[Archived] Nicko's Thread

[Presty On Tour]

with regards to ashton, there is no chance we could afford the fee for the player even if he was interested for a move up north.

[Paul Mellelieu]

Guardian reports Chelsea monitoring McCarthy. You were right Philip.

[Presty On Tour]

Nicko, did Man City make an approach for Santa Cruz last night?

It's on the BBC and Newsnow sites.

Cheeky sods.

with him missing for the coventry game through injury, the media will speculate even more no doubt.

[USABlue]

Not really hot on the idea of Pascal...the lad has had more clubs than Tiger Woods

And so had one Craig Bellamy

[USABlue]

We might start getting bid for Bentley too... If Chelsea or Liverpool come in for him it might be quite tricky...

I am not so sure about that one. Bents seems very happy at Rovers and given his experience at one of the big four he may be a little reluctant to go that route again. I am sure Bentley is aware that at either of those clubs he may not be playing in every game, something which is vital to young David if he is serious about his England aspirations.

[Nelsta]

If Spurs want 30 million for berbatov then im sure we(if we were to sell) could command a similar fee for either Mccarthy or Santa Cruz.Esp Mccarthy whom has scored more goals in less games.

[nicko]

Nicko, did Man City make an approach for Santa Cruz last night?

I understand that they made a 'cheeky' inquiry...and it got slapped down.

I don't think you have much to worry about there, Roque seems pretty happy and has never scored more goals in his life.

The story reached the papers from the Man City end, so it's not as if Roque or any of his agents are trying to rev something up.

It does tell me City want a striker - and are another club not going for Anelka [yet].

[Flopsy]

whats happening with Emre at the Barcodes Nicko?

[ihateburnley]

If Spurs want 30 million for berbatov then im sure we(if we were to sell) could command a similar fee for either Mccarthy or Santa Cruz.Esp Mccarthy whom has scored more goals in less games.

This is a mindset that I have associated primarily with Eddie, but has also shone through with a small number of other members of this board. Can I remind you that:

a) McCarthy is nowhere near the quality of Berbatov.

b ) Records show that a good player leaving a club like Spurs instantly command a higher transfer fee than those leaving a club like Rovers.

c) Finishing runner-up as Premiership top goalscorer last year does not make you immune from the same criticism applied to other players.

d) McCarthy does not become a comparatively 'natural goalscorer' within the space of one season. Similarly when Benni joined the club, one describe the player as not good enough for Rovers as the season before he scored a disappointing 3 goals in 22 league starts for FC Porto.

It's time we stop clinging on to past glories no matter how relatively recent they are. The simple fact of the matter is that those who watch every game and follow the Rovers around the country know full well that Mr McCarthy has been very poor this season in general. He has put in a number of lethargic, non-committal and half-hearted performances spread over a period of what is now five months. His fellow 'main' striking companion has been a revelation and has attracted the attention of a number of top-clubs with NOT ONLY his goalscoring exploits, but his linkup play, his holding of the ball, his finishing, his attitude, but most of all his supreme aerial ability. McCarthy is in the team ahead of an England U21 striker that is desperate to prove himself, and hardworking Roberts that has impressed when given a chance. I don't blame Roberts for getting frustrated with the lack of opportunites, especially with McCarthy strolling around waiting for Cruz to come up with the goods.

You cannot defend the indefensible.

[Mozzer]

are chelsea monitoring benni mcarthy??? is any other club after him???

[nicko]

are chelsea monitoring benni mcarthy??? is any other club after him???

McCarthy is not the wanted man he was a few months ago...it's a funny old game.

That's either good news or bad news and possibly even both.

I don't think he is high on Chelsea's wish list. The player they want is someone to replace Drogba while he is away - and possibly in the long term as I think he is off in the summer.

Berbatov seems the perfect fit for that job. He may be an arse, but he is class.

[Eddie]

This is a mindset that I have associated primarily with Eddie, but has also shone through with a small number of other members of this board. Can I remind you that:

a) McCarthy is nowhere near the quality of Berbatov.

b ) Records show that a good player leaving a club like Spurs instantly command a higher transfer fee than those leaving a club like Rovers.

c) Finishing runner-up as Premiership top goalscorer last year does not make you immune from the same criticism applied to other players.

d) McCarthy does not become a comparatively 'natural goalscorer' within the space of one season. Similarly when Benni joined the club, one describe the player as not good enough for Rovers as the season before he scored a disappointing 3 goals in 22 league starts for FC Porto.

It's time we stop clinging on to past glories no matter how relatively recent they are. The simple fact of the matter is that those who watch every game and follow the Rovers around the country know full well that Mr McCarthy has been very poor this season in general. He has put in a number of lethargic, non-committal and half-hearted performances spread over a period of what is now five months. His fellow 'main' striking companion has been a revelation and has attracted the attention of a number of top-clubs with NOT ONLY his goalscoring exploits, but his linkup play, his holding of the ball, his finishing, his attitude, but most of all his supreme aerial ability. McCarthy is in the team ahead of an England U21 striker that is desperate to prove himself, and hardworking Roberts that has impressed when given a chance. I don't blame Roberts for getting frustrated with the lack of opportunites, especially with McCarthy strolling around waiting for Cruz to come up with the goods.

You cannot defend the indefensible.

A) I would never think that Benni would fetch a similar fee to Berbatov. I wouldn't expect us to get over 10 million for him, let alone over 20.

Nothing makes you immune from citicism, but it shows that you are a pretty decent player, especially when you have already been a key player in a team that has won the Champions League.

C) Benni is a natural goalscorer, his goalscoring record over the course of his career is very good and you can just see from him that he is a natural finisher. That doesn't make him a better player than Roque, simply a different type of player.

D) Benni doesn't just stroll around waiting for Cruz to come up with the goods. I'm really not sure which matches some of you watch and I'm also not sure why you don't just pass on the premiership and watch non-league football, they run around a lot.

E) Yawn.

[Mozzer]

so maybe your claims about anelka could be right

no top 4 club seem to be going in for him-only paper talk...

city are having other targets...

would we not need to get rid of mcarthy to afford anelka tho??

is it right were still interested in anelka???

[nicko]

so maybe your claims about anelka could be right

no top 4 club seem to be going in for him-only paper talk...

city are having other targets...

would we not need to get rid of mcarthy to afford anelka tho??

is it right were still interested in anelka???

I felt all along that the time to strike for Anelka was at the death, when everyone else has gone and the player may be more interested in Rovers than he is now. It would have helped if you were close to the top four, I have to add.

I should stress that this timing and strategy is just my thoughts, not something the club are necessarily thinking.

But I do know he is the player Sparky wants above all others.

And, yes, they would have to find a buyer for Benni. But that could yet be possible.

[rovers_rob]

The way Benni is playing I can't see anyone coming in for him.

According to the official web site it looks like we will get the chance to see Rigters and Treacy in action tomorrow and Gally might be involved as well. I hope Gally doesn't go back to Preston because I think he could be a useful squad player.

Any news on Savage nicko ? Is this one going to drag on for weeks ?

[Sandiway Blue]

The way Benni is playing I can't see anyone coming in for him.

According to the official web site it looks like we will get the chance to see Rigters and Treacy in action tomorrow and Gally might be involved as well. I hope Gally doesn't go back to Preston because I think he could be a useful squad player.

Any news on Savage nicko ? Is this one going to drag on for weeks ?

As much as i like Gally`s attitude,fact is he isn`t good enough for the prem.

Hughes has said all along he doesn`t want squad players,he wants first team players.

Sadly Gally doesn`t fit the bill.

[1864roverite]

Keane and Sunderland expect 2 other signings in the next 2 days, I wonder if Savage is one of them with derby allegedly sniffing around ?

It will be interesting to see if he features in the FA Cup team on Saturday.

[Oklahoma]

What people seem to forget is that it was Mourinho that wanted Benni.

Grant probably wants another big name signing like David Villa (it's in the newspapers today).

According to the german site transfermarkt.de, in the last 3 seasons (2007/2008 included), here are Benni and RSC stats:

Benni: 100 games, 7514 minutes, 38 goals (in Rovers and FC Porto)

RSC: 84 games, 5067 minutes, 18 goals (in Rovers and FC Bayern Munich)

[EwoodGlory]

whats happening with Emre at the Barcodes Nicko?

I would love us to make a move for him, he's wasted at Newcastle. Most of the fans thinks he should be starting every game.

Maybe Tugay should have a word

[Presty On Tour]

I would love us to make a move for him, he's wasted at Newcastle. Most of the fans thinks he should be starting every game.

Maybe Tugay should have a word

natural left footer too.

he could be in price range imo.

[rovers_rob]

As much as i like Gally`s attitude,fact is he isn`t good enough for the prem.

Hughes has said all along he doesn`t want squad players,he wants first team players.

Sadly Gally doesn`t fit the bill.

Gally is a good footballer, in the past he has looked lightweight but I think he would be a decent partner for a big centre forward.

In the past Hughes has played with 2 strikers but on many occasions this season he has played with RSC up front and either Benni or Bentley playing deeper. It think that roll would be perfect for Gally.

Roberts is injured/sulking, Derbs and Santa Cruz are injured and after reading the posts on the 'Rovers Sold' thread we have no money to buy anyone else so I think he should be given a chance.

[joey_big_nose]

natural left footer too.

he could be in price range imo.

I could see Emre being viable, but with Barton out of commisssion maybe he is back in the picture at Newcastle?

[AndyC]

I am not so sure about that one. Bents seems very happy at Rovers and given his experience at one of the big four he may be a little reluctant to go that route again. I am sure Bentley is aware that at either of those clubs he may not be playing in every game, something which is vital to young David if he is serious about his England aspirations.

I think he'd be much more likely to get a stating position at Liverpool & Chelsea now....especially the way he's playing. In fact, I hate to say it, but he's just the type of player who would do well at Liverpool.

We'll be lucky to get one more season out of him before a big money move....

[Eddie]

He could get in the team at Liverpool for 3/5 games, but he wouldn't make the side at Chelsea.

[they_think_its_all_rover]

Nicko, are Pompey strengthening their squad? ...as they will be a bit thread bare come African Cup of Nations.