Summer 2011 Transfer Window - Part 3.

[gumboots]

Anger/frustration - Isn't that what we're all feeling?? Isn't that exactly why people are starting to turn against Venky's??? Nicko seemed frustrated because we were/are blowing a chance to push on as a team and a club.

We're failing to land decent players not through lack of ambition but through a lack of transfer market understanding and a desire to run our transfer activity through committees. Who isn't damn frustrated about the current situation???? I certainly dont blame Nicko or any other journalist for being angry at this set up.

We as fans have every right to be angry and frustrated about our not making any signings - this is our club and like it or not we cannot simply walk away; even if we do it will still matter to us - but a tabloid journalist who has developed a certain level of affection for our club and its fans? It's a job for him, reporting on us. His anger and frustration are less likely to be at transfers not being done than at the fact that he's not getting the stories he used to get. I don't know him and have no axe to grind with him. I've been entertained by the 11 o'clockers as much as anyone and have found much of his information to be accurate in the past, but I just find this article odd to say the least. I'm not denying the club is in turmoil - that much has been increasingly obvious for some time now even to me who was hopeful about the takeover - but I find the tone of the article unnecessarily abrasive, that's all. I suspect rather than do good it will actually help to tip any undecided potential new signings over to the I'd rather not side and I doubt it will actually encourage our owners to do anything to make the situation better.

[magicalmortensleftpeg]

We as fans have every right to be angry and frustrated about our not making any signings - this is our club and like it or not we cannot simply walk away; even if we do it will still matter to us - but a tabloid journalist who has developed a certain level of affection for our club and its fans? It's a job for him, reporting on us. His anger and frustration are less likely to be at transfers not being done than at the fact that he's not getting the stories he used to get. I don't know him and have no axe to grind with him. I've been entertained by the 11 o'clockers as much as anyone and have found much of his information to be accurate in the past, but I just find this article odd to say the least. I'm not denying the club is in turmoil - that much has been increasingly obvious for some time now even to me who was hopeful about the takeover - but I find the tone of the article unnecessarily abrasive, that's all. I suspect rather than do good it will actually help to tip any undecided potential new signings over to the I'd rather not side and I doubt it will actually encourage our owners to do anything to make the situation better.

'Do good'? His job isn't to spin every Rovers story into positive press. I sense that Nicko is frustrated that we're ballsing this transfer window up from a position where we could have done really well, we're now running around with no clue at all. The reason for why Id dont blame him for writing in that tone is that I agree with him.

I also doubt any potential signings were basing their decision on whether to sign for Rovers on one NOTW article. Nicko's job isn't to attract players and its not his job to make the situation any better.

I feel that our lack of cohesion and focus at a high managerial level will turn players away more than anything Nicko will ever write.

[Mullionvagrant]

He'll be back as no doubt he gets vital infortmation for his job here, it's a two way street.

Anyway let's at least try and keep it on topic, I know its not easy as not much is actually happening but if you want to carry on discussing Nicko then use the NICKO thread in ICBINF.

I doubt he's gone anywhere he'll be reading the board....he's just keeping a low profile-probably due to wanting to write a few stories like the one just published.

When the dust settles and a new story is needed....

Things Rovers related leaking into the public domain seem to have gone quite quiet recently. Seems the club have done a good job in keeping goings on private/behind closed doors-leaves journalists scraping around for scraps and having to find new angles to sell stories-must be frustrating.

[jim mk2]

You are right in that the bit you quote is factual. However, you are intelligent enough to know that reporting the facts can be done in many different ways. This article reads as sensationalist, the writings of an angry man. Whether it is that the club have misled him and he wants to get back at them, whether it is an attempt to gee up the owners, whether we are an easy target in a week when journalists are feeling hard done by as many of the NOTW sportswriters are now without employment, or whether it's for some other reason you and I would never suspect, I don't know, but it's an article we could have done without.

Who's going to want to come to us already, without hearing that our club is in transfer crisis? You might join a club you know is struggling - players do it all the time or why did they sign for clubs like West Ham in Jan last year - but one that has its name in the tabloid press as "in crisis"? I think I'd steer well clear myself until I could see what was going on. It won't do untold damage to our transfers as we don't seem to be making any at the moment, but it sure as anything won't help players who might think of coming to us to decide to do so.

Nonsense. Tabloids by their nature are sometimes "sensationalist" but there is nothing in that particular story that is not telling the truth.

Rovers have lost 2 big players from last season, we have money to spend (apparently) yet have not been able to land one player so far. We had an A-list of targets which of course has been proved to be fanciful and it appears now we are unwilling to pay the right money for players on the B-list. Presumably we are now working on the C-list.

Rovers are indeed a club in "crisis" with regards to transfers because it is apparent that either the owners are not prepared to pay the money or players do not want to come to Ewood.

It's not the sort of story that would appear in the broadsheets but it's a good tabloid tale that needed to be written.

[leerovers1980]

how slow are sky reporting stuff lol

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11676_7029249,00.html

loving the part one of the best strikers in europe lol

[artemorethanlabore]

Nonsense. Tabloids by their nature are sometimes "sensationalist" but there is nothing in that particular story that is not telling the truth.

Rovers have lost 2 big players from last season, we have money to spend (apparently) yet have not been able to land one player so far. We had an A-list of targets which of course has been proved to be fanciful and it appears now we are unwilling to pay the right money for players on the B-list. Presumably we are now working on the C-list.

Rovers are indeed a club in "crisis" with regards to transfers because it is apparent that either the owners are not prepared to pay the money or players do not want to come to Ewood.

It's not the sort of story that would appear in the broadsheets but it's a good tabloid tale that needed to be written.

One problem here is of course, that the "fanciful" list was reported by the same journalist who's writing this tale. Kamy seemed to be getting the same information, possibly by the same source, but lets not forget that our information about what is happening at the club was never an official line, but transfer tales from a journalist with interests that may not be in line with blackburn or ours.

[Mullionvagrant]

how slow are sky reporting stuff lol

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11676_7029249,00.html

loving the part one of the best strikers in europe lol

Ha yeah yet again it says rovers 'eye...' we've been doing a lot of eyeing lately and not of following through with bids.

[jim mk2]

One problem here is of course, that the "fanciful" list was reported by the same journalist who's writing this tale. Kamy seemed to be getting the same information, possibly by the same source, but lets not forget that our information about what is happening at the club was never an official line, but transfer tales from a journalist with interests that may not be in line with blackburn or ours.

Of course not. He's a newspaper reporter doing his job - not a PR mouthpiece for Blackburn Rovers.

[artemorethanlabore]

Of course not. He's a newspaper reporter doing his job - not a PR mouthpiece for Blackburn Rovers.

Right, and his job is selling newspapers through tales of transfers. When information about immediate transfers turns out as wrong as alan's was, you can question the competence of the club. But it also might be worth looking at the information.

[den]

The only surprise to me this morning, is that the once worshipped Alan Nixon has now become the source of all evil, for writing one "negative" story about the club.

As for the story itself, - it's not hard to believe that what he's saying is at least near to the truth. I think the problem Venky's are having, isn't so much paying the transfer fees, but they're realising that they can't sustain the wage bill. [which is what I was saying weeks ago].

Oh, and I also believe that just one of the reasons why JW "lost interest", was due to Venky's refusal to budget transfers. If that was the case, you have to wonder about Venky's reputation as great business people.

[gumboots]

'Do good'? His job isn't to spin every Rovers story into positive press. I sense that Nicko is frustrated that we're ballsing this transfer window up from a position where we could have done really well, we're now running around with no clue at all. The reason for why Id dont blame him for writing in that tone is that I agree with him.

I also doubt any potential signings were basing their decision on whether to sign for Rovers on one NOTW article. Nicko's job isn't to attract players and its not his job to make the situation any better.

I feel that our lack of cohesion and focus at a high managerial level will turn players away more than anything Nicko will ever write.

Not my suggestion but that of another poster hoping that the article might make our owners get on with things. I didn't say either that any player would not come purely because of that article. They and their agents presumably know a lot more about what's going on than we do and hear a lot more. I said that if you were already wavering then I think it might just confirm your doubts. I don't see why Mr Nixon should be frustrated at our lack of direction or activity though. As I said we fans should be, but for him it's just a job. Our club doesn't really matter to him at all. So why the anger and frustration? It's not on our behalf - I suspect he's angry about lack of info or at the fact that the apparent budget he talked about is in fact not only not going to materialise, but that he has been led up the garden path by someone, either accidentally - that is they really thought those targets were doable - or deliberately. I don't know any more than any of us do and I'm no more comfortable with the stuff that appears to be going on at the club than anyone else is, but that particular article seemed to me to contain an edge that I haven't seen in most of the stories he has written before.

[EWOODACE1]

i dont think he is coming across as evil. he is a journo and its his job. he has made this board interesting but he is the one who has identified all these targets. the club hasnt mentioned anyone. but because your hearing who are targets possibly were and they havnt come off everyone starts panicking.

i think we will make signings but they will be on a par to what we have come to expect over the last few years

everyone moaned when venkys took over because they spoke too much and now they get critism for not speaking enough. because of people on here though a lot of issues have arised and it feels our club hangs in the balance. venkys do not seem to be trustworthy but they may ( hopefully ) surprise us

[jim mk2]

Not my suggestion but that of another poster hoping that the article might make our owners get on with things. I didn't say either that any player would not come purely because of that article. They and their agents presumably know a lot more about what's going on than we do and hear a lot more. I said that if you were already wavering then I think it might just confirm your doubts. I don't see why Mr Nixon should be frustrated at our lack of direction or activity though. As I said we fans should be, but for him it's just a job. Our club doesn't really matter to him at all. So why the anger and frustration? It's not on our behalf - I suspect he's angry about lack of info or at the fact that the apparent budget he talked about is in fact not only not going to materialise, but that he has been led up the garden path by someone, either accidentally - that is they really thought those targets were doable - or deliberately. I don't know any more than any of us do and I'm no more comfortable with the stuff that appears to be going on at the club than anyone else is, but that particular article seemed to me to contain an edge that I haven't seen in most of the stories he has written before.

It's one of the very few he's written that have been "negative" towards Rovers - is that an edge ?

I've no doubt there is frustration because I do think he has some sort of affection for the club and he sees the owners wasting opportunities to sign decent players. I doubt he's written it to spite his contacts - that would be biting the hands that feed him.

The fact remains it's a legitimate story - and if I were still working and news editor I'd be pressing him to write more stories on Venky's and their antics.

I believe you have relations who are in the "trade" - ask him / her their opinion.

[Hekla]

I think we should go for Jack Collison of West Ham, he is stalling with his contract, good young midfielder. His price wouldn't be so high.

[patrickvalery]

The only surprise to me this morning, is that the once worshipped Alan Nixon has now become the source of all evil, for writing one "negative" story about the club.

As for the story itself, - it's not hard to believe that what he's saying is at least near to the truth. I think the problem Venky's are having, isn't so much paying the transfer fees, but they're realising that they can't sustain the wage bill. [which is what I was saying weeks ago].

Oh, and I also believe that just one of the reasons why JW "lost interest", was due to Venky's refusal to budget transfers. If that was the case, you have to wonder about Venky's reputation as great business people.

I hear what you're saying Den. But you can't question someones business credentials on hearsay. The fact remains that they have overseen a successful business in its own right. That is something more concrete to judge them on. My main concern about them has always been that Balaji seems to view Rovers as a hobby. A little folly though which he can massage his own ego. I suspect Mrs Desai sees things a little differently. With this level of spilt at the very top, is it any wonder things are distorted further down the pecking order?

Sadly this has given rise to most of the problems as far as i can see. The expectations built up by reports of £40-£50m budgets, big names linked etc... have magnified the current situation grossly. If we had been told from day one that we'd have a more moderate budget then most people would be happy with that.

As for Nicko, i always enjoyed his input. I don't think its particularly fair to criticise the man now he's gone. I bet all of those having a pop have logged on for an 11 o clocker or two.

[Roberto Policano]

Amauri, anyone?

It seems we made a bid for Amauri...

At £88,000 a week would doubt that.

[RovertheHill]

The only surprise to me this morning, is that the once worshipped Alan Nixon has now become the source of all evil, for writing one "negative" story about the club.

As for the story itself, - it's not hard to believe that what he's saying is at least near to the truth. I think the problem Venky's are having, isn't so much paying the transfer fees, but they're realising that they can't sustain the wage bill. [which is what I was saying weeks ago].

Oh, and I also believe that just one of the reasons why JW "lost interest", was due to Venky's refusal to budget transfers. If that was the case, you have to wonder about Venky's reputation as great business people.

The ultimate irony in all this was that Nicko took a huge amount of flak on here for maintaining a positive stance towards Venky's for longer than most. Now it seems you are damned if you do and damned if you don't.

Back on topic though, if we are losing out on Kentaro players then what hope have we at all?

[Bobby G]

Maybe nicko can shed some light on the transfer shambles at Rovers right now.

[True Blue & White]

How many teams have made signings so far in the prem? like 3 or so.....

Well it's 15 actually, three quarters of the league. The only people who are yet to make a signing is us, Villa, QPR, Stoke and [surprisingly] Chelsea. 38 players have moved into various Premier League clubs at the time of this post.

Nicko will be back - he's more thick-skinned than you think!

You mean he loves antagonising those that doubt him and the adulation he gets from his nickoteens. I must say I do miss the odd debate with him but at the same time since he's left I've noticed those that do want to cast a negative opinion on his last article are being allowed to do so without being patronized by nicko or jumped on by his supporters.

He also never said we have 50m.. he said to get the players you are targeting would cost 50m.. and frankly given the people who have confirmed we approached them that figure does not shock me.

He said he was 'sticking his neck out' and was confident we would spend £50. Look back, and knowing things can change so quickly in football (especially with our owners) he should not have been so committal in his phrasing.

[Rover & Out]

So Venky's are being criticised for not spending £40-50m and increasing the wage bill to an unmanageable level?

It would seem odd that they hadn't factored this into their long-term plans but rather the realisation now than when we've got 5/6 names signed on, with then the need for European qualification and a good cup run to balance the books.

In my opinion, £5m for this window plus the Jones money is the maximum we can realistically expect them to spend.

[Glenn]

Have I fallen into an alternative reality? The Nickoteens have turned on Nicko and Jim and Den have come out to defend him? Next we'll have Waggy singing Venky's praises and Gav getting his shelf back.

By the way. I'd appreciate it if people could VOTE UP or REPORT anything with any real news in it, so I can easily move it into a summary thread.

[USABlue]

Have I fallen into an alternative reality? The Nickoteens have turned on Nicko and Jim and Den have come out to defend him? Next we'll have Waggy singing Venky's praises and Gav getting his shelf back.

By the way. I'd appreciate it if people could VOTE UP or REPORT anything with any real news in it, so I can easily move it into a summary thread.

Since you are here, could you have someone PM me an explanation of what I am doing wrong in my posts to have them removed. I understand there is some "sensitivity" around how we post in here but I seem to notice similar posts to mine left uncensored. So, a simple explanation so I can correct my self.

BTW "Nickoteens" very funny you should have that copyrighted.

[winstonsmith]

The ultimate irony in all this was that Nicko took a huge amount of flak on here for maintaining a positive stance towards Venky's for longer than most. Now it seems you are damned if you do and damned if you don't.

Back on topic though, if we are losing out on Kentaro players then what hope have we at all?

I would be surprised if Rovers ended up not signing Witsel with, as Nicko says, "all of the advantages that Rovers had in the chase" with Venkeys being in bed with Kentaro who are also Witsel's agents and with almost £21m from the sale of Jones and Fielding.

I had wondered when Jones was sold whether this was an asset stripping exercise or whether it was just to balance the books. To insert a release clause in Jones contract without a ridiculously high figure was like putting up a for sale sign and a price tag on his head. However I concluded that Venkeys probably wanted to raise this money so that they could play the transfer market. As they must have the money then surely they can get one of Kentaro's clients.

[donnermeat]

Would our advisors not know the going rate for witsel and inform the club .

spot on

[den]

Have I fallen into an alternative reality? The Nickoteens have turned on Nicko and Jim and Den have come out to defend him? Next we'll have Waggy singing Venky's praises and Gav getting his shelf back.

By the way. I'd appreciate it if people could VOTE UP or REPORT anything with any real news in it, so I can easily move it into a summary thread.

Odd isn't it!

I'm not supporting Nicko, just saying, that the view that Rovers transfer policy is in tatters, isn't hard to believe.