Pompey And Fulham On Red Alert For Bramble

Last updated : 04 April 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
The problem with Bramble has always been his lack of concentration in matches. Not all the time, just a five minute "Twilight Zone" moment every so often, that usually ends up with Shay Given picking the ball out of the back of the net.

Sir Bobby Robson couldn't cure it, and the fact he paid his old club £5m for him, he seemed justified to keep playing the England Under-21 defender despite the player's moments of madness.

Graeme Souness was another who saw potential enough to pick him week-in-week-out, spurred on by the odd brilliant tackle.

If anyone could bring the best out of Bramble, I would have thought Roeder, who was himself a defender. Not the best, I may add (he certainly wouldn't get into my Top Ten Toon Defenders Of All Time), but what lacked certainly wasn't concentration.

However, it seems as though Roeder has lost patience with Bramble and the parting of the ways seems close. Which has Portsmouth and Fulham ready to lock horns in a battle to sign the ex-Ipswich player in the summer.

The Newcastle centre-back can move on a lucrative Bosman-style free transfer in the summer, and was not even in the squad of 16 which lost to Manchester City at the weekend.

If the truth was known, the 25-year-old was due to be offered a new contract last month, but it appears something serious has happened between player and manager (or chairman) since.

Bramble's advisers have had a number of enquiries from Premiership and Championship clubs already this year, but Bramble still wants to stay at St James' Park and is waiting to see if a deal is forthcoming before moving on.

Harry Redknapp wants to pair him with Sol Campbell, and that learning curve could be just what the player needs. How ironic that Roeder wanted to bring Campbell to Newcastle last summer, but Freddy Shepherd would not pay his high wages, and how costly that could be if Newcastle don't turn the tide in coming weeks.

Fulham boss Chris Coleman is also ready to offer him a deal. A move to London might appeal to Bramble, but Portsmouth look favourites.