Gloucester
Glaws sign Spencer and some fans ask: Why?
Carlos Spencer - new boy
By Cherry Picker
February 3 2009
Just when you thought we might have a quiet mid-season couple of weeks with no game at the weekend, Gloucester have stirred up a bit of a controversy by signing one of the world’s top players, while one of the most popular players at Kingsholm could b e on the way out. And the club captain has been picked for England - it’s all go isn’t it?
Olivier Azam (right) is the man who could be on the way out, while former New Zealand stand-off Carlos Spencer has signed until the end of next season in a deal which has got coach Dean Ryan and some of the club’s fans excited.
But just as many supporters are wondering ... why?
After all, the 33-year-old might have a great pedigree, but he has just been released by Northampton Saints, where he couldn’t hold down a regular place. What can he offer Glaws?
Ryan told the Citizen: ““It’s a great coup for us. Understandably given his quality, experience and availability, there were a number of clubs keen to sign him and I am delighted we have got there first.
“Carlos will give us something a little bit different – a mystique and an ability to function at the highest possible level.
“He has huge international experience with the All Blacks and we believe he will be a great asset should we progress into the knockout stages of competitions later in the season. I am delighted that such an outstanding professional has agreed to join us.”
Spencer said: “Everything has happened pretty quickly over the last few days but the opportunity to stay in the Guinness Premiership and join a club as talented and ambitious as Gloucester is a rare one, so I am thrilled.
“Gloucester have been at the forefront of the game in England for a number of years but the excitement of the challenge is driven by trying to help them take that last extra step and become winners.
“That is what excites me – I am joining a club that is genuinely challenging for top honours and I want to give it everything I can to help make them even more successful. They are a great team, with strong competition for places and I hope that I can play my way in and contribute fully to the end of the season push for honours.”
Meanwhile, hooker Azam says he has been offered a contract by ambitious French club Toulon, where the man who brought Olly to Kingsholm, Philippe Saint Andre, wants him to join the squad.
Azam’s wife is expecting a child and he says his decision will centre on where they decide the baby to be brought up and whether Glaws offer him a new deal.
Glaws captain Mike Tindall is the only Kingsholm player in the England squad for their first 6N game against Italy at the weekend.
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03/02/2009 19:06
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