Kanchelskis in Albion link
by Andy Naylor
Albion boss Steve Coppell today raised the intriguing possibility of the Seagulls offering Sussex-based Andrei Kanchelskis a route back into English football.
The 34-year-old former Manchester United, Everton and Rangers winger is training with Albion after a spell in Saudi Arabia.
A move to the Seagulls for Kanchelskis, who lives in East Grinstead, has not been discussed but Coppell has not ruled it out.
"We haven't discussed it and his registration is held by the Saudi Arabian club," Coppell said. "I've no intention, but if he becomes available he is local and it might just slot into place.
"When you look at what he has won in the game you begin to see he has an awful lot going for him and even in the bits of training he's no mug.
"When he is on the ball you can just see he is a good player. He's been there, done it played on the highest stage, in Italy the lot. He's just a top quality player and he seems a good lad.
"There is no intent, but you never know with these things. At his age and with what he's done and the moves he's had for millions and millions of pounds I wouldn't have thought money would be too big a problem.
"It's not as if he will be playing to make money but playing for tick over money because he just enjoys playing football."
Kanchelskis had been training by himself since returning in May from a five-month stint in Saudi after starting last season with Southampton.
"It's good for me," he said. "It's better to train with a team than alone. It was only my second day today, so I am a little bit stiff, but it's okay and I am enjoying it.
"There are some good players here and a good atmosphere. I hope to train here for two weeks and then we will have to see what happens."
Kanchelskis has an option of another year in Saudi, but would prefer to stay in England.
"I had four or five months in Saudi with a good coach from Holland who has worked for Ajax and Werder Bremen, but it is too far for my wife," he said.
"The two kids are at school here and we like it in East Grinstead, where we have lived for two and a half years. It's a nice place."
Captain Danny Cullip resumed training today after a thigh injury and he is on course for the big kick-off at Oldham on August 9.
by Andy Naylor
Albion boss Steve Coppell today raised the intriguing possibility of the Seagulls offering Sussex-based Andrei Kanchelskis a route back into English football.
The 34-year-old former Manchester United, Everton and Rangers winger is training with Albion after a spell in Saudi Arabia.
A move to the Seagulls for Kanchelskis, who lives in East Grinstead, has not been discussed but Coppell has not ruled it out.
"We haven't discussed it and his registration is held by the Saudi Arabian club," Coppell said. "I've no intention, but if he becomes available he is local and it might just slot into place.
"When you look at what he has won in the game you begin to see he has an awful lot going for him and even in the bits of training he's no mug.
"When he is on the ball you can just see he is a good player. He's been there, done it played on the highest stage, in Italy the lot. He's just a top quality player and he seems a good lad.
"There is no intent, but you never know with these things. At his age and with what he's done and the moves he's had for millions and millions of pounds I wouldn't have thought money would be too big a problem.
"It's not as if he will be playing to make money but playing for tick over money because he just enjoys playing football."
Kanchelskis had been training by himself since returning in May from a five-month stint in Saudi after starting last season with Southampton.
"It's good for me," he said. "It's better to train with a team than alone. It was only my second day today, so I am a little bit stiff, but it's okay and I am enjoying it.
"There are some good players here and a good atmosphere. I hope to train here for two weeks and then we will have to see what happens."
Kanchelskis has an option of another year in Saudi, but would prefer to stay in England.
"I had four or five months in Saudi with a good coach from Holland who has worked for Ajax and Werder Bremen, but it is too far for my wife," he said.
"The two kids are at school here and we like it in East Grinstead, where we have lived for two and a half years. It's a nice place."
Captain Danny Cullip resumed training today after a thigh injury and he is on course for the big kick-off at Oldham on August 9.
