Ben Cohen has left Northampton

Dave Angel · Post by **Dave Angel** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 10:56 am

http://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/32_4 ... b5367edaed

simon redshaw · Post by **simon redshaw** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:11 am

Are those statements from Messrs Barwell and Cohen a damage limitation Exercise? They seem very strange considered what went on very recently? At least an agreement has been reached about Ben Cohen leaving but considering Cohen's anger about not being given the captaincy for one thing, the statements that all is now rosy seem a little puzzling. Or there has been some very good mediating from someone.

Who will now buy him?

That is the question!

g · Post by g » Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:21 am

I reckon it will be either Leeds or Bristol he'll go to. Both clubs are struggling and both need decent players and I bet both will make sure that money is no object.

x24jue · Post by **x24jue** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:25 am

Just had email from Saints supporter to say the rumor at Saints is he is coming to us!!!!

LessThanSte · Post by **LessThanSte** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:29 am

Exactyl yeh, i was browsing the saints forum and some guy claimed yesterday that he had it on authority from 'high up' that cohen was to leave having bought out his contract and will be heading to Leicester.

Good or bad? Hmm

salcombe bob · Post by **salcombe bob** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:30 am

it would mean he doesn't have to move house presumably or disturb family, schools etc.

Dave Angel · Post by **Dave Angel** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:35 am

We don't have enough room in our wage cap for Cohen at the moment. I think the rumours of Tigers all came about from a mis-interpretation of a BBC article a while ago that was referring to the previous time we considered signing him.

My money would be on a move to France, possibly linking up with Steve Thompson.

Incidentally, the "official" version of Cohen's hissy fit is not completely accurate. Cohen & Barwell did have a heated discussion that ultimately led to Ben quitting but I understand that Cohen did not demand the captaincy. The issue of captaincy was raised at the meeting with Barwell but Cohen didn't actually say that it should have been his.

simon redshaw · Post by **simon redshaw** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:38 am

But do we really want him? We have enough wingers. He would be keeping someone younger out, and would he accept the authority of the likes of Cozza, let alone Deacs? All said by folks on here before, but worth saying again.

Or is this a wind-up on the Saints board?

As G says, more likely to be Bristol, or Leeds, IMO.

westy154 · Post by **westy154** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:41 am

Which club has got a vacancy at Captain???

Oggle · Post by **Oggle** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:28 pm

the sky report again links him with us.

wouldnt mind having him, but i can only see him as a back up really- though he can play wing or centre.... I'm really quite torn about this.

but, wouldn't there be a HUGE saints backlash if he came here?

Rizzo · Post by **Rizzo** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:30 pm

Like Dave Angel, I also think a move to a French club more likely.

boondock · Post by **boondock** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:44 pm

yep, anytime now there'll be 2 new little cohens in the world.

well,cohen was a great player for saints, best winger in the world for a while imho, still capable of 'doing a job', and its a shame its come to this.

we could also have done without the added distraction this season, but at least this means a substantial wage saving, even a cash boost as he's bought out a year of his contract. leaves room for a couple of younger guys to develop.

glass half full, me.

obviously tigers will be mentioned elsewhere, and would mean minimal disruption for ben & family. i still dont see it though.

Nik · Post by **Nik** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 1:22 pm

I wish the guy well but not with us, sorry I just think our team should be building for the future and not be an oasis for 'over the hill' players...

After seeing Mr Cohen throwing his teddy out the pram and his unprofessional behaviour first hand it's not something I want to have to do every home match.