[Archived] Nicko's January Rumour Mill

[PAFELL]

Chelsea didn't smash record transfer fees either.

I also remember they got slaughtered for even daring to bid for people.

Man City seem almost immune to this critcism even though the situation is far more extreme.

Lets be honest here - other clubs were not pleased when Jack Walker started to bankroll Rovers. Ok the money today is not in the same league as during Jacks time. We were all happy what was happening to Rovers at that time - others were gutted etc.

The big difference today is that Jack looked after the club, during his life and protected it in the event of his death. I will be very surprised if these other owners have done simular.

It is also possible that what this city owner is doing may attract other big investors into the prem. What is the saying about the higher you climb the harder you fall. History says that does happen - Liverpool very successful, then went into decline, Rovers won the prem and then got relegated, Arsenal not the same as they were, Chelsea now have a owner who is getting itchy feet. But best of all all these clubs have huge debts in a time of credit crunch - banks want their money back.

A football time bomb is ticking.

[Majiball]

You have to remember that AC Milan aren't the force they used to be. They aren't in the CL and aren't up for winning their league.

Old is the first thing that springs to mind.

They'll be able to sign two or three quality players with that money.

[Fife Rover]

I really don't see why this apparent situation has developed (if indeed it actually has and is not just media talk) whereby City and Rovers are seeing each other as deadly rivals, and MH is allegedly wanting to de-stabilise Rovers by poaching RSC, and sees the situation as one where City and Rovers are both competing in a dog-eat-dog fight against relegation.

Looking at the situation another way one could argue that City with all their money and MH at the helm are not (or should not be) in any real danger of relegation and almost certainly will not go down. Also MH was for 4 years one of the best and most respected managers that Rovers have had, and his working relationship with JW was as good as any manager/chairman relationship has ever been since the inception of the Prem Lg.

So why or how has this idea that "MH hates us" arisen? Is there actually any truth in it? Or is it that both clubs just need to calm down and take a look at the reality of the situation, which is that RSC wants to go and play for MH again and at the same time better himself financially. Can anyone really blame him for that?

Surely it is in the interests of both clubs to co-operate and agree a reasonable deal for the services of RSC that can actually benefit ALL the parties concerned. Rocky gets his move, Rovers get a good fee and in time for Sam to make good use of it, and at the end of the day both Sam and MH are able to get on with the hugely important business of keeping their clubs away from the threat of relegation which should then be quite achievable for both clubs. There is absolutely no need for either club or manager to fear the other, or see them as relegation rivals; both are fully capable (after they have each got what they want from the deal) of moving onward and upward.

I simply cannot believe that MH has any malice against Rovers or that he has any reason to want to see them relegated.

[tony gale's mic]

Eh ? If we do somehow avoid relegation this season I'm confident Allardyce can take Rovers forward in the next 5 years or more. He's tried his luck at a "big club", got kicked out and probably sees Rovers as his last top appointment and the chance to restore his reputation in the game.

The game and the world is always changing and City's cash guarantees them nothing.

Blimey, I thought I was gloomy.......

It's not a knock at Allardyce or Rovers. But as has already been said the top 6 will be pretty much decided. The game is always changing but up until this decade it's followed a fairly similar pattern. The game has never seen anything like this before. If the top 6 is predetermined every year then what is there to push on to? Then there's the likes of QPR lurking who sooner or later get promoted with the amount of cash at Mittal's disposal. If Spurs and/or Newcastle get their act together they'll be in a much more advantageous position.

We've been pushing against the tide these last few years, but the stronger the waves get the more likely it is that we'll eventually get washed away.

[jim mk2]

We've been pushing against the tide these last few years, but the stronger the waves get the more likely it is that we'll eventually get washed away.

That could always happen of course but not if the club is managed prudently on and off the field ...... and doesn't gamble with League 2 managers.

[gumboots]

I really don't see why this apparent situation has developed (if indeed it actually has and is not just media talk) whereby City and Rovers are seeing each other as deadly rivals, and MH is allegedly wanting to de-stabilise Rovers by poaching RSC, and sees the situation as one where City and Rovers are both competing in a dog-eat-dog fight against relegation.

Looking at the situation another way one could argue that City with all their money and MH at the helm are not (or should not be) in any real danger of relegation and almost certainly will not go down. Also MH was for 4 years one of the best and most respected managers that Rovers have had, and his working relationship with JW was as good as any manager/chairman relationship has ever been since the inception of the Prem Lg.

So why or how has this idea that "MH hates us" arisen? Is there actually any truth in it? Or is it that both clubs just need to calm down and take a look at the reality of the situation, which is that RSC wants to go and play for MH again and at the same time better himself financially. Can anyone really blame him for that?

Surely it is in the interests of both clubs to co-operate and agree a reasonable deal for the services of RSC that can actually benefit ALL the parties concerned. Rocky gets his move, Rovers get a good fee and in time for Sam to make good use of it, and at the end of the day both Sam and MH are able to get on with the hugely important business of keeping their clubs away from the threat of relegation which should then be quite achievable for both clubs. There is absolutely no need for either club or manager to fear the other, or see them as relegation rivals; both are fully capable (after they have each got what they want from the deal) of moving onward and upward.

I simply cannot believe that MH has any malice against Rovers or that he has any reason to want to see them relegated.

You're too nice about this Fife. Mark Hughes seems to have a grudge against us now that I agree is inexplicable but he is reputed to have tried to destabilise not just Santa Cruz but several other players since leaving ewood. He hasn't had anything good to say about us and while that can be explained to some extent by his wanting to buy into the new regime at Eastlands, he could have just said nothing instead of which there have been quite a few little digs. It is in the interests of both clubs to sort this but the problem is that the longer it drags on the less it's in our interests to sell and the more it's in their favour to buy. they hold the financial aces here and the only thing we have is that the player is contracted to us. Allardyce is effectively in his latest statement saying to City that if they want Santa Cruz then they should stop stalling and get on with it. I don't for one minute think he couldn't find another adequate striker if City buy for a reasonable fee, but he won't be able to buy anyone in a week or two. The window will be closed. We need a striker, even one functioning below his ability level more than we need cash in the bank and unless City get on with it, we can't sfford to sell. I'd let him go too but only if it was not to our detriment. Of course City want to put one over on us - they always have wanted to.

[PAFELL]

I really don't see why this apparent situation has developed (if indeed it actually has and is not just media talk) whereby City and Rovers are seeing each other as deadly rivals, and MH is allegedly wanting to de-stabilise Rovers by poaching RSC, and sees the situation as one where City and Rovers are both competing in a dog-eat-dog fight against relegation.

Looking at the situation another way one could argue that City with all their money and MH at the helm are not (or should not be) in any real danger of relegation and almost certainly will not go down. Also MH was for 4 years one of the best and most respected managers that Rovers have had, and his working relationship with JW was as good as any manager/chairman relationship has ever been since the inception of the Prem Lg.

So why or how has this idea that "MH hates us" arisen? Is there actually any truth in it? Or is it that both clubs just need to calm down and take a look at the reality of the situation, which is that RSC wants to go and play for MH again and at the same time better himself financially. Can anyone really blame him for that?

Surely it is in the interests of both clubs to co-operate and agree a reasonable deal for the services of RSC that can actually benefit ALL the parties concerned. Rocky gets his move, Rovers get a good fee and in time for Sam to make good use of it, and at the end of the day both Sam and MH are able to get on with the hugely important business of keeping their clubs away from the threat of relegation which should then be quite achievable for both clubs. There is absolutely no need for either club or manager to fear the other, or see them as relegation rivals; both are fully capable (after they have each got what they want from the deal) of moving onward and upward.

I simply cannot believe that MH has any malice against Rovers or that he has any reason to want to see them relegated.

Hughes may not have any malice against Rovers - but he is now employed by another club and therefore wants to do his best for his new employees - using whatever tactics that either he, the board choose to use. Football in the prem stopped being a 'fair game' a lng time ago. It is a money driven business. Years ago a club getting relegated didn't also mean going out of business altogether - today that is the case. Today you get points deducted for going into administration - In my view clubs should get points deducted for being a certain amount in debt. Becasue all these big clubs have got to where they are because of 'cheating' and saddling the clubs with huge debts. Prudence and fair play was given the red card - and a life ban years ago.

[tony gale's mic]

That could always happen of course but not if the club is managed prudently on and off the field ...... and doesn't gamble with League 2 managers.

Even then it's a strong possibility. Every club has bad seasons, no matter how well theyre managed. If United aren't challenging for the title on the final day of the season that's probably equivalent to us dallying with relegation. It's all relative. Every manager makes mistakes and with our lack of financial clout its going to be harder and harder to compete.

[captainhaircut]

Zenit have said that Pavel Pogrebnyak is available for loan or transfer. Bolton have offered to take him on loan until the end of the season.

He's a superb player. Similar mould to RSC. If Bolton fancy their chances, surely we could have a look?

Nicko, heard anything on this Bolton move?

[nicko]

Zenit have said that Pavel Pogrebnyak is available for loan or transfer. Bolton have offered to take him on loan until the end of the season.

He's a superb player. Similar mould to RSC. If Bolton fancy their chances, surely we could have a look?

Nicko, heard anything on this Bolton move?

There is an interest.

[thenodrog]

The right back position does seem a bit of bad luck at the moment, going to watch two players that didn't play for different reasons!

It's a right winger that we need most imo.

[captainhaircut]

There is an interest.

Surely other clubs, bigger clubs, are having a look too. He looks twice the player of Pavlychenko and he went for 15m.

[nicko]

Surely other clubs, bigger clubs, are having a look too. He looks twice the player of Pavlychenko and he went for 15m.

I can't see it happening in this window.

Still trying to get over Makukula...

[Oklahoma]

Still trying to get over Makukula...

Bolton did not make a bad move.

He is on loan for 800000€ and could sign for them for 5million €.

He could prove to be a good player in Premier League and be a good deal.

if not, they will just send him back to benfica.

[Pugg]

I see the "Liverpool" fans' back.

Is it a woman? It's just that I remember Theno saying only a woman could support two teams . (I really hope it isn't a woman now )

[thenodrog]

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

Do you believe everything that Bellamy says Fife?

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

Then they'll need a strong back to goal centre forward.

Any indications or clues as to why you think so Nicko??

I just can't get my head around this at all. Not the figures necessarily, but the whole concept. It's like Championship Manager with an "unlimited transfer budget" cheat. I really thought the standing, stature and history of a club would be more important to Kaka (who I'm sure is already making more money than he can possibly hope to spend).

Well let this be a lesson to you spencey.

[thenodrog]

The league has not been competitive for some time, as we all know.

The only way to make it "competitive" is to have a salary cap and a limit on transfer fees, as Platini has been advocating.

Wonder what he makes of City - probably blown a Gallic fuse.

No doubt he'll redouble his efforts to get technically insolvent teams (if that is the correct terminology) kicked out of european competition.

It's yet another nail in the coffin for us. Since Jack died, we've been a great model of how to run a football club (Ince notwithstanding), despite what some say have attracted good crowds when compared to our population and have more than held our own. City have been the opposite, terribly run with delusional fans. Just a few years ago we were 4 points off a Champions League spot.

City's rise firstly means there's another club who will always finish ahead of us, thus reducing our little "mini-league" yet further, and also the more money thats swilling around the game thats at other clubs is going to benefit those clubs lucky enough to be hit with the Sheikh's transfer cash.

It's yet another, fairly firm nail in the coffin that will eventually see us relegated in the next five years, easily, even if we stay up this season. That's more than enough time for another couple of sides to be taken over (even if not to this extent), for us to fall further and further behind in the financial stakes...and even if we stay up with the top 5 decided every year the prospects of getting into Europe will be very slim.

History will always repeat itself tgm. Rem some of us have seen all this happen before.

[Fife Rover]

Do you believe everything that Bellamy says Fife?

I believe everything anyone tells me Theno; until such time as they give cause not to do so. It's the only way to live.

[thenodrog]

There is an interest.

They already have 2 such players in their squad havent they?

[tony gale's mic]

History will always repeat itself tgm. Rem some of us have seen all this happen before.

I may not have been around at the time, but I know from a relatively decent knowledge of football history that you can't have seen all this happen before.

[spencey7]

I may not have been around at the time, but I know from a relatively decent knowledge of football history that you can't have seen all this happen before.

Well said. This is completely and utterly unprecedented.

[Fife Rover]

TGM and Spencey: I know what you are saying and why.... this present malady afflicting the whole of top class football is purely and simply financial and is caused by sheer unadulterated greed.

However I think I know what Theno is alluding to as well. There have been many separate occasions in the past 60+ years that I have been a Rovers supporter that the club has found itself struggling against one or another disater or difficulty. But the club has always come through it somehow, and when you add to these occasions the also many happy or triumphal happenings that we have seen, then you begin to see the amazing roller-coaster ride that being a Rovers fan has entailed over the years.

I guess it is that that we older fans find so fascinating and endearing about our beloved Blackburn Rovers, and why we would not change our allegiance to any other club come what may. COME ON THE ROVERS!!!!!!!

[Majiball]

Bolton did not make a bad move.

He is on loan for 800000€ and could sign for them for 5million €.

He could prove to be a good player in Premier League and be a good deal.

if not, they will just send him back to benfica.

He's a great example of an athelete who became a footballer.

Then they'll need a strong back to goal centre forward.

I hope your not suggestting we sell them roberts!

History will always repeat itself tgm. Rem some of us have seen all this happen before.

We can still compete, we just have to raise the bar on a budget. Its possible but would not be easy, far from it.

The top six maybe decided but in a knock out competition its the best on the day.

[47er]

Bellamy is leaving West Ham asap...walked out...Man City will be in as well as West Ham.

Don't you just love the little chap.

West Ham reportedly want 15M for him! We got 6M when he was at his peak, I think Wham paid 7.5M and he' s now supposedly doubled in value over the last 2 years! This is despite him hardly ever being fit to play and reaching 29 years of age and having no future sell-on value! This transfer window has seen football gone bonkers.

[alexanders]

Nicko - is it true that Palermo have bid £7 million for Janko?

Seria A Club palermo bid for Janko