Transfer Window Chat Thread

[jim mk2]

Has Kean noticed Phil Jones has left the club - and Samba could follow him - and we have a gaping hole in the middle of the defence ?

He seems to be targetting fancy-dan footballers (without actually signing one yet) while failing to repair the damage caused by Jones's departure. It's like giving a house a lick of paint while the foundations are crumbling.

[LeChuck]

I'm happy enough with all the names we're going for as long as we also get a big name striker like Podolski.

Pretty sure the Vieirinha bid means Podolski is on the back burner. Podolski certainly isn't a striker who can lead the line on his own.

Given how our business seems to be shaping up now, I'd expect us to line up something like....

................... Robinson

Salgado Samba Givet Olsson

........... Petrovic .. N'Zonzi

.. Vieirinha . Formica . Hoilett

.................. Santa Cruz**

Bunn, Nelsen, Hanley, Morris, Emerton, Grella, Andrews, Pedersen, Dunn, Rochina, Roberts, Goodwillie, Blackman

If we can find the right player to lead the line in that team it's shaping up to be an exciting, well balanced unit actually. I never thought I would be saying that a few weeks back.

** If we could guarantee the arrivals of Petrovic, Vieirinha and Goodwillie then I'd be very happy to take Santa Cruz from City. Surely they'll be desperate to get him off their books by the end of the window, even if it means contributing to his wages. Roque (if fit) could be perfect at spearheading that attacking line up.

We probably need a versatile defender to come in, probably someone who can play right/centre back.

Has Kean noticed Phil Jones has left the club - and Samba could follow him - and we have a gaping hole in the middle of the defence ?

If Samba leaves then yes, we desperately need a centre back.

Otherwise that 'gaping hole' nonsense is just scaremongering; Samba, Nelsen, Givet, Hanley. You seem to have forgotten that Phil Jones only played centre back when other defenders were injured last season.

[Taggart]

Has Kean noticed Phil Jones has left the club - and Samba could follow him - and we have a gaping hole in the middle of the defence ?

He seems to be targetting fancy-dan footballers (without actually signing one yet) while failing to repair the damage caused by Jones's departure. It's like giving a house a lick of paint while the foundations are crumbling.

This is all based on assumption Jim - you have no idea really if he isn`t targetting Defenders do you ? you only know about what is posted here or on the journos and news - so based on your assumption, there is a gaping hole IF Samba leaves.

What is the damage of Jones departure that we had no choice about ? would it be the money to pay off the loan ? or would it be the half season he contributed to ? you make it sound like he was the only player in the team last year. Phil played mainly as a def midfielder for teh half season, a position that we are recruiting the Serbian chap for, and for when Phil Jones played centre back, I beleive the Mongo chap was beign courted - so to answer your assumption, I think Kean has noticed.

[jim mk2]

................... Robinson

Salgado Samba Givet Olsson

........... Petrovic .. N'Zonzi

.. Vieirinha . Formica . Hoilett

................... Santa Cruz

We probably need a versatile defender to come in, probably someone who can play right/centre back.

The main problem with that team is the back line.

I love Salgado but the man is ageing and slowing and cannot play every game - he needs replacing; Samba is more than likely to leave, Givet is OK but better at left back and Olsson is not, repeat not, a defender.

Kean need to builds from the back instead of trying to sign another Carlos Kickaball.

. You seem to have forgotten that Phil Jones only played centre back when other defenders were injured last season.

Phil Jones's return after injury saved Rovers from relegation.

[joey_big_nose]

Pretty sure the Vieirinha bid means Podolski is on the back burner. Podolski certainly isn't a striker who can lead the line on his own.

Given how our business seems to be shaping up now, I'd expect us to line up something like....

................... Robinson

Salgado Samba Givet Olsson

........... Petrovic .. N'Zonzi

.. Vieirinha . Formica . Hoilett

.................. Santa Cruz**

Bunn, Nelsen, Hanley, Morris, Emerton, Grella, Andrews, Pedersen, Dunn, Rochina, Roberts, Goodwillie, Blackman

If we can find the right player to lead the line in that team it's shaping up to be an exciting, well balanced unit actually. I never thought I would be saying that a few weeks back.

** If we could guarantee the arrivals of Petrovic, Vieirinha and Goodwillie then I'd be very happy to take Santa Cruz from City. Surely they'll be desperate to get him off their books by the end of the window, even if it means contributing to his wages. Roque (if fit) could be perfect at spearheading that attacking line up.

We probably need a versatile defender to come in, probably someone who can play right/centre back.

If Samba leaves then yes, we desperately need a centre back.

Otherwise that 'gaping hole' nonsense is just scaremongering; Samba, Nelsen, Givet, Hanley. You seem to have forgotten that Phil Jones only played centre back when other defenders were injured last season.

Loving the look of that side.

And Jim - we will be signing a defender.Our advanced interest in Mongu and Miranda proves the desire is there.

[LeChuck]

I love Salgado but the man is ageing and slowing and cannot play every game - he needs replacing; Samba is more than likely to leave, Givet is OK but better at left back and Olsson is not, repeat not, a defender.

I can't say I agree with any of that, except Salgado. I do worry about him.

The rest of the defence is very good though. Givet most certainly isn't better at left back!

Loving the look of that side.

It does look exciting, doesn't it? I'm trying not to get overexcited because things have gone so wrong thus far that I'm preparing for the worst, but Petrovic, Goodwillie and Vieirinha do seem to be more than idle paper talk (certainly the first two).

Roma weigh up bid for out-of-favour Arsenal striker Chamakh.

He would be an excellent signing if we could persuade him to come; very good in the air, fast with very good technique. Not sure how much they'd want for him, hopefully not much as they got him on a free 12 months ago.

[Tom]

Phil Jones's return after injury saved Rovers from relegation.

for me it had at least as much to do with Nzonzis return to the team and Hoiletts superb form.

[LeChuck]

for me it had at least as much to do with Nzonzis return to the team and Hoiletts superb form.

Agree there. Plus Jermaine Jones really went up a level after he'd settled in and got his match sharpness back. That combination of Jones and N'Zonzi was the best thing we'd had since the likes of Tugay and Savage were here.

Also Kean started playing a formation that could get us results, rather than that stupid diamond he persisted with for ages.

There were many factors that contributed to that form that saved our skins. I admit Phil Jones was one of them, but by no means was he the only one. I wouldn't even say he was the main one.

[American]

He's useless. My brother is a west ham nut and hates him more than Paul Ince.

Interesting, because most of the West Ham supporters I know said he was one of their better players when move to defensive midfield last season.

That being said, I'd only want him as an Andrews replacement - i.e. someone who is available for cup matches and only plays when we have 2 or more injuries in midfield.

[John]

Agree there. Plus Jermaine Jones really went up a level after he'd settled in and got his match sharpness back. That combination of Jones and N'Zonzi was the best thing we'd had since the likes of Tugay and Savage were here.

Also Kean started playing a formation that could get us results, rather than that stupid diamond he persisted with for ages.

There were many factors that contributed to that form that saved our skins. I admit Phil Jones was one of them, but by no means was he the only one. I wouldn't even say he was the main one.

Thought Samba, IMO, played an important part in helping us "stay up" - all the more important we don't lose him too if possible as would be surprised if we were able to sign players of similar quality to Jones/Samba.

Bearing in mind Nelsen is not getting any younger, I would be keen to ensure we are as solid as possible defensively coming into the new season.

Also, anyone heard if Givet’s contract situation has been resolved?

[Dariomarcolin]

I'd love it if there was a bloke called Carlos Kickaball sat at his computer getting angry at all this abuse he's receiving

[eire3382]

for me it had at least as much to do with Nzonzis return to the team and Hoiletts superb form.

100% agree along with jj's form and of course samba.

[daveoftherovers]

Agree there. Plus Jermaine Jones really went up a level after he'd settled in and got his match sharpness back. That combination of Jones and N'Zonzi was the best thing we'd had since the likes of Tugay and Savage were here.

Also Kean started playing a formation that could get us results, rather than that stupid diamond he persisted with for ages.

There were many factors that contributed to that form that saved our skins. I admit Phil Jones was one of them, but by no means was he the only one. I wouldn't even say he was the main one.

Your points are all valid, but there was one additional ingredient, it was team spirit, the whole clubs attitude, especially in the last 3 games, was exceptional, and in my experience, that itself, was the difference between some of the clubs who faced relegation last year, and all concerned, should have taken some credit from it.

I think that spirit still exists at our club, you can tell even from the friendlies and the post match interviews.

The guys we are now trying to sign are taking us down the right road IMHO, and I very much look forward to seeing are young players take some of these so called big clubs on this season.

Long may we continue punching above our weight and making the Media, and MOTD ! Speak through gritted teeth about us!

[Taggart]

Anyone know if Roversinsideher is due to start tweetign today to let us know about the Goodwillie medical ? I would have thought, it would make sense, to get him signed up, and then when Petrovic WP comes through, unveil both this week in a double whammy ?

Been a long time since we did an actual press conference unveiling of signings

[Wild Irish Rover]

Has Kean noticed Phil Jones has left the club - and Samba could follow him - and we have a gaping hole in the middle of the defence ?

He seems to be targetting fancy-dan footballers (without actually signing one yet) while failing to repair the damage caused by Jones's departure. It's like giving a house a lick of paint while the foundations are crumbling.

Isn't that what unscrupulous folk do just before they do a moonlight flit with the profits from a quick sale...

[magicalmortensleftpeg]

In terms of Salgado, Ive always preferred Emerton at RB personally. He showed through 07/08 that he has the discipline and defensive ability to play there plus he can push forward very well. Givet is a decent option at CB but we need more cover.

If we purchase Goodwillie, Vierinha plus one more striker, I think we could have a very potent front 4. Formica, Rochina, Hoilett, Olsson, Dunn, Vierinha, Goodwillie, Pedersen could all play in advanced attacking midfield roles. I dont remember us having so many options up front. One reasonably decent striker and I think we could be looking at a solid midtable finish.

[dubdubdub]

I dont remember us having so many options up front. One reasonably decent striker and I think we could be looking at a solid midtable finish.

Living the dream!

[Roverino]

Just a quick point, several posters seem to base their opinions on all the linked strikers with their previous goalscoring records. Bit of a daft thing to do with some of them. Goodwillie is 22, its not as if he's had the chance to prove he's a 20-30 goal a season man consistently. Had a good enough record for me last year. In addition, Park chu young was in a relegation battle, so 11 a season isnt bad. Our top scorer scored 5/6 last season.

Besides remember it depends what league your playing in. Stats can be misleading. Anyone remember Alfonso Alves? Scored something ridiculous like 54 goals for Herenveen the season before he moved to Middlesborough and what a resounding success he turned out to be.

And seriously, Andy Johnson??

[roversfanben]

I've heard we may be looking at Owen Hargreaves, I think he'd be a great signing on a pay as you play deal, but I can't see it as we already have the Zonz and soon we will have Petrovic, too.

[Bobby G]

Park Chu Young's talent is undoubted. Miles ahead of any striker we have at the club, and is proven internationally as well. He would be an excellent marquee signing too (marketing in Asia). I would easily snap him up but Im sure it wont happen.

[Pom-rover]

As far as I am concerned, if we were going to sign a winger in this window it had to be piatti but for some reason we didn't have a crack at him! I would welcome vierinha to the team I just haven't seen alot of him so I'm not quite sure! I will be happier when we actually announce a signing but the names propping up in the last few days have been encouraging. Definatly need a proven striker in and quick as i'm going to put it out there and say;

Blackburn vs wolves

Potential six pointer

" oh no he didn't "

[A Tugay Substitution]

In terms of Salgado, Ive always preferred Emerton at RB personally. He showed through 07/08 that he has the discipline and defensive ability to play there plus he can push forward very well. Givet is a decent option at CB but we need more cover.

If we purchase Goodwillie, Vierinha plus one more striker, I think we could have a very potent front 4. Formica, Rochina, Hoilett, Olsson, Dunn, Vierinha, Goodwillie, Pedersen could all play in advanced attacking midfield roles. I dont remember us having so many options up front. One reasonably decent striker and I think we could be looking at a solid midtable finish.

Salgado was one of our best players of the season for me - yes he did get caught out sometimes but mainly because he was having to cover for one of the centre backs or when he would get outjumped.

I remember playing Brett at right back for a few games in a row and the amount of goals we conceded because he was playing the striker onside was ridiculous - can't fault him for effort or athleticism but his positioning was poor.

Would be great to have a signing confirmed even if it is just to prove that there is some money and someone with authority to spend it !

[philipl]

I've heard we may be looking at Owen Hargreaves, I think he'd be a great signing on a pay as you play deal, but I can't see it as we already have the Zonz and soon we will have Petrovic, too.

I think Hargreaves on a pay for play would be an excellent move. Big gamble but would inject enormously needed class into the squad if it came off.

[Andy]

Hargreaves is an outstanding player if/when fit.

If we could get 20 games out of him over a season and paid him based on appearances, I'd snap his hand off.

[niggit]

What about David Trezeguet. Swansea are in for him.