[Archived] Nicko's News Ticker

[rebelmswar]

OK, that adds up to £10m+ on top of an unknown kitty available to Hughes previously. It's still a lot of guesswork though, but I accept what you say.

While we're talking money, from the Lancs Telegraph:-

"Rovers are believed to be banking an initial £15 million for the England international, with future add-ons tied into the deal."

Now that's saying there is NO sell on clause. True or false?

Guesswork?

The Sun's story/confirmation about the sell-on clause comes from the paper that Bentley writes for...I can only presume they checked with him.

Hey, Nicko I read your snippet of last night's game. I heard Robinson was unlucky with that deflected shot and actually made a fine tip-over later on... but you neglected to mention that, eh?

If you read the match report you would see both were mentioned.

Newspapers can be quite handy.

There was NO other national paper at the game, so you better get the Mirror...while stocks last.

[den]

Feels like I've got a stalker around here.

[rebelmswar]

Actually, my copy of the Mirror just has the words 'disastrous' and 'gaffe', and no mention whatsoever of Robinson's acrobatics.

The word 'gaffe' was never used by me.

There is a complete match report in the edition up here.

There is also an ongoing feud involving the words "Gaff" "Disastrous" and "Robinson", due to the complete ranting nature of the posts feel free to read them in the main thread.

[Hi Mack]

There is also an ongoing feud involving the words "Gaff" "Disastrous" and "Robinson", due to the complete ranting nature of the posts feel free to read them in the main thread.

Whys nickos thread been closed?bit petty eh?

[steverovers]

Whys nickos thread been closed?bit petty eh?

Elijah

Boo-hoo, we won't all be hanging off a journo's every word for information that'll inevitably be confirmed/denied anyway. Let him throw his toys out of the pram if he wants.

Ban this asshole from the site

[dj54nna]

http://www.brfcs.co.uk/mb/index.php?showto...8312&st=220

Proper discussion about this issue is here, chaps.

[rebelmswar]

You spend a few hours on a story last night and somebody takes your thread away...

Anyway, you are about to sign a right back.

More 'silly season' stuff no doubt.

Named about midnight.

Nicko any idea on the latest Warnock for Baines story?

Decent left back, mistake by going to Everton though.

I don't see why Everton would want Warnock when they ahve Lescott in that role.

Baines is OK and available.

All I will say about the right back is that he has never been mentioned before - to the best of my knowledge.

It is a surprise as other targets were being watched.

There may be a reason why this deal is on...but it's a strange one.

And it could be that this guy won't be the only full back arrival either.

By the way, the Barca goalie will not be staying - and I don't think Annan is in either.

Checked both last night but could not post them this morning...

[rebelmswar]

Just been reading some of the tripe on the nicko's thread about nicko's thread thread...or whatever.

Some people need to get out more.

Where does this anti-manager crap come from?

I broke the Fowler story and said it was 'madness or genius' - which I think is fair.

I said there was more to the Friedel sale than met the eye - there was, Rovers were trying to sign his replacement AS WELL AS Brad being offered a big deal at Villa.

I also broke Villanueva and Castillo, which are hardly anti-manager stories. I also sniffed out two of the right backs they have been watching - is there something anti in that?

Some people frankly have no idea how the game works and have their own silly little agendas.

Pathetic.

I have to sniff out a story last night that requires me to do my day job and some clowns are talking about me 'doing one in a huff'...

Get a grip.

Nicko, have you heard anything about King Carlos being sick and has to be isolated ?

Yup, he's got a bug...didn't know it was chicken pox...

Connected to this ?

King Carlos

Don't like hearing "surprise" and "maybe not the only right back coming", seems like a squad player. Not that I'm judging him before I hear his name, obviously Anyway, I was hoping we could bring in ONE classy right back, and keep Emerton / Ooijer as cover - but if Skippy is going to play right midfield this season, and Ooijer leaving / covering a central position, a 2nd choice is needed. Not a big money move then, Nicko?

It's an 'interesting' one...because it's a surprise and because of the circumstances surrounding it.

11 o'clocker toneet Nicko, or should I carry on with the Carlsberg Export?

Leave it until 12...don't want it pinched for the papers tomorrow.

[rebelmswar]

Nicko, any truth that new 'Michael Essien' is coming on a trial? thx

I am still not sure that he is.

Nicko, MK Dons have confirmed that Andrews will be staying next season. Does your source agree with that statement or is he/she still adamant that he's coming to Rovers?

I will believe he is staying on September 1...it could be that his pal has had to back down, but I don't think so.

Nicko have we actually done a deal for the right back or are we just looking at him at the moment and is it a transfer or loan deal??

I understand that he signs on Monday.

[rebelmswar]

The right back on his way is Danny Simpson, Manchester United's young reserve.

He only found out today - it is a bit out of nowhere as Rovers have been scouting other, more senior players.

Simpson is a pretty good prospect, spent time at Ipswich on loan last season...and is due to join Rovers on loan on Monday.

I suspect this is related to Eric Steele, the new goalkeeping coach, joining Man U.

I believe Fergie has given Rovers Simpson as a form of compensation.

That's why it is odd.

I would have to say it is a big leap for Simpson, but he is a decent player. Whether he is the anser or not will only be found out in time...that's why I have a feeling that another right back will sign.

It does seem a bit odd tos see that after selling Bentley Rovers are now about to take a player on loan - even if it could turn out to be a full-time move in time.

Anyway, that's it...I'm puffed...will answer any questions on this in the morning. But I think those details should be enough.

[ESussexrover]

Just signed up and this is my first posting so Ill try my best. Nicko. For a man like me who lives in Sussex, your a breath of fresh air. Reminds of the days when I frequented Cavensish every Month from the South and someone once told me JW was buying Rovers in 89...Takes me back....Gossip. I love it. Watched You tube on the Chilean lad. Bags of quality but Premiers gonna be hard. Hell be in my FFLT though!

The guys I work with in town say wed be better going with Allardyce etc. **** that. Rovers do not punch above their weight by not taking a gamble now and then. Lets face it, Allardyce etc, we know what we were gonna get and that is mediocrity. Ince is a new era...yes its the unknown. People say we were mad to sell Friedel. When he came to Rovers, did he not have a reputation a bit like Robbo has now. If you put that down to a lack of confidence, sort the Crosses out, we may have a bargain. Midfield looks a problem. You posted a message about Benni's body language which frankly if he was in the FA Cup final I still think would show. He's not interested!

A lot of people I know through years of friendship love rovers but they continually tell me they worry for us this year. If you can do something about that Nicko, you truly are a legend.

[rebelmswar]

No more to tell you on Simpson - apart from the fact that Fergie pulled him yesterday to tell him he was going to Blackburn. Thats about as official as it gets.

He is a tidy player, but I'm just surprised that Rovers scouted right backs far and wide and ended up getting one on the doorstep this way.

Anyway, transfer chases often work out like that.

Leeds once tried to buy Denis Irwin and Man U ended up getting Cantona instead...

A couple of weeks ago Nicko was linking Simpson along with Scharner to Villa! Doesn't take long for things to change does it!

Because Villa manager Martin O'Neill went after both...but in his usual way.

Nicko- Is the loan for the entire season and do we have option to purchase at the end of it?

I don't know.

what do you mean by this nicko?

cheers

Martin O'Neill is painfully slow in the transfer market. Simple as that.

Do you think Ince has found at that R/B isnt the biggest priority after all?

No, Ince has wanted a specialist right back since he arrived.

Simpson may be the answer. OK, it's come out of the blue - a bit. But that happens. Osorio was not playing for Stuttgart when they went to watch him, maybe they are not sure on Ochs. Possibly they will end up signing TWO...right now it is a very changing scene.

As for the fine print of the deal, I am told it is a loan with a possibility of a buy - as for lenghts of the loan, no idea. I would presume the full season.

QUOTE (Paulsman @ Aug 2 2008, 09:21 )

Nicko, any imminent news on other clubs:

- Man Utd and Berbatov? VERY EXPENSIVE

- Newcastle and Coloccini? VERY EXPENSIVE BUT HAPPENING

- Tottenham and Arshavin? VERY EXPENSIVE BUT STILL ON

- Everton and Moutinho? VERY EXPENSIVE - SO NOT HAPPENING

[rebelmswar]

Nicko, where have you heard about Steele to Manchester United?

Only place I have read this is Manchester Evening News and they are guessing.

I can't say for obvious reasons - but it's from two reliable sources. It's just a matter of when it goes through.

[rebelmswar]

SIMPSON - Danny boy was told by Sir Fergie on Friday that he was joining Rovers on Monday. Why lie to him? The fact he played yesterday is possibly Fergie's way of saying 'we will have you back, son,' or as in the case of Chris Eagles, 'here's a wee game for you, laddie, now run along.'

STEELE - Followed up again today...he is going to Man U. I believe these subjects are related.

CASTILLO - I understand the manager made his mind up on Castillo very quickly after seeing him. It wasn't a case of 'bad attitude.' I don't think he fancied him enough. If I was the player, sent back home with my tale between my legs, I would not be in a rush to return. I think that one is dead.

SIGNINGS - I've got to say it's a bit chaotic right now...scouts all round Europe and one, possibly two, trialists in this week. Before you ask one of the trialists is a new name and will be featuring in the paper on Monday. Hopefully. Sounds like an 11 o'clocker.

INJURIES - No word on any updates from yesterday. It's pre-season, the goals lost were poor, but there you go...

,

BEANS - No idea.

Morning Alan. Nice to see you bright and early back on the coalface.

I half heard Pat Murphy on BBC 5 Live yesterday, when commenting on the Barry saga, saying that Liverpool were tying up a deal with Rovers for Pennant to raise the cash for Barry.

Is this true?

Liverpool will have to try harder - and drop the fee.

I'm not sure Pennant is the answer, but I have a nasty feeling he will be rolled out as a some kind of 'glamour' name.

The club won't want this situation of having the Bentley money and no new faces - apart from Carlos and the new keeper - to boast about.

The clock is ticking here and I hope there are no rash decisions made. These can end up costing you a lot of money.

I would also have to say I am a bit anxious about the amount of activity and the odd trialist being lined up...like I said many times, the next few weeks are going to be crucial.

TARGETS - Many and various at the moment, a bit scatter-gun. But the time to judge will be August 31. There should be money, that should be enough time, but right now it seems a bit haphazard.

ROQUE - Man City will not be able to find the money unless they sell someone big or several smaller players. He is probably the last player the club would want to sell. If he goes then there is something seriously wrong.

EARDLEY - Absolute and utter garbage...the story, that is.

MAN CITY - Ben Haim cost around £3 million. I know that some of City's media allies have put out £6 million, but that is wrong. His wages are big. Yes, there seem to be some interesting links behind the deals...but what's new? My main concern would be where Ben Haim plays - and why they need to replace Dunne and Richards. It's a very strange place just now.

INLER - Top player, price clause in his contract, but possibly too sim ilar to Villanueva. Arsenal and Newcastle at the front of that queue just now as well. Not a stupid suggestion at all.

Maybe I am very wrong, but didn't Inler play a more box-to-box, defensive role in the Euro 2008?

More of an attacking threat than a defensive I thought...but I only saw him in the Euros.

The price is about £7 million - depending on the rate of the Euro...and his agent wants a massive signing-on fee.

Those are the reasons why he has yet to join either Arsenal or Newcastle.

Annan is coming on trial. Shocks me. Everyone tells me he is too small.

Anyway, we shall see.

There is another one in tomorrow...but I will save that back for the paper.

Annan is small, but a very promising box-to-box midfielder.

Do you want to give any clues about the trailists coming in tomorrow? Is he a defensive midfielder or a right winger?

And also Nicko, do you know if we are interested in Kightley from Wolves. After the reports from yesterdays game we should be.

The other trialist is more of a 'sitter.'

No word on Kightly...yet. Things change fast in this game.

[rebelmswar]

simpson going to the villa according to the mirror?

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...15875-20682971/

Villa want him - like I said a couple of weeks back.

But Fergie told Simpson on Friday that he was going to Blackburn on Monday.

I think he will stick to his word - I believe that this is part of the Steele business, but that is unconfirmed.

Height never hurt the likes of makalele, maradonna, cannavaro, zola etc.

As long as he's mobile and good with the ball at his feet then his height should not come into it. Coaches who look at stature, before ability are blinkered.

Agreed, but with Villanueva and Annan in the same team you might struggle for height.

We all hope Villanueva is 'the' man this season.

Just thought the search for a midfield enforcer would have been centred on strong and big players.

[rebelmswar]

No further news although I do hear there could be quite a lot of trialists coming.

I have also been tipped off that there is every chance of a few loan signings...just to be sure the players are up to standard.

Not quite to make of that, but we shall see.

What exactly IS the kitty being kept back for...

[rebelmswar]

Nicko - I have noticed your tone recently has turned to slight disapproval of things going on at BRFC.....?

My view is there seems to be no strategy with regards to players coming in. Looks a bit random. Then again, it must be difficult for Ince, as he does not have scouting structure in place etc.

No, not entirely the case or exactly the case. Just trying to take in what is going on...and make sense of it.

I think it is alll happening a bit fast and furious in the transfer market...and it is a big ask for a new management team to be sure about the players they are signing.

Robinson is an ok replacement for Friedel, but does need to be 'rescued.' Villanueva should be excellent - I said 'we hope' be cause I would like to be entertained. Simpson is a decent player but just a bit of a surprise that he came on the radar.

But I am a bit puzzled by the amount of names I hear flying around and the trialists being lined up.

Is the puzzling aspect; a lack of quality amongst the linked players by any chance. If so where where has our 25-30 million transfer kitty?

I hear there will be a total of four - maybe even more - trialists in this week. That is a bit odd with the season under two weeks away.

It will be interesting to see who signs between now and the end of the month...and what they cost.

Until then let's wait and watch.

[rebelmswar]

maybe the players who might be coming in on loan are more to do with the likes of say liverpool and arsenal loaning players such as diaby, denilson, lucas, and bendter(players who arent regular starters at them clubs)-getting the premierleague experience they need..they might be available for loan but unable to buy..

The loans and trialists I am hearing about are foreign.

[rebelmswar]

Right - something that makes sense of all of the trialist 'chatter' I have been picking up.

There is a closed-door game tomorrow.

At least one of these trialists will play, possibly three. I can't see Annan playing as he has been in action today.

There could be even more than I know about.

It's quite a novel way of doing things and it might work out...but it just shocked me to hear of so much activity on the trialist side of things in the past 48 hours.

Hopefully Simpson is in tomorrow too and then it looks a bit healthier.

Nicko

The conspiracy theorist in me is wondering.....

Was the Chowdery PR plug about his 'interest' in Rovers and Brad moving completely, utterly unconnected?

Supposedly, there was some link between them, no?

Would it be feasible for instance to think Brad may possibly have got a better deal possibly if Chowdery took over?

I'm sure it's just an overactive cynical imagination at play.....

Totally unrelated. I tracked Chowdery down and found out about Brad's part in it AFTER the initial tip.

Brad was obviously happy to find a potential buyer, but he would not have been involved initaly as he wanted to keep on playing.

He wanted to keep on playing at Rovers until the Villa affair.

Some things just happen.

On the other point about leaks of transfer kittys to boost season ticket sales...that was down to a Sparky answer to a question I asked him. He gave what I thought was an honest answer.

If you think I'm a Rovers PR man you would be quite a long way off the mark. Although I do understansd that you're probably not saying that. It just makes me smile - and I'm sure one or two at the club would do the same.

My apologies if this question has been answered..

Nicko, about the Simpson deal. Are we going to have an option to buy on him you think? Or are we just developing a player for Scum?

It's happened pretty quick. Fergie only told the lad on Friday, but I heard there was a chance of a full-time deal.

I've been asking people about his form at Ipswich and most people thought he was good.

I recommended him to somebody about a year ago, so I rate him...but I felt he could have done more last season.

[rebelmswar]

The French midfielder coming in on trial is Julien Sable from Lens...he is in tomorrow and playing in this game.

Not exacvtly a world name, but a steady French league player.

Strangely he is available on loan because his team went down - not his fault though.

He played for Chievo Verona on Saturday but is on a flight here right now.

Will try to find out about the trial game tomorrow.

[rebelmswar]

Just an update, then.

Robinson - in.

Villanueva - in.

Fowler - in, still waiting.

Simpson should be in - loan possibly with a view. Right back.

Sable - in, trial, plays tomorrow. Defensive midfield.

Annan - in, training. Up-and-down midfield.

Two or possibly three more - no idea of names and positions - in on trial this week.

Spanish B keeper - in, buzzed off.

Castillo - in, gone, probably not returning.

Not sure about right wing yet...maybe that will be the 'money' position.

It's hard to keep up.

Not bad for a Hi-bee.

[rebelmswar]

i suppose it is true that todays game will be against Blackpool?

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sports-n...pool.4353536.jp

Good work.

Nicko, what happened to the link we had with Marco Bresciano? Has that one gone cold?

Bresciano is available and has a price - but I think he is just on a list at the moment.

The new faces in this week will probably be looked at first.

[rebelmswar]

nicko, i assume that seble and annan play in the same position, what if both impress on trial then what will ince move for both of them. The obvious contender for the DM role would be Annan. Still only 21, being raved about being one of the most up coming payers, already made a name for himslef for his national side after impresing in the african cup of nations.

Nicko, do you know any other trialists playing today apart from seble, and is simpson here today

I will hopefully be a lot wiser later on today once the game has been played and various people have/haven't arrived.

Sable definitely plays. Annan won't.

There could be a couple of interesting faces too...checking just now.

[rebelmswar]

Gap you say? Closing you say?

The Douglas story is nonsense...more chance of Kirk Douglas joining Coyle's mob.

Nicko were there any strikers on trial during this closed doors game.

Just the one...but you have heard of that old chap already...

Danny Simpson, eh?

No view though nicko

Was that said in the style of Mr Burns?

I don't think he's a homer...

He can also play away.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http:/...=image&cd=1

Give it time...a whole season is a good start...so was Bentley I recall.

Could be good business.

A year from now a lot could have happened both at United and Rovers.

He will be playing for you next season. Don't complain.

Anyway, I've got to take this call from the Monopolies Commission...warning me off because of all the scoops.

I will put up some snippets from the Blackpool friendly later on...quite interesting too...make it the 11 o'clocker.

Meanwhile the LET will be doing the Danny Simpson story tomorrow, no doubt.

More reliable, did someone say???

[rebelmswar]

nicko, with ince saying that hes looking to sign 2 more players, does that mean a DM and a Righ winger

I think he signed the first in Simpson.

The second would be a midfield 'sitter.'

But I think there will be more.

ive read on another forum Paul Baysse is on trial to blackburn???

Correct.

I'm very disappointed that this has become public knowledge.

Players talk all of the time...and there have been leaks on this for about two weeks.

I don't want to sound like a saint - or that I have gone soft - but THAT was why I went dark last Thursday. The Sunday People were going to run this story but I had to nip it in the bud because I feel it is too early and unfair to be throwing allegations like this about.

One or two players need to shut it, basically.

There ARE teething problems, but that happens. However there is no need for the level of chat that has been going round.

I will no doubt get a bit of a grilling from the People for not writing this particular story, but I feel that it is a bit unfair and the new regime needs time to get its act together.

I have a very fair idea where this has come from - and you might be able to work out for yourself what opposition club may have leaked this.

I will say no more.

The game didn't go so well today...a 4-2 defeat.

The good news? Robbie Fowler scored his first goal - a penalty.

The formation was 4-3-3 with Fowler up top with Benni and Jason Roberts.

French trialist Sable played right of the three in the middle.

Zurab and Ooijer played at centre half...there were NO other trialists from what I hear.

Bassye is in, Annan is in.

There may be another...but that is for tomorrow.

Totally off the radar tomorrow, by the way. So no news for a bit.

Nicko did that Bassye fella play?

Also how did Sable do?

Bassye trained with the rest of the players...Sable played on the right of the midfield three.

How would you say Sable performed? Or have you not got a report on that?

Cheers

I heard he was neat and tidy. I believe he is staying for the rest of the week.