Graham believes Gallas is still a top defender

Former Arsenal manager George Graham admits he is surprised that his old club didn't try harder to keep William Gallas.

The defender recently made the move from the Gunners to arch rivals Tottenham on a free transfer, after failing to agree a new deal at the Emirates.

Gallas, 33, is desperate to be playing first-team football, something he may not have been guaranteed under Arsène Wenger, but Graham believes age is not going to be an issue for the French centre-back.

He said: "Arsenal in the past won trophies with a back four of 34, 35, 36 – the likes of Lee Dixon, Nigel Winterburn, Steve Bould and Tony Adams. They were winning trophies in their mid-30s, so I can only see this as a very good signing for Tottenham.

"He loves defending, he is very aggressive and I think he is just what Tottenham need, because they have got problems at the back with the injury situation to both Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate.

"They are getting someone for nothing who arguably could be playing every week in the team. I am surprised Arsenal let him go so easily."

The former Gunners boss, who also managed Spurs, believes Harry Redknapp could be the right manager for Gallas in the latter stages of his career.

He added: "Harry has got a gift of getting players who other clubs think are finished and getting another two seasons out of them.

"If he has a good season and Tottenham again finish in the top four or have a great Cup run or a Champions League run he'll be welcome."

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