[Archived] Sam's January Targets

[beerwins]

Another window closes and still no LUCA TONI!!!

[Stuart]

Benni

sold and

the money

will be

gone

In the summer

Thanks guys, that pretty much sums up deadline day for me.

[Wing Wizard Windy Miller]

If the options available (Im not saying that these were the ONLY options, just the options which we were linked to) were Benjani, Beattie and Dindane, then its no loss to have missed out on any of them.

The scary thing is, if the club actually came out and said there was a distinct lack of quality out there so we weren't bothering then you could ..perhaps understand

them not buying anyone.

However, if all the reports were to believed they expressed an interest in all 3, which is absolutely ridiculous.

Shambles!

[magicalmortensleftpeg]

Well,in two seasons we've gone from 7th in the league with talent such as Tugay, RSC, Bentley to not being able to attract the likes of Benjani, Dindane or Beattie. Is that down to bad luck?

Unfortunately, when you sell your best players so often and so readilly, the rest see you as also rans and the outcome is inevitable. At times it seemed as though half of this m/b were in favour of reaping the cash as well.

Hold on, i dont think attracting the likes of Beattie or Dindane was ever the problem, it was that they cost more money than their worth plus their agents touting them to anything that moved.

We have no choice but to sell our best players. Bentley asked to leave, Roque asked to leave, Benni refused to train in order to leave. The first two were sold for probably twice their worth, you cannot blame the club for selling these assets under those conditions.

Whether the money we gained from those sales is spent correctly is another matter WHICH is why im glad Sam didnt just buy any journeyman striker when we could potentially spend that money on a much better player come the summer.

[Grez]

that fact that we signed Linganzi and Basturk on a free means that we are only shelling out wages (£30k / week between them?)balanced with a £50/ week for Benni off the books must mean that we will save apprx £1m in wages. Add this to the suggested £2m for Benni - this means we have £3m to add to the bank balance. Nice round number that... when did I last hear that figure £3m (annual loan?)

Money gone, or eternal pessimist?

[ChesterRover]

Very very disappointed we failed to land a striker before the window closed, just hope and pray what we do have stay fit and that we don't get dragged back into the relegation mire due to it.

Shabani Nonda on a free anyone?

[DavidMailsTightPerm]

Wow - just read through the last few pages - what an over reaction. Benni was playing in the Dunn role (when he played) - we have signed Basturk to replace him in that role - will take a few weeks to get fit - but hey when did you ever see Benni fit .

Personally I think you need to read Benni's thoughts on his move to WHU. He says Rovers wanted him to go, and then changed their minds at the last minute, forcing him to go on strike (or something like that). Could it be that Sam had lined up Benni's replacement - it fell through - so he decided to hang onto Benni - only to have that decision taken out of his hands by Benni's actions (for those that claim we should have kept Benni - he would have been in the dressing room eating at morale for the rest of the season).

This left the club scrambling about at the last minute - they correctly decided that Dundane was either over priced or they wouldn't guarantee to buy him for £4m at the end of the season (I think we can all agree on that !).

So we are left with Roberts, Kalanic, Di Santo, Hoilett & possibly Rigters. With the exception of Rigters I would prefer any of the above to any of the players we have been linked with (there could be arguments around Roberts - but Dundane isn't renowned for his goal scoring either). And remember - under Sams tactics - like them or not - this is all for one out and out striking position.

People obviously crave big name signings - or just any signing - but Samba, Nzonzi and others - all prove that you don't have to be a big name or transfer fee to be a success. I would have loved to see a new striker at the club - but every single manager says that January is the worst time to buy - as fees are inflated.

Its a bit of a gamble to wait for the summer - but Rovers have to gamble a little these days. Time for the rest of the ground to join in with the DE and make sure we give as much vocal support as possible to ensure we finish as high as possible irrespective of who pulls on the blue and white.

that fact that we signed Linganzi and Basturk on a free means that we are only shelling out wages (£30k / week between them?)balanced with a £50/ week for Benni off the books must mean that we will save apprx £1m in wages. Add this to the suggested £2m for Benni - this means we have £3m to add to the bank balance. Nice round number that... when did I last hear that figure £3m (annual loan?)

Money gone, or eternal pessimist?

Eternal pessimist = loan wasn't in place for this season anyway.

[Bobby G]

Fit or not, when Benni was on the pitch this season, more often than not we did something positive, and he was involved in most of it. Basturk, and Lingazi wont play for 3-4 weeks cause they dont even have match fitness and Dunn is still injured.

We need to get another few wins before our horrid run starts in March, cause these upcoming fixtures against Stoke, Hull and Bolton, not to mention the Dingles will decide our fate, and the above mentioned players will likely (other than Dunn) not have a role to play in them.

Is that an over-reaction? I dont think so.

[mellison24]

Fit or not, when Benni was on the pitch this season, more often than not we did something positive, and he was involved in most of it. Basturk, and Lingazi wont play for 3-4 weeks cause they dont even have match fitness and Dunn is still injured.

We need to get another few wins before our horrid run starts in March, cause these upcoming fixtures against Stoke, Hull and Bolton, not to mention the Dingles will decide our fate, and the above mentioned players will likely (other than Dunn) not have a role to play in them.

Is that an over-reaction? I dont think so.

Those lambasting the manager and JW for not bringing in another striker IS an over-reaction. Benni did something positive in the cup games and against Fulham....that's about IT this year. We'll be fine without him. He played the midfield role in which Pedersen is currently excelling and there'll be other options for us within the squad (maybe hoilett will get his 'striker' wish. Anything could happen. I'll bet a reasonable sum that nobody will be fussed about selling Benni once we guarantee safety. We're doing just fine. this window has been very positive imo.

[LeChuck]

We've just sold a substitute, someone who has been used primarily as a substitute since 2008...you'd think we were back in the nineties selling Alan Shearer judging by the reaction on here.

I admit, if Kalinic gets injured and Dunn/Basturk can't keep fit then we may struggle for goals...but that hasn't happened yet, so until then can't people just hold fire with the doom and gloom?

I'm looking forward to watching Benni's weight balloon after the World Cup, when whatever little motivation he is carrying has vanished. Hopefully our scouts will be busy finding a proper replacement, so that in the summer we can negotiate properly instead of joining in the madness of the January window.

Edit: Forgot to say...Ilan is still free to sign for teams outside the window, and with West Ham signing two strikers surely they're out of the picture. Just a thought.

[Bobby G]

Dont forget the Wigan game. That's about 6 points out of our last 7 points which he has had a hand in. And what about the goal he scored in our draw?

[mellison24]

We've just sold a substitute, someone who has been used primarily as a substitute since 2008...you'd think we were back in the nineties selling Alan Shearer judging by the reaction on here.

I admit, if Kalinic gets injured and Dunn/Basturk can't keep fit then we may struggle for goals...but that hasn't happened yet, so until then can't people just hold fire with the doom and gloom?

I'm looking forward to watching Benni's weight balloon after the World Cup, when whatever little motivation he is carrying has vanished. Hopefully our scouts will be busy finding a proper replacement, so that in the summer we can negotiate properly instead of joining in the madness of the January window.

To contnue this point....what IF Kalinic, Pedersen, Olsson and the like go on free-scoring runs? What if Basturk becomes the next Tugay? Just as likely as Kalinic getting injured etc etc. You cannot use hypotheticals as sticks to beat the manager with. Only cold hard facts.

[bennyboyt11]

So what are the odds of the fee we received for Benni just 'disappearing'?

[DavidMailsTightPerm]

Fit or not, when Benni was on the pitch this season, more often than not we did something positive, and he was involved in most of it. Basturk, and Lingazi wont play for 3-4 weeks cause they dont even have match fitness and Dunn is still injured.

We need to get another few wins before our horrid run starts in March, cause these upcoming fixtures against Stoke, Hull and Bolton, not to mention the Dingles will decide our fate, and the above mentioned players will likely (other than Dunn) not have a role to play in them.

Is that an over-reaction? I dont think so.

Which bit of Benni's play are u going to miss most - his lazy back-heels giving the ball away, the constant way he was caught off-side, his blazing pace, or his 100% effort in every match ?

Benni was a myth - one good season, followed by season littered by the odd bit of quality, but mostly average.

If you want to have a go at someone - why not Benni - after all he forced the move - he said so himself.

[Bobby G]

We've just sold a substitute, someone who has been used primarily as a substitute since 2008...you'd think we were back in the nineties selling Alan Shearer judging by the reaction on here.

I admit, if Kalinic gets injured and Dunn/Basturk can't keep fit then we may struggle for goals...but that hasn't happened yet, so until then can't people just hold fire with the doom and gloom?

I'm looking forward to watching Benni's weight balloon after the World Cup, when whatever little motivation he is carrying has vanished. Hopefully our scouts will be busy finding a proper replacement, so that in the summer we can negotiate properly instead of joining in the madness of the January window.

If Benni is a substitute, fair enough, then what would you label Mr. Roberts as, and even young Franco? I could care less about what happens to Benni 6 months down the line. I only care about how my club fairs in the next 14 matches at this point, and for the life of me, I cant see how we are better off than 1 month ago. Very simple question to you. Are we better off for the rest of the season than before the window started. Yes or no?

[The Rover of Finland]

Maybe Junior sees the future at Ewood now. He might be given atleast sub role as a striker if we play two in front. Would have been nice to sign striker but honestly, alternatives were pretty week. Atleast we don´t have to sell one more before buy next summer.

[Bobby G]

Which bit of Benni's play are u going to miss most - his lazy back-heels giving the ball away, the constant way he was caught off-side, his blazing pace, or his 100% effort in every match ?

Benni was a myth - one good season, followed by season littered by the odd bit of quality, but mostly average.

If you want to have a go at someone - why not Benni - after all he forced the move - he said so himself.

Benni is a typical footballer for the way he instigated the move away. However, that doesnt change the reality that we lost someone who WAS making an impact during our matches this season. Cant say that about too many of our players. Its all about this season, as Im not arguing about him being lazy, fat, past his best, or whatever else.

[mellison24]

Dont forget the Wigan game. That's about 6 points out of our last 7 points which he has had a hand in. And what about the goal he scored in our draw?

Benni did JACK ALL in the wigan home game though....he didn't even play!

[John]

Edit: Forgot to say...Ilan is still free to sign for teams outside the window, and with West Ham signing two strikers surely they're out of the picture. Just a thought.

Ilan signed for West Ham today.

[The Rover of Finland]

So what are the odds of the fee we received for Benni just 'disappearing'?

Or 90 % went to Porto

[DavidMailsTightPerm]

Maybe Junior sees the future at Ewood now. He might be given atleast sub role as a striker if we play two in front. Would have been nice to sign striker but honestly, alternatives were pretty week. Atleast we don´t have to sell one more before buy next summer.

To be honest - that could be the best thing to come out of this window. IF Hoilett decides to put pen to paper - it would IMO make it a very good transfer window.

[Bobby G]

Maybe Junior sees the future at Ewood now. He might be given atleast sub role as a striker if we play two in front. Would have been nice to sign striker but honestly, alternatives were pretty week. Atleast we don´t have to sell one more before buy next summer.

A bit of a reality check on Hoilett. He should be PLEASED he is getting a chance at our club. Yes he has pace, yes he is skillful, but I have yet to see him take his man on and get past him, or put a good final ball. He gives the ball away far too much. He should be happy gaining playing time in ANY position. He has potential to be a good player for us, but thats all it is right now.

[bigbrandjohn]

It is what it is. At least it is not complicated. The squad feel that they have a chance with one striker down.

If we had brought in Dindane and Beattie for Benni and Roberts there could have been more expectations and frustrations.

Our squad is strong enough to aim for the upper end of mid table obscurity and then we review in the summer with a few more likely to depart. We have a couple of new boys to try out in the mix before then to keep the interest up.

I can live with that.

[mellison24]

If Benni is a substitute, fair enough, then what would you label Mr. Roberts as, and even young Franco? I could care less about what happens to Benni 6 months down the line. I only care about how my club fairs in the next 14 matches at this point, and for the life of me, I cant see how we are better off than 1 month ago. Very simple question to you. Are we better off for the rest of the season than before the window started. Yes or no?

Yes. By a mile imo. I'll just highlight that it's IMO. You may disagree, but I think we are stronger if only to have finally got rid of a supposedly bad influence.

[LeChuck]

If Benni is a substitute, fair enough, then what would you label Mr. Roberts as, and even young Franco? I could care less about what happens to Benni 6 months down the line. I only care about how my club fairs in the next 14 matches at this point, and for the life of me, I cant see how we are better off than 1 month ago. Very simple question to you. Are we better off for the rest of the season than before the window started. Yes or no?

Hard to answer until we've seen how Basturk is, we could be better, we could be worse. Roberts and Di Santo are both substitutes, but at least they have a good attitude and won't go on strike whenever a team comes sniffing round them. We saw early in the season that Di Santo can lead the line excellently, obviously the goal drought hit his confidence, but one goal could kick start his season again.

I admit, it's a bit risky relying on other players staying fit, even with our record. But, if we're with injuries then it will have been 100% the correct decision to sell McCarthy for the money we did. Including wages it'll be about £3 million saved, if he was going to spend much of that on the bench (which he would if Kalinic and one of Dunn/Basturk is fit) then it's the right move.

If we get a few injuries and need him (like we did in the crisis at the end of last season) then it will have been a mistake, then people will have every right to go ballistic. Not until then though.