[Archived] Venky's Summer Transfer List

[TimmyJimmy]

My intuition is that Samba and Jones are already gone. Junior may well sign an extension and we will land JJ for silly money which will eat into our transfer budget.

We have then to start by finding another Samba and another Jones just to stand still. That's hard work and expensive and even if successful we haven't improved.

Another thought is that if we were successful and replace those two and then go out and buy a striker, new left back, creative mid etc then that's one heck of a lot of new bodies to meld into a team. It takes a while to settle a player in - new house - new friends/colleagues - new schools for the kids etc. etc., and that's before they all start to gel into a team with the spirit shown by us against Wolves.

It's OK puffing ourselves up and talking about big transfer funds and marquee signings but I'd suggest we focus more on begging S & J to stay.

I'm not going to attack the Donut, he's our manager and I'll have to bite that particular bullet and support him like any other Rovers staff but it wouldn't do our cause any harm to have a manager with a 'reputation' to help attract in the good quality replacements and even persuade S & J to stick with it.

On the good news side a high level of player churn will no end of good for the agents commissions, where's Mr Aaaaanderson when you need him?

Talking of new players didn't Nicko say that Sebastian Larsson was a cert to join us at the end of season? Seems Sunderland are after him for 15 million. If we do that deal then there will be nowt left of the transfer pot. After his showing and substitution in Birmingham's relegation game I'm not sure that him going to Sunderland would be bad news.

[den]

Jermaine Jones maybe all action but he doesn't have the technical ability to play the box to box role. He has 0 goals, 0 assists here and about 17 goals in his whole career and he's 30, it's not enough to have drive and energy to be a box to box man you must be good at both attacking and defending and Jones can't attack.

We need creativity, Jones cannot provide that.

I agree with all this Maj. Jones has done a great job for us and has made a difference. Technically he is limited though. He isn't the man who's gonna lay on chances for anyone and he does get caught out defensively quite often. He's worked his socks off for us, probably worked harder than anyone else. I would take him into the squad this summer, but for no more than a couple of million.

[47er]

My intuition is that Samba and Jones are already gone. Junior may well sign an extension and we will land JJ for silly money which will eat into our transfer budget.

We have then to start by finding another Samba and another Jones just to stand still. That's hard work and expensive and even if successful we haven't improved.

Another thought is that if we were successful and replace those two and then go out and buy a striker, new left back, creative mid etc then that's one heck of a lot of new bodies to meld into a team. It takes a while to settle a player in - new house - new friends/colleagues - new schools for the kids etc. etc., and that's before they all start to gel into a team with the spirit shown by us against Wolves.

It's OK puffing ourselves up and talking about big transfer funds and marquee signings but I'd suggest we focus more on begging S & J to stay.

I'm not going to attack the Donut, he's our manager and I'll have to bite that particular bullet and support him like any other Rovers staff but it wouldn't do our cause any harm to have a manager with a 'reputation' to help attract in the good quality replacements and even persuade S & J to stick with it.

On the good news side a high level of player churn will no end of good for the agents commissions, where's Mr Aaaaanderson when you need him?

Talking of new players didn't Nicko say that Sebastian Larsson was a cert to join us at the end of season? Seems Sunderland are after him for 15 million. If we do that deal then there will be nowt left of the transfer pot. After his showing and substitution in Birmingham's relegation game I'm not sure that him going to Sunderland would be bad news.

Jones has just completed his first full season in the seniors and it was badly interrupted by injury. He's young, local and a supporter! So long as we can pay the going rate (and I'm sure we can) why wouldn't he want to stay and at least see where next season takes us? Seems a level-headed lad to me and not going to allow his head to be turned. More to life and all that.....

[Ralfinho]

How about this guy?

My link

Class player and seems to have his problems behind him now and never seems to get injured

[AJW]

Chelsea are planning a clearout and apprarently Jack Cork and Yuri Zhirkov among those leaving i would take those 2 i've heard Cork has been outstanding at Dingles and i think Ollsson and Zhirkov could combine pretty well on the left flank plus i'm sure i read he followed rovers when in Russia

[davulsukur]

Talking of new players didn't Nicko say that Sebastian Larsson was a cert to join us at the end of season? Seems Sunderland are after him for 15 million. If we do that deal then there will be nowt left of the transfer pot. After his showing and substitution in Birmingham's relegation game I'm not sure that him going to Sunderland would be bad news.

You must be meaning someone else, Seb Larsson is a free transfer and even if he wasn't £15 million? crazyness

I've watched Jones closely mainly because I described him as breath of fresh air when he arrived (they were a mates words who lives in Germany). Trouble is his passing is poor especially when he tries to be ambitious, but even then I see him hit plenty of passes, short ones that don't go where they need to. Against Wolves there were a couple of occasions when he tried to play the ball out wide for the runner. But the ball was always to feet or behind them, if your looking to really make use of the pace we have wide IE Junior and Olsson, we need better passers. A ball behind means the attack breaks down, the runner must check his run to collect the ball and those couple of seconds allow the opposition time to get back in position and then we have to start again.

I really want him to sign but make him sit in the main, play it short and simple and just keep things ticking over. His pace in that role would really allow us to use our full backs much more as an attacking force as well, especially if we can get a new Left back. Pace for me is key here for us as Salgado is not as quick as he used to be. Trouble is where does it leave N'zonzi - back-up to those two really and I think N'zonzi has some real potential as a sitter/ball winning midfielder.

You have been watching JJ closer than me, so i am not going to say you are wrong, however if we are to sign JJ and use him in a position where he just sits in midfield it wouldn't be worth signing him. Takes away his best attributes and by your own analysis his passing isn't great, so for him to sit and hold in midfield wouldn't be worth it. I'd bring him in and work on his passing and keep him in a position where he can use his determination, workrate and pace to pressure all over the park.

Bringing Palacios for me would be a decent buy along with JJ. Totally stifles the creativity through the middle however against the big boys (esp away from home) N'zonzi holding in behind JJ and WP makes a tough, solid uncomprimising central midfield. Just means we would rely heavily on the wingers for attacking options.

[gumboots]

How about this guy?

My link

Class player and seems to have his problems behind him now and never seems to get injured

thing is, he may appear to have put his problems behind him, but it would cost us very dearly if he hadn't. League or FA would comedown on him like a ton of bricks if he put a foot wrong in future and we couldn't afford to take him and then lose him for a couple of months. i know that can happen with injuries, but is Barton really a risk worth taking?

[davulsukur]

How about this guy?

My link

Class player and seems to have his problems behind him now and never seems to get injured

Has been class for Newcastle, would be well worth signing if his problems were behind him, however i dont think they ever will be and to be honest, would he be too much for a newbie manager like kean to handle?

[Al]

How about this guy?

My link

Class player and seems to have his problems behind him now and never seems to get injured

For Christ's sake how many more times? No way do I want to see that arrogant thug in blue and white. If the Venkeys don't want Diouf, no way will they entertain Barton. Just forget it.

[Torgeir]

Chelsea are planning a clearout and apprarently Jack Cork and Yuri Zhirkov among those leaving i would take those 2 i've heard Cork has been outstanding at Dingles and i think Ollsson and Zhirkov could combine pretty well on the left flank plus i'm sure i read he followed rovers when in Russia

Zhirkov is a class player, he took extra time adapting to the English game as he was too lazy to learn English before joining Chelsea. He's also pretty lightweight but has outstanding ability - he can play inside left in a 4-5-1 as well as winger and left wingback.

Cork unfortunately I haven't seen play.

[Majiball]

You have been watching JJ closer than me, so i am not going to say you are wrong, however if we are to sign JJ and use him in a position where he just sits in midfield it wouldn't be worth signing him. Takes away his best attributes and by your own analysis his passing isn't great, so for him to sit and hold in midfield wouldn't be worth it. I'd bring him in and work on his passing and keep him in a position where he can use his determination, workrate and pace to pressure all over the park.

Bringing Palacios for me would be a decent buy along with JJ. Totally stifles the creativity through the middle however against the big boys (esp away from home) N'zonzi holding in behind JJ and WP makes a tough, solid uncomprimising central midfield. Just means we would rely heavily on the wingers for attacking options.

Davulsukur, there is no right or wrong really in football just differing opinions as most systems, styles etc can be made to work. I wasn't trying to imply you were wrong just really wanted to explain why I don't think its the best role for him.

Trouble is if we set-up like that were does Junior play? His best showings have come in the hole this year and last (arsenal away), so I want to keep him there as we also have Formica and Dunn who play there and really if we shift to that set-up in midfield we basically have 3 players who will not be playing in their positions and they are some of our most creative players. Also I'm keen to see us maintain that shape as we can attack in all three area's both flanks and centrally when we play Junior in there and that would hopefully lead to more goal scoring chances as defending just the flanks makes lie easier for the opposition.

[cn174]

Zhirkov is a class player, he took extra time adapting to the English game as he was too lazy to learn English before joining Chelsea. He's also pretty lightweight but has outstanding ability - he can play inside left in a 4-5-1 as well as winger and left wingback.

Cork unfortunately I haven't seen play.

Why would he learn English before he come here?

I'd like Zhirkov he is very good player and also he's a Rovers fan!!

[Slinky]

How about this guy?

My link

Class player and seems to have his problems behind him now and never seems to get injured

If we had Barton and JJ in the middle, we'd actually be able to play 4-4-2...

[Torgeir]

Why would he learn English before he come here?

I'd like Zhirkov he is very good player and also he's a Rovers fan!!

Because he was told by the Chelsea owner

Engrish

[davulsukur]

Davulsukur, there is no right or wrong really in football just differing opinions as most systems, styles etc can be made to work. I wasn't trying to imply you were wrong just really wanted to explain why I don't think its the best role for him.

Trouble is if we set-up like that were does Junior play? His best showings have come in the hole this year and last (arsenal away), so I want to keep him there as we also have Formica and Dunn who play there and really if we shift to that set-up in midfield we basically have 3 players who will not be playing in their positions and they are some of our most creative players. Also I'm keen to see us maintain that shape as we can attack in all three area's both flanks and centrally when we play Junior in there and that would hopefully lead to more goal scoring chances as defending just the flanks makes lie easier for the opposition.

No worries mate, i didn't think you were trying to prove me wrong in anyway, i just meant as you said you have been watching JJ closely i didn't want to say anything that made it sound like i was trying to prove you wrong, if you get me!

I totally agree with the lack of creativity, if we played Fonz, JJ and Palacios we would have to move Junior to right wing, however he would potentially have alot more attacking freedom with the 3 centre mids in a covering position.

also bringing in WP gives us some strength in depth in one of our weakest areas, an injury to JJ and suspension to fonz means we have to play utter dross in both CM positions.

[Majiball]

No worries mate, i didn't think you were trying to prove me wrong in anyway, i just meant as you said you have been watching JJ closely i didn't want to say anything that made it sound like i was trying to prove you wrong, if you get me!

I totally agree with the lack of creativity, if we played Fonz, JJ and Palacios we would have to move Junior to right wing, however he would potentially have alot more attacking freedom with the 3 centre mids in a covering position.

also bringing in WP gives us some strength in depth in one of our weakest areas, an injury to JJ and suspension to fonz means we have to play utter dross in both CM positions.

Fair do's.

I like the I in team, my response is normally no there's no I but there is a me.

[Commondore]

If the talk about a £20m kitty is true (excluding the Samba money) then we should be able to add three quality players. Any marquee signing would be financed by the Rao brothers, but I won't get my hopes up.

Get some sleep now ladies & gentlemen, the 11-o'clockers will be raining down on us come June and cause extensive sleep deprivation.

Can any of the Swedish posters shed some light on how Dennis Avdic have been playing for Werder Bremen? According to Wiki he's only featured in two games...

Not sure if it's just two games but he hasn't played much, injuries combined with Bremen slowly trying to groom him into their team being the main reasons. With hindsight I think it's safe to say that he wouldn't have been much help in our relegation battle, but he's still one to watch for in the future.

[USRoverME]

Has been class for Newcastle, would be well worth signing if his problems were behind him, however i dont think they ever will be and to be honest, would he be too much for a newbie manager like kean to handle?

Yeah, that punch (I think it was) he aimed at MGP was pure class. Not sure the lads would take too kindly to adding him in if they get along with Gamst.

IMHO, its not so much the personality of the coach, but the personailty of the TEAM that dictates whether or not you can bring in someone like Barton (or to a lesser extent even a Diouf). If you need the manager to quash the likes of Barton being an idiot, its too late. The Lads on the team sense that stuff first... if Barton is the Alpha male, it'll go pear shaped. If there are enough stronger personailties in the locker room (such as a Salgado, maybe Samba, Robbo and Nelsen, perhaps Friedel, Tugay and even Flitty from a few years back), you need those types to stop him from being an issue BEFORE the coaches and managers need to step in, or else it'll go wrong. Even with that strong personailty control on the sidelines, he might still do the odd rash thing on the pitch (see the MGP incident above), but those cost you at most 2-3 games, not the 2-3 months for which the off the pitch incidents can get you sidelined.

So basically my take.... if you tare going to bring a Barton-type in, he can't be your captain, and he can't be the dominant personality on the team. If you have enough other strongly willed pros... you can take that risk. If you are a young team, and Barton will be basically your "wise old head" on the squad, you are in trouble. If we really are going to become the young gun up and coming team via SEM contacts int he Arse mold, then Barton is a no no... if we plan to keep a core of harden vets and build around them with the formicas and Juniors of the world, then Barton makes a bit more sense.... but on the whole, I'd not want him, as I fear this side is going to get very young very quickly, and I don't want Barton near that mix.

[cn174]

Why would Barton leave Newcastle to come to us?

[Fylde Coast Fan]

Have we been linked with Anelka yet? I know he's old for a footballer but we could get 30-40 goals out of a 2 year contract, and how much is that worth?

[Torgeir]

Why would Barton leave Newcastle to come to us?

Money and a longer contract.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

My intuition is that Samba and Jones are already gone. Junior may well sign an extension and we will land JJ for silly money which will eat into our transfer budget.

We have then to start by finding another Samba and another Jones just to stand still. That's hard work and expensive and even if successful we haven't improved.

Another thought is that if we were successful and replace those two and then go out and buy a striker, new left back, creative mid etc then that's one heck of a lot of new bodies to meld into a team. It takes a while to settle a player in - new house - new friends/colleagues - new schools for the kids etc. etc., and that's before they all start to gel into a team with the spirit shown by us against Wolves.

It's OK puffing ourselves up and talking about big transfer funds and marquee signings but I'd suggest we focus more on begging S & J to stay.

I'm not going to attack the Donut, he's our manager and I'll have to bite that particular bullet and support him like any other Rovers staff but it wouldn't do our cause any harm to have a manager with a 'reputation' to help attract in the good quality replacements and even persuade S & J to stick with it.

On the good news side a high level of player churn will no end of good for the agents commissions, where's Mr Aaaaanderson when you need him?

Talking of new players didn't Nicko say that Sebastian Larsson was a cert to join us at the end of season? Seems Sunderland are after him for 15 million. If we do that deal then there will be nowt left of the transfer pot. After his showing and substitution in Birmingham's relegation game I'm not sure that him going to Sunderland would be bad news.

Larrson for how much ? !!!!!!!!!!! You've miss-placed a decimal point or two. You mean either £ 1.5 mill or £ 150,000 I think. And the last figure is £ 150,000 more than I'd pay for him.

[Fylde Coast Fan]

Seb Larsson is out of contract, isn't he?

Sunderland are talking about bringing in 8-9 players. Vaughan and Campbell from Blackpool, Ba, Larsson all linked so far.

[Ripleys love child]

How about Joe cole?

[Iceman]

what about Danns and/or Roger Johnson? If Samba stays, but we can't secure JJ, then we move Phil Jones to that role alongside Nzonzi.