Right Back Questions and Answers

Yesterday, I was shocked to discover Spurs had loaned out Kyle Naughton (21 years old) after loaning out Alan Hutton. I had initially said Naughton would be Corluka's cover the rest of the season, but that apparently isn't the case. Some of my questions were answered and others raised today though when Redknapp recalled Kyle Walker (19 years old) from Sheffield United. He has made 28 appearances in the Championship and FA Cup this season at right back and will now slot into the backup role. We bought Walker and Naughton together from United, but then turned around and immediately loaned Walker right back to them. Naughton on the other hand played a couple games for us, but didn't do enough to see more time especially with the quality players ahead of him. Sheffield United had wanted us to loan Naughton back to them all season since he was riding the pine, but in the closing minutes of the transfer market, we turned around and loaned him to Middlesbrough. Not only that, but then we exercised our option to recall Walker back for the second half of the season 50 minutes before the deadline. It certainly sounds like a slap in the face to Sheffield. They end up losing out on both Naughton and Walker.

I obviously haven't seen much of Walker, but I am thoroughly confused by Harry's dealings. Naughton is listed as an attacking right back but can also play centrally. It could be a case of Walker being a more natural right back and with the addition of Kaboul, Naughton would be pushed down the center back pecking order. It could be that Harry wants to see Walker's talent mix in with our current squad or that Naughton's progress was being hampered by not seeing first team action. The logical thing from my standpoint would be to retain Naughton and let Walker finish out the season with Sheffield United. I would love to start a rumor that Kevin Blackwell (United's manager) lost a bet to Redknapp, won't pay up, so Harry has begun retribution. Harry has taken both of their prize defensive prospects away from them to end their push for promotion to the Premiership. Is it really that far fetched?