Nigeria’s and Stoke City’s new signing, Osaze Odemwingie, has dragged his heels over his move to Stoke City because he is still emotionally haunted by the memory of his Queen’s Park Rangers fiasco of 12 months ago.
The 32-year-old striker wanted everything about his move to the Potteries done by the book after being left scarred by the humiliation of events at Loftus Road this time last year.
It was then that Odemwingie, after being very badly advised you suspect, was pictured locked outside Loftus Road after turning up for talks, which had not been sanctioned by his then-club, West Bromwich Albion.
Stoke boss, Mark Hughes, says he fully understands Odemwingie’s determination to have everything signed, sealed and delivered during this transfer process.
Hughes, blessed with more patience than his predecessor might have shown in similar circumstances, said: “He was very aware, when we made contact, that he wanted to make sure everything was correct.
“He didn’t want to go through what he went through at QPR.
“He had a text and an e-mail from his club (Cardiff) to say it was okay.
“It was an unfortunate episode at QPR and people maybe took a view of him as an individual.
“I think he would admit circumstances weren’t what he wanted, but that wasn’t representative of him as a guy or a footballer.
“I think some people have been blinded by events rather than looking at his ability as a footballer.
“We have watched him for many seasons and always been impressed with his ability.
“He’s got a little bit of pace, versatility and a good eye for a goal, so a lot of the boxes we are looking to be ticked, Peter can do that.
“He’s an accomplished goalscorer who will create chances for himself and take chances created by others.
“When I saw him play, he was always a threat in games. As an opposition manager you always had to legislate for him. He’s a good Premier League player and can affect games.”
Hughes also believes there is enough fire in the belly, and mileage left in the legs, despite being him being 32.
“He hoped that the Cardiff move was going to get him back on track, but it hasn’t worked out for whatever reason,” explained Hughes.
“But he’s here and ready to go. He’s got a lot of football life left in him and we will benefit from that.
“Thirty-two in this day and age is nothing like 32 when I was playing because they have a lot more knowledge and recovery strategies at clubs.
“So you can add any number of years to your career.”
Odemwingie himself says playing for a former striker like Hughes can only inspire his game, even in the twilight of his career.
“I have watched many clips of him as a player and I know there is so much that I can learn from him,” said Odemwingie.
“He knew how to score goals and he knew how to be a successful footballer, so the chance to experience working with him at close quarters was an incredibly appealing proposition for me.
“I have spoken to people who have played under him and his staff before and they all have great things to say about them, so that was good to hear, and gave me a lot of excitement when I heard of the club’s interest to bring me to the Britannia Stadium.
“In the few days that I have been here I have witnessed it all first hand, and I can see why the other lads have enjoyed working under him so much at Stoke.”
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