Studs Up

Long time Studs Up readers will recognise the stars of today’s comic. I don’t know why I have a fascination with using babies and kittens as negotiation or blackmail leverage, and I probably would rather not explore that part of my brain. I’d like to think it’s because I enjoy drawing their litte adorable selves, but that would be letting myself off the hook too easily.

The transfer window has officially hotted up. And as I said on my Twitter (you follow me? right? oh pretty please!), simply using that phrase makes me want to stab someone in the face. Apparently it’s recognised as a real term, which is disturbing on a lot of levels, and I think I’ll argue with Webster to my grave on that one. I mean, I’m not going to go “hot up” my tea. MADNESS.

What was I saying? Oh right, the transfer window. With Darren Bent being moved on to Aston Villa while Sunderland try and pretend that he wanted to leave as opposed to them shitting bricks at the prospect of 24 million quid in the bank, the rumour mill can officially start spinning. A host of Villa players are being linked away to fund the Bent deal, although I’m quite sure AVFC simply spent the money Man City left in their mailbox for… what was his name again, James something? He still plays, right? It’s sad that clubs still feel they can’t be honest with their fans and instead have to always play the victim. Plenty of Sunderland fans are already positive about the Bent move because, hell, 18-24 million pounds could buy at least 3 quality squad players. So why can’t the club just come out and say that?

After an odd start where it looked like Chelsea was just going to stamp on everyone’s face to another title, , it’s onw as close as I can remember from top to bottom. I reckon there’s going to be a lot of mind games being played between now and the end of the season as people look for any edge. Ferguson and Wenger have been wholly amicable the last few years, much to my chagrin, but with Arsenal looking a proper threat to the title I’m sure that will change. It saddens me that City were able to so easily buy a title run, but I suppose it was to be expected. I’m sure City fans don’t care, but the Manchester rivalry feels a little more empty to me and a little bit less genuine now.

In related but odd news, Eric Cantona has been announced as the new NY Cosmos Director of Soccer. For a soccer team, I’m not quite sure what that means. That’s like being “Director of Marketing” at a marketing agency. Or “Director of Food” at a restaurant.

And as far as footballers being relatable, Jermaine Pennant just did this.

You guys’ll also be glad to know the first Studs Up book collection is about 80% done now, just need to add a few more touches and can start sharing some sneak previews. It’ll collate almost every comic from the first season and a half of Studs Up along with commentary from me, loads of extra sketches and bonus material. It’s been something loads of you have asked for since I started SU, so I’m really excited to be able to get it out.