[Archived] Nicko's January Rumour Mill

[philipl]

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

I guess it depends on who you know.

[92er]

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.

Nicko-not a transfer question but........if we sign a right back, hopefully a right winger and a defensive midfielder, is this on the basis that Brett will be played as a box to box midfielder? He is currently a very important player for us and I presume Allardyce will have him prominently in his plans?

[Majiball]

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

Freddie Sears born 27 November 1989

Matt Derbyshire born 14 April 1986

No your right (Please don't use that word again) me my brains not working I thought derbs was nearer 24 by now.

[Hi Mack]

I guess it depends on who you know.

Think you know what i mean!

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

I guess it depends on who you know.

Semantic, much?

Think he'll be talking in the context of an ordinary British supporter.

[herbergeehh]

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

Too bad, the type of player we need down the wing in my opinion.

Feisty, skillful and ability to take on defenders.

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

Emerton stays on because we're not able to find quality right wingers, or because Big Sam thinks his best position is right midfield? Ideally, a right midfielder could push Emerton to right back imo. Also, a defensive midfielder is a definitive target, or are you implying we're buying a versatile left back who can operate in midfield?

I hope Allardyce will keep a core of senior players, preferably at least 8-9 players from our starting eleven. Continuity is the key - provided we have enough quality in there. A right back and a central midfielder would do us a world of good.

[Majiball]

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.

Sorry Right Back needs a specialist not Bert, I love him to bits but he is never going to cut it as a right back. I'd rather get in a right back and keep him at right midfield, his positioning defensively is shocking at this level.

He could do a job for a while but not long term. He's great going forward but how many times does he get caught up-field.

[B.R.F.C]

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.

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.

Interesting to see if we can spy anyone away on scouting missions the next few days and in actual fact what leagues are playing.

Could City be otherwise engaged with a certain Kolo Toure? Seems to be a rumour doing the rounds.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Sorry Right Back needs a specialist not Bert, I love him to bits but he is never going to cut it as a right back. I'd rather get in a right back and keep him at right midfield, his positioning defensively is shocking at this level.

I completley disagree.

[Hi Mack]

Interesting to see if we can spy anyone away on scouting missions the next few days and in actual fact what leagues are playing.

Could City be otherwise engaged with a certain Kolo Toure? Seems to be a rumour doing the rounds.

Think City will be engaged with quite a few They'll have the biggest squad in the world

if they sign everyone their being linked with!

[Majiball]

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.

So a forgein Right back playing in England.

Paolo Ferreari at Chelsea?(Sp)

Geremi Newcastle

From you RSC part can one then assume that Hughes is not in complete control of transfers then?

I completley disagree.

Fair play.

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

So a forgein Right back playing in England.

Paolo Ferreari at Chelsea?(Sp)

Geremi Newcastle

Who said anything about playing in England? He said there were bound to be domestic names as well. Meaning in addition. At least that's how I read it.

[Hi Mack]

So a forgein Right back playing in England.

Paolo Ferreari at Chelsea?(Sp)

Geremi Newcastle

Geremi from Newcastle?

Hope not hes terrible!

Interesting you said ferraria, i was thinking Belletti also at chelsea

be a typical SA signing! Good though!

[Majiball]

Who said anything about playing in England? He said there were bound to be domestic names as well. Meaning in addition. At least that's how I read it.

Can't remember ages, can't read, sod it I'm going back down the pub to sober up.

I hope this is not my precedent for the new year.

Only said Geremi as Sam had him at Newcastle.

[Iceman]

Does anybody still rate Lauren? Seems to have just gone off the radar,and not even getting a look in at Pompey.

[LeChuck]

Sorry Right Back needs a specialist not Bert, I love him to bits but he is never going to cut it as a right back.

Well...he did for 12 months.

The only thing that makes me want a new right back is that I want to see Emerton back in central midfield, but he's a perfectly capable full back should we require him to play there. People go on about him not being great in there air, but neither are players like Bosingwa, Arbeloa, Sagna, Rafael etc. It's not very often a full back will come up against an aerially strong winger so it's not really much of a problem.

[nicko]

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

One is a well-known name, the other less so. But both are available in the right circumstances.

[Hi Mack]

One is a well-known name, the other less so. But both are available in the right circumstances.

You going to reveal them in the paper tomorrow?

Appiah would be a SA signing havent seen much of him though!

Do you still have the same sources at Blackburn nicko despite the change in personnel?

[Oklahoma]

Nicko, any news on Helguera?

Considering the lack of quality of our midfield, I think he could be a good short term solution for us, even considering his age (34).

[Iceman]

Nicko is Torosides still being looked at? Anybody know where Thiago Motta is playing these days?

[nicko]

Do you still have the same sources at Blackburn nicko despite the change in personnel?

Now that would be telling...

Nicko, any news on Helguera?

Considering the lack of quality of our midfield, I think he could be a good short term solution for us, even considering his age (34).

Good player, but I heard he was going to America.

Nicko is Torosides still being looked at? Anybody know where Thiago Motta is playing these days?

I haven't heard the Greek right back's name for a while...but I will check.

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

I can't see any indication of ages for the two foreign names we are looking at.

Big Sam likes his older, cheaper players like Heirro (sp), so it wouldn't be surprising if it was a fading star.

I don't suppose you could give us any indications? You seem to rate them so I doubt they will be in the peaks of their careers or they would be out of our reach most likely.

[Iceman]

Is there generally shortage of right wingers available? It seems we either cant find one,or we content with Bert down the right.

[LeChuck]

Big Sam likes his older, cheaper players like Heirro (sp), so it wouldn't be surprising if it was a fading star.

Lauren maybe? He could be a decent buy, he can't really get a look-in at Pompey because of Glen Johnson.

[Iceman]

Thats the reason why i asked,if anybody rates Lauren? He is not playing,and is an experienced player.