[Archived] Blackburn Rovers Transfer Topic

[gumboots]

I was wondering if you guys have to contend with this issue when looking to sign players too? or is it just us flat cap-wearing, whippet racing folk in the north east?

To some extent yes. However, Manchester is on our doorstep and most of our players live out that way now, so it's not so much an issue. They train in fantastic surroundings and only see Blackburn on match days, and even then ewood is on the outskirts. We're not helped either by the fact that the southern based media think we are still primitive souls up here and live in terraced slums etc.

[only2garners]

I was wondering if you guys have to contend with this issue when looking to sign players too? or is it just us flat cap-wearing, whippet racing folk in the north east?

To an extent I can understand someone who is coming from abroad preferring to live in London/Birmingham/Manchester as they're big cities that they're certain to have heard of......but when British lads seem concerned about moving a few hundred miles up the road I think it says an awful lot about the desire of the player. Seemingly Bent would rather stay in London and sit on the bench than come up north and play football. Crouch is probably awaiting interest from Spurs/Fulham.

In truth it's not really an issue for Rovers as it's perfectly possible for players to live in the fleshpots of South Manchester and commute, and most of them do.

[Sparky Marky]

and the Ribble Valley is a beautiful place...so day to day is nice working conditions....

[Jim Royle]

To some extent yes. However, Manchester is on our doorstep and most of our players live out that way now, so it's not so much an issue. They train in fantastic surroundings and only see Blackburn on match days, and even then ewood is on the outskirts. We're not helped either by the fact that the southern based media think we are still primitive souls up here and live in terraced slums etc.

yeah, and my slums detached! - they know nowt them cheeky southern feckers!

[snatchymcsnatch]

yeah, and my slums detached! - they know nowt them cheeky southern feckers!

Aye up so is mine, both terraced houses either side were knocked down a year ago but I'll be buggered if any Southern softie developer is making ME budge - new sports centre my arse

[Pinch]

How many people have now raised the question of a players ability to make the transition from the Austrian league to the EPL?

I cannot recall a single instance of anyone raising the same objection to a player making the transition from the Australian league. Is that not also a huge leap in the dark? Then of course the same applies also to the various African leagues, Eastern European, Greek, and Turkish leagues.......the list goes on and on. What is SO different about the Austrian league?

A large number of players in the EPL at present have come from one of these leagues I have listed and have been very successful, so I repeat......what exactly is so different about the Austrian league that makes so many people on this site feel that a player coming from there simply cannot be expected to step up to the EPL. I would really like someone to explain why (if they can).

Oh Fife, I was inserting the "BIG step up to the EPL" line as more of a disclaimer than anything else. I feel that signing a 22 yrs old, full international with a strike rate like his - for 2.5M would well worth a gamble... a gamble b/c he is coming here from a second-tier (maybe third tier) league. There's nothing especially suspect about the Austrian league, but if you don't think the majority of posters on this board would react similarly if we were linked to players from an African league, Australian, the MLS, etc. then I believe you would be surprised. For every Ryan Nelsen and Clint Dempsey there are at least dozen flops and it makes sense not to get hopes too high...but he could be a great find.

[Nelson!]

Mid-20s, natural goalscorer, good turn of pace. You'd be missing out.

The only problem is Spurs inflated valuation, considering he's done relatively naff all there. I'd have him here in a shot if we could afford him.

I've never really rated him that highly (i am in the minority though) .....to me he's no better than Cisse but would cost twice the price. I loved having that mad @#/? at Sundelrand but when you don't play EXACTLY to his strengths he's severely limited and I have heard the same from Spurs fans regarding Bent.

Also, this is the third time we've been in for him with a serious offer (once at Ipswich and once last January) and the first two times he didn't even give us a secnd thought. He's a southern lad and I get the impression if he came up here it'd be because he felt like he had to and wouldn't really settle.

It's amazing that lads like Julio Arca can come here from Buenos Airies aged 18 and make it their new home yet people like Bent seem so reluctant. Parker at Newcastle was classic....asking to move to West Ham because he was homesick. Crikey.

Players who sign for Sunderland tend to live in Durham (lovely, quiet University city) or if they want the nightlife the quayside in Newcastle. There's a new riverside apartment block in Sundelrand which a couple of our players live in. Richardson is one of them, they reckon he gives stick to the other players for not living in Sunderland as he feels you should live with the people you're playing for. A total contradiction to the lad I thought we were signing when he first came.

[Majiball]

If he scores lots this year other clubs will take him. Unfortunately we need to take gambles early on before the odds are shorter so to speak and everyone is prepared to take a gamble.

Every signing is a gamble, but the size of the gamble is too great for me if I'm honest.

I certainly wouldn't argue with the drift of your post MJB, although it does completely miss the point I was making.

My question was inspired by another poster who had queried the ability of Hoffer to make it in the EPL because he came from the Austrian league, and with this added to the myriads of other posters that have questioned Janko's ability to step up, but only quoting the difference in standards between the Austrian league and the EPL. My point was and is: what is SO fundamentally different about the Austrian league and lots of other leagues around the world that it alone has to be singled out for questioning the ability of it's players to make a successful transition to the EPL? Nobody says" oh dear he has only come from the Australian league (or the MSL, or some African league etc, etc) so will he be able to step up" do they?

ROFLMAO, do your research Majiball, assumption is the mother of them all.

I wouldn't have any issue taking a player or youth lad from austria in fact as far as I'm concerned if we find a fish who ticks the boxes called billy he can play. I'm not to sure where the austrian league ranks overall, but given there teams enter in at the early stages in the champions league I'd not say in the top 15 countries. us and spain must be one and two surely. I wonder how it would rank with say the Championship, but even then I could be tempted to take a punt on one from that league, if they ticked all the boxes. So for me as long as he's young enough to develop has a good consistent track record at his current level then take a look and who cares where he comes from. But the lower the level the bigger the amount of development required to make the grade in the premiership and the risk goes up, so for me the age must go down to allow for a longer development time and potential. If he can do that in that league at 21 what could he do in ours by 27 his prime. Austrian league is quite physical at times but the intensity/pace of the game does not come close to ours so it does have some similarities. Age/youth is key for me even at 23/24 theres still plenty of time left to get it out, but no higher than that.

But thats not what we need or are looking for we need a 1st 11 striker who can cut it in the prem and not join some of the very famous names who have failed spectacularly in our league.

Nelsen easily made the transition at a late age and has excelled from the MLS, so its far from unprecedented and it will happen again. Also though remember we had a completely different scouting set-up with the signings of Samba et al, who's to say there as good at spotting that potential/ability? Thats a really key point here.

For me for this one signing, our new number 9 must have as low a chance of failure as possible because we must get it right and finish mid-table again, so for that reason I would only consider a player from a strong European league, this time. For all the rest especially the cm role I would like to take a punt or two if we have enough money left on a youngster who's shown good potential and has certain attributes.

I know for fact the eastern Europeans rank far higher than england or any British country overall youth wise, Czech, Serbia both in the top ten Croatia are up there as well. We should be looking at youngsters there who are at the right age that they could have the time to develop. So I'm all for what you suggest normally.

But just as I'd never take a 7M punt on a championship player who's never played in the prem, I'd be aghast if we did it on any player from a far inferior standard, all our bargains where signed as cover first not to go straight in they forced there way in eventually or had trials first and certainly not at that financial level.

It puts the willies up me Fife, I had enough of them last year lets play it safe and solidify our position this year then build on that, that means no gambles with large sums of cash this year on players we're 100% on.

[T4E]

Is this the new Eric Bellion?

Or the new David Cantona?

[braddock]

Or the new David Cantona?

probably the new solskjaer since he's been bought from the same club

[alexanders]

probably the new solskjaer since he's been bought from the same club

Hopefully not.

[LeChuck]

I bet you're wondering why you bother Neil...

[Nelson!]

On our boards threre's a guy claiming to have sources in France (I know he's had decent info on Scottish transfers before.....but he lives up there) who are saying Sunderland and Blackburn are the options available to the Bordeaux striker Chamakh.

He's waiting on Arsenal making a bid....if they don't that's his choice.....you or us.

Have no idea if the bloke is on a wind up but we have been linked with him. Earlier in the summer their Chairman said (might not be word for word....but along the lines of) "what the (Please don't use that word again) would he do at Sunderland/ He's going to a top English club".........then the player came out and said "the chairman can say what he likes, but it's not up to him and I would consider going to Sunderland."

Have you been linked with him? Perhaps when nicko gets back on he can confirm/deny this story.

***Apologies for the abusive language.....didn't realise it was frowned upon over here. I'm blaming the Bordeaux Chairman though as he did actually say it.

[Kelbo]

Every signing is a gamble, but the size of the gamble is too great for me if I'm honest.

ROFLMAO, do your research Majiball, assumption is the mother of them all.

I wouldn't have any issue taking a player or youth lad from austria in fact as far as I'm concerned if we find a fish who ticks the boxes called billy he can play. I'm not to sure where the austrian league ranks overall, but given there teams enter in at the early stages in the champions league I'd not say in the top 15 countries. us and spain must be one and two surely. I wonder how it would rank with say the Championship, but even then I could be tempted to take a punt on one from that league, if they ticked all the boxes. So for me as long as he's young enough to develop has a good consistent track record at his current level then take a look and who cares where he comes from. But the lower the level the bigger the amount of development required to make the grade in the premiership and the risk goes up, so for me the age must go down to allow for a longer development time and potential. If he can do that in that league at 21 what could he do in ours by 27 his prime. Austrian league is quite physical at times but the intensity/pace of the game does not come close to ours so it does have some similarities. Age/youth is key for me even at 23/24 theres still plenty of time left to get it out, but no higher than that.

But thats not what we need or are looking for we need a 1st 11 striker who can cut it in the prem and not join some of the very famous names who have failed spectacularly in our league.

Nelsen easily made the transition at a late age and has excelled from the MLS, so its far from unprecedented and it will happen again. Also though remember we had a completely different scouting set-up with the signings of Samba et al, who's to say there as good at spotting that potential/ability? Thats a really key point here.

For me for this one signing, our new number 9 must have as low a chance of failure as possible because we must get it right and finish mid-table again, so for that reason I would only consider a player from a strong European league, this time. For all the rest especially the cm role I would like to take a punt or two if we have enough money left on a youngster who's shown good potential and has certain attributes.

I know for fact the eastern Europeans rank far higher than england or any British country overall youth wise, Czech, Serbia both in the top ten Croatia are up there as well. We should be looking at youngsters there who are at the right age that they could have the time to develop. So I'm all for what you suggest normally.

But just as I'd never take a 7M punt on a championship player who's never played in the prem, I'd be aghast if we did it on any player from a far inferior standard, all our bargains where signed as cover first not to go straight in they forced there way in eventually or had trials first and certainly not at that financial level.

It puts the willies up me Fife, I had enough of them last year lets play it safe and solidify our position this year then build on that, that means no gambles with large sums of cash this year on players we're 100% on.

Extremely well put, I do agree 100% - we could hit lucky by taking a punt, but what if we are not??

Its got to be someone who is proven at a decent level, Spain, Italy, England and possibly France as they have lots of technical ability and Wenger does well with them!

If we had £2,500,00 to spare, the young Austrian would be a great lad to develop, but remember, Matty Derbyshire was scoring for fun in Greece last year!!!

[SamTheShrew]

I'd like to see us go for Victor Moses - bags of pace and raw talent, could be a bargain at circa 5million. Id like to think we could offer more than Wigan to him aswell.

shame I doubt we will!

[gumboots]

On our boards threre's a guy claiming to have sources in France (I know he's had decent info on Scottish transfers before.....but he lives up there) who are saying Sunderland and Blackburn are the options available to the Bordeaux striker Chamakh.

He's waiting on Arsenal making a bid....if they don't that's his choice.....you or us.

Have no idea if the bloke is on a wind up but we have been linked with him. Earlier in the summer their Chairman said (might not be word for word....but along the lines of) "what the (Please don't use that word again) would he do at Sunderland/ He's going to a top English club".........then the player came out and said "the chairman can say what he likes, but it's not up to him and I would consider going to Sunderland."

Have you been linked with him? Perhaps when nicko gets back on he can confirm/deny this story.

***Apologies for the abusive language.....didn't realise it was frowned upon over here. I'm blaming the Bordeaux Chairman though as he did actually say it.

I've read the reports on that too. He wants to go to Arsenal as do a lot of French players obviously, but you are quite right and he did say he'd go to sunderland if that was the option open to him as he's very keen to come to the prem. I don't remember his being linked with us at all - did hear rumours of West ham at one time.

[Nelson!]

I've read the reports on that too. He wants to go to Arsenal as do a lot of French players obviously, but you are quite right and he did say he'd go to sunderland if that was the option open to him as he's very keen to come to the prem. I don't remember his being linked with us at all - did hear rumours of West ham at one time.

It will be loans and frees for West Ham for some time yet.....they're broke. Good job they have Zola who will have a lot of contacts at good clubs.

It's a bit odd....I don't really mind this kid hanging on to see if Wenger wants him but if Crouch is messing us about in the hope of interest from Spurs and the mighty Fulham I'll be a annoyed.

I can see you guys going for Chamakh, just a hunch given what nicko has been saying about your targets.

I take it you never signed that Russian/Ukranian guy you had on trial a year or so ago under Hughes? Valieri something?......can't even begin to remember his surname....any idea where he ended up?

[Dunnfc]

Valeri Domocyeski or something like that ended up at Hertha Berlin.

[Hi Mack]

It will be loans and frees for West Ham for some time yet.....they're broke. Good job they have Zola who will have a lot of contacts at good clubs.

It's a bit odd....I don't really mind this kid hanging on to see if Wenger wants him but if Crouch is messing us about in the hope of interest from Spurs and the mighty Fulham I'll be a annoyed.

I can see you guys going for Chamakh, just a hunch given what nicko has been saying about your targets.

I take it you never signed that Russian/Ukranian guy you had on trial a year or so ago under Hughes? Valieri something?......can't even begin to remember his surname....any idea where he ended up?

Im sure Chamakh was being touted around for 12M, unfortunately that counts us out......but you on the other hand may make a bid.

[gumboots]

Im sure Chamakh was being touted around for 12M, unfortunately that counts us out......but you on the other hand may make a bid.

12 million euros

[Ricky]

Which is pretty much £12m these days Gumboots.

[Hi Mack]

Which is pretty much £12m these days Gumboots.

Ye, Still pretty much counts us out!

[Al]

Which is pretty much £12m these days Gumboots.

More like £10.3 mil at today's rate.

[Dunnfc]

I read this morning Chamakh was going to Arsenal for 7million plus Sylvestre?

So i guess he could be cheeper than 12 million euro's also i noticed he's in the llast year of his contract, webster rule maybe?

[Nelson!]

Im sure Chamakh was being touted around for 12M, unfortunately that counts us out......but you on the other hand may make a bid.

The other interesting thing re: Jones is that if he was to go I doubt it'd be for anythiing near £8million considering we supposedly (our club made a statement saying so) turned down a £20million bid in January.

If you can't afford Chamakh then I can't see there's any way you could afford Jones.....even if he was available.

I guess the question of what happened to the RSC cash has been asked on here a million times.....If i was a Rovers fan I'd be wondering why we don't have £18million to spend on a new striker.