Gone for a Bassong

The morning papers brought the news that, as expected, Sebastien Bassong had sealed his move to Spurs, where he may be paired with either Ledley King, Michael Dawson or our old boy Jonathan Woodgate - whichever one of them just happens to be fit that particular week. I wonder if 'Appy 'Arry knows he won't be able to help them out of their defensive crisis ahead of next Saturday's curtain-raiser on account of being suspended?

The sale was inevitable as soon as Bassong made his intention to leave clear - and indeed he would most likely have been sold even if he hadn't lobbed his toys from the perambulator and refused to go to Dundee last weekend because, even though his salary was relatively small, he represented a good opportunity to claim some much-needed funds. Receiving £8m for a player we bought for around £500,000 is a good bit of business, but I don't think Spurs fans need worry they've been duped - there were enough signs last season to suggest that as a young, strong and cultured centre-back he's worth that much, especially if he can cut out the odd rash decision from his game (though that may just have been Steven Taylor's influence rubbing off on him...).

Ultimately, he did more than most to preserve our Premier League status, and so for that we salute him and wish him well.