[Archived] Keith Andrews - Rovers Newest Signing

[47er]

Correct.

Rovers should have snapped up Fulham's offer and replaced with Andrews any number of championship players with more skill. There's even one at Accrington Stanley who is better.

Sold our centre forward for £17m yet cannot afford a decent replacement and now we have to suffer another four (!!!) years of misplaced passes and badly timed runs from Andrews.

I like Allardyce and think he will be a good manager for us but these are depressing times for Rovers fans.

At least Andrews's psychotic agent / mum / dad on here will be happy.

Agree! There are people on here who claim that Andrews is a good passer of the ball! How can anyone each that opinion? Anyway good to see the enthusiasm Tris has dicovered for Sam!

I'll never boo him like some churlish fans do but I hope I don't see much of him. Begs the question of why we'd sign him for 4 years though.Depresing is right. Perhaps he'll " develop " by the age of 32!

[Balwer]

I think people are overblowing this contract extension. As stated earlier, it seems from the article that he was on stupidly low money when he came here and in all likelihood has been given a modest, backup wage for the mid term.

I don't know why people are reading into it any deeper than that, there is nothing to suggest he's pencilled in as the starter as far as I can see.

Congrats to Keith, did more than was expected of him last year and I hope he will continue to be a handy backup for the future, but preferably no more than that.

[bubblerrovers]

I bet he wins Player of the season next year, think he might surprise a few people on here

[den]

SO... next time I cop a volley of abuse for suggesting that Allardyce picks Andrews because actually he can play / score / contribute in line with the wishes of the manager, rather than being a last choice charlie, I will simply refer Den and co to the 4 year deal handed to the player by BFS today.

Unreal Tris. You're backing Sam now - that's a nice turn around.

Contract extensions? Well Mokoena had one, as did Gallagher and Jon Douglas. Of course those extensions prove what good players they all are. You really have to come with something better.

ps I've never abused you in my life.

[tcj_jones]

Well, the experts have been posting on here for months about how Andrews has only been getting picked in the team because Allardyce had nobody else to choose. Den, LeChuck, tcjjones, philipl and Bryan alone have knocked out over 300 posts slagging the player off, announcing his imminent departure from the club, and cutting down anyone who dared to suggest any different.

SO... next time I cop a volley of abuse for suggesting that Allardyce picks Andrews because actually he can play / score / contribute in line with the wishes of the manager, rather than being a last choice charlie, I will simply refer Den and co to the 4 year deal handed to the player by BFS today.

I don't recall anybody giving you any kind of abuse whatsoever. But if somebody did, then maybe it's in response to the unbelievably smug nature of your posts? Nobody has been 'cutting down anyboy who dares to suggest different' either. We've been cutting JonnoLad down for his repetition of the same points over and over and over again, not because of the points he originally raised. We've debated with several whose opinion differs to our own. Funny how you can ignore the provocative nature of one particular poster because he agrees with your opinion, but then castigate those who dare to disagree with you. Indeed, it's funny how you've managed to skirt over dozens and dozens of posts from a number of different posters asking Jonno to stop with his provocative posts. I'd still love to know how I've been 'far, far more repetitive' than him too.

So now, Allardyce has a world full of midfielders to choose from, and supposedly an offer on the table to take Keith Andrews away from Rovers for real cash money - but he's chosen to back Andrews in the most emphatic way possible. 4 years?? That's a hell of a statement to make. I think it's designed almost as much for the fans as the player. This lad's here to stay, and here to play.

I'm not sure why there's so much wailing and gnashing of teeth tonight since this was announced. It's been crystal clear for weeks that Allardyce really rates Andrews, although every time I've pointed that fact out, it's been shouted down by the "he only plays cos there's nobody else" brigade.

Allardyce doesn't have a 'world of midfielders' to choose from though, does he? N'Zonzi is untested at this level and only came on the cheap, there are still huge question marks over the fitness of Reid and Dunn, while Grella has far from proven himself a competent Premeir League player. Meanwhile, both Tugay and Mokoena have left the club. Hardly a wealth of CM talent there, eh? Quite a few numbers and a lot of crocks, but not an awful lot of talent.

You're making out far too much from this new contract. It doesn't mean that Andrews is automatically going to become a guaranteed starter and it doesn't mean that Allardyce rates him highly. The over-riding impression that I'm getting is that JW is sticking to his word and offering a new deal because Andrews managed to seal a first team spot last season (then again, that WAS only because of the lack of numbers we had in that position at the time). I'm not sure how you can glean anything significant from a few pre-season friendlies, at a time in which N'Zonzi is still settling in and Reid is still recovering from injury.

From the rumours going around, Fulham were prepared to offer £2m, while it has also been suggested that we've paid around £1.5m including certain add ons. He probably wasn't sold because that doesn't represent a particularly big profit. Moreover, we've had a somewhat rapid turnover of midfielders in the last few seasons and it wouldn't surprise me if Allardyce just wanted to keep some continuity, whilst being aware that Andrews is reliable due to his excellent fitness.

I'll remember your post and come back to it at the end of the season. We'll see if Andrews develops into this 'midfield lynch pin' and key first team starter you believe Allardyce rates so much. I'm expecting another season of mediocrity, at best.

As for four year contracts, I'll point you in the direction of Jon Douglas.

[Tris]

Unreal Tris. You're backing Sam now - that's a nice turn around.

As I said last week Den - new season, clean slate, new chance for the manager to show his stuff - has to be given the time of day.

[Hughesy]

Came in on a low wage, JW told him to prove himself and he would be rewarded - The player then made the step up to Premier league level, did a decent job and more importantly stayed fit & also made it to International level. So JW as promised rewarded him.

Just protecting our assets - it makes sense for a club like us. If he progresses this season again then we have a decent player on our books. For what its worth, IF Dunn, Reid & Emerton are all fit, along with MGP, Diouf & N'Zonzi then I dont see Andrews starting too many games.

[Tris]

Allardyce doesn't have a 'world of midfielders' to choose from though, does he? N'Zonzi is untested at this level and only came on the cheap, there are still huge question marks over the fitness of Reid and Dunn, while Grella has far from proven himself a competent Premeir League player. Meanwhile, both Tugay and Mokoena have left the club. Hardly a wealth of CM talent there, eh? Quite a few numbers and a lot of crocks, but not an awful lot of talent.

You're making out far too much from this new contract. It doesn't mean that Andrews is automatically going to become a guaranteed starter and it doesn't mean that Allardyce rates him highly. The over-riding impression that I'm getting is that JW is sticking to his word and offering a new deal because Andrews managed to seal a first team spot last season

A 'world of midfielders' in that he can go and buy some if he doesn't rate what he already has here, instead of dishing out 4 year deals to your last choice option.

Of course it means Allardyce rates him highly. Or do you think JW has sneaked behind his back and thrown money at Andrews without the managers blessing?

It doesn't matter which way you try and dress this one up or shrug it off. Andews has a 4 year career at BRFC to look forward to, you will just have to deal with it. You could even wish him some success in the blue and white shirt - you know - support??

[imy9]

I don't recall anybody giving you any kind of abuse whatsoever. But if somebody did, then maybe it's in response to the unbelievably smug nature of your posts? Nobody has been 'cutting down anyboy who dares to suggest different' either. We've been cutting JonnoLad down for his repetition of the same points over and over and over again, not because of the points he originally raised. We've debated with several whose opinion differs to our own. Funny how you can ignore the provocative nature of one particular poster because he agrees with your opinion, but then castigate those who dare to disagree with you. Indeed, it's funny how you've managed to skirt over dozens and dozens of posts from a number of different posters asking Jonno to stop with his provocative posts. I'd still love to know how I've been 'far, far more repetitive' than him too.

YOU SEEM TO BE REPEATING YOURSELF ABOUT ANDREWS TOO, HAVE YOUR POINTS CHANGED OVER THE LAST 109 PAGES?

Allardyce doesn't have a 'world of midfielders' to choose from though, does he? N'Zonzi is untested at this level and only came on the cheap, there are still huge question marks over the fitness of Reid and Dunn, while Grella has far from proven himself a competent Premeir League player. Meanwhile, both Tugay and Mokoena have left the club. Hardly a wealth of CM talent there, eh? Quite a few numbers and a lot of crocks, but not an awful lot of talent.

You're making out far too much from this new contract. It doesn't mean that Andrews is automatically going to become a guaranteed starter and it doesn't mean that Allardyce rates him highly. The over-riding impression that I'm getting is that JW is sticking to his word and offering a new deal because Andrews managed to seal a first team spot last season (then again, that WAS only because of the lack of numbers we had in that position at the time). I'm not sure how you can glean anything significant from a few pre-season friendlies, at a time in which N'Zonzi is still settling in and Reid is still recovering from injury.

YOUR OPINION IS THE ABOVE, FACT IS THAT ANDREWS HAS BEEN GIVE A 4 YEAR DEAL BEFORE DUNN/MGP/REID, ALL OF WHOM HAVE ONE YEAR REMAINING, SURELY THEY WOULD BE PRIORITY IF THEY WERE RATED HIGHLY ENOUGH (SEE I CAN DO WHAT YOU DO )

From the rumours going around, Fulham were prepared to offer £2m, while it has also been suggested that we've paid around £1.5m including certain add ons. He probably wasn't sold because that doesn't represent a particularly big profit. Moreover, we've had a somewhat rapid turnover of midfielders in the last few seasons and it wouldn't surprise me if Allardyce just wanted to keep some continuity, whilst being aware that Andrews is reliable due to his excellent fitness.

SURELY IF ANDREWS WAS THAT POOR THEN A PROFIT WOULD HAVE HAD JW AND SAM POPPING OPEN THE CHAMPERS, OR COULD IT BE THAT THEY RATE HIM?

I'll remember your post and come back to it at the end of the season. We'll see if Andrews develops into this 'midfield lynch pin' and key first team starter you believe Allardyce rates so much. I'm expecting another season of mediocrity, at best.

HE WONT BE A MIDFIELD LYNCH PIN, BUT YOU CAN BET YOUR MORTGAGE THAT ANDREWS WILL BE INVOLVED IN AT LEAST 20 LEAGUE GAMES NEXT YEAR, POSSIBLY IN A VARIETY OF POSITIONS.

As for four year contracts, I'll point you in the direction of Jon Douglas.

[jim mk2]

Contract extensions? Well Mokoena had one, as did Gallagher and Jon Douglas. .

Rovers are probably protecting themselves so they can sell Andrews to Fulham for an even more ludicrous fee in the January transfer window.

Here's hoping.

[tcj_jones]

A 'world of midfielders' in that he can go and buy some if he doesn't rate what he already has here, instead of dishing out 4 year deals to your last choice option.

Of course it means Allardyce rates him highly. Or do you think JW has sneaked behind his back and thrown money at Andrews without the managers blessing?

It doesn't matter which way you try and dress this one up or shrug it off. Andews has a 4 year career at BRFC to look forward to, you will just have to deal with it. You could even wish him some success in the blue and white shirt - you know - support??

Well, for a start, with the difficulties Allardyce faces finding a top replacement for Roque, and bearing in mind Nicko's comments on the subject, it would appear that Sam doesn't want to bring in a midfielder until a striker is secured, while that striker will more than likely eat up the remainder of our transfer kitty. The priority for him is this position and not CM, and it would appear that he does not have the means to go out and get better.

Again, offering somebody a new contract doesn't necessarily mean that he rates him 'highly', it could just mean that he considers him a cheap and competent squad member or understudy to the current midfield. He knows he can rely on his fitness, so he's a reasonably safe option in that respect. I'm not sure even Ince rated Andrews 'highly', rather he thought he'd do a decent job.

I'd be amazed if he's still at the club in four years time. As has previously been mentioned, the length of the contract doesn't mean an awful lot - probably more us protecting an asset.

As for support, I have always supported Andrews and will continue to do so. I just don't believe that he is good enough at this level and certainly don't think that he warrants a four year contract.

[thenodrog]

I bet he wins Player of the season next year, think he might surprise a few people on here

Do you? Why?

[Kai]

At first when I heard about Keith's potential signing from MK Dons, I feared the worst.

Now, looking back, Keith actually did a very good job considering the circumstances. He hasn't got a lot of talent, but will run all day every day. Like it or not, a team needs players like Keith Andrews (that is a workhorse). Remember our club badge? 'Arte et Labore' - Keith's the 'Labore' part! A team of 11 Keith Andrews would destroy a team made up of 11 Benni's.

I just guess that some people have already made up their minds on Keith and will never change it, but he's improved my opinion of him quite a lot considering. His contribution to the cause was actually quite immense if you think about it. He scored 4 goals, 3 of which got us 5 points (1 point v WBA, winner against Hull and another point against West Ham). I can also remember a couple of goal line clearances from him as well. I'm sure some will point out his mistakes but overall, it was a very positive contribution.

While I think 4 years is a bit too long, you got to remember that we got a £2m offer for him and as someone said, next year he could choose to buy out his own contract for a move. We're doing a lot of good - John Williams keeps to his word, Andrews knows he has the support of the club (if not the fans) and we're protecting our asset should we sell him on in the future.

[thenodrog]

As I said last week Den - new season, clean slate, new chance for the manager to show his stuff - has to be given the time of day.

You were reaching for the slug pellets not long ago Tris! Rather ott too I thought.... no doubt down to too much of the black stuff one night I suppose.

Rovers are probably protecting themselves so they can sell Andrews to Fulham for an even more ludicrous fee in the January transfer window.

Here's hoping.

My thoughts too. No doubt he's on a low wage and Woy thought that he would be a cheap back up squaddie for Fulham. As most people hope that he will be for us in fact.

Now, looking back, Keith actually did a very good job considering the circumstances. He hasn't got a lot of talent, but will run all day every day.

I understand that but this widely held 'run all day' perception of KA largely ignores the fact that he is devastatingly SLOW!

In fact it's reminiscent of the great Bill Shankly's advice to Tommy Doc re some player or other that Tom was thinking of signing for Villa. "Watch out Tam. His pace is very deceptive......... he's slower than you think!"

[jim mk2]

Wait for it, a smug post from the player's agent is on the way......

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

He's been proved right, he doesn't need to post.

[roversmum]

G'won Keef.

Suicide watch and effigy burning in Leyland tonight?

There'll be a longer queue at the Doctor's than the one for victims of Swine Flu

Keith Andrews has the poise and control of a divine being, the only thing that could possibly strike more fear into a defence is Chuck Norris.

You should all be ashamed of yourselves, spouting such heresy, and bow to the God like behemoth that is Keith.

'Afternoon, Keith, goodness you've caused even more of a stir now! Congratulations, lad!

[waggy]

this is a strange one for you lardarse lickers,you all hate andrews and lardarse gives him a 4 year contract,either lardarse does not know a footballer when he see's one or you lot are wrong.WHICH IS IT

[Miker]

Congratulations to Keith for securing a 4 year deal, he deserves it. Anyone who thinks otherwise has virtually non-existent common sense.

Anyone who wants to point out the mistakes Andrews made during his games for us, which were relatively few, need only look at the contribution of every other player around him and other teams as well. Vidic, who I consider to be probably the best or most consistent defender in the Premier League, had an absolute shocker against Liverpool when they took a complete pummeling. Point is, everyone makes mistakes, but Andrews contributions last season far outweighed his mistakes. If you disagree, I suggest you go and analyse each game of last season and be thoroughly proved wrong.

[Plastic Head]

I hope we've halved his wages.

[Amo]

I wish everyone would calm down. If you want the official skinny, the club have heard Florentino Perez has been sniffing about and are merely protecting their investment. Relax.

[Billy Castell]

Of effing hell, he's signed a new contract. I wonder what the odds are that this thread will be 200+ pages by the end of the year?

[Darth Paul]

Anyone seen Simon Garners comments in the Telegraph about KA? It seems that another person with ACTUAL knowledge of the game seems to think he is an asset to the club...interesting...

[DanLad]

Anyone seen Simon Garners comments in the Telegraph about KA? It seems that another person with ACTUAL knowledge of the game seems to think he is an asset to the club...interesting...

Have you read the part in Simes autobiography where he says that he's always been a bad judge of player?

[BuckyRover]

Have you read the part in Simes autobiography where he says that he's always been a bad judge of player?

Compared to people "in the know" I presume, not your average pleb on a messageboard.