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McCarthy: Benyu Didn't Look Like He Was Going to Contribute Before Aldershot Move
Saturday, 8th Jul 2017 17:56

Boss Mick McCarthy says departed midfielder Kundai Benyu didn’t look like he was going to contribute at Portman Road until he persuaded the 19-year-old, who joined Celtic on a four-year deal earlier this month, to go on loan to Vanarama National League Aldershot last season.

McCarthy had been keen to keep the Camden-born youngster at Town after his successful spell at Aldershot and had intended to take up an option in the player’s contract which would have kept him at the club while also offering him a longer-term new deal.

However, there was a complication which meant the option couldn’t be exercised in the usual manner and he moved on at the end of his contract.

Quizzed on the precise circumstances surrounding the academy product’s exit, McCarthy remained tight-lipped: “He’s gone to Celtic now.”

Reflecting on Benyu’s time at Town, he added: “He’d not contributed as yet and he didn’t look like he was going to do until I insisted he went to Aldershot and played some football, which he didn’t want to do.

“And then, of course, he did and some agents have got involved and he’s got a move. Let’s see whether he’s a success up there.

“They do keep the ball and he does have the ability to do that. Let’s see how much money we get for him first because I didn’t have any bids from anyone in England.”

It’s anticipated that the Blues will receive FIFA training compensation in the low hundred thousands.

“If it is low hundreds of thousands, as you say, no one was offering that in terms of him going anywhere else,” McCarthy continued. “I don’t know, I can’t speak about it until it happens.”

While Benyu may have gone, the Blues have a number of other promising young central midfielders coming through from the academy with Andre Dozzell away with the England U19s and Flynn Downes and Tristan Nydam among those all involved against Drogheda.

“What I’ve seen of Flynn Downes and Tristan and Dozzer, I’m more than happy with that,” McCarthy added. “He’s gone, good luck to him. I’m not bothered about players who have left.

“Just be aware I did try to sign him so it wasn’t like I tried to push him out the door because that story will emanate from somewhere and that wasn’t the case with Kundai Benyu. But, like I say, he’s gone, so he’s done, the other lads I’m delighted with.”


Photo: Action Images



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BlueandTruesince82 added 18:02 - Jul 8
Bit sore for Mick that one
2

Mark added 18:02 - Jul 8
“They do keep the ball and he does have the ability to do that. "

I remember when Ipswich used to keep the ball.
22

DinnernotTea added 18:03 - Jul 8
Another classic McCarthy quote. Whether he wanted to join Aldershot is neither he nor there. The fact he became their best player is more important. For me, it's a clash of personalities which is surely an error looking at the club he went to and clubs that wanted him? They can't all be 'true men' like Chambers McCarthy.
1

Mullet added 18:03 - Jul 8
Can't help but feel he's pissed Mick right off.
13

phillo added 18:05 - Jul 8
The complication being he was young, talented but not a "bloke" 😂
Come on Mick don't treat us as imbeciles !
If there truly was a "complication" as to why we couldn't make him an offer tell us what it was ?
Otherwise we will continue to doubt you, your methods & your priorities.
7

jas0999 added 18:06 - Jul 8
Mick seems slightly annoyed. Interesting.
8

cat added 18:08 - Jul 8
Appears to be bad blood between them is how it's coming across, great to see the Dino patting himself on the back, saved his career so he has!! I personally hope Benyu has a top career, and that will all be down to the Dino, in his own opinion!!!
4

BlueMachines added 18:15 - Jul 8
Town weren't able to extend the contract due to a complication. Sounds like it's with Town's admin not being up to scratch. No surprise.
-1

DinnernotTea added 18:16 - Jul 8
Worth noting that a player i know that grew up playing with Benyu and Dozzell says Benyu is 'by far the better player'.
6

RegencyBlue added 18:22 - Jul 8
Clearly more to this than meets the eye, what is this 'complication'?

Doubt we will ever know but it will be interesting to see how the lad progresses. If he does well then a couple of hundred thousand is poor compensation for ITFC.
7

Miles added 18:37 - Jul 8
@may2002 that doesn't really mean a lot I'm afraid. Back in the day when I was a youth player I played with lads and ones that weren't rated as highly went on to become pro's and others faded away.

16-20 is a massive massive part of whether footballers make it or not. Attitude is more important than ability in my eyes. You can be coached to be a better footballer but if you haven't got the right attitude you simply won't reach those heights.

Talented player but if he didn't want to play here then he should have gone elsewhere. I want players who are proud to wear the shirt
9

10dackj added 18:40 - Jul 8
The complication was changing agents, the new one effectively played hardball and turned his head in order to get a larger fee
2

blues1 added 19:24 - Jul 8
What id like to know is which McCarthy comment was a lie? This one stating benyu wasn't looking like doing anything or the statement he made 4 days before sending him on loan, in which he said that benyu was close to a place in the 1st team squad. Just typical McCarthy, talking whatever bull suits him at the time I'm afraid.
7

runningout added 19:48 - Jul 8
Benyu will shine for Celtic. The defensive football we have been playing for too long, makes it iffy for young ones to get a chance. But 'if your good enough your old enough'
8

BlueAllOver added 20:07 - Jul 8
So how many of you experts on here have actually seen him play or knew who he was before going to Aldershot? Any old excuse to have a go at Mick/
-1

DinnernotTea added 20:20 - Jul 8
Miles...

This famous attitude you're talking of that you somehow think Benyu doesn't have. The same attitude the entire swuad had last season when they set a new record? How come a club the size of Celtic would be willing to offer 4 years? Clear as day he either didn't run around loads with 'pride' or he himself knew he would never develop as a ball player under McCarthy.
4

itfcjoe added 21:19 - Jul 8
Anyone who thinks Benyu is a better prospect than Dozzell needs their head examined.
0

KiwiTractor added 21:38 - Jul 8
Wow imagine a team that tries to keep the ball. Why would they do that?
3

DinnernotTea added 21:43 - Jul 8
Joe...ever trained or played with either? I'm only repeating what I was told by someone who knows both players well. I guess we'll find out in 5 years. Although I'm guessing Celtic need their head examined?
0

Currie10 added 23:46 - Jul 8
Fair play to Mick on this one - if he actually didn't want to go out on loan then that speaks volumes.

Not at all bothered he's left. He tore it up in the conference over a short period of time - and so he should.
0

Tractorboy1985 added 00:40 - Jul 9
Attitude stunk! The typical modern day player.. at the golf day he told me he was late to training..said right your with me at 6am on the bike and still was late! If any of us were late our bosses would not hesitate to dismiss us! Mick has done the right thing.. let's see how he gets on at Celtic
2

lepenname added 01:19 - Jul 9
I suspect it's a case of player daring to challenge the almighty Mick and when a better club comes along doing your best to rubbish them.
5

blue75 added 07:11 - Jul 9
Is this McCarthy's Jordan Rhodes?
4

Penguinblue added 08:32 - Jul 9
Probably a lost asset that McCarthy was unable to manage
3

pegasus added 10:22 - Jul 9
What an odd interview. Why not just say, 'It didn't work out for Kundai at Ipswich. We wish him well at Celtic.' and be done with it?
4


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