[Archived] Nicko's Thread

[LeftWinger]

I was 6 during the 1990 World Cup - so the only game I have memories of is the Semi.

I actually think the argument for 7 subs would help the national team. Why not let managers name 7 subs - but two have to be home grown English talent aged under 20(not sure on the legalities of this mind you)? Then it's upto the manager if he wants to use them - but if say you're 2/3 goals up at home - why not give a young lad a run-out? I really can't see a loser in this.

[speeeeeeedie]

I think there is trouble at that particular mill...

The Sunderland draw will keep him going, but Ashley did not appoint him and is not too happy with his signings. So that's two major worries for Big Sam.

Curbishley dodged a bullet by winning at Derby - and Billy Davies seems to be bombproof for some reason.

Steve Gibson is standing by Gareth Southgate despite the evidence before his eyes.

So, Big Sam is a reasonable 8-1. But I would save your cash all the same.

Newcastle is one of the worst jobs around. They are always touted as nearly men but should be never men. Every manager they've had since the inception of the Premier League has spent oodles on foreign imports who, for the mostpart, do not pan out. I think geography has a lot to do with it, it's cold, out of the way, and not very continental up there.

Why fire Davis? His 3 year plan went out of the window after 1 promotion. If Derby have any sense they'll keep him, get beat 5-0 every game, take the Prem cash, balloon payment, and rock back and forth from the Championship every other year, putting them on a financial even keel.

[nicko]

There is a fairly major Paul Jewell story about to break...the amount of wages he was offered at Wigan.

Simply stunning. Fair play to him for saying 'no' to an easy fortune and waiting for the right job.

[EwoodGlory]

Dave Whelan, the chairman, is understood to have offered Jewell a signing-on bonus of £2 million in addition to a contract worth about £40,000 a week in an attempt to lure the club’s former manager back to the JJB Stadium

If they are the real figures then that is A LOT to turn down.

[thenodrog]

Paul Jewell!?! I shouldn't think Whelan would have to find much more to get Arsene Wenger or Alex bloody Ferguson!

[deryck guyler's spoon]

Chris Casper's name has cropped up for The Dingles job. Fits in lots of ways, what do you reckon Nicko?

[RevidgeBlue]

Paul Jewell!?! I shouldn't think Whelan would have to find much more to get Arsene Wenger or Alex bloody Ferguson!

Don't mind the bloke at all, but for someone who only managed to keep Wigan up by a goal difference of one thanks to a fortuitious victory on the last day of the season, Jewell's managerial capabilities suddenly seem to have acquired mystical status since he resigned!

[nicko]

Don't mind the bloke at all, but for someone who only managed to keep Wigan up by a goal difference of one thanks to a fortuitious victory on the last day of the season, Jewell's managerial capabilities suddenly seem to have acquired mystical status since he resigned!

True, but Dave Whelan does not know many people - and there are few other candidates available.

As for Burnley...I believe they are having a shocker trying to get the people they want. I have a hunch Simon Grayson may go there, which would be a bit of a dilemma for one Tony Parkes.

[EwoodGlory]

Do you have any details of why Reid went off in the reserve game last night?

I can't find anything, hope it's not a big setback for him.

[Cocker]

Do you have any details of why Reid went off in the reserve game last night?

I can't find anything, hope it's not a big setback for him.

The Reserves game thread says it was a Twinge on his hamstring. Taken off precautionary.

Pitch sounded awful too so you dont want to mess about with him

[EwoodGlory]

Cheers, the pitch was a right mess. Normally rugby played on it.

Strange decision to have it as a reserve ground, if people play in the reserves on comeback from injury.

With regards to the Wigan job, Steve Bruce is now short price favourite with every bookmaker, odds on in some places.

[nicko]

Do you have any details of why Reid went off in the reserve game last night?

It was a hamstring behind the left knee. I would think that will be a three-four week job. It's a shame because he was in the frame for the Fulham game as a sub.

You can't blame the pitch. I'm afraid he has been out of the game so long that it is hard to get back to anything like 100 per cent. He did well enough for 20 minutes but is not the same hard-running player he was. It's a bit sad, but he has a big heart, so he will stick at it.

But I don't think you can count on him being a regular in the second half of the season at this rate.

On Wigan - I think Steve Bruce is the current front runner but there are some big compensation issues.

On Burnley - Mike Newell is definitely talking to them today. He may end up getting it if Simon Grayson proves difficult to take from Blackpool. I think Peter Reid's chances are drifting and Joe Royle would rather have Wigan...although that could change in the next 24 hours.

[LeftWinger]

I've had a cheeky few quid on Grayson at 25s. Any word on who North End are after Alan?

[Mozzer]

its a real shame about steven reid-i was looking forward to having him back..

i personally think come january we need a two central midfielders..

dunn-can he finish a full game???

tugay-is getting on

savage-isnt the best footballer, injuried and also getting old

mokoena-isnt the best around, but for the squad is ok

reid-injury prone

we are really struggling in that area, hopefully reid's injury isnt as bad, and he will only need a rest for a few days..

[joey_big_nose]

Awful, awful news if Reid is out for a few more weeks. We need to start thinking about January. One top class passing and tackling central midfielder and we would be away.

[Rover down South]

I agree that we need defensive midfield signing in January. Massive shame about Reid. Sav & Mokoena are ok players, but we want someone who is a workhorse & has ability too, Steven Reid would be nice!! As for David Dunn, I think he has improved greatly since we signed him back, still not 100% though.

Nicko are there any rumours of likely targets?? Players leaving??

[Cocker]

Awful, awful news if Reid is out for a few more weeks. We need to start thinking about January. One top class passing and tackling central midfielder and we would be away.

Wonder if Man U have finished with Scholes

[USABlue]

Is one of the qualifications for the Dingle job that the candidate must have had ties with BRFC?

[Silencio]

I'd like us to try for Sidwell (but he's on 50k per week!) and another. Possibly Huddlestone. I don't think Reid is really going to make it back. Without the hard running and power he loses too much. Really sorry for him, a bit like the Jansen situation was. Hope I'm wrong...

Which other midfielders are good, realistic targets? I wonder if Cattermole would leave Boro, doubt it as he's a Boro lad but I like him as a player...

[Rover down South]

Wonder if Man U have finished with Scholes

What a signing that would be!!

[EwoodGlory]

We would have more chance going for Darren Fletcher on loan. Never really had a long run in the team but looks a decent player.

Diaby or Denilson on loan from Arsenal would be nice also.

Not sure if any of them would be allowed to leave though

[LeftWinger]

We would have more chance going for Darren Fletcher on loan. Never really had a long run in the team but looks a decent player.

Diaby or Denilson on loan from Arsenal would be nice also.

Not sure if any of them would be allowed to leave though

I'd like Denilson - but not sure Wenger would want him playing for such a bunch of thugs

[Fife Rover]

I'd like us to try for Sidwell (but he's on 50k per week!) and another. Possibly Huddlestone. I don't think Reid is really going to make it back. Without the hard running and power he loses too much. Really sorry for him, a bit like the Jansen situation was. Hope I'm wrong...

Which other midfielders are good, realistic targets? I wonder if Cattermole would leave Boro, doubt it as he's a Boro lad but I like him as a player...

You just beat me to it Bish. I was about to say that I am now getting worried as to Reid ever making it back as a Prem player. It is starting to look like he just cannot attain and keep the level of fitness required any more. We have to trust the judgement of the Rovers medical staff and coaches, but it is not looking good.

[modes98]

I've had a cheeky few quid on Grayson at 25s.

Nicko in your opinion is it worth a quid or 2?

Edit: Bunged £4 on it anyway.

[nicko]

Nicko in your opinion is it worth a quid or 2?

Edit: Bunged £4 on it anyway.

You have a fighting chance, but don't go daft because of the compensation problems they would face on that one.

It's the same with Steve Bruce and Wigan. He is odds-on but you still have to get past La Brady at Birmingham. And, as Rovers will tell you, that is a costly exercise.