[Archived] Other Premier League Happenings

[RevidgeBlue]

Keane's a great player imo, I recall he was out of favour at Spurs and available for about 6m around the time we signed Bellamy.

If the Trustees had been prepared to go out on a bit of a limb at that stage, what a forward line we could have had.

[FourLaneBlue]

Keane's a great player imo, I recall he was out of favour at Spurs and available for about 6m around the time we signed Bellamy.

I think Keane is a cracking player. Pacy, always annoying the defenders, flashes of brillance. Very similar to Bellamy but without the baggage. They are such similar players that it would be interesting as to how the two playing together up front would work out.

[daren]

Torres and Keane seems like an excellent partnership on paper but I suspect it will need a lot of work on the training ground to make it a partnership in reality.

I don't rate Robbie Keane all that highly.

He has always flattered to deceive in my opinion. Very good but never became the star he threatened to become.

Hmmm, clearly you don't rate Keane, but I think you're missing where Keane's strengths lie - he's not the out and out striker that many think of him as, he has always been much better as a support striker - one who can sit a bit deeper and play intelligently. I think in combination with an out and out finisher (i.e. our Benni, for instance) he would really shine.

It's something we had with the SAS and that many clubs are missing - a finisher and a supporter. When Benni played with RSC last season they were in the wrong roles for me. Benni dropped too deep and RSC stayed right up there. I had figured that RSC's quality at holding the ball up when required and the fact that he's quite a good passer of the ball would have made him better suited to be the late arriving striker, leaving Benni in and around the opposition defenders where he can cause havoc.

Unfortunately, Benni was too impatient so he dropped back to midfield where he was often more a hindrance than a help.

The point of which being that I think that Keane will flourish alongside a pacy, intelligent finisher like Torres.

It's not the new regulations I'm referring to. Just that Roque will have two years left till his contract runs out, and if he doesnt want to sign a new one and wants to leave then we will have to sell next summer or he will rapidly decrease in value...and this will reduce his transfer fee by a little in itself, since we would be actively looking to sell in that situation I'm sure.

I have to admit that this makes no sense to me - it's about then that we'd be looking to get him onto a new contract. Two years left is a strong position, one year left is much, much weaker. So we wouldn't have to worry per se until there's one year left.

I have to admit, this summer has my heart in my mouth, but we're doing OK so far. The key is to keeping Roque for me. Bentley's a tricky one, 17m is a lot of cash (even if L'Arsé get their cut) and I have really noticed that the rest of the team seem to see him as an easy way out at times - if in trouble the ball can get kicked in his direction more often than not. It forces others back and makes us predictable. If he stays, we need someone pacy to complement him - it's ok having a slowish winger but two of them can really put the brakes on when moving quickly could kill an opponent.

[tony gale's mic]

I have to admit that this makes no sense to me - it's about then that we'd be looking to get him onto a new contract. Two years left is a strong position, one year left is much, much weaker. So we wouldn't have to worry per se until there's one year left.

I have to admit, this summer has my heart in my mouth, but we're doing OK so far. The key is to keeping Roque for me. Bentley's a tricky one, 17m is a lot of cash (even if L'Arsé get their cut) and I have really noticed that the rest of the team seem to see him as an easy way out at times - if in trouble the ball can get kicked in his direction more often than not. It forces others back and makes us predictable. If he stays, we need someone pacy to complement him - it's ok having a slowish winger but two of them can really put the brakes on when moving quickly could kill an opponent.

I mentioned it in response to someone saying his value would jump if he had another good season next year.

I said even he did have another good season, if he didnt sign an extension then one less year on the contract would mean a reduced transfer fee and I think that would negate the effect of the good season. As I said in my previous post, this would be if he didnt want to sign a new contract.

Two years left on the contract, no willingness to sign a new contract, would mean we would be wanting to sell to prevent his value from dropping like a stone the following year. This in itself would reduce his transfer value slightly, as the price we'd set on him would be a few million lower since we'd actually be hoping clubs met it, unlike with Bentley with three years left on his - we can set a target price of £18 million because we know that worst comes to worst we can still sell him for a good transfer fee next summer too.

[leftfooter]

All part of the pressure Spuds think they are putting the authorities and Ferguson under over Berbatov but I really do think they are whistling in reality.

I'd assumed rather that Levy's crocodiles tears were aimed at appeasing the great mass of Home Counties Spurs support, greatly assisted as usual by his friends in the media.

He's cynical enough to know that selling Keane (who will be 29 in February) was a great bit of business.

And I agree Philip. For all his unquestioned on field ability, Keane has never been a clinical enough finisher.

[Zulu]

You think so? I think they've had a horrendous summer. Muamba is never a £5 million player, Elmander has never been anything like prolific in his career, and they've just replaced easily their classiest forward player (strictly in footballing style I must stress) with an unknown player from Spain labelled 'the Jason Roberts of the wing' by his own fans.

I think they'll really struggle to stay up this year if one or possibly two of the promoted teams adapt well (personally I think West Brom and Hull are going to do okay). I think Fulham and Wigan are leaving them behind...and there aren't many other Prem teams from last season you could see getting dragged in to a relegation fight.

This is what I love about football forums. I think there's one other Prem side that might get dragged into the mix this season due to changing circumstances. Some of your fellow posters have spotted this too, Chuck.

Anyway, talk's cheap. We'll all be a bit clearer in a month's time.

[S15]

Keane is a very very good player who is currently in his peak whilst at good age. He has performed well in the Premier League for a period close to a decade now, and whilst having a wee period in the cold for a few months (Might have been best part of a year) at Spurs, he has always shown himself to be a top, top performer at this level.

But of course, the guy we got who spend the last three years on a surgury table and has had one good season in this country is going to fetch more in the transfer market.

Take a closer look people, of course Santa Cruz has been great for us, and I'm sure he can get better, but you have to look at it without the cringeworthy blue and white shades on. Any buyer would be very wary of his injury record and the fact that last season was the only time he has ever scored more than 5 league goals. And of course, they would be spot on. The £12-15m price tag would, in the eyes of the Rovers board present exceptional business, and I'm sure they would seriously consider offers within this region. And, with what I've already pointed out along with the fact this guy cost little over £3m 12 months ago, who could blame them?

Personally I hope he stays, as we really could do without losing two huge players in one summer. I also feel replacing Santa Cruz would be harder than Bentley. But then there is the very real risk that Santa Cruz gets a serious injury and is out for a long period, as his career has been decorated with this. In this scenario, we are in big trouble, as we are a centre forward down and we have no £12m-£15m to replace him with. Also, his career stats suggest that this past season has been a flash in the pan, and though I'm sure it will prove not to be, I've no doubt it will only get tougher from here on in, as someone else mentioned; Benni McCarthy.

So, to somewhat conclude my original point, the valuation and rediculous comparisions made by some Rovers fans on here are embarassing.

[budha]

Obviously there's a lot extra in Keane's price because of the Euro games 4+4 quota, where you need to have 4 people trained by you and 4 people trained in your country(?). Liverpool are short in both categories, so it's either buy expensive or include some U18-players to the limited quota.. and we all know how much Rafa likes to tinker his squad, so all the slots in the quota are needed to be filled with first team players. In the first category they have Gerrard and Carragher. Finnan, Keane and Pennant in the latter. Also one reason why Pennant might be more expensive than what his performances would make us expect.

[Majiball]

Obviously there's a lot extra in Keane's price because of the Euro games 4+4 quota, where you need to have 4 people trained by you and 4 people trained in your country(?). Liverpool are short in both categories, so it's either buy expensive or include some U18-players to the limited quota.. and we all know how much Rafa likes to tinker his squad, so all the slots in the quota are needed to be filled with first team players. In the first category they have Gerrard and Carragher. Finnan, Keane and Pennant in the latter. Also one reason why Pennant might be more expensive than what his performances would make us expect.

the rule is 8 players trained between the ages of 15- 21 within your own borders. a minium of 4 of these players must have spent those 3 years at your own club.

Just seen this:

http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=795380

Quality player and a loaner as well, pity we've missed the boat!

Oh and Levy how my heart bleeds for you!

http://www.4thegame.com/club/tottenham-hot...keane_sale.html

[21 Rover]

Aston Villa are poised to make a £4.5m bid for Reading's England international left-back Nicky Shorey as manager Martin O'Neill sets about bringing in at least five new players before the new season starts. (Daily Star)

Going off that alone then we should be asking for at least £6m+ for Warnock, if he did want to go

[roversmum]

This is what I love about football forums. I think there's one other Prem side that might get dragged into the mix this season due to changing circumstances. Some of your fellow posters have spotted this too, Chuck.

Anyway, talk's cheap. We'll all be a bit clearer in a month's time.

Never mind, Zulu. I'm sure Bolton will be okay

[alexanders]

£12M for Andrew Johnson - £12M For Moutinho. Do you think Moutinho will become a hit in the PL?

[Zulu]

Never mind, Zulu. I'm sure Bolton will be okay

I'm sure Rovers will be too, Mum!

[Baggio]

Sébastien Bassong having a medical at Newcastle today according to Eurosport.

He's a centre back that can play left back but I'm not sure if that means we're not interested in Warnock anymore.

[BRFC1995]

Just seen eagles press conference....................what the hell has happened to his face looks like all his skin is stretched like a facelift and i can't put my finger on why but his eyebrows don' look right either....what a freak...perfect dingle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rebelmswar]

QUOTE

Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra's struggle to clear his name and recover £800m took another turn for the worse yesterday when a court in Bangkok accepted charges in a third criminal case against the former Thai Prime Minister.

Thaksin and dozens of government workers and ministers are accused of abuse of power in a state lottery that lost around £500m from 2003. The telecoms billionaire must now await a court hearing in September which will decree whether he and 46 others involved in alleged tax exemption and misspending irregularities must repay the money.

Hopefully this could mean no move from City for Cruz, fingers crossed anyway.

[Billy Castell]

Just seen eagles press conference....................what the hell has happened to his face looks like all his skin is stretched like a facelift and i can't put my finger on why but his eyebrows don' look right either....what a freak...perfect dingle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May I politely remind you this is a Premiership thread

[ffan]

Roy's green light for Gomez

ROY HODGSON is bidding to complete a £33million revamp of his Fulham forward line by snapping up Mario Gomez from Stuttgart.

Craven Cottage boss Hodgson has stolen a march on Arsenal and his negotiators are understood to have agreed a fee of around £15million with the German club.

Bobby Zamora has already joined from West Ham for £6.3m, while ex-Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson has arrived for £12m from Everton. Now

German international Gomez is close to agreeing personal terms.

Arsenal face Stuttgart and former keeper Jens Lehmann today in a pre-season friendly.

And they may have to do some late wheeler-dealing if they want to put the skids under Hodgson’s latest transfer coup.

Gomez’s advisers had talks with Gunners representatives on Monday.

The 23-year-old’s arrival at the Cottage would confirm Hodgson’s intent to make a big impression on the Premier League this season.

He wants to end the club’s perpetual battles against relegation by taking them to a European place.

Gomez, who had a poor Euro 2008 and failed to score a goal, has also been linked with a move to Bayern Munich.

But he would face stiff competition for a place there from Luca Toni, Miroslav Klose and Lucas Podolski.

Hodgson is also close to finalising the signing of Fredrik Stoor, 24, from Norwegian club Rosenborg.

The Sweden defender has been in London to have a medical, after a cut-price fee of £2m was agreed.

The deal should go through in the next 24 hours.

[The Prof.]

Roy's green light for Gomez

ROY HODGSON is bidding to complete a £33million revamp of his Fulham forward line by snapping up Mario Gomez from Stuttgart.

Craven Cottage boss Hodgson has stolen a march on Arsenal and his negotiators are understood to have agreed a fee of around £15million with the German club.

Bobby Zamora has already joined from West Ham for £6.3m, while ex-Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson has arrived for £12m from Everton. Now

German international Gomez is close to agreeing personal terms.

Arsenal face Stuttgart and former keeper Jens Lehmann today in a pre-season friendly.

And they may have to do some late wheeler-dealing if they want to put the skids under Hodgson’s latest transfer coup.

Gomez’s advisers had talks with Gunners representatives on Monday.

The 23-year-old’s arrival at the Cottage would confirm Hodgson’s intent to make a big impression on the Premier League this season.

He wants to end the club’s perpetual battles against relegation by taking them to a European place.

Gomez, who had a poor Euro 2008 and failed to score a goal, has also been linked with a move to Bayern Munich.

But he would face stiff competition for a place there from Luca Toni, Miroslav Klose and Lucas Podolski.

Hodgson is also close to finalising the signing of Fredrik Stoor, 24, from Norwegian club Rosenborg.

The Sweden defender has been in London to have a medical, after a cut-price fee of £2m was agreed.

The deal should go through in the next 24 hours.

You're putting all the other London clubs in the shade here FF - hope it works out for you. I didn't realise the sale signs outside Harrods meant that Harrods was up for sale!

[RibbleValleyRover]

Woy is really splashing the cash this season, though i have to say some of the players aren't worth what has been paid for them.

Whats your expectations for this season ffan? Where should Fulham be aiming?

[Ricky]

ffan, where has all the money come from for you guys? To be fair you spent a fair whack last summer (on some pretty mediocre players if I'm perfectly hones) I would have thought you would have had to have sold quite a few players this year before spending the kind of money Woys been given to spend.

But good luck to you, I like my trips to Fulham.

[rover6]

I may be behind with the times here but I thought Mo AL-Fayed was winding down his Fulham excesses. What's with the cash splash?

Wigan sign Cattermole for a supposed £3.5 million. IS that a good deal - and who for?! There was a lot of hype around the 'Cat' but I don't know how much of that was down to his age rather than ability.

I haven't really paid much attention to him but I guess it's hard to perform in Southgate's crumby Boro side.

[ffan]

The Prof. -

RibbleValleyRover - I think like most fans, we just want to consolidate and aim for high mid table. Also if your talking about being ripped off again by West Ham then I fully agree with you.

Ricky - I haven't got a horses clue as where the money has come from although I suspect that after last seasons scare Al - Fayed now has a manager he trusts and will throw money at it again.

Am already looking forward to next season!

[jrabrfc]

Joey Barton [narrating]: "The first day's the toughest, no doubt about it. They march you in, hand you your uniform and force you to pose for the photographer while loads of fat, tattooed, skinheads shout at you. That's when you know it's for real. A whole life blown away in the blink of an eye. Nothing left but all the time in the world to think about it. That's when it hits home. That's when you realise you've signed for Newcastle."

[CrazyIvan]

Joey Barton [narrating]: "The first day's the toughest, no doubt about it. They march you in, hand you your uniform and force you to pose for the photographer while loads of fat, tattooed, skinheads shout at you. That's when you know it's for real. A whole life blown away in the blink of an eye. Nothing left but all the time in the world to think about it. That's when it hits home. That's when you realise you've signed for Newcastle."

pmsl