Wednesday 27 February, 2002

Who would follow JJ to Kilmarnock

While City manager Jim Jefferies seemed to want to take his entire Hearts squad to Valley Parade. How many of the player he signed will Jim want to take to his new club Kilmarnock should he get the job he has applied for.

Eoin Jess

Signed on a Bosman transfer by Jefferies after a loan that started in January 2001 Jess has hit something of a wall in English football, the second time his career has stalled. He is not physical or mentally able to play a box to box midfield role, his weaknesses being on the defensive side, which rules him out of being part of a central two with a Stuart McCall or Gary Locke (In English football at least).

His wing play does not go wide enough to justify his inclusion out wide meaning that unless a team is prepared to play with specialist no defending attacking midfielders/forwards, as Jim Jefferies did with his 433 in which Jess thrived, he becomes something of a liability to the team in general despite his performances. In short, he is a luxury player.

Chances of following Jim to Kilmarnock: Pretty good. At 31 he would seem to be too old for the Nicky Law revolution and his place in the team is tentative at times. Should Jim refund the cost of his signing on and then I would be happy to see him go. Perhaps £250,000 and Jess could be on his way back North.

Gary Locke

At some point Jim Jefferies will come back for Gary Locke, the De Niro to Jefferies' Scorsese. At such point unless Locke has requested a transfer City should reject any approaches. Locke is young enough and good enough to be part of a team in the Premiership.

Chances of following Jim to Kilmarnock: Unless Locke wants to go keep him. If he does ask for £500,000.

Juanjo

Signed and dumped by Jim Jefferies at City one doubts that the Spaniard would want to go play for a man who gave him assurances that he would stay at City three weeks before walking out. However should Juanjo want to go back he would hardly be missed at City where his appearances have been brief to say the least.

Chances of following Jim to Kilmarnock: If a deal is in the offing City should make sure Jefferies pays signing on fees and wages incurred in what has, so far, been a fairly pointless transfer.

Andy Tod

Not as close to Jefferies as the Hearts signings Tod still was brought to City by the Scot. Chances are Jefferies would not return for the traditional twelfth man.

Chances of following Jim to Kilmarnock: Little.

Robert Molenaar

JJ's first signing for City and a distinct possibility. Not a great success at City but good enough for a few years in the SPL. City would probably take a nominal fee to get the defender off the wage bill and bring in a younger, better player.

Chances of following Jim to Kilmarnock: Fairly good. If JJ wants him, and offers £50,000 for us to save face, sell him.

Claus Jorgensen

Signed by JJ without having seen him. Never given a chance once seen.

Chances of following Jim to Kilmarnock: None. Indeed for the way he was treat by JJ, one would advice Claus to tell him to eff off if he ever did come in for him.