Tottenham Hotspur Sign Scott Parker

At the Fourth Attempt

Scott Parker - signed by Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Scott Parker from West Ham United on the final afternoon of the Transfer Window after months of speculation.  Since West Ham's relegation at the end of last season Parker has been one of a number of players the Upton Park club has been trying to sell in order to reduce their wage bill ahead of their first season back in the Championship.

The England midfield player is someone that Harry Redknapp has been keen to sign but Chairman, Daniel Levy, has been reluctant to buy a thirty year old on a long contract with a high salary who would have little sell on value.  He has held off negotiations with the east London club, with whom relations are not good after their run-in over the Olympic Stadium bid and subsequent legal challenges, until the last days of the transfer window.

Scott Parker made his name at Charlton Athletic where he played for seven years.  He was consistently linked with a move from Charlton and Tottenham was one of the clubs linked with him but Parker decided to go to Chelsea in January, 2004 for £10 million.  In eighteen months at Stamford Bridge he had few opportunities to show his worth and played only fifteen League games, scoring one goal.

In the summer of 2005 Parker was again linked with a transfer to White Hart Lane but he opted to travel north to join Newcastle United for £6.5 million.   Two years later he was part of transfer speculation again with Spurs touted as an option but on returning to London he signed for West Ham United.

Parker made his International debut for England in 2003 but has made only six appearances over eight years, with three coming last season.  After 113 appearances for West Ham, Parker has left the club for a fee of £5 million having had his best season which lead to him winning the Football Writers' Player of the Year award.

Parker was aware of the need to play in the Premier League to strengthen his claims for a place in the England team and Spurs would appear to bean ideal choice for him as he will be assured of a place in their midfield alongside Luka Modric who appears to be remaining in north London.  Tottenham need a presence in midfield and Parker can be the leader that Spurs have needed for some time.