[Archived] Blackburn Rovers Transfer Topic

[n033y]

Left winger who won the Europen cup with Man Utd. Moved to Rovers in the 70? - anyone?

1977/78?? in Jim Iley's team that was relegated to the old Div 3. Agree he was pants, but so where the rest of the team!

[Bazrakats]

Benitez is a woeful manager who got ridiulously lucky in his first season with russian linesmen not seeing semi final goals clearly not crossing the line, any one can see gerrard has more influence on any success the scousers have...........the man has signed an endless amount of crap but people tend not to look beyond alonso and torres.

nunez was one of the worst players ever to wear a liverpool shirt but also played for real madrid, he should be cheap.

Woeful is abit harsh the man got them to two champions league finals plus what he won at Valencia.

On the Luis Garcia front he would never do as much for the team as Pederson does. We would have no cover on the left for when Warnock bombs forward.

[ManicRover]

If we are seriously looking at Rob Friend I will be very worried. The guy played many years in the norwegian first and second division and didn't set the world alight. Far from it! He even struggled in the norwegian second division were he played a couple of seasons for my local team Moss FK.

That was a few years ago though...he has been scoring on a fairly regular basis for Borussia Mönchengladbach which is a much higher standard than the Norwegian leagues. That said I've only seen him play a few times in Germany...in those games he looks a much more effective player than when he plays for Canada.

[blue/white]

Adriano hasnt retired has he?

Playing for Flamengo or someone like that.

Doing pretty well in the Brasilian league--- surprisingly well for someone that's

partying and whoring about nightly with his coterie of hangers-on--

so, I don't see how it could take him 6 months to build up his fitness levels for England....

after all: don't all the footballers do this??

Just saw Adriano ..... he makes a Big John Hartson look like wee Robert Earnshaw

[no offense meant to John Hartson, mind you]

[Kelbo]

1977/78?? in Jim Iley's team that was relegated to the old Div 3. Agree he was pants, but so where the rest of the team!

Jim Ileys team were not relegated, Iley came I think after Jim Smith left and Rovers had Baily and Hird as wing backs, Bailey went to Everton and Hird to Leeds, Iley only lasted two or three months I think!! may not be 100% correct.

But Iley had much less time at the helm than Ince, came in July and was out before November!!

[sparky12]

Woeful is abit harsh the man got them to two champions league finals plus what he won at Valencia.

On the Luis Garcia front he would never do as much for the team as Pederson does. We would have no cover on the left for when Warnock bombs forward.

your not being serious are you ?? :/ have you seen Ped play in the last 2 seasons .... Oh dear this is worrying

[den]

Jim Ileys team were not relegated, Iley came I think after Jim Smith left and Rovers had Baily and Hird as wing backs, Bailey went to Everton and Hird to Leeds, Iley only lasted two or three months I think!! may not be 100% correct.

But Iley had much less time at the helm than Ince, came in July and was out before November!!

Wasn't Iley the manager who had the temerity to drop Stuart Metcalfe? Did himself no favours at all there. Indeed, I think it was that decision that spelt the end very quickly for Iley. Dressing room revolts and all that.

[Iceman]

Iceman Heading for west ham

I hope Sams bids for Eidur but it looks like hes heading for West Ham.................ideal for us..............

Sorry but my agent is busy negotiating a better deal, with somebody else. I dont want to go to West Ham ffs.

[duffbear]

Any of these take you fancy?

Wouldnt mind De-Guzman myself

Ten more brilliant and available freebies

Thursday, 30 July 2009 12:15 Rating

With the global recession rearing its ugly head in every facet of the world in which we live, one profession that you might expect to be unemployment-proof would be international footballer.

Following on from yesterday’s five potentially brilliant free transfers, here are 10 more free agents whose past glories and impressive CVs have thus far failed to net them a club for the 2009/10 season.

Henk Timmer

Position: Goalkeeper

Age: 37

Club History: FC Zwolle (1989-2000), AZ Alkmaar (2000-06), Feyenoord (2001-02), Ajax (2002-03), Feyenoord (2006-09)

International: Holland (7 caps)

A late-bloomer, Henk Timmer has consistently been one of Holland’s finest goalkeepers for the past ten years. After spending over a decade with FC Zwolle, Timmer first came to national attention during his spell with AZ Alkmaar.

The goalkeeper played a key role in AZ’s rise to the top of Dutch football, becoming a permanent fixture in the club’s European campaigns and earning a first call-up for Holland in 2005. A high-profile move to Feyenoord followed in 2006 where he has been a regular for the sleeping giants for the past three seasons. Released after the club’s disappointing 7th place finish, Timmer is still capable of two or three more years’ reliable service.

Diego Lugano

Position: Centre back

Age: 28

Club History: Nacional Montevideo (1999-2001), Plaza Colonia (2001-02), Sao Paulo (2002-06), Fenerbahce (2006-09)

International: Uruguay (34 caps, 3 goals)

A Champions League and international regular with Fenerbahce and Uruguay, Diego Lugano presents a unique opportunity for a club to net themselves a world-class centre-back for free.

Lugano started his career in his native Uruguay but made his name in Brazil with Sao Paulo. In 2005, he led the club to the Campeonato Paulista, the Copa Libertadores, and FIFA Club World Championship, being awarded South America’s best defender in the process. His form led to a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce where he played a key role in the club reaching the quarter-finals of the Champion’s League for the first time.

A victim of Fenerbahce’s reorganisation after a disappointing 2008-09 season, Lugano has a great deal to offer at the age of 28. The likes of Spurs, Arsenal and Aston Villa will all be looking to bulk up their defensive options and Lugano could provide a decent budget option.

Rabiu Afolabi

Position: Centre back

Age: 29

Club History: Standard Liege (1997-2003), Napoli (2000-01), Austria Vienna (2003-05), FC Sochaux (2005-09)

International: Nigeria (10 caps, 1 goal)

A lanky yet strong central defender, who is good aerially and has a thunderous shot. He is also very versatile and can play as a fullback or defensive midfielder as well. A regular for Standard Liege and Sochaux and a regular squad member in the Nigerian national team for nine years, the defender’s physical style could make him ideally suited for a move to the Premiership and he could be a good signing for a side on a tight budget that expect a struggle this year, such as Portsmouth or Burnley.

Sylvinho

Position: Left back

Age: 35

Club History: Corinthians (1994-99), Arsenal (1999-2001), Celta Vigo (2001-04), FC Barcelona (2004-09)

International: Brazil (6 caps)

After starting his career at Corinthians in 1994, Sylvinho became the first ever Brazilian player to sign for Arsenal in 1999. Before long he was first choice at left back displacing long-time fan-favourite Nigel Winterburn. After losing his place to Ashley Cole he moved to Celta Vigo in 2001 where he was a regular for three years before signing for Barcelona. The left-back has won three league titles and two Champion’s League’s in five glorious years with the European champions and will be looking to sign off with one final challenge.

Claudio Maldonado

Position: Defensive midfielder

Age: 29

Club History: Colo-Colo (1998-99), Sao Paulo (2000-02), Cruzeiro (2003-05), Santos (2005-07), Fenerbahce (2007-09)

International: Chile (40 caps, 1 goal)

Despite an injury and suspension plagued spell at Fenerbahce, former Chile captain Claudio Maldonado is still capable of performing in a top European league. A tenacious, defensive midfielder by trade, Maldonado rose to international fame in 2003 as captain of Cruzeiro’s triple-crown winning team. In winning the Brazilian State Championship, Copa do Brasil and Brazilian Serie A, Cruzeiro became the first team to win the three most important competitions in Brazilian football in one year. At the end of 2005, Maldonado moved onto Santos for $4.5 million where he continued to impress, earning the attention of Fenerbahce, AC Milan, Ajax, Manchester United and Real Madrid. Although he has struggled in Turkey, the Chilean has a fine pedigree and would be a useful acquisition for most Premiership teams, with several English sides looking to add steal to their midfields.

Julian de Guzman

Position: Central midfielder

Age: 28

Club History: FC Saarbrucken (2000-02), Hannover 96 (2002-05),

Deportivo la Coruna (2005-09)

International: Canada (40 caps, 4 goals)

Since starting his football education at Marseille in 1997, Julian de Guzman has easily been Canada’s finest footballer. After playing with the French club’s reserve side, de Guzman began to make his name in Germany, making his first team breakthrough with Saarbrucken in the 2nd Bundesliga. He soon attracted the attention of top flight Hannover where he was a regular for three seasons, becoming one of the best young defensive midfielders in the Bundesliga. His impressive form led to a move to La Liga giants Deportivo la Coruna, for whom he has played an integral role over the past four years. His finest season perhaps came during the 2007-08 season when he was named Depor’s player of the season, helping them reach the UEFA Cup. The older brother of Feyenoord’s prodigiously talented Jonathan, the 2007 Gold Cup MVP and 2009 All-Tournament team member, is well capable of performing in the Premiership and was linked with Tottenham back in the January transfer window.

Zheng Zhi

Position: Central midfielder

Age: 28

Club History: Shenzhen Jianlibao (2001-04), Shandong Luneng (2005-07), Charlton Athletic (2007-09)

International: China (41 caps, 12 goals)

Had China captain Zheng Zhi been fit for more of Charlton’s doomed 2008/09 campaign, the South London club may still be a Championship outfit. Signed on loan by Alan Pardew at the end of 2006, Zheng impressed during his first stint in the Premiership despite their relegation. At the climax of the 06/07 season Zheng signed a permanent contract with the Addicks, moving from Chinese club Shandong Luneng for £2 million. Voted the fifth best player outside by the Premiership in March 2008’s FourFourTwo, Zheng was one of Charlton’s best performers in the Championship and was linked with a move back to the Premiership. After protracted negotiations with West Brom collapsed, Zheng stayed in London where he missed the majority of the season through injury, returning for the club’s late-season revival that came too late. Now fully fit, Zheng will be a target for big Championship and small Premiership clubs alike.

Jerome Thomas

Position: Left midfielder

Age: 26

Club History: Arsenal (2001-04), QPR (2002), Charlton Athletic (2004-08), Portsmouth (2008-09)

Since moving to Portsmouth last season, the once hugely promising Jerome Thomas has seen his career grind to a halt. After starting his career at Arsenal, Thomas came to national attention during his four years at Charlton. A regular from 2004-08, the left-winger played over one hundred games for the Addicks, earning plaudits for his goals and assists. The former England Under-21’s progress was first halted when he broke his fifth metatarsal at the beginning of the 2006/07 season. Despite returning to the side and resuming his key role at the club, he couldn’t save Charlton from relegation. Thomas opted to stay during 2007/08 where his continued good form in the Championship led to a loan move to Portsmouth, where he did enough to earn a permanent transfer to the South Coast club last summer. Thomas figured against Chelsea and Manchester United at the beginning of last season before fracturing his spine at the end of August, an injury that he struggled to recover from. Now fully fit and having trialled at Hull City and Wolves, Thomas will be hungry to prove that he can still deliver in the top flight.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink

Position: Centre forward

Age: 30

Club History: Twente (1996-2001), PSV Eindhoven (2001-2006),

Celtic (2006-09)

International: Holland (27 caps, 5 goals)

Although the big Dutchman endured his poorest season at Celtic Park during his last campaign, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is a striker with a proven track record. A regular in the Holland international set-up, Vennegoor scored 63 goals in 142 games for Twente, 76 goals in 157 games for PSV and 34 goals in 80 games for Celtic. As well as his impressive goalscoring record, the striker’s physical presence make him an able target man that is capable of laying on chances for a smaller, more mobile striker partner. Having played in World Cups, European Championships and the Champion’s League, Vennegoor could be an excellent bargain for a Premiership club looking to add some firepower, such as Blackburn, Everton or Portsmouth.

Mark Viduka

Position: Centre forward

Age: 33

Club History: Melbourne Knights (1993-95), Croatia Zagreb (1995-98), Celtic (1998-2000), Leeds United (2000-04), Middlesbrough (2004-07),

Newcastle United (2007-09)

International: Australia (43 caps, 11 goals)

Despite approaching his mid-thirties, there is no doubt that a fit Mark Viduka could play a part at a Premiership club. Prolific in Croatia, Scotland and the Premiership, the big Australian is a class act when functioning properly, a sight that Newcastle fans will feel they didn’t see enough of. Although there are legitimate questions over his fitness Viduka could still be an excellent target man if he is hungry enough for one last crack at the Premiership in what has been an extremely successful career.

[ManicRover]

Wouldnt mind De-Guzman myself

Lots of speculation in Canada that Julian DeGuzman will end up in the MLS with Toronto FC. Still would be a good addition to Rovers midfield

[Kelbo]

Wasn't Iley the manager who had the temerity to drop Stuart Metcalfe? Did himself no favours at all there. Indeed, I think it was that decision that spelt the end very quickly for Iley. Dressing room revolts and all that.

Yes, my idol too Stuart Metcalfe, Iley came from Barnsley, think Bob Saxton followed him as manager!!

[Taggart]

Nothing concrete, but I think the word 'alleged' may be appropriate.

This is a weird window by anyone's standards.

How so Nicko ? This doesn`t seem to be much different from the last two years in terms of Rovers, huffing and puffing, but not blowing the house down with a big signing (granted we have more money this year)

Or just a weird window in terms of all the transfer`s going on, and inflated prices etc.

[brian_gallagher85]

Sylvinho impressed me massively in Rome against United, he was simply brilliant for a player that hadn't played many games in the last few season, he would be a decent signing if LB wasn't already well covered. His legs might not be up to the pace of the Premier League though.

[G Somerset Rover]

Diego Lugano

Position: Centre back

Age: 28

Is Lugano definitely on a free? He's a class centre-back. If he is it's a shame as we are well covered in that area.

[Kelbo]

Wasn't Iley the manager who had the temerity to drop Stuart Metcalfe? Did himself no favours at all there. Indeed, I think it was that decision that spelt the end very quickly for Iley. Dressing room revolts and all that.

Yes, my idol too Stuart Metcalfe, Iley came from Barnsley, think Bob Saxton followed him as manager!!

[n033y]

Wasn't Iley the manager who had the temerity to drop Stuart Metcalfe? Did himself no favours at all there. Indeed, I think it was that decision that spelt the end very quickly for Iley. Dressing room revolts and all that.

Iley replaced Jim Smith , didnt last long and was replaced by John Pickering on a Caretaker basis , John who was one of the backroom staff, he was in charge when we got relegated but Mr Iley did the damage as far as I recollect.

[bob fleming]

Yes, my idol too Stuart Metcalfe, Iley came from Barnsley, think Bob Saxton followed him as manager!!

Saxton followed Kendall.

[Dave S]

Saxton followed Kendall.

......and Saxton brought a decent backroom staff with him I believe.

[Kelbo]

......and Saxton brought a decent backroom staff with him I believe.

Think he brought Jim Furnell!!

[bob fleming]

Think he brought Jim Furnell!!

You know, I think he did.

[DudeAbides]

Can we keep on topic please

[CrazyIvan]

:lol:

You young uns forget, we've seen it all before

But most of you only seem to remember the bad ones...

[Kelbo]

Any news on Di Santo??

Supposed to be sorted today!!

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

I daresay it'll take a few days with finalising things and moving up here.

[Ricky]

Guys you've just been asked to keep on topic. If people keep taking this bread off topic we are going to had to issue posting bans. It's just getting too difficult to read. This is a brfc transfer topic. No other chat will be tolerated. This is your final warning. Posting bans will follow.