[Archived] Nicko's Thread

[thenodrog]

SWP was an absolutely fantastic player at Man City, no reason he can't get it back. For the right sort of fee he'd be a wonderful signing.

Why this assumption that SWP is the answer? When was the last time anybody saw him play well? Like Duff his career has been in decline for some time. He's too big a gamble to buy outright. Hungry players only please.

[ScottishRover]

Pennants to hit and miss for me. On his day he would be great for us. How often does he have his day though. Liverpool bought him from a relegated team and he hasnt done much for pool.

But i suppose he would be better than anything we have right now

[Nelsta]

Pennant is hit and miss for Liverpool, But Santa Cruz wasnt to good at Bayern.

I think if Pennant came here, He wouldnt have the pressure to peform and maybe just relax and enjoy his football.

[thenodrog]

Thaksin is not a communist!

Neither are you. You belong in the Champagne socialist bracket.

[Hughesy]

Pennant is only hit and miss because of Rafas rotation. You cant play well one week, get dropped the next and then not play for 2 weeks, then be expected to be top class the week following. He would benefit from playing every week, just like Bentley did, just like SWP did and just like Lennon would.

Pennant would be a very good signing. Anyway I go on holiday today, last time I did that near the start of a season I came back to the signing of Bellamy. Similar ability player would be good this time please.

[RevidgeBlue]

Why this assumption that SWP is the answer? When was the last time anybody saw him play well? Like Duff his career has been in decline for some time. He's too big a gamble to buy outright. Hungry players only please.

I'd turn that round Gordon, I can't say that I've ever really seen SWP play badly when I've seen him on TV, and he usually has an impact. Just never seems to get much of a chance at Stamford Bridge.

Unfortunately, the total package including wages would probably be a bit rich for us.

[RevidgeBlue]

Pennant is only hit and miss because of Rafas rotation. You cant play well one week, get dropped the next and then not play for 2 weeks, then be expected to be top class the week following. He would benefit from playing every week, just like Bentley did, just like SWP did and just like Lennon would.

Agreed Hughesey.

However this proposed move has been rumbling on so long I can't really see it happening. Nicko thinks Pennant isn't overkeen on coming, and I suspect Rovers aren't too keen to meet the asking price. I hope the prospect of regular football causes a change of heart at the last minute.

[JohnS]

I believe the right player available is definitely Milner, according to The People, he is waiting for a contract offer, if that doesn't come he'll want a move. He's young and we could develop him into a superb player. I think with Pennant, he hardly does anything, he doesn't take anyone on. If Pennant is available for 6Million, i'd rather us spend on 9Million on Milner, he can also play left.

[philipl]

Avoid Pennant and SWP and look abroad.

[RevidgeBlue]

Avoid Pennant and SWP and look abroad.

If we're spending a substantial amount I'd rather go with someone we know can do a job in the Prem.

[John]

Not exactly surprisng news, but Ray Mathias suggests in his interview on BBC Sport website that they were looking at strikers to replace Santa Cruz before he committed himself by signing a new contract (hence the links with strikers, e.g Zigic etc).

[Bobby G]

Id take Lennon over the other two with SWP a close second and Pennant a distant third.

I cant see any chance in hell that we could sign SWP.

[philipl]

If we're spending a substantial amount I'd rather go with someone we know can do a job in the Prem.

which clearly excludes SWP and Pennant then by that criteria.

I saw a bit of Lennon in the Spurs defeat by Sunderland when it was shown later- his decline continues. Spurs were woeful, Sunderland pretty well the same as they were against Liverpool. Bentley out of position and out of sorts.

Mathias' comments are honest but unnecessary and probably naive.

[Bobby G]

Not exactly surprisng news, but Ray Mathias suggests in his interview on BBC Sport website that they were looking at strikers to replace Santa Cruz before he committed himself by signing a new contract (hence the links with strikers, e.g Zigic etc).

Why would he come out and admit to such a thing? I dont think it does anything other than undermine us in the public's eyes.

[thenodrog]

We do still need to address the cm weakness AND I dohn't know enough about the Chilean but after selling Bentley we are down on creativity which is a must have against the massed and resolute defenders of the bottom 4 clubs. We dare not lose to them.

Today will be a good test of that.

It is hard to see how we will break down Hull if they lay up two banks of four or five. A lot is going to rest on Dunn having a good game and Cruz dropping deep to creat something.

Hey..... We should be strong candidates for the Manager and assistant manager's job come October Joey!

[Ricky]

Lennon's obviously doing something right for Spurs if he's keeping Bentley out of the Right Wing position.

[philipl]

Lennon's obviously doing something right for Spurs if he's keeping Bentley out of the Right Wing position.

No, Ramos is obviously doing something very wrong.

[thenodrog]

Lennon's obviously doing something right for Spurs if he's keeping Bentley out of the Right Wing position.

When the Bentley saga was ongoing and people were comparing him to Lennon / SWP etc I pointed out that Bentley is worth more than any of them as he can play right across the middle with ease and can offer so many more options to a manager. From the TV highlights Bentley was instrumental in most of Spurs attacks. It's also well documented that Bentley prefers playing attacking center midfield rather than right wing. 'The new Bergkamp' prediction may yet come to fruition.

[Eddie]

No it won't. He's not a touch on Bergkamp and never will be. If Bentley's smart he'll stick to right midfield where his crossing ability makes him a great player. Once he is stuck in the middle he's a bit lost. He has virtually no pace, so he can't really lead attacks from the middle, he has no angle to play long balls and he is essentially reduced to a little trickster who might pop up in the right place at the right time.

Bentley can and will be replaced.

[RoversSG]

No it won't. He's not a touch on Bergkamp and never will be. If Bentley's smart he'll stick to right midfield where his crossing ability makes him a great player. Once he is stuck in the middle he's a bit lost. He has virtually no pace, so he can't really lead attacks from the middle, he has no angle to play long balls and he is essentially reduced to a little trickster who might pop up in the right place at the right time.

Bentley can and will be replaced.

Agree with you totally. For me, Bentley is one of the better crosser of the ball in the league but in the centre, all he can do is try hopeful long shots of which probably only 1 in 10 will result in a goal. Of course, those that went in makes for good youtube material which is probably why so many people think he can play in the centre.

[John]

Anything in this: Bolton boss Gary Megson is ready to make a new move for Jimmy Bullard

[S15]

John in the summer you often yielded information suggesting mass unrest and star players being unhappy with the new management team.

Would you say now that perhaps these people (giving you the info) were causing mischief, or do you still hold the same concerns?

[nicko]

Anything in this: Bolton boss Gary Megson is ready to make a new move for Jimmy Bullard

Bolton asked last week - quoted silly money - scrapped the idea.

[Bobby G]

nicko anything on the Rovers front today?

Hows the trial for El Tanko going?

[alexanders]

Nicko - do you know which club has made a bid for Pennant?