Lucien Aubey gone to Portsmouth…yet another blow.

By: Jay | January 19th, 2008

Well, it had been bandied about in the press for a couple of days now and I personally had the feeling that it was inevitable. For the second time this year Lens have lost one of their prized summer signings. First there was Kanga Akale leaving on “loan” to Marseille and looking fantastic last week against Rennes. Today, the Lensois have lost prized under 21 French international Lucien Aubey to an already superb Portsmouth side in the EPL.

Aubey was signed on loan for the rest of the current season, and there is the option for a permanent deal in the offing according to Portsmouth’s official site. Indeed, it seems the term “loan” in this case is merely a technical one.

Yes, it seems Portsmouth boss, the great Harry Redknapp, is indeed very excited about his latest capture and is viewing it a long term deal.

“he is big, strong and quick. I watched him several times.
“He can play left back, down the left side and centre half. I thought he would be an interesting loan”, said an elated Redknapp.

Aubey now 23, will be asked to contribute immediately as he can play as a left back and a left sided central defender and therefore can put pressure at left back and could provide much needed cover for the legendary Sol Campbell, and to a lesser extent the excellent French veteran Sylvain Distin. Redknapp expects Campbell will benefit greatly from the powerful Franco-Congolese defender on more than the ‘occasional’ rest.

For Aubey it will be a great opportunity to shine after suffering from a year of injuries as well as coach Jean-Pierre Papin’s musical chair approach to squad selection. Indeed, it seems the talented U-21 international was growing impatient with the loud chorus of jeers directed his way from the nauseating Lens supporters at the Stade Felix Bollaert who are constantly in search of scapegoats to blame for their miserable plight. Indeed it seems these pathetic supporters feel they must rachet up the noise level to screaming point in order to drown out the terrifying silence that has been emanating from the cold and unforgiving pitch this season.

Expect Aubey to return to the great form he demonstrated at Toulouse and with France. If he does well at Portsmouth a call up from Raymond Domenech in the near future would surley not surprise this humble observer.

As for Lens, they have once again lost (probably for good) one of their top young talents and their first big signing of the summer. Oh president Martel, when will you ever learn. It seems the losses from last year’s great squad have not taught you much.

The lackluster Fabien Laurenti will attempt to provide cover for the loss of Aubey although this, I should think, is not the long term answer for our beloved sang et or.

Cheers!