Owen A Debt Of Gratitude To A Brochure?

Politeness costs nothing, so first of all, thank you Michael Owen for the brochure, but I will not be taking the opportunity to sign a “ruthlessly determined person who is desperate to be back in the England squad.”

Having decided this week that the best way to advertise his ability to potential buyers is to release a glossy and verbosely worded brochure to every Tom, Dick and Harry, in an attempt to drum up business, after deciding not to renew his contract in the face of life in the Championship with Newcastle, Owen appears to have painted him self as a desperate hawker in need of a job.

Clearly not having taken notice of the how to fudge a sale 101 given by Mike Ashley over the past six months, the 29 year old has proceeded to release a shiny and printed ego rub, which has clumsily been leaked to the press, perhaps done in order to gain market saturation. This though begs the question, does a player of Owen’s ability really need to hawk himself door-to-door in order to get a buyer?

Michael Owen was a great striker. Whether he is the same player now is a considerable doubt. His time at Newcastle has been injury ridden and far from prolific, seeing him move into a deeper role behind the strikers due to his loss of pace in recent years, moving backwards down the pitch as his age increases. He is surely though worthy of a mid-table club with European aspirations, or maybe even Europa League perennials Villa or Everton.

These clubs though I’m sure are aware of Michael Owen’s reputation and past achievements without the need of a photos and facts pack, so why bother?

Whilst it’s understandable that from a business point of view, it’s advantageous to advertise your assets, it seems strange that Owen Corp. feel the need to do so considering his considerable international pedigree.

It almost appears though that Owen has accepted he’s a player past his best, past his prolific peak that saw him score 40 goals in 89 appearances for England and 158 times in 300 games for Liverpool. His four years at Newcastle were a drab disappointment and now seemingly feels in danger of falling so far off the football map that he has to remind teams of his existence.

Owen’s announcement he that he wasn’t going to renew his contract and leave on a free transfer was not unexpected and will provide a financial cushion for Newcastle, who were reportedly paying the striker over £100,000 per week, a figure a Championship and even many Premier League clubs can not afford.

Blighted by injury and the loss of his turn of pace and ruthless eye for goal, Owen has so far been overlooked by England manager Fabio Cappello, but his potency has been stunted after a series of injuries, affecting his quick on his feet, in behind the defence style of football.

He is still though the fourth highest goal scorer in English international history and must surely still posses some of the instincts that saw him rocket to fame against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup and has plenty to offer a Premier League Club with potential.

It has emerged though that Hull are expressing a serious interest in him, which would be a major coup for Phil Brown’s Tigers, with the Tom Jones tribute artist telling Talksport “He needs to spend a high percentage of next season’s games at the highest possible level and that’s where we can come in” or do you?

I agree largely with what Phil Brown has said. I believe he does need to spend a high percentage of next season’s games at the highest possible level, but I am unconvinced that Hull are at the pinnacle of what is achievable for the former Real Madrid star. Yes, he’s looked like a man destined for the guillotine, devoid of any real belief in his abilities (despite his brochure bluntly contradicting this,) but underneath his drab exterior, there is surely a player who is better than a relegation dog fighter.

At Hull his “brand value,” as highlighted in his brochure would be a great attraction to Premier League new boys who faced administration not too long ago, but would it be the right move for Owen?

He would certainly be given the opportunity of first-team football, but his ability to score is heavily dependent on the service that is given to him and it is questionable if this would be provided at Hull. Having narrowly avoided relegation on the last day of the season thanks to Newcastle inability to turn up at Villa Park, Hull are hardly candidates for Premier League consistency in terms of their league position and their form and would be a brave choice.

He could shine as a diamond in the rough, but if he does accept their offer it could be seen as step down and acceptance of father time catching up on his career, with his England career possibly finishing on 40 international goals unless he can find a consistent run of goals and team performances to propel himself toward international contention once again.

If he maintains aspirations though of glimpsing some of the glory that he earned with goals and vibrant displays at Anfield, he must surely maintain a position at a club that is more concerned with the top half of the table than the bottom half.

Would you buy him? Have a look for yourself at a complete copy of his glossy mag below:

If you’re still unconvinced, how about a YouTube compilation clip, set against a background of thumping dance music?

Posted By Dan Mobbs - Tuesday June 30, 2009.
Tags: Michael Owen, Newcastle United