Joe Bell (Viking FK | Norway)

Joe comes from an interesting family here in Christchurch.
It tends to be forgotten that Joe is essentially a South Islander and a Christchurch lad.
He was born in England but emigrated with his parents aged four in 2003 to NZ, his family settling first in Wanaka and now for several years in Christchurch.
Joe attended Christ's College for most of his schooling (before leaving Christchurch aged 15 for the Wellington Phoenix Academy), represented Canterbury through the age groups at national futsal tournaments winning national titles, MVP's and golden boots:
https://christscollege.com/assets/in-black-and-white_issue-55.pdf
(scroll down to page 2 and see the side bar about Joe)
Joe also played the eleven man game at junior level for Ferrymead Bays and then Nomads here in Christchurch.
Joe's family have a strong involvement in the arts in Christchurch.
His dad Richard is founder (2003) and head of leading Christchurch video production company Shuriken who make commercials and music videos. He is an Art History graduate of Cambridge University and was a leading maker of music videos for artists in the UK:
https://shuriken.co.nz/Shuriken/
Richard made videos in the UK for Nirvana, Joy Division, U2, The Smashing Pumpkins, Depeche Mode,  Nick Cave, Bryan Ferry etc. often working in association with Dutch photographer and film maker Anton Corbijn (legendary NME photographer; Joy Division, U2, feature film director):
https://www.discogs.com/artist/1565963-Richard-Bell-6?sort=year%2Casc&limit=100&page=1
and:
https://imvdb.com/n/richard-bell-1/videography-by-position
and:
https://tvnz.co.nz/view/tvone_story_skin/445625
Richard is also heavily involved in futsal in NZ:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=815850232133462
In fact, he seems to be single-handedly running futsal in NZ:
NZF Futsal

April 12, 2019
Richard Bell: The Livestream Guy, Video Producer, Futsal Whites Team Manager, International Futsal Teams Manager, Futsal Development Officer... LEGEND.
  · 

Futsal is such a great way for kids to develop there touch, control and awareness. Great to see it is getting a stronger following in this country.

Garbett's move to Torino shines a light on how underwhelming this Bell to Barnsley talk is. 

Bell definitely could play in a number of major European leagues......not the helter skelter of the Championship. 

He should hire Garbett's agent.

Rusty Dunks

Garbett's move to Torino shines a light on how underwhelming this Bell to Barnsley talk is. 

Bell definitely could play in a number of major European leagues......not the helter skelter of the Championship. 

He should hire Garbett's agent.

again, completely different - Bell's potential transfer comes with the expectation of being a starter, Garbett is being signed for the U19s.

Rusty Dunks

Garbett's move to Torino shines a light on how underwhelming this Bell to Barnsley talk is. 

Bell definitely could play in a number of major European leagues......not the helter skelter of the Championship. 

He should hire Garbett's agent.

Would be amazed if Garbett was looked at as a first team option for Torino, more likely to play age level stuff.

I think you're pretty heavily underrating the Championship. Being signed as a squad member for a top half Championship side is far, far more prestigious than signing for an age-group side at a Serie A club - similar to Libby turning down Juve U23 to stay in Belgium.

Nelfoos

Rusty Dunks

Garbett's move to Torino shines a light on how underwhelming this Bell to Barnsley talk is. 

Bell definitely could play in a number of major European leagues......not the helter skelter of the Championship. 

He should hire Garbett's agent.

Would be amazed if Garbett was looked at as a first team option for Torino, more likely to play age level stuff.

I think you're pretty heavily underrating the Championship. Being signed as a squad member for a top half Championship side is far, far more prestigious than signing for an age-group side at a Serie A club - similar to Libby turning down Juve U23 to stay in Belgium.

Why would you presume Bell would go to an age group Serie A team? Isn't that underselling his abilities?

And over estimating the Championship? 

Rusty Dunks

Nelfoos

Rusty Dunks

Garbett's move to Torino shines a light on how underwhelming this Bell to Barnsley talk is. 

Bell definitely could play in a number of major European leagues......not the helter skelter of the Championship. 

He should hire Garbett's agent.

Would be amazed if Garbett was looked at as a first team option for Torino, more likely to play age level stuff.

I think you're pretty heavily underrating the Championship. Being signed as a squad member for a top half Championship side is far, far more prestigious than signing for an age-group side at a Serie A club - similar to Libby turning down Juve U23 to stay in Belgium.

Why would you presume Bell would go to an age group Serie A team? Isn't that underselling his abilities?

And over estimating the Championship? 

Are you being deliberately obtuse? You may want to give my comment another read & edit your response.

Bell to Barnsley's first team (if the bid hadn't been rejected) would be a far more prestigious transfer than Garbett to Torino U19s. No one has said anything about Bell playing U19s.

Nelfoos

Rusty Dunks

Nelfoos

Rusty Dunks

Garbett's move to Torino shines a light on how underwhelming this Bell to Barnsley talk is. 

Bell definitely could play in a number of major European leagues......not the helter skelter of the Championship. 

He should hire Garbett's agent.

Would be amazed if Garbett was looked at as a first team option for Torino, more likely to play age level stuff.

I think you're pretty heavily underrating the Championship. Being signed as a squad member for a top half Championship side is far, far more prestigious than signing for an age-group side at a Serie A club - similar to Libby turning down Juve U23 to stay in Belgium.

Why would you presume Bell would go to an age group Serie A team? Isn't that underselling his abilities?

And over estimating the Championship? 

Are you being deliberately obtuse? You may want to give my comment another read & edit your response.

Bell to Barnsley's first team (if the bid hadn't been rejected) would be a far more prestigious transfer than Garbett to Torino U19s. No one has said anything about Bell playing U19s.

Yup - not sure where I got that from....

"Being signed as a squad member for a top half Championship side is far, far more prestigious than signing for an age-group side at a Serie A club"

I believe that Bell has the ability to play in the first team of a mid-table Serie A, or similar (or higher-table in a less prestigious TOP division). That is better than playing Championship-level football. That's what I'm saying. So, no - I won't edit.

Apart from now, when I edited this post...... 

All very good to be playing in the top leagues in europe. As long as your getting game time and not sitting on the bench. Especially for young talent like Bell.

I think the Championship suits Bells qualities perfectly. I see him as similar to a Jedinak, who did very well for Palace.

Rusty Dunks

Nelfoos

Rusty Dunks

Nelfoos

Rusty Dunks

Garbett's move to Torino shines a light on how underwhelming this Bell to Barnsley talk is. 

Bell definitely could play in a number of major European leagues......not the helter skelter of the Championship. 

He should hire Garbett's agent.

Would be amazed if Garbett was looked at as a first team option for Torino, more likely to play age level stuff.

I think you're pretty heavily underrating the Championship. Being signed as a squad member for a top half Championship side is far, far more prestigious than signing for an age-group side at a Serie A club - similar to Libby turning down Juve U23 to stay in Belgium.

Why would you presume Bell would go to an age group Serie A team? Isn't that underselling his abilities?

And over estimating the Championship? 

Are you being deliberately obtuse? You may want to give my comment another read & edit your response.

Bell to Barnsley's first team (if the bid hadn't been rejected) would be a far more prestigious transfer than Garbett to Torino U19s. No one has said anything about Bell playing U19s.

Yup - not sure where I got that from....

"Being signed as a squad member for a top half Championship side is far, far more prestigious than signing for an age-group side at a Serie A club"

I believe that Bell has the ability to play in the first team of a mid-table Serie A, or similar (or higher-table in a less prestigious TOP division). That is better than playing Championship-level football. That's what I'm saying. So, no - I won't edit.

Apart from now, when I edited this post...... 

Can't say I disagree with any of that - I think the Championship would be a reasonable stepping stone - big step up in both physicality & quality.

I am sure that he is a good player but I don’t respect any article about Garbett as he has even been linked to man city while not being able to break into the Swedish team. His agent is gold 

AucklandPhoenix

I am sure that he is a good player but I don’t respect any article about Garbett as he has even been linked to man city while not being able to break into the Swedish team. His agent is gold 

He's been announced by Torino.

Nelfoos

Rusty Dunks

Garbett's move to Torino shines a light on how underwhelming this Bell to Barnsley talk is. 

Bell definitely could play in a number of major European leagues......not the helter skelter of the Championship. 

He should hire Garbett's agent.

Would be amazed if Garbett was looked at as a first team option for Torino, more likely to play age level stuff.

I think you're pretty heavily underrating the Championship. Being signed as a squad member for a top half Championship side is far, far more prestigious than signing for an age-group side at a Serie A club - similar to Libby turning down Juve U23 to stay in Belgium.

Confirmed today that Garbett has signed a first team contract at Torino and will play for the u-19's initially while training with the first team, looking to push for a place in the first team come January:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/126190797/hes-pumped-new-zealand-teenager-matthew-garbett-joins-serie-a-club-torino
It should be noted that Garbett is only 19, Bell is 22.
Torino's scouting must have impressed them and they're offering him a huge opportunity.
Bell is obviously more the finished product and ready for first team action wherever he goes.

Big Pete 65

Nelfoos

Rusty Dunks

Garbett's move to Torino shines a light on how underwhelming this Bell to Barnsley talk is. 

Bell definitely could play in a number of major European leagues......not the helter skelter of the Championship. 

He should hire Garbett's agent.

Would be amazed if Garbett was looked at as a first team option for Torino, more likely to play age level stuff.

I think you're pretty heavily underrating the Championship. Being signed as a squad member for a top half Championship side is far, far more prestigious than signing for an age-group side at a Serie A club - similar to Libby turning down Juve U23 to stay in Belgium.

Confirmed today that Garbett has signed a first team contract at Torino and will play for the u-19's initially while training with the first team, looking to push for a place in the first team come January:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/126190797/hes-pumped-new-zealand-teenager-matthew-garbett-joins-serie-a-club-torino
It should be noted that Garbett is only 19, Bell is 22.
Torino's scouting must have impressed them and they're offering him a huge opportunity.
Bell is obviously more the finished product and ready for first team action wherever he goes.

You might have forgotten but another Kiwi (Jack Pelter) was signed straight to Sunderland's first time following a strong Youth AWs performance yet was released by the end of the season.  

While impressed with Garbett getting a gig in Italy I'll reserve judgement until he gets game time either in Serie A for Torino or starting out on loan like Singh at a club in a good league at a slightly lower level (Serie B etc).

He is not going anywhere near their first team for the next year, maybe two. Maybe he'll train but I don't see them capping him at that level for a long while yet. 
I'll be interesting to see how he goes in the Primavera league for now though. 

We say that, but he has signed a first team contract.

If the club's intention was to sign him as a youth, sign him as a youth.

Let's discuss Garbett in his thread and go back to Bell in this one. 

Bell scores his first of the season (to go with his four assists) as Viking come from behind at home to beat Rosenborg 2-1.

6 points separate 1st-6th in the league. Viking (6th) fighting to be in the mix for a European place perhaps?

New boy Stensness also makes his club debut off the bench with a 15 minute appearance.

Since he’s come back from the Olympics no team has more points (10 from 12) and only leaders Bodø/Glimt have as many, with all four games being against teams that were above them, whereas they had only one league win in 6 before that. Transfer window closes soon so he might hold out to try get Viking into a title charge (6 points off top with 13 to go).

What. A. Hit 🎯
Couldn't get the video to work, so check out the link. She's well worth it

https://highlights.eliteserien.no/playlist/ay6mzob2ue69g

YoungHeart

Bell scores his first of the season (to go with his four assists) as Viking come from behind at home to beat Rosenborg 2-1.

6 points separate 1st-6th in the league. Viking (6th) fighting to be in the mix for a European place perhaps?

New boy Stensness also makes his club debut off the bench with a 15 minute appearance.

Anyone know what position Stensness came on in?

Oska

YoungHeart

Bell scores his first of the season (to go with his four assists) as Viking come from behind at home to beat Rosenborg 2-1.

6 points separate 1st-6th in the league. Viking (6th) fighting to be in the mix for a European place perhaps?

New boy Stensness also makes his club debut off the bench with a 15 minute appearance.

Anyone know what position Stensness came on in?

He replaced one of their midfielders. But of course doesn't mean he slotted in there.
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2021/08/29/norway/eliteserien/viking-fotballklubb/rosenborg-ballklubb/3496251/

Great goal... that will be another 250k please Barnsley.

Viking have just sold their 20 y/o CB Henrik Heggheim to Brondby in Denmark for about 20 million krone ($3.3 million NZD). Good news on two counts - means Stensness may get more game time, and shows that the fee Barnsley offered was absolutely pitiful and vindicates Bell’s worth. 

Scouts from Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark were all apparently watching Bell last match. Not a bad time to score!

From Flying Kiwis and a mangled NZ/US accent.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1432297842140454915

AucklandPhoenix

The championship would be above most other leagues of Western Europe in terms of both pay and quality - with the  exception of the top leagues in Germany Italy and France and England.

Ummm... Spain?

coochiee

Oska

YoungHeart

Bell scores his first of the season (to go with his four assists) as Viking come from behind at home to beat Rosenborg 2-1.

6 points separate 1st-6th in the league. Viking (6th) fighting to be in the mix for a European place perhaps?

New boy Stensness also makes his club debut off the bench with a 15 minute appearance.

Anyone know what position Stensness came on in?

He replaced one of their midfielders. But of course doesn't mean he slotted in there.
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2021/08/29/norway/eliteserien/viking-fotballklubb/rosenborg-ballklubb/3496251/

Vikings certainly play an exciting brand of football which I think suits Joe's style.

Re Stensness: giving limited time is smart, and I suppose obvious.  He wouldn't have been in the country for long and it's a big trip to get there.
Defences around the league seem to be a bit wanting.  Perhaps that will provide opportunities for Stensness, in whatever position..

Well the uk transfer window has ended so looks like he’s not going there for a few months

AucklandPhoenix

Well the uk transfer window has ended so looks like he’s not going there for a few months

Hopefully he will continue to show good form and Viking get even better offers for him.  I expect so.  Barring injury, his professionalism and intelligence almost guarantee progress.

Named league player of the month for August 

Currently watching a poor quality stream of the Viking game, 1-1 at half time. 

Bell looks class as always, playing quite deep and good distribution, made a nice mazy run but couldn't finish.

Stensness also starting (does he have his own overseas thread yet?). If my dodgy stream (and dodgy eyes) are anything to go by he was at fault for the goal they conceded, he pretty much run into his own goal keeper leading him to drop it and leave the opposition striker with a tap in.

Ended up winning 3-1, I missed the second half so no comments on the second half. 

Good highlights on youtube - Man Bell is class, can definitely see him playing Premier League in the next few years.

Stensness not at fault for the goal IMO, just an unfortunate clash between him and the goalkeeper. Good signs for NZ football in the Norwegian league..

Smeltz4PM

Named league player of the month for August 

This is a very big accolade. 

Viking actually have a real shot at the title, so why not stay at Viking until season end (November), with maybe a move in the January 2022 window.

Ninja

Good highlights on youtube - Man Bell is class, can definitely see him playing Premier League in the next few years.

Stensness not at fault for the goal IMO, just an unfortunate clash between him and the goalkeeper. Good signs for NZ football in the Norwegian league..

He put in a very nice cross from a free kick (his team mate missed a sitter though), would be good service for Wood at Burnley! 

Yeah just watched the highlights, which are better quality than the stream I had and I woudn't blame him actually, more the goal keeper if anything. 

Ninja

Good highlights on youtube - Man Bell is class, can definitely see him playing Premier League in the next few years.

Stensness not at fault for the goal IMO, just an unfortunate clash between him and the goalkeeper. Good signs for NZ football in the Norwegian league..

 

Viking don’t get the hype of the big clubs Molde or Rosenborg, or the hipsters’ team from the Arctic Circle Bodø/Glimt, but they’ve been the best team in the league since he came back from Tokyo and are certainly shots at the title and he’s at the middle of that. He’s the best player in the league and is carrying them potentially towards a  first title since 1991, and then he’ll be sold in January to the biggest bidder, so good on him for staying. Just think though, imagine being the team to dump him for Rufer/Ridenton/McGlinchey…

siac

Currently watching a poor quality stream of the Viking game, 1-1 at half time. 

Bell looks class as always, playing quite deep and good distribution, made a nice mazy run but couldn't finish.

Stensness also starting (does he have his own overseas thread yet?). If my dodgy stream (and dodgy eyes) are anything to go by he was at fault for the goal they conceded, he pretty much run into his own goal keeper leading him to drop it and leave the opposition striker with a tap in.

What stream is that Siac?