[Archived] Nickos Thread

[Roar of the Rover]

Not at this stage.

Do you expect there to be an approach and whats the latest date you would say it would happen?

[nicko]

Do you expect there to be an approach and whats the latest date you would say it would happen?

I think there is always a danger because he is good and a lot of clubs have money for a striker.

That's not scaremongering...it's just the way it is.

[JamieUK]

Nicko - What's the reason why Warnock is wanting out?

[Paulsman]

Nicko, Dennis Wise and Jeff Vetere are given the job of actually doing the deals and the negotiations, but Keegan has final say on what price is too much, contract size etc.

Also, Dennis Wise is also charged with the task of bringing in between 4 and 8 under-18 players every year.

It boils my p*** (and most other Newcastle fans) when they read trash printed in the papers about Ashely selling up, tension between Wise and Keegan etc, even though ALL PARTIES have come out and cleared things up. Like Keegan said at his opening press conference as manager - "most of the time you people (reporters) write stories, and then the editors cut out the important things, like facts".

[daren]

I would have said that there IS a latest on Roque - he's staying at Blackburn.

[nicko]

Nicko, Dennis Wise and Jeff Vetere are given the job of actually doing the deals and the negotiations, but Keegan has final say on what price is too much, contract size etc.

Also, Dennis Wise is also charged with the task of bringing in between 4 and 8 under-18 players every year.

It boils my p*** (and most other Newcastle fans) when they read trash printed in the papers about Ashely selling up, tension between Wise and Keegan etc, even though ALL PARTIES have come out and cleared things up. Like Keegan said at his opening press conference as manager - "most of the time you people (reporters) write stories, and then the editors cut out the important things, like facts".

I like Keegan. He is a human being.

But if you honestly believe that he and Wise are on the same wavelength you are being a bit naive.

I also like Geordies...something to do with being a Lindisfarne fan for 30-odd years.

However the club is split into camps. That is not a media invention. It is also why you sign people like Guttierez and Coloccini who Keegan will never even have heard of.

[Roar of the Rover]

I think there is always a danger because he is good and a lot of clubs have money for a striker.

That's not scaremongering...it's just the way it is.

But he hasn't hinted towards the exit door like Warnock has he?

[Antgrad]

Nicko, do you know what happened between Warnock saying this..

"When Mark Hughes left I was very disappointed. I was under the impression he was going to stay and be our manager. But with the new appointment I am fully behind it," he added.

"It was put in the papers that it was looking like I wanted to get away. It was far from the point. It was just the fact that I had signed my contract with the view to the manager being there.

"I am more than happy at the club and I think it's fantastic and hopefully we'll have a lot of years of success under the new manager."

..and now for him to be looking to get away?

[Paulsman]

QUOTE (Paulsman @ Aug 13 2008, 00:19 )

Nicko, Dennis Wise and Jeff Vetere are given the job of actually doing the deals and the negotiations, but Keegan has final say on what price is too much, contract size etc.

Also, Dennis Wise is also charged with the task of bringing in between 4 and 8 under-18 players every year.

It boils my p*** (and most other Newcastle fans) when they read trash printed in the papers about Ashely selling up, tension between Wise and Keegan etc, even though ALL PARTIES have come out and cleared things up. Like Keegan said at his opening press conference as manager - "most of the time you people (reporters) write stories, and then the editors cut out the important things, like facts".

I like Keegan. He is a human being.

But if you honestly believe that he and Wise are on the same wavelength you are being a bit naive.

I also like Geordies...something to do with being a Lindisfarne fan for 30-odd years.

However the club is split into camps. That is not a media invention. It is also why you sign people like Guttierez and Coloccini who Keegan will never even have heard of.

There is ZERO evidence to suggest they aren't on the same wavelength... just media ######-stirring. It's been made clear from day one what everyone's jobs were, and it seems to be working OK at the minute, but the press like to stick the boot in to Newcastle, even when there are much bigger stories unfolding at Man City and Everton... and Blackburn for than matter.

With regards to your last statement about Keegan not hearing of Coloccini and Guittierez. Isn't that what scouts are for, and isn't that the same for each manager?

By all accounts, Jeff Vetere has a very good knowledge of Spanish football, and reccommended these players to Keegan. Isn't that what scouts do?

[Roar of the Rover]

I also like Geordies...something to do with being a Lindisfarne fan for 30-odd years.

Who?

There is ZERO evidence to suggest they aren't on the same wavelength... just media ######-stirring. It's been made clear from day one what everyone's jobs were, and it seems to be working OK at the minute, but the press like to stick the boot in to Newcastle, even when there are much bigger stories unfolding at Man City and Everton... and Blackburn for than matter.

With regards to your last statement about Keegan not hearing of Coloccini and Guittierez. Isn't that what scouts are for, and isn't that the same for each manager?

By all accounts, Jeff Vetere has a very good knowledge of Spanish football, and reccommended these players to Keegan. Isn't that what scouts do?

We know how you feel. Sucks doesn't it?

[RibbleValleyRover]

Who?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindisfarne_%28band%29

[bobrover01]

Do you see any big moves coming up this week Nicko for anyone?

[Roar of the Rover]

Do you see any big moves coming up this week Nicko for anyone?

Yeah. From us being 3rd in the league to bottom. Thats a big move/drop isn't it?

[Antgrad]

Yeah. From us being 3rd in the league to bottom. Thats a big move/drop isn't it?

He wouldn't be bothered. He's another Villa fan.

[bobrover01]

He wouldn't be bothered. He's another Villa fan.

wrong there mate,just a family interest!

[Nate]

Of course he wants to leave.

Why do you think the story won't go away? Do you not think he and his agent have been engineering the move all along?

Why has nobody from the club come out and denied that he has asked to leave?

It seems obvious to me.

But I think Ince should make a firm stance and not grant his wish. Somebody needs to be showing who is boss right now.

It makes me feel ill that we as a club give players like Bentley and Warnock an opportunity to actually play football and rescue them from reserve teams, only for them to throw it all back in our faces. Call me a fool, but I would of thought there would of been a bit more loyalty shown from these guys.

[hawkiiz]

i think almost every team looks like they are in deep trouble these days. if all our problems involve a few players not happy with the new manager, then we are pretty good compared to a lot og others. at least we are not doomed financially.

[tcj_jones]

Because of essay work I literally haven't had the time to post more than once or twice over the last few weeks. However, I have taken the time now and then to read Nicko's thread. Day by day I've grown more frustrated and more despondent over the club's activities and, after tonight's news regarding the left back position, I'm left pretty much fuming.

I was OK with things at first. We all knew that Bentley would be going and we got pretty much the fee we were expecting. Friedel leaving was a massive shock and it seemed as though something fishy was going on. However, suggestions that his move was because of his own personal financial difficulties and the fact that Lerner might be providing financial support to his soccer academy in the States has made me a little more understanding of the situation. Moreover, we signed possibly the best keeper available and within our means.

Although we have signed this skillful looking Chilean, we know nothing of him and he has never played for a decent club or in a decent league. He does look an exciting prospect, but I am not in the slightest bit convinced. I don't know if he is meant to be playing centrally, providing cover for the left, replacing Bentley on the right or playing off the front man. It will take him time to adjust and I doubt that he will make an immediate impact. I'll reserve judgement though and very much keep an open mind on him.

However, since then, the club's activities in the transfer market have been embarrassing.

Trialists - We've brought in something like five players on trial, all of whom I understand play in central midfield (obviously excluding Fowler). This immediately suggests that we have no midfield targets, that Ince has no midfielders on his radar (excluding Andrews) and that we won't be signing any impressive names.

Annan - Of those trialists, the one who impresses massively both Ince and Williams and who WANTS to play for us (according to Nicko anyway) we let get away. We have money to spend and know of interest from other clubs yet won't be 'held to randsome' over the price. If he is THAT good, surely he is worth the extra million or so to ensure we get in there first? Well, in any case, we've messed it up and he'll probably be moving elsewhere now.

Fowler and Andrews? What the hell is Ince playing at? Fowler isn't good enough to play in the Championship these days, let alone the Premier League - he hasn't been for about seven years! Furtehrmore, his signing will only serve to push youngsters such as Derbyshire - who has shown real promise these last two seasons - further down the pecking order.

As for Andrews, that has to be the best way to waste two million pounds that I've ever seen. The guy is 28 and has never made it above the third tier of English football. It's not even as though we're getting him on a free or a cut-price deal - he is costing us £2 million! I get the feeling that Ince is trying to dish out favours to his buddies and it's embarrassing.

Warnock / Konchesky - It's only speculation, but if we are seriously looking to replace Warnock, IMO one of the best left backs in the league, with PAUL KONCHESKY then we are building a team for a relegation fight or, worse, the Championship. Surely he would be too expensive an option for back up? Again, if he is being looked at for back up, then we clearly have absolutely no faith in our youngsters and should be looking to get rid as soon as possible.

Bentley replacement - four days until the new season kicks off and still no replacement for Bentley, despite assurances that we have money to spend and despite knowing four about SIX MONTHS that he will be going. SURELY the club have been looking into replacements? Surely we should have a short list of a first choice, second, third etc and should have at least made contact with a host of clubs?

Emerton is probably the worst right midfielder in the Premier League, while Reid has not been himself for nearly three years now. Going into the game against Everton with just these options is bad enough, but until Christmas? A whole season? That is hugely negligent from Ince.

Furthermore, with just four days until Everton we have made only one addition to the squad (discounting Robinson because he was a like for like replacement). Surely the manager cannot be satisfied that this squad is capable of achieving the sixth spot he is aiming for? It wasn't for Hughes.

Add to this rumours of unrest amongst the squad and a lack of confidence and respect for the manager, stories of numerous leaks to the press coming from inside the club, a shoddy back room staff compiled from the lower leagues and Bolton Wanderers and you can't help but feel despondent.

Ince may have been one of the country's best central midfielders in his day, but his actions so far suggest to me that he does not have the ability to spot a top player, certainly not in the way that Hughes could.

Without massive investment in the squad NOW I fear for a long season battling relegation, a drop in attendances and huge supporter apathy. I've held off from predicting the final league table for the forthcoming season, but right now I see Rovers in 16th position.

[Wing Wizard Windy Miller]

.

Couldn't agree more.

The annoying thing is that 2 quality signings could turn all this despondency around. Just looks like Ince doesn't have a clue what quality is.

[bigbrandjohn]

However much it pains me to say it, we do have to trust the process, and let the manager and his team lay out their plans and their first choice team. The early days of a new manager are no different from a new manager at a company. Some love him/her,some take an instant dislike. We don't know if there was any previous with the Liverpool contingent and so we may need to lose a few to gain a few.

The upside for Rovers is that reserve team players and Norwich cast offs have been turned around into assets and we have or may cash in the assets. Some of the decisions appear to be confusing to say the least, but nobody is getting who they want at the moment including Man U,Chelsea, Liverpool,Arsenal. As Nicko keeps telling us its crazy out there, with leading players of major clubs saying they are off and then they are not ,leaving managers and supporters equally confused.

I believe I did forecast that Hughes would crash and burn but nobody has really gained out of his ill timed quest for stardom, although ironically we have more disposable than Citeh now.

We need to close our eyes until the big day, become less obsessed with staying up until 11.00 pm (no problem for me in the U.S) only to go to bed depressed our imaginations running wild at who our next 2 million signing will be and let the season unfold. Only then will we see with our own eyes whether the Guvnor can have us playing "the beautiful Game". As an eternal optimist I believe he will, but we may encounter some bumps in the road along the way.

[steverovers]

However much it pains me to say it, we do have to trust the process, and let the manager and his team lay out their plans and their first choice team. The early days of a new manager are no different from a new manager at a company. Some love him/her,some take an instant dislike. We don't know if there was any previous with the Liverpool contingent and so we may need to lose a few to gain a few.

The upside for Rovers is that reserve team players and Norwich cast offs have been turned around into assets and we have or may cash in the assets. Some of the decisions appear to be confusing to say the least, but nobody is getting who they want at the moment including Man U,Chelsea, Liverpool,Arsenal. As Nicko keeps telling us its crazy out there, with leading players of major clubs saying they are off and then they are not ,leaving managers and supporters equally confused.

I believe I did forecast that Hughes would crash and burn but nobody has really gained out of his ill timed quest for stardom, although ironically we have more disposable than Citeh now.

We need to close our eyes until the big day, become less obsessed with staying up until 11.00 pm (no problem for me in the U.S) only to go to bed depressed our imaginations running wild at who our next 2 million signing will be and let the season unfold. Only then will we see with our own eyes whether the Guvnor can have us playing "the beautiful Game". As an eternal optimist I believe he will, but we may encounter some bumps in the road along the way.

Great post. Hopefully it will quench some of the mass hysteria on here. (NOT)

[DeadlyDirk]

I heard there was a full-scale practice match organised for tomorrow...we should have a better idea then if King Carlos is ready.

Don't ask me why but I have this picture of him hitting a 25-yard winner at the weekend.

What's the price of that happening? Because I am on it.

9/1 nicko

[FourLaneBlue]

As for Keith Andrews...not only did he play tonight but he set up the winner against Championship side Norwich.

MK Dons 1 Norwich 0

[ThatRabbitsDynamite]

However much it pains me to say it, we do have to trust the process, and let the manager and his team lay out their plans and their first choice team. The early days of a new manager are no different from a new manager at a company. Some love him/her,some take an instant dislike. We don't know if there was any previous with the Liverpool contingent and so we may need to lose a few to gain a few.

The upside for Rovers is that reserve team players and Norwich cast offs have been turned around into assets and we have or may cash in the assets. Some of the decisions appear to be confusing to say the least, but nobody is getting who they want at the moment including Man U,Chelsea, Liverpool,Arsenal. As Nicko keeps telling us its crazy out there, with leading players of major clubs saying they are off and then they are not ,leaving managers and supporters equally confused.

I believe I did forecast that Hughes would crash and burn but nobody has really gained out of his ill timed quest for stardom, although ironically we have more disposable than Citeh now.

We need to close our eyes until the big day, become less obsessed with staying up until 11.00 pm (no problem for me in the U.S) only to go to bed depressed our imaginations running wild at who our next 2 million signing will be and let the season unfold. Only then will we see with our own eyes whether the Guvnor can have us playing "the beautiful Game". As an eternal optimist I believe he will, but we may encounter some bumps in the road along the way.

Nicely said, BBJ. The Rovers faithful need to be just that, faithful.

There have been some recent things that have let me down(Annan and now Warnock news) but, i am optimistic as well. The saying, "be careful what you wish for, 'cause you just might get it" may apply. It is very similar to, "sometimes the best transaction is the one that doesn't take place". It happens.

I will have to believe that Mr. Ince means what he says by closing the door on out-going transfers for this window. No matter what circumstantial influences arise. Even if there is a viable alternative to Warnock we almost have to close the "out" door. We'll see what happens.

I think the manager has a very positive attitude and one feeling i get from Paul Ince is that he has a "backs against the wall" mentality if it ever gets to that. A kind of thing that can pull a group together. So, i think that we all need to give our generals and soldiers the time they need to show what they really are made of. C'Mon Rovers!!!!

[DingleBaiter]

It makes me feel ill that we as a club give players like Bentley and Warnock an opportunity to actually play football and rescue them from reserve teams, only for them to throw it all back in our faces. Call me a fool, but I would of thought there would of been a bit more loyalty shown from these guys.

Conversely, what about the profits we make on them? We contract them to give us a service, and if we sell them for a good profit is that not good business though? Personally, I'd rather all our good players stay and our pesh ones go, but that would be too simplistic and although good football-wise the business aspect of the game cannot be ignored.

It's not always one-sided in the players favour; there's also times players get sold against their wishes to cash in too? I'd suggest it's all down to the gamble of taking players, and seeing them appreciate in value-that's hell of a legacy Hughes left us BTW.