Bostock: The signing with so many questions?

By: Gary | May 31st, 2008

The club yesterday “allegedly” wrapped up their second summer signing with the arrival of 16-year-old Crystal Palace star, John Bostock.

The south London club are right to claim he is still Crytsal Palace player, because he is. Until the end of July at least.

The media have claimed there is a ‘transfer war’ of sorts but it all seems very simple to me.

Spurs want the player, the player wants to come to Spurs but Palace I assume just want more money. And, to be honest I do not blame them one bit. It is difficult enough for Championship teams to develop to compete in the Premiership in todays game, without having their young gems snatched from them.

Saying that, I am confident this is an issue which will be resolved. I am sure Bostock will be a Tottenham player next term. The deal probably just needs tailoring to keep both parties happy.

Providing the formalities are ironed out, the question which follows becomes - Is it a good signing?

It is an exciting signing, I’ll put it that way. To become a good signing or even a great signing depends on many more factors.

Every fan likes to capture the latest young talent. There is something refreshing and ambitious which comes with its announcement. Such signings stir up optimism for the future and Bostock certainly has the ‘potential’ to improve the future of our club.

His talent is actually under no question at all. He has plenty of it. It is up to the coaching staff at White Hart Lane as to whether he becomes a worthwhile addition to our ranks.

The key to his success at Spurs will be in how and when we use him in the first team frame. For a club who for years have insisted on investing in young players, I am afraid to say the club do not have the greatest of records for nurturing them well.

I say the club do not have the greatest record because it would be unfair to throw boss Juande Ramos into that category after his work with young player of the season Jamie O’Hara, since taking charge back in October.

Many people may not agree, but I would also argue we have seen more from Tom Huddlesstone under Ramos too.

We are yet to judge Ramos’ work with Welshmen Chris Gunter but I am sure next season we will be able to give a stronger verdict.

I believe, unless our ability to develop youth players vastly improves, then we should stop buying so many youngsters. But if Ramos can prove ‘Wenger like qualities’ in his handling of raw talent, I am sure we will be onto a winner soon.

The potential quality of Bostock will not be enough alone to make him a successful capture. Spurs must use him effectively and ease him into the side over the coming years.

It could take in excess of two seasons to see the midfielder blossom in Spurs colours but I am sure it will be worth it.

For many, Bostock is probably still an unknown quantity. It is up to Juande to get it right. And, make a player who could be a success, a success.