[Archived] Nicko's Thread

[John]

Maybe the more controlled pace of international football suits him more, but on his day Andy Reid is a class act.

I can see why Andy Reid would be worth a punt for some sides but he is not for us. He never seems to get any sort of cosistency going at all and I also would question his attitude.

It is going to be a challenge but I think Hughes is looking for a real class act to replace Tugay in the middle of the park. Along with a young right back, these are the two positions we are likely to strengthen in the near future.

For central midfield, Huddlestone is a good example of the type of player we will try to get. Speaking to Spurs fans and they say he has shown glimpses of being a top class central midfielder (and that Jol rates him highly). He can create and he is a good passer of the ball. He is young as well and willing to learn. Of course, there are a few weaknesses in his game but under decent coaches and manager, he would improve and become a really good player. I would be surprised if Spurs sold him but no harm in trying!

[ffan]

I certainly hope not. He's a dirty @#/?.

or

[American Rover12]

Paper rumour - Blackburn and Wigan are set to battle it out for giant German keeper Heinz Muller.

Yeah, we really need another keeper....

[thenodrog]

or

You just beat me to it! btw are those 5 a side nets? If not he makes Samba look like a pygmy.

[neophox]

Nicko, I've herad that Herenveens Afonso Alves could be on his way to England? Man City possible buyers? But could we be in for him? Would be an asset. He scored seven goals in one game.

[Dunnfc]

Nicko, I've herad that Herenveens Afonso Alves could be on his way to England? Man City possible buyers? But could we be in for him? Would be an asset. He scored seven goals in one game.

So did i

Nah hes a great player and was on his way to mboro last year but they got mido instead. I think hes a quality player but we wouldnt have the funds for him unless we sold roberts.

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that 2 of the big 4 were looking at him, so i doubt we'd get a look in.

I might have been thinking of someone else though..

[ransome]

So did i

Nah hes a great player and was on his way to mboro last year but they got mido instead. I think hes a quality player but we wouldnt have the funds for him unless we sold roberts.

seen him play????

[Fife Rover]

Nicko, I've herad that Herenveens Afonso Alves could be on his way to England? Man City possible buyers? But could we be in for him? Would be an asset. He scored seven goals in one game.

Just like Tommy Briggs.

[ransome]

Sebastien Bassong-any good ? what type of player is he?

[nicko]

Nicko, I've herad that Herenveens Afonso Alves could be on his way to England? Man City possible buyers? But could we be in for him? Would be an asset. He scored seven goals in one game.

Alves was going to cost Middlesbrough a total of £9 million. That put them off in the end.

The price will be about the same, but I don't think too many will want to pay it.

Mind you, there will be some desperate outfits around in January - could see a rich club in the bottom half taking a punt.

Interestingly his agent has been pussying in with Man City lately...watch that space.

No news on the Metz defender. The story looks like a classic 'come and get me' exercise.

[Dunnfc]

seen him play????

Yes thursdays on channel 5 at 4am.

[nicko]

Amusing little story about Ooijer and the Dutch squad.

The big chap kicked one of his team-mates, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, a little bit too hard in training today. He was sent off and then told off by Marco van Basten.

Huntelaar has a bad ankle and might miss their game tomorrow.

Good to see the Dutch getting on so well with each other as always.

[Wolves_Rover]

Amusing little story about Ooijer and the Dutch squad.

The big chap kicked one of his team-mates, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, a little bit too hard in training today. He was sent off and then told off by Marco van Basten

Sent off in training - does that warrant a suspension then?

Besides that - reminds me of Souness...

[bluebruce]

Frankly the UEFA Cup can be a waste of time - and even cost money. I hope the early start for the Inter Toto Cup won;t come back to haunt you.

By the way, just found out I backed Rovers for the top six on Betfair at 7 to 1 - forgot I had done that in June. Happy days.

Jesus H, we were 7 to 1 for the top six?!? Wish I'd known that, even back then I'd have definitely had a pop on that one.

I'm always confused by this idea that the UEFA Cup can cost money, how is that possible? Surely no more than 20k say to put the team up in a hotel for away games, and we get half the gate money for away games anyway? Unless our players are on great bonuses I don't see how it works that you could lose money on it.

[nicko]

I don't know the exact figures, but I think they might well have been down on the UEFA Cup involvement.

The cost of travelling properly and staying in good hotels will cost a few bob...as you would expect.

The only saving grace was the crowd for the Larissa home leg, but even then it was reduced prices.

So I don't think they will have made much.

[nicko]

Sent off in training - does that warrant a suspension then?

Besides that - reminds me of Souness...

There's more of this for the Dutch speakers on here: http://www.telesport.nl/voetbal/article2303706.ece

[bluebruce]

I don't know the exact figures, but I think they might well have been down on the UEFA Cup involvement.

The cost of travelling properly and staying in good hotels will cost a few bob...as you would expect.

The only saving grace was the crowd for the Larissa home leg, but even then it was reduced prices.

So I don't think they will have made much.

Well I can see how it might have cost us, or at least not made us much, this time around. But we only made it to the first round, playing a lot of small teams. Surely if you reach the group stages you're guaranteed an acceptable profit. The TV money must at least cover the travelling expenses...

[nicko]

Well I can see how it might have cost us, or at least not made us much, this time around. But we only made it to the first round, playing a lot of small teams. Surely if you reach the group stages you're guaranteed an acceptable profit. The TV money must at least cover the travelling expenses...

It all depends on who you draw. Bolton got the big one when they pulled Bayern Munich, that will make it worth their time beause of TV money. The Germans are the big payers.

But it is not a land of milk and honey for most.

[stuwilky]

It doesnt help with the UEFA Cup that unlike the Champions league the TV rights are done per match in the early stages (at least until the end of the group stages - cannot recall what happens after that).

Which means that unlike a guaranteed large payout in the CL, smaller UEFA clubs are left to argue over the scraps. Which is why we tried the 6pm kick off experience. No one else offered us enough cash.

[1864roverite]

So thats why there known as the cloggers eh???

[EwoodGlory]

I see little Sammy has gone.

Is it true Coleman could be lined up for a return to the Premiership?

I would go for Jewell if I was them though

[Mc Love]

I definitely dont think Coleman will come back to england and to manage Bolton of all teams!

[Hughesy]

Nicko, the sale has gone quiet, any news on a takeover yet?

[nicko]

Nicko, the sale has gone quiet, any news on a takeover yet?

A couple of very strange turns in the past few days. I will pass on what I know when I make sense of it.

The bottom line is that Dan Williams and his team are taking a bit too long to do the biz...and there may be a rival after all.

Working on it, but won't go into details until I know for sure.