[Archived] Nicko's January Rumour Mill

[jim mk2]

I find that very re-assuring on many levels:

From the Peter Mandelson book of spin.

Considering we need a new right back, new midfield player, new winger and possibly a new centre forward as well I find that deeply concerning on many levels.

Let's be honest - Rovers are skint unless they sell Cruz for a huge sum and even then the Jersey Boys will trouser most of the fee.

[The Prof.]

[philipl]

I wonder if this is a pointer to the early days and weeks even of this window being slow for activity.

West Ham coming out and publicly putting the whole squad up for sale is a pointer that they fear a slow window as well whilst Pompey who also need to sell more than just Diarra but are not as desperate as WHam have come out talking tough again today.

The logic for both buyers and sellers is to let moneybags City go first- get ripped off and have their fill.

Then the real market would start at whatever level is now realistic.

Incidentally, Freddie Sears, that West Ham kid who scored against us last season has always looked good whenever I have seen him- wonder what he's priced at in the Upton Park bazarr?

[thenodrog]

Can't understand the left back/centre half situation. Either the club have agreed with me that Warnock isn't up to it, in which case they should have sold when they got the chance. It's a pity as his last 3 displays suggest he can be a left back with guidance.

I don't think many will agree with you never mind the club Prof. Warnock's displays all last season earned him a call to the England squad which suggests that he is one of the top 3 English left backs. Ince fcuked his confidence up and imo Warnock just needs the disciplined play and concentration that Allardyce should bring.

Incidentally, Freddie Sears, that West Ham kid who scored against us last season has always looked good whenever I have seen him- wonder what he's priced at in the Upton Park bazarr?

He'd be a luxury at the moment. Priorities are not up front ... yet.

[The Prof.]

I don't think many will agree with you never mind the club Prof. Warnock's displays all last season earned him a call to the England squad which suggests that he is one of the top 3 English left backs. Ince fcuked his confidence up and imo Warnock just needs the disciplined play and concentration that Allardyce should bring.

He'd be a luxury at the moment. Priorities are not up front ... yet.

I don't think anything Ince did affected his confidence to wander out of position - it's aways been his problem right from the Liverpool days. He has had awful games for us though and was angling for a move. However he is a decent guy and with his last few displays - well we'll see - why would we look for anther Left back then? We're after quality - not squad player remember!

[Majiball]

Incidentally, Freddie Sears, that West Ham kid who scored against us last season has always looked good whenever I have seen him- wonder what he's priced at in the Upton Park bazarr?

Thats the first name that popped into my head when I read it as well, fringe player they may part with him?

I do not want to see Warnock leave under any circumstances. He made the England team last year and he's improved now Sam has stepped in. He's settled knows how Nelsen and the rest work and has played with Gamst/Pedersen/Willy wonker for a while and they have an understanding. Sell him in the summer if he wants out that badly.

We need to keep the nucleus together, mass change if thats what Sam wants should not be done half way.

We have more pressing area's of the team to deal with than replacing a spolit little child with no gratitude (if the rumours are true).

[Antgrad]

Incidentally, Freddie Sears, that West Ham kid who scored against us last season has always looked good whenever I have seen him- wonder what he's priced at in the Upton Park bazarr?

You're kidding, yeah? We're in a relegation battle and the first West Ham player we'd consider signing is a 19 year old kid that happened to score against us last season? Well he's played 6 full games and come on as sub 13 times for West Ham and guess how many he's scored. Yeah, just that one. I'm sure there are better options.

[Majiball]

You're kidding, yeah? We're in a relegation battle and the first West Ham player we'd consider signing is a 19 year old kid that happened to score against us last season? Well he's played 6 full games and come on as sub 13 times for West Ham and guess how many he's scored. Yeah, just that one. I'm sure there are better options.

If he's cheap say 1-1.5M or so he is worth every penny.

We should be looking to take full advantage of others clubs plights. Freddie has been on the scene for a while now in the youth leagues and Reserves, he's a good prospect.

Yes we do need quality over potential, but what price is he worth if he comes good????

Its not much but he has always scored goals lots of them.

West ham will be sold eventually and then he would cost an arm and a leg at the mo he maybe a finger or two.

Signing potential is a great way to make profit.

[Iceman]

Im actually glad our club is still a stable place,just looking at clubs like West Ham and Pompey and how they are now struggling. I still dont believe this one signing,its going to be at least 3 players imo.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

If he's cheap say 1-1.5M or so he is worth every penny.

We should be looking to take full advantage of others clubs plights. Freddie has been on the scene for a while now in the youth leagues and Reserves, he's a good prospect.

Yes we do need quality over potential, but what price is he worth if he comes good????

Its not much but he has always scored goals lots of them.

West ham will be sold eventually and then he would cost an arm and a leg at the mo he maybe a finger or two.

Signing potential is a great way to make profit.

What makes him better than Matt Derbyshire ? We need players who are likely to make an immediate impact at first team level.

[Hi Mack]

If RSC goes i think Janko from Salzburg would be worth a look.

Granted i havent seen alot of him but alot of reports suggest hes a cracking player.

Im hoping Sam pulls a couple of signings out of the bag, as recent transfer windows have been dissapointing to say the least!

Aidan Mcgeady would also be good but what price are people talking?5m+ and it wont happen!

[Hughesy]

Clarke returns to prove to big Sam how good he is

Credit to the lad for having the belief that he has something to prove.

[Hi Mack]

Clarke returns to prove to big Sam how good he is

Credit to the lad for having the belief that he has something to prove.

Think theres a topic on loanees!

[thenodrog]

Im hoping Sam pulls a couple of signings out of the bag, as recent transfer windows have been dissapointing to say the least!

As a rule Sam Allardyce has gone for out of contract players and avoided spending big money on transfer fees. I'm sure that is a policy that will find favour with our board.

[Sandiway Blue]

As a rule Sam Allardyce has gone for out of contract players and avoided spending big money on transfer fees. I'm sure that is a policy that will find favour with our board.

Stephen Appiah would probably be a big Sam type signing or has he been picked up by another club yet?

[RibbleValleyRover]

Stephen Appiah would probably be a big Sam type signing or has he been picked up by another club yet?

http://www.tribalfootball.com/ac-milan-exp...-options-218748

"AC Milan are discussing terms with Chievo Verona over a deal for Ghana captain Stephen Appiah.

Milan want the released Fenerbahce midfielder as a stop-gap for the remainder of the season after losing Rino Gattuso to a knee injury.

Talks with Chievo involve the Verona club signing Appiah to a long-term contract and then immediately loaning him to Milan for six months."

=======

If there is any truth in that we have no chance of getting him.

[Majiball]

What makes him better than Matt Derbyshire ? We need players who are likely to make an immediate impact at first team level.

6 years younger????

At the end of the day no its not a signing to aid our fight. But look a little further a head. its a signing to make future profits.

[nicko]

Been a bit occupied. So just a few 'headlines.'

Targets - the two I know about are foreign and will be watched in the next few days...there are bound to be domestic names...but they are expensive.

Numbers - I think Sam is being cagey by saying 'one' because realistically I know there are more likelt to be three or four...and that's NOT counting replacements for possible departures...he is just playing it canny.

Positions - definitely right back, hopefully right winger, possibly versatile left-sided defender, also has to be a defensive midfielder.

McGeady - now way...won't leave Celtic.

Roque - still waiting on Man City...but they seem to be making progress on their own fronts with the likes of Bridge...depends if Arabs want Roque as much as Sparky.

[Iceman]

I said it will be more than 1 signing. Nicko, any idea if there are any West Ham players being lined up?

[thenodrog]

Roque - still waiting on Man City...but they seem to be making progress on their own fronts with the likes of Bridge...depends if Arabs want Roque as much as Sparky.

That little lad with his own personal hotline to Abu Dhabi will be putting them off RSC for all his worth I'd guess.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Numbers - I think Sam is being cagey by saying 'one' because realistically I know there are more likelt to be three or four...and that's NOT counting replacements for possible departures...he is just playing it canny.

I can understand that.

Positions - definitely right back, hopefully right winger, possibly versatile left-sided defender, also has to be a defensive midfielder.

I'd agree with the right winger and possibly a versatile player that could play DM or in defence. Emerton can do a decent enough job at right back in my opinion but if Ooijer goes back to Holland, (AZ interested?) then we have just Emerton and the loanee Simpson (who i assume could be called back at any time?) to play there. I certainly wouldn't spend big cash on the right back spot, just need a solid backup for Bert.

[FourLaneBlue]

6 years younger????

At the end of the day no its not a signing to aid our fight. But look a little further a head. its a signing to make future profits.

He isn´t anywhere near 6 years younger than Derbyshire.

[captainhaircut]

Any updates on other outgoings?

Samba or Warnock? I think Samba could be really effective under a manager like Sam so I'm hoping this mornings rumours are just that. I do remember Nicko saying something about interest from Newcastle before though.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Any updates on other outgoings?

Samba or Warnock? I think Samba could be really effective under a manager like Sam so I'm hoping this mornings rumours are just that. I do remember Nicko saying something about interest from Newcastle before though.

Can't see Sam letting Chris go, he's been immense so far under Sam. The guy has the qualties to become a very good centre-half.

[Hi Mack]

Nicko, regarding the "foreign targets" are they known names or not?