Let down by Etuhu

http://pompeypages.com/2012/06/12/let-down-by-etuhu/?

Former Portsmouth midfielder, Kelvin Etuhu, joined Championship side Barnsley last week after turning down a deal at Fratton Park, but although I understand why he did it, I can’t help feeling let down by the former Manchester City man.

Etuhu, 24, was one of only two out-of-contract players to be offered a new deal at Fratton Park, along with Marko Futacs who has been offered a reduced deal to stay at the club, but after making 13 appearances following his January free transfer to Fratton Park, Etuhu has decided to move to Barnsley and turning down Pompey’s deal.

I have to be honest, I was slightly skeptical about signing Etuhu when he was first training with us having found out about his jail sentence and seen the video of the crime on YouTube. I wrongly judged Etuhu for what was really only a bar brawl, but my mind was quickly changed.

After signing on a Bosman, having been released by Manchester City (whilst on-loan at Cardiff) when he was sentenced to eight months in prison, Etuhu wowed the Fratton Faithful with his burst of pace and silky skills. With the departure of Liam Lawrence and Hayden Mullins to both Cardiff and Reading respectively, Etuhu’s presence in midfield was a vital one and he proved to be a key figure during the closing stages of the season.

Etuhu scored his only goal in a Pompey shirt during the 4-1 win over Birmingham at Fratton Park.

With Etuhu and Portsmouth only allowed to sign month-to-month contracts due to a transfer embargo, the Nigerian-born midfielder was out of contract at the end of the season. Despite this, and the obvious issues with the club’s misty future and ownership issues, I was confident Etuhu would repay the faith we showed in him to offer him another lifeline and a new opportunity in football after being forced out by Manchester City and Cardiff.

Especially after Michael Appleton was quoted in the Portsmouth News saying: “He wants to stay and has told me he is looking forward to the new season. At the end of the day, I said that one or two of the squad could be around next season and he is definitely one of them.

“He most definitely wants to stay and, with the greatest of respect, I would be very surprised if he wants to go to Bradford.”

Etuhu even went on trial with a number of clubs before Pompey but all of them overlooked him, although we don’t know whether this was for footballing reasons or not. Having given Etuhu a second chance in football, he was offered a new deal, and although it can’t be signed until the new ownership of either Balram Chainrai or the Pompey Supporter’s Trust goes through, it was there waiting for him.

Having spoken to a number of Pompey fans on the topic, it seems like there are mixed views over his departure. Many have taken a very logical and forgiving view which is completely understable – if you can imagine that your employer was having financial difficulties and didn’t know when you could sign a new contract or you had the option of moving to a new company with more financial security and higher pay, what would you do? I’d imagine most would do the latter, so if you put it in those terms then Etuhu probably made the right decision for himself, but his lack of loyalty has upset me.

Obviously we wish Kelvin all the best for the future, but can’t help feeling hard done by – especially as the transfer embargo meant he wasn’t contracted to the club and left on a free transfer!

 

Etuhu wowed the Fratton Faithful with his burst of pace and silky skills. With the departure of Liam Lawrence and Hayden Mullins to both Cardiff and Reading respectively, Etuhu’s presence in midfield was a vital one and he proved to be a key figure during the closing stages of the season.

 

**** 'em.

If they hadn't got into such a financial state they could have offered him a contract. Tough ****.

 

''I wrongly judged Etuhu for what was really only a bar brawl, but my mind was quickly changed.''

Also isn't that what SOME Barnsley fans have been doing.

 

Marko Futacs who has been offered a reduced deal to stay at the club, but after making 13 appearances following his January free transfer to Fratton

Wouldn't mind the club putting in a cheeky offer in for him.

 

What were the twelve men and women on the jury doing then?

 

Jealous of a footballer, and they took it out on him.

If anyone on this site says they wouldn't defend them self against 3 men then they are lie's or stupid.

You attack and athlete and you will put on the wrong end of a beating. IF you are stupid enough to go up against someone who's job it is to be fit and strong then you deserve the beating.

 

Don't be a dick, mate.

 

Jealousy, of course. Next you will be saying if you get in the way of a pissed up footballer while he is speeding then you deserve to get run over.

If I have a go at an Olympic Fencer is it ok if he chops my head off??

 

Sounds like they'll miss him, and that he may be what we need to be a threat again.

Come on though Hemmsy, don't be a bell end mate. They didn't convict him because they were jealous of him.

 

Ok Dyson

If someone attacked you on a night out who was a lot weaker than yourself and then you decided to give him some back and because you where stronger you hurt him.

Would that be your fault?

Because the law seems to state that it would be.

 

Because it would be your fault. That's why he went to prison. GBH ain't self defence.

Have a day off.

 

No it doesn't. Quite obvious kicking someone on the floor is over and above self defence. Which is why he got sent down. Not because they were jealous.

If he'd have slapped, knocked him out and walked away then not a problem. At all.

It means nothing to me in terms of how good he is at football but to say he got sent down because the jury were jealous is properly mental.

 

l'm quietly excited by the prospect of this kid playing for us, l think there's a lot of potential if he can keep out of trouble.

Vaz Te but without the haircut.

**** off big Sam.

 

I wish the club would announce now if he has a release clause or any other daft clauses in his contract, saves the arguments come january!

 

Agreed.

 

What's it got to do with Bradford?

Typical southerners who don't have a clue.

 

Re: What's it got to do with Bradford?

He was linked with them and us.

 

Is it necessary to turn every thread into a 'let's try and prove people wrong' one ?

Also why are you so star struck by footballers and will excuse them anything ? Except Gascoine ?

 

I must be stupid then. Because if I was set upon by 3 men, I'd be doing my damnedest to get away.
You do come out with some complete ****** Phil. Either that or you like to be controversial as well as illiterate.
No offence like.