Newcastle United supporters still wake up in the dead of night, drenched in sweat, having been subjected to yet more flashbacks of a Jean-Alain Boumsong howler. The Tyneside ticket holders probably needed counselling to recover from witnessing his erratic and error-strewn displays for the Geordies following his £8.5 million move from Rangers, and Graeme Souness is probably cursing his former defender for contributing to his unemployment. However, it could very nearly have been Liverpool, and not Newcastle who were forced to contend with the lackadaisical Frenchman. In the summer of 2003, Marseille and Liverpool were both locked in a téte-a-téte for the 23 year old centre-back, with Auxerre determined to hold onto their prized asset. However, following discussions between the clubs, Liverpool subsequently dropped their interest, paving the way for Scottish side Rangers to lodge a bid.
''In July there was a vocal agreement between Auxerre and Liverpool, and the confirmation should come from the Englishmen. In December, there was still no news, so I understand Liverpool didnt want me anymore. Rangers have contacted me and it was my only concrete proposition. The Scotsmen wanted me. - Jean-Alain Boumsong, February 2004.
If the Kop finds it scary to see Mamadou Sakho deal with a long ball over the top, all they need to do is throw up a Youtube compilation of Boumsongs finest blunders. Theyll soon be re-evaluating what they define as shoddy defending. So what do you think - do you agree? As always, feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
