[Archived] Sam's January Targets

[nicko]

Wasn´t Paul Baysse on trial once? I think it was Sparky who invited him but it could have been Ince too.

Yes...in Paul Ince's time. Came over, trained a day or two and left.

[G Somerset Rover]

Yes...in Paul Ince's time. Came over, trained a day or two and left.

Right...Incey didn't rate him so sign him up Sam!!

[Blue n White Rover]

Sam sating on the official website that he isn't looking for a striker in the summer and hoping that Chelsea will allow Rovers to extend Di Santo's loan deal. Is this true or is Sam really interested in buying him on a permanent transfer?

[nicko]

Sam sating on the official website that he isn't looking for a striker in the summer and hoping that Chelsea will allow Rovers to extend Di Santo's loan deal. Is this true or is Sam really interested in buying him on a permanent transfer?

Rovers are interested in keeping Di Santo on for the rest of the season - and probably beyond. The first step is to extend the loan.

I think this is a bit half-hearted personally, as you run the risk that he puts goals on the end of his displays and the chance of a cheap deal is lost.

But there are a lot of factors here - like is there money to gamble, is the club convinced he is worth it, how much do Chelsea want and does the lad want to commit to a full-time move.

It would be safer to take him on loan, but six months from now that could feel like a cop-out if he does the business and is worth a lot more money.

[John]

Sam interviewed on Rovers World and he was quite calm on transfers - as we know, waiting on Di Santo. Obviously if one of our strikers leaves, he will bring one in, however no need for an additional one otherwise.

Basically, seems to me, like we could bring in a low cost player (Algerian perhaps). But don't expect much activity.

Also said he did not want January to become a distraction for the players, with all the speculation.

[S15]

I don't think Di Santos price will rocket too much barring he finds a genie and a magic lamp and requests the ability to finish.

I think he's a good player who we should sign, but I'm only 75% sure of this, so a loan seems a better option as opposed to possibly wasting £5m+ on him now.

[nicko]

I don't think Di Santos price will rocket too much barring he finds a genie and a magic lamp and requests the ability to finish.

Or maybe a coach who can give him some guidance. Not one of your three main coaches was a striker...makes you think.

Anyway, I have a funny feeling he will score today.

[Fylde Coast Fan]

If there's money available for a striker (and the club are certainly putting it about that there isn't), or if we sell to buy, then surely we need to look for someone who's going to get us 20 goals a season. I think Di Santo is potentially a very good player and I'd be happy if we kept him - but I can't see him ever getting that kind of goal tally.

[nicko]

If there's money available for a striker (and the club are certainly putting it about that there isn't), or if we sell to buy, then surely we need to look for someone who's going to get us 20 goals a season. I think Di Santo is potentially a very good player and I'd be happy if we kept him - but I can't see him ever getting that kind of goal tally.

There are no strikers who will get you 20 goals a season unless you have about £20 million to spend.

So you either take a punt with the cash you have got on an emerging player who may get 10-12 a season and become a £20 million player or some old dud who might get you 10-12 a season before he makes his next sideways move.

I think you know the two names I mean...

[Fylde Coast Fan]

There are no strikers who will get you 20 goals a season unless you have about £20 million to spend.

I know, I'm just spoiled because in three consecutive seasons we found Craig Bellamy, Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz, all for less than £4m, all scored for fun for a year and either left for a tidy profit or sulked their way through a few too many Happy Meals.

[nicko]

I know, I'm just spoiled because in three consecutive seasons we found Craig Bellamy, Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz, all for less than £4m, all scored for fun for a year and either left for a tidy profit or sulked their way through a few too many Happy Meals.

Spoiled is the word. Those were three huge bits of business.

It's not meant to be a snipe at Big Sam, but Sparky is probably a better judge - and handler - of a striker than most managers.

[John]

Spoiled is the word. Those were three huge bits of business.

It is not just those 3 though, it was generally, Sparky was amazing in the transfer market for us.

Some seem to think it is easy to replicate, reality is, it isn't.

[Amo]

There are no strikers who will get you 20 goals a season unless you have about £20 million to spend.

Hmmm... Benni McCarthy scored 18 in his first season. £2.5m

Santa Cruz scored a similar amount for £3.5m.

[Guest Kamy100]

Sam: Expect A Quiet January

[RibbleValleyRover]

I wonder if Sam might take a look at Giles Barnes?

Barnes shown door by Derby

I know he was highly rated and touted as a great future prospect, but he has suffered from injuries. Sam likes a challenge and has had some success at keeping injury plagued players reasonably fit, perhaps he might take a look at Barnes?

[John]

I wonder if Sam might take a look at Giles Barnes?

Barnes shown door by Derby

I know he was highly rated and touted as a great future prospect, but he has suffered from injuries. Sam likes a challenge and has had some success at keeping injury plagued players reasonably fit, perhaps he might take a look at Barnes?

Worth getting in on trial if possible.

[RoverRich]

Spotted this at the bottom of that LET article and was just wondering if someone could clear up as to why?

"Premier League rules stop the Argentine returning to Rovers, if he initially goes back to Chelsea at the start of January."

Is it something to do with not being able to do 2 short term deals with the same player in the same season?? Or is it some other reason?

[JAL]

Or maybe a coach who can give him some guidance. Not one of your three main coaches was a striker...makes you think.

When I asked you if Sam should have an attack minded coach in his team, as they all seemed to be defence minded you were quite dismissive at the time Nicko.

So whats changed your stance from then?

[nicko]

When I asked you if Sam should have an attack minded coach in his team, as they all seemed to be defence minded you were quite dismissive at the time Nicko.

So whats changed your stance from then?

I don't recall that. But I am sure you will remind me.

[JAL]

I don't recall that. But I am sure you will remind me.

Your reply many moons ago seemed to run along the lines of, you dont see a problem in big Sams back room team at the time.

[Stuart]

Sam: Expect A Quiet January

I see an old 'friend' has posted his thoughts at the bottom of the LET piece there. Still moaning about the Walkers...

[47er]

I see an old 'friend' has posted his thoughts at the bottom of the LET piece there. Still moaning about the Walkers...

but he's a lot better now!

[Tom]

I'd love Hoillet to sign in January, the lad has a big future in football, I hope its with us.

Todays tactic of having to resort to Keith when Grella got hurt shows how we are lacking still in midfield, hope this Algerian passes sams tests and does a good job.

[Fylde Coast Fan]

I wonder if Sam might take a look at Giles Barnes?

Barnes shown door by Derby

I know he was highly rated and touted as a great future prospect, but he has suffered from injuries. Sam likes a challenge and has had some success at keeping injury plagued players reasonably fit, perhaps he might take a look at Barnes?

Barnes has no future at a high level if a Championship club are ditching him at his age due to injuries, surely. We'd only take him on the cheap if Reid and Dunn needed some company, surely.

[RoyRover]

Don't think anyone has posted this up.

French defender