[Archived] Nicko's Thread

[AggyBlue]

On Benni, I would only be sure he was staying at midnight on August 31.

I hope that's just a throwaway comment nicko.

If Benni wants Champions League football, he has to score enough goals this season to get us there.

[Eddie]

I believe all he is saying is that it is still a possibility that he could leave, which I think we all know is true, it always is.

[nicko]

And before anyone asks there is a story on BBC teletext about Steven Whittaker, the pretty decent Hibs right back/right midfielder.

I know Rovers went to see him last season and the Middlesbrough link had some truth at one stage but possibly not so much now.

However I would expect that Whittaker signs for Rangers before very much longer.

[den]

"The four strikers I had on show will not be leaving. They are all part of my plans" - Hughes.

LET.

[nicko]

I can't give you a definitive answer on Benni. That's why I made the August 31 comment.

Chelsea could be in the market soon if Shevchenko goes. As you may recall with Damien Duff, their money talks...loudly. I do not want to cause panic, but Mourinho's admiration for Benni is well known and I am pretty sure there has been an inquiry at some stage over the summer.

West Ham are definitely looking to buy a top striker. They asked about Andy Johnson, Darren Bent and most recently Nicolas Anelka.

Any idiot could look at the leading Premiership scorers and work out they were worth a bid. I am sure they would take Benni in a heartbeat, but hopefully they will go elsehwhere soon. They must sign a striker soon to soften the Tevez blow.

All I hope is that is a massive offer comes in and the player wants to go that it happens on a timescale that would allow scope to find a replacement.

Again, I stress I am not being a panic merchant, just a realist.

Let's be fair, if Rovers had £12-15 million to spend on a Premiership striker you would want them to be trying for Benni boy.

[pleasure]

niko, something that may be of interest. i hear bolton are interested in mido. he isnt keen on a move to birmingham (cos they're insisting on a 50% wage-cut if relegated).

considering WW already have 2 similar forwards in davies and helguson, that would seem a strange decision to me.

interestingly, in hughes recent interviews, about the options he has available in attack, he hasnt mentioned gally.

as i said last week, sheff weds are in discussions for him, and his days seem numbered.

personally, i feel it'd be a mistake to let him go -unless the offer is sizable. he can cover a few positions (anywhere across the midfield and upfront), and his ratio of goals - minutes on the pitch, for rovers, will be impressive.

on benni, i think it'dve have to be a sizable bid (of darren bent proportions) and benni would have to feel wanted by his suitors.

there's more chance of his strike-partner leaving, from what i hear.

[nicko]

I like Gally but he has not come through the way I thought. Being a fellow countryman I really hoped he would develop.

The smart move might be to loan him if he is not playing. Sheffield Wednesday would be as a good a place as any.

I know there is a feeling that he needs to toughen up a bit. Sometimes that happens, sometimes not.

I will check the Mido tip immediately. Cheers for that. There is a reason why that might be right, but I have to double check. Something rings a bell. And you have hinted on it by accident in your message.

By the way Alan Smith will be making some headlines tomorrow...there I go teasing again.

But, sleep easy in your beds, he isn't coming to Rovers.

[gazsimm]

I like Gally but he has not come through the way I thought. Being a fellow countryman I really hoped he would develop.

The smart move might be to loan him if he is not playing. Sheffield Wednesday would be as a good a place as any.

I know there is a feeling that he needs to toughen up a bit. Sometimes that happens, sometimes not.

I will check the Mido tip immediately. Cheers for that. There is a reason why that might be right, but I have to double check. Something rings a bell. And you have hinted on it by accident in your message.

By the way Alan Smith will be making some headlines tomorrow...there I go teasing again.

But, sleep easy in your beds, he isn't coming to Rovers.

Smith is on his way to Newcastle i have heard

[nicko]

I think Big Sam would have to rob a bank. Now there's a picture.

Newcastle are in the hunt, but there is one club offering the right fee and probably the best wages.

And he will be there later on today.

[gazsimm]

I think Big Sam would have to rob a bank. Now there's a picture.

Newcastle are in the hunt, but there is one club offering the right fee and probably the best wages.

And he will be there later on today.

it must be west ham then

[nicko]

Talking to Middlesbrough first...others may follow. But I have a feeling theirs will be the best financial offer.

Newcastle, Villa and Everton all keen but the cash for the fee and wages would stretch them - unless he takes his time to decide and they can sell.

Boro playing a good hand here, outbid everyone and offer the best salary. You can do no more.

Smith at £6 million and £60,000-a-week, Roque at around £4 million or so and close to £40,000-a-week salary...what do you think is the better bit of business?

[AggyBlue]

Smith at £6 million and £60,000-a-week, Roque at around £4 million or so and close to £40,000-a-week salary...what do you think is the better bit of business?

I'll tell you after Santa Claus has played a dozen games

[LeftWinger]

I'll tell you after Santa Claus has played a dozen games

I wonder if Newcastle fans said something similar when Owen signed - they'll still be waiting to pass judgment ha ha

[nicko]

Bolton and Mido is a no go. Just checked. Thought he might have been offered by Tottenham because they want rid...but they haven't and Bolton are not that interested.

[greggyk]

Serves you right for taking what Pleasure says seriously!!

[3rdpillar]

this is an intersting and more over an entertaining thread. Much better than last years transfer roumers.

[Blue n White Rover]

Nicko i was just wondering wether Rovers will be talking to Steven Whittaker. We are a bit short in the RB department. We have Ooijer who is a good defender but not good attacking wise and doesnt support Bentley as much. Then we have Emerton who isnt a very good defender but can attack and help Bentley out. Interesting who Sparky will start with VS Boro.

[Rover 'til I die]

Nicko any news on the Eddie Johnson story from our firends at always reliable friends, tribalfootball. Seems a bit weird buying another striker

[pleasure]

Bolton and Mido is a no go. Just checked. Thought he might have been offered by Tottenham because they want rid...but they haven't and Bolton are not that interested.

that's a shame.

i'dve loved them to blow most of the anelka money on mido!

whilst he's been over here, mido has presented his own highlights show, in the style of MOTD -"called mido @ london." bits of the show is apparantly shot on location. if he goes to a less fashionable club, i wouldnt mind seeing where he chooses to shoot his links.

he'd probably do a 'des lynam' and give up on the presenting.

[nicko]

Steven Whittaker - I think the agent is just cranking it up a touch. I still think Rangers is where he is bound. They are on a big 'buy Scottish' push whenever possible, the kid from Falkirk, Whittaker's old mate Thomson from Hibs, Naismith from Kilmarnock eventually and Lee McCulloch from Wigan.

Eddie Johnson - don't think there's much in that one at all at the moment. Good player. However there are strikers galor at Ewood right now.

It will be interesting to see who starts up front for the stiffs on Tuesday night.

[rover_groo]

I think it's Warnock - Berner - Taylor as it stands. Then there 's Tony Kane and Eddie Nolan who also appear to be on the fringe of the first team defense.

I think Tony Kane would be one of the best bets to fill in at left-back. Can do a sterling job at either full-back spot. Decent competition for this position with Kane, Taylor, Berner all ready and waiting. However I think Hughes may strengthen in the January transfer window and pick up another bargin as he doe with Warnock.

I can't give you a definitive answer on Benni. That's why I made the August 31 comment.

Chelsea could be in the market soon if Shevchenko goes. As you may recall with Damien Duff, their money talks...loudly. I do not want to cause panic, but Mourinho's admiration for Benni is well known and I am pretty sure there has been an inquiry at some stage over the summer. West Ham are definitely looking to buy a top striker. They asked about Andy Johnson, Darren Bent and most recently Nicolas Anelka. All I hope is that is a massive offer comes in and the player wants to go that it happens on a timescale that would allow scope to find a replacement.

Again, I stress I am not being a panic merchant, just a realist. Let's be fair, if Rovers had £12-15 million to spend on a Premiership striker you would want them to be trying for Benni boy.

If Chelsea came in with a sensible offer in circa. of £15million and looked as though Benni wanted to leave then I'd let him go. He could be a huge loss, but with our current batch of strikers would be OK to kick-start the Premiership season. However if we needed to buy then Andy Johnson would be a decent replacement.

interestingly, in hughes recent interviews, about the options he has available in attack, he hasnt mentioned gally.

as i said last week, sheff weds are in discussions for him, and his days seem numbered.

Pleasure, I find that hard to believe that Gally will be shown an exit door this soon. If it does happen, I wouldn't expect it to go through until January transfer window, as we need to see where we stand with our players/injuries etc etc. Gally is 'very highly' thought of at Ewood. He's worked on building his physical presence up over recent times and again is one of the most skilfull players we've had.

His versatility to play in several positions must also be looked at. I know we have a huge depth of a squad and atm Gally is only a squad player at most. Maybe a loan move for a month or two would be the best & most sensible option for Rovers.

[stuwilky]

I think Taylor is a lost cause myself - he has actually deteriorated as a player lately. He got ill 18 months ago (or thereabouts) and for me hasnt recovered fully.

[pleasure]

His versatility to play in several positions must also be looked at. I know we have a huge depth of a squad and atm Gally is only a squad player at most. Maybe a loan move for a month or two would be the best & most sensible option for Rovers.

i've already posted : personally, i feel it'd be a mistake to let him go -unless the offer is sizable. he can cover a few positions (anywhere across the midfield and upfront), and his ratio of goals - minutes on the pitch, for rovers, will be impressive.

on andy johnson replacing benni, no thanks.

IMO andy taylor deserves a chance at being our 2nd choice left-back. i've seen berner get ripped apart at everton and more worringly by wrexham.

on tony kane, i've not seen him play, but he's highly regarded by the coaching staff. certain members of staff have told me : he's incredibly quick, strong in the tackle, and makes superb overlapping runs.

[neophox]

I've say like this on the Benni front! I think he penned a 3.5 year contract when he signed. Then he should stay with us this year and if someone wants him next year he can go. But he will be almost 31 next year and I think he will sign a new contract with rovers instead.

[neophox]

BOOOOOW ! Alan Smith's of to Man City.....oh god!