[Archived] Nicko's January Rumour Mill

[T4E]

Is it the vision of more than one?

[Majiball]

Givet is a French international so he must have something about him. Admittedly, I haven't seen much of him but a player of his calibre will always be welcome at Ewood.

As I said he has a good pedigree, however I know the premiership is very different to the rest of europe. A lot of them struggle so I want to wait and see.

After being told he lacks pace something I feel is essential in the premiership nowadays I want to see him in the flesh before I get too excited.

[my_name_is_Earl]

A sound argument, but I am from the school of thought that Roque is not producing this year, should start on the bench behind Roberts and Benni, and any replacement for him where we get a net cash inflow we should take. Sturridge would be amazing, Janko sounds impressive as well.

I am more concerned with finding - right winger, central creative midfielder, dedicated right back, . If we can get one of those in this window (right back seems like happening) we should be able to avoid relegation. We can fix the other two up in the summer. The third striker saga is probably the fourth biggest problem for us now (although if Dunn and Grella are both fit and play well together I might bump it up to third biggest problem).

More than agree with the comment regarding Santa. I believe both Roberts and Benni both warrant a starting spot, it is up to Roque, if he stays, to force his way back into the team for the rest of the season.

I do believe we should at least loan a player on the right wing. Even if that player is not the answer to our problems there long term, the squad needs cover desperately. Like some of the chaps on here, I don't think Judge is ready to come off the bench just yet. Regarding Givet, its good to see the manager building from the back unlike some others that I know of....

If we were only to bring in a solitary right sided player in this window I would be happy. Obviously the situation changes if Roque leaves.

[my_name_is_Earl]

After being told he lacks pace something I feel is essential in the premiership nowadays I want to see him in the flesh before I get too excited.

Thats fair enough, although I don't think it's all about pace depending on the tactics you are playing. If you are playing a direct, counter-attacking game as we seem to have adopted with Sam, the pace of the defenders is not as important as say a passing game where you camp in the oppositions half ala man united. Obviously, thats because you don't require your defenders to be able to run back as fast unlike if you were further up the pitch.

I think we've had a fair amount of success with Nelson and Zurab and others such as Colin Hendry who've not necessarily had or have too much pace.

[BRFC1995]

IMO, Huddlestone would be a quality signing with great sell on potential (even if he cost £5m)

every match i've watched where huddlstone played, the game just passed him by, big fella but does'nt impose himself in matches and does,nt do the run yourself into the ground bit we expect from holding type defensive midfielders. Gotta always ask yourself why the other team wants rid.

[Majiball]

That is a most disturbing post

Willies

I'm more disturbed you interpreted it like that.

[Balwer]

More than agree with the comment regarding Santa. I believe both Roberts and Benni both warrant a starting spot, it is up to Roque, if he stays, to force his way back into the team for the rest of the season.

I do believe we should at least loan a player on the right wing. Even if that player is not the answer to our problems there long term, the squad needs cover desperately. Like some of the chaps on here, I don't think Judge is ready to come off the bench just yet. Regarding Givet, its good to see the manager building from the back unlike some others that I know of....

If we were only to bring in a solitary right sided player in this window I would be happy. Obviously the situation changes if Roque leaves.

Yeah exactly right. If Dunn stays fit and Grella pans out then our central midfield isn't too bad with Tugay still good for 30-45 minutes and Andrews able to do a job as a sub without being a starter. We need one more central midfielder perhaps (I think Axe/Reid are gone and Vogel hanging by a thread) and I would like it to be a young up and comer to replace Tugay in a year or two in that midfield group.

As you said, Benni and Roberts doing great, up to RSC to force his way back in. Derbs is a good 4th striker but no more than that, a bit like Andrews in that regard. Only need to top this group up if Roque leaves.

What we are crying out for is a right sided player. We have, currently.

Bert - adored by fans and players alike, probably second in our esteem behind Tugs I'd say. He's a jack of all trades master of none. Would love to see him coming off the bench in a strong team, to play a role. An attacking RB or a more defensive RW, depending on the situation.

Ooijer - 34 year old, I think serviceable is the kindest word I can say of him as an RB (he's much better as a CB but with Givet coming in to join Zura I think Ooijer's days are numbered)

Simpson - would like to see him get more of a run under Sam, see if he can perform better the way the rest of the defense has. Ideally he'd be kept as our #2 behind the new guy

Judge - Would like him to be our #3 for now, behind a new guy and Bert. In time he should come up to #2, but ideally he should go out to a Championship/League One side and get some real first-time experience.

I agree it's great that Sam is building from the back, I think our back four will soon be very strong if we can land a first-string RB, but that still leaves RW for me as a huge, huge concern. I have faith in Sam, but as Nicko keeps saying, the cupboards are bare in that position.

[joey_big_nose]

I am a huge fan of Huddlestone. The only player in the Prem who could hope to emulate Tugay in my opinion - but with his strengths he also shares his weaknesses. At Spurs he is always criminally exposed because they try and play with two wingers and an attacking central player... Imagine our Toogs in the Tottenham set up, he would get murdered on the counter all the time, and no doubt slaugtered by the Lane faithful, despite being twice the player if used correctly than Zakora et al.

With our hard working beasts (Emerton, Pedersen, Roberts, Warnock if he plays in midfield, and even the new all action - when he is fit - Dunn, Andrews) he would be afforded the protection he needs to dictate the play just like the magical Turk.

Three problems though:

1) Signing Huddlestone would render Grella obsolete. There is no way Grella and Tom could play in the same midfield. And the Australian has not had a fair crack of the whip yet. A lot of this will depend on Vince's projected fitness.

2) If we are going to sign someone like Janko what is the point in getting Huddlestone? The way to play the big man will be balls in from wide - not clever stuff through the middle, which is what the Tottenham man will do. Money could be better spent on someone who will do that.

3) Spurs are sure to ask for a lot of money. He is English and the Tottenham outlay this season has been enormous, plus Levy is a real driver for return on their players.

Can't see it.

[Oklahoma]

Nicko, any confirmation on Stoke's interest in Fred from Lyon?

it seems he is avaiable on loan.

Could be good for Rovers.

[nicko]

Nicko, any confirmation on Stoke's interest in Fred from Lyon?

it seems he is avaiable on loan.

Could be good for Rovers.

Stoke have money...and contacts...but I'm not sure he would fancy it.

Hear there are some worried noises within Rovers about Roque...a bit scared they could be left with a striker out of form and who would never fetch money like this again...

Watch this space.

[BuckyRover]

I am one of those worried voices.

I really hope we sell him, otherwise I wouldn't like to have to say "I told you so" to certain people.

[Roost]

Stoke have money...and contacts...but I'm not sure he would fancy it.

Hear there are some worried noises within Rovers about Roque...a bit scared they could be left with a striker out of form and who would never fetch money like this again...

Watch this space.

I am not surprised.......

Do you think Rovers will go cap in hand to City and accept their earlier offer Nicko? I bloody hope so

[nicko]

I am not surprised.......

Do you think Rovers will go cap in hand to City and accept their earlier offer Nicko? I bloody hope so

No, it doesn't work like that...but I do know that the board is a wee bit panicky on this one.

Let's be fair, apart from Sparky, who would pay anything like the money?

[Blue n White Rover]

Stoke have money...and contacts...but I'm not sure he would fancy it.

Hear there are some worried noises within Rovers about Roque...a bit scared they could be left with a striker out of form and who would never fetch money like this again...

Watch this space.

Isn't this just the Benni situation all over again, without the clauses and ridiculous amount of money involved?

I'm presuming Roque won't leave in the window and will continue his bad patch of form. Therefore, no one will want him in the summer. He'll continue playing for us and hopefully, get a smile back on his face.

Well I hope so anyway

[Roost]

No, it doesn't work like that...but I do know that the board is a wee bit panicky on this one.

Let's be fair, apart from Sparky, who would pay anything like the money?

Good point - thats what makes it even more surprising that JW didnt snap City's hand off when they came in with the improved offer.

[67splitscreen]

No, it doesn't work like that...but I do know that the board is a wee bit panicky on this one.

Let's be fair, apart from Sparky, who would pay anything like the money?

And why City are not offering the asking price.

Not to mention the trustees, they'd love to get there ........... hands on a big slice of the cake, well at least the icing

Just read an article on teamtalk, BS saying he can't find a replacement, and IMO the rest of his comments hint at a stay for RSC.

[Roar of the Rover]

Isn't this just the Benni situation all over again, without the clauses and ridiculous amount of money involved?

I'm presuming Roque won't leave in the window and will continue his bad patch of form. Therefore, no one will want him in the summer. He'll continue playing for us and hopefully, get a smile back on his face.

Well I hope so anyway

Nah not really.

Egged on.

[Majiball]

Thats fair enough, although I don't think it's all about pace depending on the tactics you are playing. If you are playing a direct, counter-attacking game as we seem to have adopted with Sam, the pace of the defenders is not as important as say a passing game where you camp in the oppositions half ala man united. Obviously, thats because you don't require your defenders to be able to run back as fast unlike if you were further up the pitch.

I think we've had a fair amount of success with Nelson and Zurab and others such as Colin Hendry who've not necessarily had or have too much pace.

True but the games changed most of the top teams have a lot of pace in their ranks. Even back in 95 we didn't have much pace, but neither did the rest. Samba is the only one with pace in our centre backs, take him away and we're seriously exposed in that respect. Don't forget back in 95 Knox was considered a bloody good coach, he had good success at Everton, but now in 2009?

Pace matters when your up against pace, you have to have a great reading of the game to compensate. Ooijers a current Holland Centre back how does he do in our league when up against pace? I like to see full backs with pace they need it to get up and down too support the play.

I'd say its rather important in a modern counter attacking team to have as much pace as possible, the more players you have who can get up to support the attack on the break the more your odds of scoring go up.

I can see him at left back (against big teams when we have to defend) perhaps even alongside Samba and left and right foot centre back pairings are ideal.

Its a positive step but give it time the more you build him up the farther he has to fall, look at Villa. At the end of the day I'm kinda glad he's not match fit he should get a few weeks training under his belt before he starts and he should be able to build up sum kind of understanding by then.

Lets just wait and see.

[Fife Rover]

The Man City 'plan' was one or two massive names and a few of Sparky's Premier men.

So far they have not pushed the boat out for the Premier players but go mad over Kaka.

If I was Sparky I would be feeling a little awkward right now.

A good gubbing by Wigan tomorrow might make things interesting.

If he loses out on Bellamy he is a lame duck. Likewise Roque although the price tag Rovers want may be an excuse that he can use. However Bellamy going to Spurs instead - if he does - for the sake of £1 million or so is a vote of no confidence in Hughes by City.

Not necessarily Nicko. According to SSN Bellamy has publicly stated his wish to go to Spurs.

[Tom]

I personally think the city board don't want RSC and Bellamy and are therefore bidding below what is required as a facade to look like Hughes actually has a bit of control at City.

It's obvious to me he is in no way in control of anything that is going on with the whole Kaka thing.

I see Pennant has declared he wishes to stay at Anfield and collect a wage for sitting on a bench, I think that says all you need to know about him.

[Blue n White Rover]

Nah not really.

Egged on.

I see the "Liverpool" fans' back.

[nicko]

Not necessarily Nicko. According to SSN Bellamy has publicly stated his wish to go to Spurs.

Only because their bid is acceptable - and City's isn't - despite his mate Sparky being after him for weeks.

The point is Man City have not backed their manager on this one.

[nicko]

By the way...think Kaka is going to happen.

[The Rover of Finland]

By the way...think Kaka is going to happen.

Makes you wonder do they really have use for RSC or Bellamy. Sparky won´t be there long either. They need someone like Rijkaard. Too big names for Sparky.

[dudedog]

By the way...think Kaka is going to happen.

4/9 with skybet..........worth a punt?