[Archived] Nicko's January Rumour Mill

[joey_big_nose]

Very dangerous to think like that imo, when he's in form Roberts is willing but still isn't right out of the top drawer, Benni's new found streak of enthusiasm and form could be gone as quickly as it came by this time next week, and Derbyshire has yet to properly prove himself at this level.

In deep relegation trouble, and contemplating selling our star player. Ironically to one of our main relegation rivals.

I can just imagine what Jack Walker would have made of that.

We definately need to sign a striker if Roque goes. But it is nice to have two strikers who are performing at least. Makes it much less alarming.

There is strong argument to sign two forwards if there are two good ones available and the prices involved are such that it won't damage the other areas we need to strengthen. I think this season has seen Derbyshire move from exciting prospect to not really a vaible striking option. He pops up for the odd goal, and has good movement and finishing, but there is nothing to suggest he will ever really make it even as a substitute. Too little impact.

If we don't sign anyone, lose Roque and McCarthy gets injured or goes into sulk mode we are in trouble. Derbs and Roberts would work hard but we just won't score goals.

[nicko]

Nicko i asked you about scott brown in the summer would he be the type sam would go for,i know he is more box to box than def mid but imo he is the best player in scotland and would be a hit in the pl.

Scott Brown is ok but would struggle to make an impact down here. He isn't the strong type Sam likes at the 'base' of his midfield.

[Hughesy]

He's a lot younger than Benni. If someone were still in with silly money like 7m + for Benni or 18m for RSC, personally I'd take the 7m for Benni out of the two.

I wouldn't actually sell either in our current predicament though.

Seriously???

Our top scorer? A player on form, or a player who has looked completely not interested all season and has made noises about wanting to move on?? Benni could be a star man for us for another 3 years, RSC will last another 6 months at Ewood if he hits form again.

[nicko]

Nicko are we even looking at strikers??

Roberts & Benni aint bad, Derbyshire I wouldnt rely on too much for anything, so realistically it leaves us with just 2 good strikers (1 of which cant finish most of his chances).

We really need a 15 goal a season striker if RSC goes.

I am sure plenty are being considered...but until Roque's position is resolved there is no point in bidding.

If Roque stays you might just need a fast, impact option to give the attack some variety.

If Roque goes you have a lot of dough to go and get something tasty - with enough bottle to take on a relegation fight.

[Presty On Tour]

Nicko, any truth in Gudjohnsen wanting out of Barca?

Seems unhappy on the bench and when he does play he does so in midfield.

Obvious link with Big Sam, I don't think his Value wouldn't break the bank but his wages must be incredible.

[RevidgeBlue]

Seriously???

Our top scorer? A player on form, or a player who has looked completely not interested all season and has made noises about wanting to move on?? Benni could be a star man for us for another 3 years, RSC will last another 6 months at Ewood if he hits form again.

Benni has been there, done that and got the T shirt about wanting away in the past, hasn't looked interested for the last 18 months and took until Christmas to get fit. Two good games under Sam, all of a sudden he's the messiah again.

No he's not, he's a very naughty boy!

[nicko]

Nicko, any truth in Gudjohnsen wanting out of Barca?

Seems unhappy on the bench and when he does play he does so in midfield.

Obvious link with Big Sam, I don't think his Value wouldn't break the bank but his wages must be incredible.

Eidur fancies the easy and quiet life...and the massive salary.

[Hughesy]

Benni has been there, done that and got the T shirt about wanting away in the past, hasn't looked interested for the last 18 months and took until Christmas to get fit. Two good games under Sam, all of a sudden he's the messiah again.

No he's not, he's a very naughty boy!

2 good games is abit harsh. I think he started to show signs a good few games ago that he seemed to have the desire back (and then his father died) and ever since then he has continued, he just didnt get alot of chances under Ince (Yes he was unfit at the beginning).

On his day - Benni is the better of the two players.

[RevidgeBlue]

If Roque goes you have a lot of dough to go and get something tasty - with enough bottle to take on a relegation fight.

Are you lined up for a 3m cut out of the Roque deal as well, or do you just not like him?

Hypothetically what "tasty" (and realistic) alternatives are out there and available should he go?

[islander200]

I am sure plenty are being considered...but until Roque's position is resolved there is no point in bidding.

If Roque stays you might just need a fast, impact option to give the attack some variety.

If Roque goes you have a lot of dough to go and get something tasty - with enough bottle to take on a relegation fight.

What about kevin doyle at reading he might not be a massive name but he has quality and surely he would be interested?Maybe even leroy lita he would cost peanuts and he strikes me as a player who has yet to reach his promising potential.

[Iceman]

Nicko, any word on Luis Garcia? Has any of the clubs mentioned, including Rovers made further enquiries about wanting to take him on loan?

[Fife Rover]

What would we do if one gets injured we would have no option from the bench. Do you really trust them to score enough goals to keep us up? What happens if Benni goes off-form again?

Every team should have four strikers.

Dont forget we still have Gallagher to fall back on as well; he's pretty fair inthe 6 yard box. he can also play on the wing and can cross a ball better than Derbs. In fact I think he is more of an asset than Derbs.

[Hughesy]

Dont forget we still have Gallagher to fall back on as well; he's pretty fair inthe 6 yard box.

He is pathetic. Hardly making an impact in the championship. He has too many chances and we should get shut of him now (although add a sell-on clause/ buy back price)

[roversnick]

What about kevin doyle at reading he might not be a massive name but he has quality and surely he would be interested?Maybe even leroy lita he would cost peanuts and he strikes me as a player who has yet to reach his promising potential.

yeah - doyle & hunt would be great additions, altho i doubt reading would sell

[Iceman]

I think to get 18 mill for Roque now,would be great. Pure daylight robbery,because we got the best out of him already.

[nicko]

Are you lined up for a 3m cut out of the Roque deal as well, or do you just not like him?

Hypothetically what "tasty" (and realistic) alternatives are out there and available should he go?

If I was on a cut Roque would be there already...

And if I knew of an ideal replacement I certainly would be looking for a cut.

Nicko, any word on Luis Garcia? Has any of the clubs mentioned, including Rovers made further enquiries about wanting to take him on loan?

I don't think a lightweight left winger is a priority for Rovers.

[Commondore]

Nicko, any truth in Gudjohnsen wanting out of Barca?

Seems unhappy on the bench and when he does play he does so in midfield.

Obvious link with Big Sam, I don't think his Value wouldn't break the bank but his wages must be incredible.

He does play quite regularly (altough in midfield). Won't go.

[Iceman]

I know his getting on now in terms of age, but what about Kanu?

[DeadlyDirk]

What striker would you buy that will settle into the premierleague easily, we are in a relegation fight and we need all the goals we can get. Selling our top striker to a relegation rival is not the solution. If Benni gets injured or loses form again, we are BUGGERED.

It's a good point, and in todays market I would rather have the player instead of the cash, sure we could replace him I guess, just like we replaced Bentley...........

I think if we choose to sell then its vital that we have someone brought in or at least ready to bring in before we sell.

Roberts and McCarthy are on great form at the moment but they only need to hit a rough patch and were struggling. I'm a big fan of Derbyshire but he seems to be more of an impact player of the bench.

[waggy]

we will be up the creek without a paddle if we rely on benni mac,and roberts as our strikers.both sulk and one is championship standard at best

[DeadlyDirk]

You're just using that line to back up your argument to sell Rocky, for £15/18m - no matter what. You're saying that you would sell him before getting in a replacement are you?

The way I see it: The only thing that matters for the next four months, is that we get enough points to stay up. Getting top money in for anyone is of no concern. It doesn't matter. Rocky scored more than 20 goals last season. He hasn't done that this season because he hasn't been on the park. There is nothing, IMO, to suggest he wont score goals again this season, providing he can stay fit.

Now, having said that, if Allardyce can line someone up with a pedigree that pretty well guarantees goals before he sells Rocky, and would still leave him with enough cash to strengthen the squad elsewhere, then fair enough - take the money.

That isn't what's being said on here by many people though. They are saying take the money because he's not worth it, or because they believe he wont be the same player again for us. Sell rocky without an adequate replacement at our peril. Doing that would mean certain relegation.

Exactly, if we sell Santa Cruz and get relegated then I will find it very hard to accept, if we keep him and stay up then he can leave on a free transfer in the summer for all I care.

[DeadlyDirk]

If Podolski wants a shot at premiership football then well worth a go. If he wants to make a big impact by saving Rovers his stock would increase massively and dare I say his sell on value. His career has hit somewhat of a brick wall with Bayern, much like the last guy we got from them.

Can't hurt to enquire can it, I was pretty shocked at the time when we signed the likes of Bellamy, McCarthy and Santa Cruz.

It would just depend upon how much we would be willing to pay them, footballers would move anywhere these days for enough cash. He's young enough to spend a year or two here, increase his reputation and move up and on.

[BuckyRover]

I don't understand how selling a striker who hasn't been scoring (since Hughes left) for 18m is going to negatively affect our season. The fact that we would get 18m in return would be used to buy players that would save our season. Roque is definitely NOT going to be our saviour. The money generated from his sale will. I really don't know what would happen if Hughes got sacked but we would no longer expect to receive anything like that sort of money for him.

den, stop trying to force people to stay here who want to leave. The reason managers rarely let this happen is because it negatively impacts on the club.

I trust Sam to know what needs to be done

[braddock]

I don't understand how selling a striker who hasn't been scoring (since Hughes left) for 18m is going to negatively affect our season. The fact that we would get 18m in return would be used to buy players that would save our season. Roque is definitely NOT going to be our saviour. The money generated from his sale will. I really don't know what would happen if Hughes got sacked but we would no longer expect to receive anything like that sort of money for him.

den, stop trying to force people to stay here who want to leave. The reason managers rarely let this happen is because it negatively impacts on the club.

I trust Sam to know what needs to be done

what he said

[Iceman]

Hmm Appiah training with Spurs. Spurs just makes me sick!