[Archived] Nickos Thread

[RevidgeBlue]

I see no reason to diss the guy.

Neither do I, I really enjoy nicko's contributions to the board but some of his main stories this close season have whipped up an incredible amount of ill feeling against our manager and haven't been correct.

The Friedel story was initially presented on the basis that the big man didn't want to go. Then when it was clear that wasn't the case, it was tacitly suggested that it was still really the club's fault for leaking word of approaches to other keepers.

It was "really strange" that bids kept coming in for Warnock, then we apparently wanted to swap him for Duff. That story had "legs" supposedly. The reality seems to be we rejected all approaches.

Ditto: Andrews, I don't believe we're interested, nicko does, and if we end up signing him I would say that that is nicko's most impresive scoop in the face of official denials from the club.

No-one in nicko's line of work is going to be right 100% of the time and I think his information is generally excellent. However whilst I think it's only fair to praise him for a scoop, (thank god we don't have to rely on here for the LT for news) I think it's only fair to point out if information turns out to be wrong, especially when it has caused a huge reaction amongst the fans.

And personally if I doubt a particular story, it's absolutely nothing personal, although nicko seems to take it that way on occasion if anyone queries his revelations.

[American]

Do you ever sleep?

Nicko, any word on Bradley? Does it look like he's going to stay in Holland for now?

[bonger 26]

i think everyones gettin hyped up about the whole ince thing. personally i think theres always gonna be abit of tension when a new manager comes in but none of us really know whats gonna happen till kick off time. ince wasnt my first choice but lets give the bloke a chance see what he can do if after a couple of months things are goin belly up then lets all kick off then.

[DingleBaiter]

I think it's quite simple really; this forum/thread is a far better place with the info Nicko puts in than if he didn't.

There's always a downside as well as an up though; not everyone's going to be happy with what he says, and as has been said many times before, no matter how good his sources/info is, there will always be last minute changes, things come out of left field etc.

As has been proved with the Annan thing - and a few other scoops - there's often at least two different tracks of news, gossip, whatever.

When all is said & done, Nicko's a journo - and he doesn't have to come on here spreading the word, it's almost a public service. Journos deal in information, not in being right or wrong, and it goes with the territory they sometimes paint a story a certain way, then often pull out the lexicon of excuses rather than admit to blowing a story. Personally, I'd rather see a little bit more clarity in some of the stuff on here, there does seem to be a tendency to make veiled comments on some issues although I realise the picture is equally murky at other levels too, sometimes it seems there's a bit of backtracking too. But hey, that's the nature of the beast I guess.

There is also a responsibility to not over-react to some of the stories too; if folk want to quell their thirst for information, gossip & tittle-tattle they should also be prepared to be sold a dummy once in a while (intentionally or not). I'm unsure on the Andrews thing for instance, I accept Nicko's doing his best to pass on all angles of a constantly-changing & confusing picture, but I'd hope the story's not being strung out until it's 100% dead, to justify speaking with such certainty on it a while back.

In summary, I'd hope Nicko keeps posting as much and as well as he does, and the sniping stops - plus any gloating either side if stories fail/succeed. If people are so motivated by that, why not start two separate threads - biggest clangers & biggest successes, but not in here please? I do think some of the pitchforkers use some of the stuff on here to manifest their bias against Ince, and I think we all could make it a lot easier if we just read, rather than reacted to (unproven) stuff.

Just the facts, ma'am, just the facts.....

[T4E]

Any sign of these potentially untrue rovers stories in the papers this morning?

[alexanders]

Leroy Lita maybe

Rovers after £2m bargain striker

[Silencio]

Leroy Lita maybe

Rovers after £2m bargain striker

Let's hope that one really is just a rumour. For christ's sake can we have at least SOMETHING that shows some ambition?

[Fylde Coast Fan]

Roque Santa Cruz is set for crunch talks at Blackburn in an attempt to resolve his future as he wants to leave for Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)

Newcastle are closing in on a deal for Blackburn defender Stephen Warnock. (Daily Mail)

Wigan boss Steve Bruce is set to snap up Ecuador's midfielder Segundo Castillo. (Daily Mirror)

[T4E]

Roque Santa Cruz is set for crunch talks at Blackburn in an attempt to resolve his future as he wants to leave for Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)

He does what?! Not buying that one for a second.

[Atomicrover]

Roque Santa Cruz is set for crunch talks at Blackburn in an attempt to resolve his future as he wants to leave for Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)

Newcastle are closing in on a deal for Blackburn defender Stephen Warnock. (Daily Mail)

Wigan boss Steve Bruce is set to snap up Ecuador's midfielder Segundo Castillo. (Daily Mirror)

Nicko DID say there was going to be some crap in today's paper I recall!

[John]

Stephen Warnock is about to move to Newcastle.

In a couple of papers this morning.

[Ricky]

nicko didn't break the annan trial did he. i'm pretty sure that when it was first mentioned by some of our norwegian members it was denied by nicko. he then came out about 3 days later and said that annan was coming on trial. don't think that can be claimed as a scoop.

[pksrover]

Stephen Warnock is about to move to Newcastle.

In a couple of papers this morning.

Well Ince went out yesterday and said the door was shut regarding player sales. So let's hope JW and Ince haven't changed their mind over night.

[Bobby G]

If he comes out with such a bold statement, and it proves otherwise, he loses credibility. I would rather believe Ince than the papers, as its more about making a statement! Another important player out, and it would be difficult to patch things up...WHATEVER way you look at it.

[Parsonblue]

Neither do I, I really enjoy nicko's contributions to the board but some of his main stories this close season have whipped up an incredible amount of ill feeling against our manager and haven't been correct.

I don't think nicko has whipped up ill feeling towards Ince. The simple fact is that while huge numbers of people didn't want Sam Allardyce and threatened to boycott the club - using a website to make the point - there are equally large numbers of people who didn't want Ince. When I look at the LT today and read the manager's glowing report of Fowler and how he feels he will be a good addition to the squad it merely underlines my own belief that Ince is out of his depth.

As I have said before, if I am wrong I will be the first to hold my hands up and apologise. However, don't blame nicko for me not being happy with the manager. The reasons I'm not keen are all to do with Ince:

1. He wanted to be a Premier League manager but didn't bother to get the relevant qualifications - assuming that rules don't apply to him.

2. Clearly he believes he has nothing more to learn about coaching which is why courses are irrelevant.

3. The choice of his backroom staff. I'm sorry but I just don't think Ray Matthias and Archie Knox are going to build on what Mark Hughes and co did. Again, if I am wrong I will apologise without delay.

4. The continuing Robbie Fowler saga. Rev - do you honestly believe that Fowler could do a decent job in the Premier League? Where is the ambition to bring in a player of the quality of David Bentley?

5. I am reserving judgement on his transfer activities until the 2nd of September. Suffice to say that I have been underwhelmed by what has happened so far. In my opinion we are weaker than we were at the end of last season.

Those are just five reasons why I have so far failed to buy into Paul Ince. None of those have anything to do with nicko.

[thenodrog]

In a nutshell.....

1. Some members should maybe cut nicko some slack. HE IS only human and as such is bound to make mistakes.

2. Nicko you need to adopt a measure of humility, chill out more and dispense with your belligerence. YOU ARE only humen and as such you are bound to make mistakes.

And a message to all.......'To err is human, to forgive is divine'.

[broadsword]

you really are getting quite tiresome! you only seem to be interested in winding people up. i'm all for people having the right to voice/ post their opinions on any subject, but your posts have little or no substance. (sigh).

Just put him on ignore (use the "My Controls" link above ^^^).

[jim mk2]

...... in a pub you'd get a slap..... and tbh you'd have deserved it. Suprising how brave some people can get from keyboard distance

2. Nicko you need to adopt a measure of humility, chill out more and dispense with your belligerence.

Says the man threatening violence on another thread.

Much of tabloid football reporting is speculation, some of which turns out to be true. You lot should be grateful he is willing to share reporters' gossip with you.

[imy9]

I don't think nicko has whipped up ill feeling towards Ince. The simple fact is that while huge numbers of people didn't want Sam Allardyce and threatened to boycott the club - using a website to make the point - there are equally large numbers of people who didn't want Ince. When I look at the LT today and read the manager's glowing report of Fowler and how he feels he will be a good addition to the squad it merely underlines my own belief that Ince is out of his depth.

As I have said before, if I am wrong I will be the first to hold my hands up and apologise. However, don't blame nicko for me not being happy with the manager. The reasons I'm not keen are all to do with Ince:

1. He wanted to be a Premier League manager but didn't bother to get the relevant qualifications - assuming that rules don't apply to him.

2. Clearly he believes he has nothing more to learn about coaching which is why courses are irrelevant.

3. The choice of his backroom staff. I'm sorry but I just don't think Ray Matthias and Archie Knox are going to build on what Mark Hughes and co did. Again, if I am wrong I will apologise without delay.

4. The continuing Robbie Fowler saga. Rev - do you honestly believe that Fowler could do a decent job in the Premier League? Where is the ambition to bring in a player of the quality of David Bentley?

5. I am reserving judgement on his transfer activities until the 2nd of September. Suffice to say that I have been underwhelmed by what has happened so far. In my opinion we are weaker than we were at the end of last season.

Those are just five reasons why I have so far failed to buy into Paul Ince. None of those have anything to do with nicko.

1. Like Southgate, Roeder, Grant etc. Cant have one rule for one and not the other.

2. That is why he MUST get the qualifications, they are a requirement in his CONTRACT!!

3.Knox, won European trophies with Ferguson, titles with Smith, Winterburn was part of the greatest defence in English league history, Sports Science bloke is the best in the country, poor backroom staff...

4. Has Fowler signed? What would he cost if we did? Do you want Ince to waste the Bentley money or wait until the right player becomes available? This may be January with someone temping in the mean time, that is intelligent management IMO.

5. We have replaced Brad with Robinson, Brad is better today, tomorrow we dont know. Bentley has gone no replacement. We have signed Carlos (watch Youtube and get excited, potential 'worldie' according to Nicko), Simpson a genuine right back with huge potential.

So in essence we have a genuine rightback for the first time since Neill, an attacking midfielder for the first time since... when did we have a quality attacking midfield player? All we need is a decent replacement for Bents and we are miles stronger than last year.

Now my 5 reasons why Ince is the right man for the job.

1. He IS a successful manager. He has proven that he deserves a chance with what he has achieved at Macclesfield and MK Dons in just 2 years.

2. He is a proven winner, he has won trophies as a player and a manager.

3. He wants to play attractive football, something which all of his sides play and something we did not see a lot of under Hughes!

4. He has shown that he can make tough decisions, like not selling Brad until Robinson signed and not purchasing players being thrown at him because he like Hughes thinks of Rovers money as his money.

5. Last but not least JW hired him for the job. He has made two excellent appointments in Souness and Hughes for Blackburn Rovers and there is no reason why Ince should be any different.

[thenodrog]

Roque Santa Cruz is set for crunch talks at Blackburn in an attempt to resolve his future as he wants to leave for Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)

Not a chance.

1. In the present circumstances BRFC would need to see the colour of their money and from all accounts they don't have any.

2. RSC might want an upward move granted but Man City do not represent that. Unless there is a massive change in circumstance they have swiftly become a relegation rival imo.

3. There are strong suggestions that Hughes is unlikely to be there much longer.

4. RSC's agent would be in dereliction of duty to even consider it.

5. Ince's position would begin immediately become untenable. He is hardly popular as BRFC manager, with opinion amongst all supporters divided (and amongst the more cerebral ones unilateral ) and to state that no more players will be allowed to leave and then sell arguably the best one would be akin to managerial suicide.

The only scenario is that as with Hughes and Friedel Man City once again play the stalking horse routine on BRFC..... But why would they?

[bob fleming]

The only scenario is that as with Hughes and Friedel Man City once again play the stalking horse routine on BRFC..... But why would they?

The way things are at the minute Theno surely they're more likely to be playing a pantomime horse?

If, for some utterly unthinkable reason, RSC did leave to go to City (or any other club) this "summer" then surely that would be the Board's doing rather than Ince's? It would be suicide not only for Rovers but Ince as well.

[thenodrog]

Much of tabloid football reporting is speculation, some of which turns out to be true. You lot should be grateful he is willing to share reporters' gossip with you.

Ah..... there's the rub!

[thenodrog]

Now my 5 reasons why Ince is the right man for the job.

1. He IS a successful manager. He has proven that he deserves a chance with what he has achieved at Macclesfield and MK Dons in just 2 years.

Nonsense. Name other Prem clubs that have ever recruited a managemnet team from the fourth Div? He was at Macc and MK Dons for a reason you know.

2. He is a proven winner, he has won trophies as a player and a manager.

Completely irrelevent. Fergie and Wenger were no great shakes as footballers. I'm sick of this 'he's a winner shyte' being trotted out every 5 minutes. Yesterday has gone.

3. He wants to play attractive football, something which all of his sides play and something we did not see a lot of under Hughes!

I thought we saw plenty. What we did see was plenty of points.

4. He has shown that he can make tough decisions, like not selling Brad until Robinson signed and not purchasing players being thrown at him because he like Hughes thinks of Rovers money as his money.

Oh ffs! How on earth can you say that?

5. Last but not least JW hired him for the job. He has made two excellent appointments in Souness and Hughes for Blackburn Rovers and there is no reason why Ince should be any different.

I'll concede on that one BUT as I've pointed out to Nicko... everybody makes mistakes sometimes.

[hawkiiz]

nicko didn't break the annan trial did he. i'm pretty sure that when it was first mentioned by some of our norwegian members it was denied by nicko. he then came out about 3 days later and said that annan was coming on trial. don't think that can be claimed as a scoop.

he didnt buy it at once no.

[Silencio]

I don't think nicko has whipped up ill feeling towards Ince. The simple fact is that while huge numbers of people didn't want Sam Allardyce and threatened to boycott the club - using a website to make the point - there are equally large numbers of people who didn't want Ince. When I look at the LT today and read the manager's glowing report of Fowler and how he feels he will be a good addition to the squad it merely underlines my own belief that Ince is out of his depth.

As I have said before, if I am wrong I will be the first to hold my hands up and apologise. However, don't blame nicko for me not being happy with the manager. The reasons I'm not keen are all to do with Ince:

1. He wanted to be a Premier League manager but didn't bother to get the relevant qualifications - assuming that rules don't apply to him.

2. Clearly he believes he has nothing more to learn about coaching which is why courses are irrelevant.

3. The choice of his backroom staff. I'm sorry but I just don't think Ray Matthias and Archie Knox are going to build on what Mark Hughes and co did. Again, if I am wrong I will apologise without delay.

4. The continuing Robbie Fowler saga. Rev - do you honestly believe that Fowler could do a decent job in the Premier League? Where is the ambition to bring in a player of the quality of David Bentley?

5. I am reserving judgement on his transfer activities until the 2nd of September. Suffice to say that I have been underwhelmed by what has happened so far. In my opinion we are weaker than we were at the end of last season.

Those are just five reasons why I have so far failed to buy into Paul Ince. None of those have anything to do with nicko.

Great post...