[Archived] Kevin Davies - The Second Coming...?

[Kelbo]

Irrespective of any of the mentioned players ability, whether they be French, Italian or whatever, unless they fit into the system the manager wants to play, they are no good to the team!

Surely, I look at some of the names mentioned, yes, good players, untried at prem level apart from Cisse and I feel he would not be able to play the role the manager wants.

I really am not trying to be clever on this but I do know that the correct way of building a team, and I emphasise building,

is to identify the style or system you want the team to play, then you identify the players you believe can play within the system.

If there is an integral part of that system, then that player is the first one on the list, once you get him, then you can move on and build around him, thats really why, until the Roque situation was concluded, we couldnt move on!!

One of the first elements of coaching after the basics and in respect of tactics, is ensuring that each player understands and plays the role he is selected for thus keeping the shape and holding your position.

Forget last year, Sam had to do a quick fix with what he had got and a horrible injury situation losing both Emerton and Roque after the window had been sorted, he now will build his team, he is vastly experienced, shrewd and knows what he wants, has the respect of the players and I can say this also, Ivan Campo played at the highest level in Spain with Real,

read his opinion of Sam Allardyce. I know all of us have the interests of Rovers at heart, the guy worked wonders keeping us in the prem last year after the disaster which was Ince, now lets give Sam the chance, he has earned that!!!

[Tom]

Nicko can I ask you a question on thsi subject? Assuming the answer to that question is yes then what do you expect to happen in the scenario that an agreement between Rovers and bolton cannot be reached? Panic stations?

Personally I would love to see an Owen and Davies combo, I know Owen is past his best days but still offers something and his presence would almost certainly increase the casual fans interest and sell more tickets and shirts. I think a partnership between the 2 would work but it wont happen.

[super_arran]

Answering because i have been directly asked.

Benni is a hands down better goal scorer then Davies even when unfit. I repeat. Benni (injured and unfit in parts) scored more goals then Davies in nearly half the games.

Roberts scored only 5 less then Davies, also not playing as many games.

But hey. People say scoring goals isn't what Davies is about? I don't see what difference their is between Davies and Roberts in that matter. Both use their bodies to create chances. If were going to bring in Davies, we might as well get rid of Roberts...

We need a goalscorer for gods sakes, Davies it aint. I haven't even brought up the age difference and sell-on value difference...

Davies is far better than Roberts in that position. We keep Roberts for back up. Simple.

you've brought up the age and sell on value quite a lot to be fair...

we have samba, warnock etc for sell on value. We bring Davies in to be a menace to the other teams defenders.

[den]

Roberts is a very good player. He makes things happen and I'd imagine is up there alongside Davies on the most hated to play against amongst PL centre halves.

Afraid I've got to disagree there T4E.

Roberts isn't comparable with Davies as a front man. For starters he can't control a ball - the first thing that's vital for a centre forward. He's not as good in the air as Davies and doesn't really score any more goals. Oh and Roberts can't shoot either. Davies brings other players into the game better than Roberts. Roberts is quicker though, but that's not the be all and end all of being a striker.

That isn't meant to sound like I want Davies in at Ewood, but he's a better target man for sure.

[nicko]

Nicko can I ask you a question on thsi subject? Assuming the answer to that question is yes then what do you expect to happen in the scenario that an agreement between Rovers and bolton cannot be reached? Panic stations?

Personally I would love to see an Owen and Davies combo, I know Owen is past his best days but still offers something and his presence would almost certainly increase the casual fans interest and sell more tickets and shirts. I think a partnership between the 2 would work but it wont happen.

Panic stations would be the phrase...

[T4E]

Afraid I've got to disagree there T4E.

Roberts isn't comparable with Davies as a front man. For starters he can't control a ball - the first thing that's vital for a centre forward. He's not as good in the air as Davies and doesn't really score any more goals. Oh and Roberts can't shoot either. Davies brings other players into the game better than Roberts. Roberts is quicker though, but that's not the be all and end all of being a striker.

That isn't meant to sound like I want Davies in at Ewood, but he's a better target man for sure.

You can't have disagreed with me, because I agree with you.

Roberts is a very good player in my opinion. So is Kevin Davies. I have no issue at all with Davies coming back, but would prefer it to be for less.

[RIML]

Would it be worse us being linked with Michael Owen? Hull seem set to sign him, they must be out of their mind buying injury prone players, first Bullard now Owen.

I'd have Davies over Owen because I believe he has more to his game. Owen's a good finisher but doesn't work very hard, not as good in the air and is injury prone he would also want a hefty salary.

It could be far worse, look on the bright side

I trust Sam to spend the money wisely, Ince spent £4 million on Grella and he's nearly 30.

[bennyboyt11]

Just a side note to the people complaining about Davies age, I remember reading posts by people bemoaning Rovers for not signing Beattie, who incidently is 31 and has scored 6 goals in 10 appearances for the Potters...

[gumboots]

To be fair over the various threads that have been open for a few months quite a few forwards have been named who many think would be better. Of the players we have been linked with or who appear to be very realistic targets who would make my list (in no particular order and seeing as we've scouted so much in France I'll list a few players we might have seen):

1) Kévin Gameiro

2) Gignac

3) Gervinho

4) Monnet-Paquet

5) Obertan (highly unlikely, but would be a great one)

6) Kévin Mirallas

All young, all huge talents. Gignac and Obertan would immediately without doubt be our best forwards, the others will no doubt be at that level soon. There are other players who I think we could look at (for example I like Jozy Altidore a lot, he hasn't really developed as he could have, but he has the size and pace to be a success in this league). I think all of those players offer more than Davies, they'd all be able to play with out current group of players and fit into the style in which we play. My advice would be to take a long hard look at Gignac and test Toulouse out with a couple of bids. His personal problems now appear to be behind him and he is a player who is probably a year or two away from getting real recognition around Europe.

Of the players mentioned, Gervinho actually looks likely to move in the next week or two. He's quick and a very good dribbler. He's a talent, far from the finished product, but certainly has everything required to be a success.

Gameiro is a player who looked out of place in ligue 1 at the start of the season but grew in stature as the season went on and with decent service once Vahirua returned from injury actually did well. He's a fairly big strong striker too and i did wonder myself if he might at least be worth a look. Obertan I've backed you on as a wideman before. Have watched them both evry week as we always watch Lorient if we can. gignac is one we picked out for Rovers years ago but don't see him as possible now especially since I've looked at the teams listed as being interested in him

[den]

What on earth is the point in filling this thread with list after list of names? It's about as interesting as watching paint dry.

[gumboots]

Panic stations would be the phrase...

so presumably they are still working on a contingency plan because I don't think Bolton like us much and I don't see JW going above a certain price regardless of what allardyce wants, so it could well, unless there's a lot more going on with Davies than we know and Bolton might really be willing to sell, (in which case you have to ask why, if he's so good and so popular,) end up being your panic stations scenario.

What on earth is the point in filling this thread with list after list of names? It's about as interesting as watching paint dry.

don't stop Eddie now. I've been trying to get him to name some players for the last 6 months or so because he always says there are plenty and never names them!

[brian_gallagher85]

Just a quick thought. Wigan are looking at Jason Scotland by all accounts. Now this is a 30 year old striker who has a record of one in two during his time at Swansea and who has played at the second highest level in England for just one year.

I wonder how close to the reported £5million, we'll have to stump up for Davies, Wigan will have to get to sign Scotland?

[Presty On Tour]

Just a quick thought. Wigan are looking at Jason Scotland by all accounts. Now this is a 30 year old striker who has a record of one in two during his time at Swansea and who has played at the second highest level in England for just one year.

I wonder how close to the reported £5million, we'll have to stump up for Davies, Wigan will have to get to sign Scotland?

Scotland is not good enough for the Premiership. I think Martinez is doing his old friends one last favor if it were to happen.

[nicko]

Scotland is not good enough for the Premiership. I think Martinez is doing his old friends one last favor if it were to happen.

Two very good young managers who have worked with him both reckon he is worth about £1.25 million.

Sounds about right. Could be a surprise hit.

[Eddie]

What on earth is the point in filling this thread with list after list of names? It's about as interesting as watching paint dry.

Because I've said that there are other options out there and, as usual, I've been asked to post a list of names to that. I do believe that you are someone who has requested a list of names from me before.

If I don't post the names and say that it is pointless I am told that I can't think of anyone and don't know what I am talking about, if I do post the names then I agree that it isn't of much use and isn't all that interesting to read.

I guess people just have to accept that every once in a while I know what I am talking about...that would be nice

[Presty On Tour]

Two very good young managers who have worked with him both reckon he is worth about £1.25 million.

Sounds about right. Could be a surprise hit.

I think the 1.7 million fee for Jordi Gomez is a bargain! He will be a big hit! Scotland is frustrating to watch and at his age I think it's too bigger leap to make it in the premiership although I wouldn't argue with Martinez. Wigan will be one's to watch under him next season.

[philipl]

If the cost is above 3 million it's a waste. I'd be alright with Davies coming back, but the price needs to be realistic. Realistic is not anything above £3m-£3.5m.

If the club has looked everywhere for a Davies type player and only found Davies, then that's really not good enough. We have a Davies 'type player' in the form of Roberts. We need a player with pace and creativity. That aint Davies.

If the Davies guy is that good why has nobody else bought him since he's been at Bolton? Just a thought.

Total cost of ownership (fee plus wages) probably makes Davies doable at £5m transfer fee.

Never ever think only in transfer fee terms if you are seriously trying to second guess what the Rovers are going to do.

[Paulo]

If you watched Benni last season and Davies last season you might know who was the far ghreater contributor to his team's results.

McCarthy was ruled out for a lengthy spell because of his 'issues' and some of his goals were penalties.

If you seriously think he did more for Rovers than Davies did for Bolton then I frankly give up.

Roberts is a lovely lad and gives his best, but he managed one goal in the crucial final ten games - albeit a vital winner at Fulham. He is a sub in any good team.

Bit un-fair on Benni, his Dad and ex girlfriend died it's not like he was out partying and having gang bangs.

Benni McCarthy never worked hard, even when he scored 20 odd goals in his first year, and as for penalties they all count. Some say they could be the difference between a place in the league, which is more doller!

Also no real need to point out Roberts only getting 1 in the last 10, as he didn't play all the games, and the games he played he was working for the team, like Davies does for Bolton.

I defintley APPROVE of buying Kevin Davies, but the ther 2 lads can still do a job for us.

[RIML]

Off topic but his ex girlfriend was stabbed to death.

[Exiled in Toronto]

I must admit that I am struggling with Nicko's 'logic' that, if a player hasn't been bought recently, he must be no good.

Players who have been bought recently either aren't for sale or really aren't any good if put straight back up for sale, so that means no-one who could be bought is any good!

Personally, I thought the transfer market functioned not on such absolutes but on the differences in opinion that managers have about players, perhaps seeing them in a different role or doing better in a different playing system. Sometimes managers will pay top dollar to get a player to do exactly what he does at the moment, or sometimes, managers just have different opinions.

[den]

Because I've said that there are other options out there and, as usual, I've been asked to post a list of names to that.

It's pointless Eddie. Unless you can tell us the total cost of the transfer including contract and unless you tell us that the player will come to Ewood and unless you tell us that Sam is interested - it's just filling spaces.

[daren]

Everyone go home, den has just told us there's no point in the internet

I, for one, enjoy the speculation. And by enjoy, I mean end up repeatedly stabbing myself with a spork. But that's part of being a rovers fan

[thenodrog]

What on earth is the point in filling this thread with list after list of names? It's about as interesting as watching paint dry.

And about as relevent to Den! Too many Carlos Kickaballs who nobody has any REAL idea about.

[RIML]

It's pointless to you, it might be relevant to someone else. If you think it's pointless don't read it.

Not having a go and who am I to talk but at least they are trying to contribute to the discussion.

I think it's pointless people discussing players in transfer threads who they would like at the club like on the official boards, players we've not even been linked with but I just keep my thoughts to myself.

[gumboots]

And about as relevent to Den! Too many Carlos Kickaballs who nobody has any REAL idea about.

I think you are wrong about Eddie's suggestions as they are all fairly well-known French league players. Some of us have seen at least some of them on the French football shows or live in France. South Americans viewed only ever on youtube or bought on FM I agree - no point in listing them as nobody really knows anything about them.