[Archived] Keith Andrews - Rovers Newest Signing

[den]

It is quite noticeable how, when people make comaprisons, it's always with the likes of Atkins, Mokoena, Grella, Dunn etc, etc - in other words, the poor or the terminally injured. Doesn't that tell a tale in itself?

[riverside returns]

Ah but this was not a comparison just a suggestion that every team needs an underrated journeyman player who just gets about the pitch and gives his all. Andrews has developed pretty well this season, from a slow start and lots of abuse to a good squad player.

[gumboots]

It is quite noticeable how, when people make comaprisons, it's always with the likes of Atkins, Mokoena, Grella, Dunn etc, etc - in other words, the poor or the terminally injured. Doesn't that tell a tale in itself?

But noone is saying the guy should be a guaranteed starter for us next season or that we should sign others of the same ability and level. Just that he is worth keeping as a squad player who has made a better contribution than many thought he would based on what he'd done before .

[den]

But noone is saying the guy should be a guaranteed starter for us next season or that we should sign others of the same ability and level. Just that he is worth keeping as a squad player who has made a better contribution than many thought he would based on what he'd done before .

I know Gumboots, just having a bit of fun really.

If we all read back the posts though, you are right, I don't see anyone thinking he should be starting next season.

[thenodrog]

Andrews has nothing on Atkins. Atkins had a brilliant shot on him, could pass the ball well and tackle far better. And had much more positional sense.

We should applaude andrews for his efforts if not his ability, but compairing him to Super Atko is taking it too far.

Blue and white glasses or what? Atko was a water carrier. Everybody needs one to squeeze the midfield, stop the other team putting their foot on the ball and to get and give it to the more talented players. Atko knew his job and did it to the best of his ability. A top player he was not! Like Jase his career was all about being in the right place at the right time. The term Super Atko was only ever coined by someone with tongue firmly in cheek.

[Exiled in Toronto]

It is quite noticeable how, when people make comaprisons, it's always with the likes of Atkins, Mokoena, Grella, Dunn etc, etc - in other words, the poor or the terminally injured. Doesn't that tell a tale in itself?

Almost as noticeable as you pitching in with yet another snipe at him.

Would you agree with the widely held opinion on here that he has done enough to remain at the club as a fringe squad player? If not, since you also believe that we can never produce another youth player, who would you recommend buying to replace him who would be happy with the role and capable of scoring at least 4 goals at the top level?

[RevidgeBlue]

Just to play devil's advocate, I would say his presence might have cost us much more than 4 goals conceded.

Strewth, I've seen it all now - go on then, which goals were they?

And which other Rovers players are blameless for goals conceded this season?

[Exiled in Toronto]

Just to play devil's advocate, I would say his presence might have cost us much more than 4 goals conceded. How many times did his passing put us in trouble this season? Someone else could have been there doing a better job, directly and indirectly.

No-one is disagreeing we need someone better as a first choice. But where will you get better back up from without frittering away our already pathetically small transfer budget? I wouldn't have bought him either, but he's here now and has earned a place in a 24-man squad.

Oh, and Warnock, for example, did more than 'might' have cost us 4 goals - 2 each at West Ham and Wigan spring immediately to mind.

[Fife Rover]

Like somebody said earlier....some people can see the good in Andrews; others just don't want to!

Personally I would much rather have a totally committed player of limited ability that gives his all to the team in every match, than a highly talented player that simply can't be bothered. You always have a chance of the Andrews type coming up with something both useful and possibly vital in a game, whilst the other type is simply going to frustrate you with his attitude.

[Fylde Coast Fan]

At this point in the season I'd take a team of 11 Keith Andrews over 11 Roque Santa Cruz any day - if I'd said that in August I'd likely be hanged.

11 Roques and we'd be forfeiting a match due to niggling injuries that in no way are related to the player going on strike. 11 Keith Andrews and we'd be Stoke.

[RevidgeBlue]

He cost an initial 500k with add ons taking it up to 1.3m and yet some people seemingly want another Steven Gerrard for that.

Had Dunn/Reid/Grella/ not been more or less permanently injured this season I don't think even Paul Ince would have used Andrews as more than cover, as it is, whatever you say about his abilities, he's been just about our only midfielder who is fit and available for selection every week and who can get through 90 mins. For that alone he's been a "Beacon" in a very disappointing season.

In addition to that he's scored 3 vital goals against WBA, Hull and West Ham which have gained us 4 crucial points. I certainly wouldn't like to be going into the last 2 games on 36 points anyway.

If that wasn't enough he's also demonstrated to Allardyce enough versatility to fill in at right back and do a passable job when required.

So in summary we all know he isn't the world's most naturally talented player but for the price paid he's given us excellent value for money and has shown enough to be a valuable squad member for the forseeable future imo.

[riverside returns]

Thnakyou revidge. I can see the spirit that Andrews gives us and the commitment, surely any rovers fan can see that this is what i alluded to ! he is a trier, a malrk atkins, a nicky marker, not particularly gifted but gives his all, a true footballing spirit.

[Brownie]

Simple fact is, in our last home, which was a crucial must win, we had nobody who could play right back with Oojier and Emerton out. Andrews played and had a very accomplished game out of position.

If he never play for us again, which I'm sure he will, we would be in an inferior position without him as opposed to with him.

If he starts our first game of next season, I would be very dissapointed, but dont knock the lad for giving 100% and stepping in to situations where we need him.

[tonyoz]

Just to take the positive view for a moment - KA has definitely won over some of the fans (even on here!) There is far less scorn being hurled in his direction these days. Most folks seem to think he is worth a place in the squad next season. This was not the case a few months ago.

He can pick a pass and he does get into the box and he does try hard and he does stay fit. I just wish that he had a bit of the Savage-style "bite yer leg" tackle on him. He has a tendency to run into opposition players when he is in midfield and this inevitably leads to a free-kick in a dangerous position.

I like to support him on here because he gives 100% and because I believe that many fans were not prepared to give him a fair go from the start. He is a bit of an ugly duckling really and I've always been a bit of a softie.

[thenodrog]

Like somebody said earlier....some people can see the good in Andrews; others just don't want to!

Personally I would much rather have a totally committed player of limited ability that gives his all to the team in every match, than a highly talented player that simply can't be bothered. You always have a chance of the Andrews type coming up with something both useful and possibly vital in a game, whilst the other type is simply going to frustrate you with his attitude.

Fine but I'd hate to think that he was on anything more than Championship wages. Whatever anyone says he is not Prem qulaity. If he is it's a waste of resources and I would expect SA to move him on asap. If he is on lower league wages then he is OK as a squad player.

Just as an alternative thought.... we really should be looking to move on every member of our squad and replace em with better. I'm sure that thought will be in SA's mind too.

[den]

Almost as noticeable as you pitching in with yet another snipe at him.

Would you agree with the widely held opinion on here that he has done enough to remain at the club as a fringe squad player? If not, since you also believe that we can never produce another youth player, who would you recommend buying to replace him who would be happy with the role and capable of scoring at least 4 goals at the top level?

Never produce another youth player? What are you on EIT?

I make a serious point - of all the people who think he's done a good job [whatever that means], I don't see anyone actually wanting him in their starting line up next year. That's the truth of the matter and it does say a lot about him and the fans. They stick up for him, tell us all about how good he is, but don't want him in the team. These same people would be disappointed if he was starting games next season.

So most people are happy enough to see him play some kind of role - but what? If he isn't good enough to start, what can he offer?

[dingles staying down 4ever]

Just as an alternative thought.... we really should be looking to move on every member of our squad and replace em with better. I'm sure that thought will be in SA's mind too.

Agree but with our finanaces I'd say impossible.

[gumboots]

Never produce another youth player? What are you on EIT?

I make a serious point - of all the people who think he's done a good job [whatever that means], I don't see anyone actually wanting him in their starting line up next year. That's the truth of the matter and it does say a lot about him and the fans. They stick up for him, tell us all about how good he is, but don't want him in the team. These same people would be disappointed if he was starting games next season.

So most people are happy enough to see him play some kind of role - but what? If he isn't good enough to start, what can he offer?

Cover in several positions and the ability to stay fit which is more than most midfielders manage, at least at Rovers. Stop the wind ups. The guy is not a first team starter if all goes to plan. He is a decent squad player, willing and grateful for the chance he's had this year to play n the prem. Enough said.

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

Cover in several positions and the ability to stay fit which is more than most midfielders manage, at least at Rovers. Stop the wind ups. The guy is not a first team starter if all goes to plan. He is a decent squad player, willing and grateful for the chance he's had this year to play n the prem. Enough said.

Agreed.

[RevidgeBlue]

So most people are happy enough to see him play some kind of role - but what? If he isn't good enough to start, what can he offer?

Obviously, valuable cover as and when required as a member of the 18-24 man squad. Are we only sending eleven players out next season with no substitutes?

Here's one for you Den/El Tombro who's had the best campaign this season out of Andrews/Dunn/Reid/Mokoena/Tugay?

There's no contest is there?

Which just goes to show that sometimes you do get what you pay for.

You'd better raid your piggy bank and give Sam 8m to sign someone you're happy with then.

[den]

Obviously, valuable cover as and when required as a member of the 18-24 man squad. Are we only sending eleven players out next season with no substitutes?

Here's one for you Den/El Tombro who's had the best campaign this season out of Andrews/Dunn/Reid/Mokoena/Tugay?

There's no contest is there?

Tugay.

Here we go again, comparing KA with the useless and terminally unfit.

and Gumboots - it isn't a wind up. The ability to stay fit isn't really much of a recommendation, when he has to pit his wits against some of the best midfielders in the world. As for covering several positions, well I could do that - I wouldn't be much use though. Midfield he's not nearly good enough for this level and at full back he hasn't got a clue defensively. He's caught square every time, hence the situations where he puts his arms in the air, backs away from the winger and allows him past. He's just grateful not give away the foul most of the time.

[RevidgeBlue]

Tugay.

Come off it Den!

[BuckyRover]

Never produce another youth player? What are you on EIT?

I make a serious point - of all the people who think he's done a good job [whatever that means], I don't see anyone actually wanting him in their starting line up next year. That's the truth of the matter and it does say a lot about him and the fans. They stick up for him, tell us all about how good he is, but don't want him in the team. These same people would be disappointed if he was starting games next season.

So most people are happy enough to see him play some kind of role - but what? If he isn't good enough to start, what can he offer?

I don't think Man Utd fans want Ji Sung Park in the starting line up. It doesn't stop him being a good "squad" player.

[den]

Come off it Den!

Why?

[dingles staying down 4ever]

Tugay.

Here we go again, comparing KA with the useless and terminally unfit.

and Gumboots - it isn't a wind up. The ability to stay fit isn't really much of a recommendation, when he has to pit his wits against some of the best midfielders in the world. As for covering several positions, well I could do that - I wouldn't be much use though. Midfield he's not nearly good enough for this level and at full back he hasn't got a clue defensively. He's caught square every time, hence the situations where he puts his arms in the air, backs away from the winger and allows him past. He's just grateful not give away the foul most of the time.

So we have a midfield of one do we? Tugay has played well but has no legs, without an Andrews or Warnock then there was not a cat in hells chance that Tugay would have played the number of games he has. They have done the majority of his running for him.

The question should be who out of Mokoena and Andrews has had the best season? This is because both players have been fit all season and who has had most playing time and who has had most influence.

Andrews offers something that without Emerton and Warnock no over Rovers midfielders has the ability to do and that is get from box to box. If Emerton is not going to be fit or earmarked else where and the final destination of Warnock to be deceided then Andrews has to be part of next season's squad.