Back on track: Bentley believes his exit from White Hart Lane will bring out the best of him [LNB]'You can be protected by publicrelations teams. The media can make a pile of old rubbish look likegold. I've never bought into that. I play my football, smile and comehome. I've never lost touch with where I've come from. I love what Ido. I love football.' [LNB]Words from then England manager Steve McClaren that Bentley could be 'the next Beckham' were ringing in the midfielder's ears when it all began to turn sour. [LNB]'My move to Tottenham wasn't financial,' he said. 'It was purely for football. 'There was a manager there in Juande Ramos who I thought was the new Arsene Wenger - someone who could develop my career - and that's why I made a beeline for Spurs. [LNB]'I could have stayed at Blackburn for the rest of my career but I had football ambitions.' [LNB]Admitting that he will be under the spotlight at Birmingham, Bentley added: 'A lot of people will be watching me to see how I react here. [LNB]'I'm going to have to graft. If I do the groundwork, do the running, I know my quality will come through.' [LNB]For his part, McLeish said: 'David has probably had a good think at Tottenham. He's at an age now where he is maturing and coming to his peak and wants to let his boots do the talking.'[LNB] Reflecting on Beckham's arrival at Spurs, Bentley said: 'It will be great for the club, It will take them to a new level.[LNB] 'I have never modelled myself on him specifically. I just had to build my own career, getting up and down the wing and putting crosses in. [LNB]'There are similarities to what he does I suppose but I've never looked to base my game on him, although I get plenty of banter about him.[LNB] 'I've got some tattoos but I give you my word that I don't wake up in the morning with his poster on my wall and start worshipping it. Or wait to see how he has done his hair on any given day, so I can do mine the same.' [LNB] [LNB] [LNB] Birmingham plotting double swoop for Wright-Phillips and WellensTottenham outcast Bentley seals loan deal with struggling BirminghamTottenham go against West Ham to ramp up bid for Olympic StadiumClub-by-club guide to every Premier League transfer deal during January [LNB] Explore more:People: David Bentley, David Beckham, Harry Redknapp, Steve McClaren Places: Birmingham, United Kingdom
