[Archived] Samba Up to His Old Tricks Again

[lordy_rovers]

I can't begin to comprehend how Samba's teammates feel towards him. He wants to leave for whatever reason; but there are young players in that dressing room that are striving to play for the shirt regardless of the off-field troubles and poor management, and will give their all to be playing their football in the Premier League for BRFC. We should have got rid when we had the opportunity as the way he going on is no good to ANYBODY, and is a situation that the most experienced and disciplined manager would struggle to deal with- never mind Steve Kean -whom has more than enough on his plate at the moment!

[blue_n_white99]

Todays LT states that Samba is ready to play for the reserves on Monday. Now correct me if I'm wrong here, it's hard to keep up when the Kean Bullshitometer is off the scale but I thought Samba had done his hamstring? That must be the quickest recovery known to man!

Press - "Will Chris Samba play at the weekend Steve?"

Kean - "er no unfortunately we just feel that it's a little early for Chris after his head fell off"

Press - "OK, thanks Steve. Steve, what about these letters of support, are you still receiving 500 a day?"

Kean - "No not at all, in fact in the last week I'd say that number is nearer to 1500 a day. That's mainly from managers from around the world. I've had to buy a new phone, an iPhone 7i, in order to be able to take all the calls of support from other managers. Well, when I say 'buy' i mean i was given the prototype by Apple, they're big fans and can see what I'm trying to do here. Anyway, 'Arry has been great and apologised that his trial got in the way a bit. Arsene has also been great, he had such a laugh with me over a bottle of wine after last weeks game. Now if you'll excuse me gentlemen, Junior Hoillett is waiting in my office to sign his new contract and I've got Angelina Jollie calling in, on the quiet, to see me at two thirty, then I've a conference call with Barack Obama at 4.00. before a giant flying chicken / pig is collecting me at 5.00 and flying me back to my imaginary village".

Press - "OK, thanks Steve

"

He is almost as funny as Chemical Ali, if he was doing this at another club we would all be pissing ourselves laughing; tragically it isn't somewhere else.

[RevidgeBlue]

I can't understand why we seem to be indulging Samba now the transfer window has shut. I could understand it somewhat if we wanted to teach him a lesson and had a Man City style squad which allowed us to leave him out of the side for a period without suffering unduly, but we haven't.

He's our best player. If he's "fit and available for selection" he should be in the side. The window has shut so he's not going anywhere until summer at earliest, there's nothing to discuss. If he comes out with some guff about "his head not being in the right place" and refuses to play, fine him and stop his wages until he will play.

If Samba really wanted to leave he shouldn't have signed his latest contract and at some point we would have had to sell him because his contract was running down. I assume his latest contract was on such good money there was either no release clause, or in the unlikely event there was, it wasn't met. Like I've said before he can't have it both ways, more money and still leave when he wants.

It's a very simple situation really but having played a blinder initially by refusing to allow him to leave we are now muddying the waters and weakening our original stance by not playing him immediately.

[Exiled in Toronto]

I don't understand all this support for Samba's actions. He may well have a big grievance but he is putting the livelihoods of his colleagues and staff at Ewood at further risk by not being out on the pitch. No wonder he's being sent to Coventry.

[DE.]

I can't understand why we seem to be indulging Samba now the transfer window has shut. I could understand it somewhat if we wanted to teach him a lesson and had a Man City style squad which allowed us to leave him out of the side for a period without suffering unduly, but we haven't.

He's our best player. If he's "fit and available for selection" he should be in the side. The window has shut so he's not going anywhere until summer at earliest, there's nothing to discuss. If he comes out with some guff about "his head not being in the right place" and refuses to play, fine him and stop his wages until he will play.

If Samba really wanted to leave he shouldn't have signed his latest contract and at some point we would have had to sell him because his contract was running down. I assume his latest contract was on such good money there was either no release clause, or in the unlikely event there was, it wasn't met. Like I've said before he can't have it both ways, more money and still leave when he wants.

It's a very simple situation really but having played a blinder initially by refusing to allow him to leave we are now muddying the waters and weakening our original stance by not playing him immediately.

The reason is because between them Venky's and Kean don't have two brain cells to rub together.

Absolute morons of the highest level. I rue the day we got lumbered with them.

[RevidgeBlue]

The reason is because between them Venky's and Kean don't have two brain cells to rub together.

Absolute morons of the highest level. I rue the day we got lumbered with them.

But initially we did the right thing by standing up to him and not allowing him to move anywhere on the cheap. Don't see the point in going to all that trouble and aggro then allowing him not to play.

I don't believe Samba or any other professional would actually not give 100% or intentionally play badly once out on the pitch. They'd make themselves unsaleable to any future employer.

[DE.]

But initially we did the right thing by standing up to him and not allowing him to move anywhere on the cheap. Don't see the point in going to all that trouble and aggro then allowing him not to play.

I don't believe Samba or any other professional would actually not give 100% or intentionally play badly once out on the pitch. They'd make themselves unsaleable to any future employer.

The problem is Venky's reason for not allowing him to move was nothing to do with the fans not deserving it or wanting the team to progress by keeping him. It was motivated by money (perceived value of the club if Samba is sold decreasing and therefore irritating the bank further) and their own sense of personal pride. The same motivation that caused them to ignore the protestors and keep Keano in charge.

[DavidMailsTightPerm]

I can't understand why we seem to be indulging Samba now the transfer window has shut. I could understand it somewhat if we wanted to teach him a lesson and had a Man City style squad which allowed us to leave him out of the side for a period without suffering unduly, but we haven't.

He's our best player. If he's "fit and available for selection" he should be in the side. The window has shut so he's not going anywhere until summer at earliest, there's nothing to discuss. If he comes out with some guff about "his head not being in the right place" and refuses to play, fine him and stop his wages until he will play.

If Samba really wanted to leave he shouldn't have signed his latest contract and at some point we would have had to sell him because his contract was running down. I assume his latest contract was on such good money there was either no release clause, or in the unlikely event there was, it wasn't met. Like I've said before he can't have it both ways, more money and still leave when he wants.

It's a very simple situation really but having played a blinder initially by refusing to allow him to leave we are now muddying the waters and weakening our original stance by not playing him immediately.

I have some sympathy for Kean - this is one that is difficult to win. Bottom line, he has to somehow get Samba focused again on playing as we can't afford a player of his quality on the sidelines. IMO he is playing this softly softly in the hope of pursuading Samba to start playing again. I don't know Samba as a person - but he doesn't strike me as being the type to be bullied into doing something - so possibly Kean has the right idea ?

For me there is one very important distinction - Samba can make himself available for selection - but whether he puts in the type of committed performance that has become his trade mark is down to him. Being a little slow to get back, block a player or put your head in where it hurts could cost us points IF he isn't 100%

[broadsword]

I have some sympathy for Kean -

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT??????????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pay more attention at the back of the class.

The word I believe you required was "antipathy".

[Stuart]

Can someone tell me how Samba has a hamstring injury keeping him out of tomorrow's game yet is set to play for the reserves on Monday?

[yoda]

I can't understand why we seem to be indulging Samba now the transfer window has shut. I could understand it somewhat if we wanted to teach him a lesson and had a Man City style squad which allowed us to leave him out of the side for a period without suffering unduly, but we haven't.

He's our best player. If he's "fit and available for selection" he should be in the side. The window has shut so he's not going anywhere until summer at earliest, there's nothing to discuss. If he comes out with some guff about "his head not being in the right place" and refuses to play, fine him and stop his wages until he will play.

If Samba really wanted to leave he shouldn't have signed his latest contract and at some point we would have had to sell him because his contract was running down. I assume his latest contract was on such good money there was either no release clause, or in the unlikely event there was, it wasn't met. Like I've said before he can't have it both ways, more money and still leave when he wants.

It's a very simple situation really but having played a blinder initially by refusing to allow him to leave we are now muddying the waters and weakening our original stance by not playing him immediately.

Unless he was promised a move if he signed a new contract

[Exiled in Toronto]

Unless he was promised a move if he signed a new contract

If he, or his agent, had any brains they would have got it in there.

Personally I think he created this problem himself: he's either worth 60k/week or he's worth a 6 million fee - but he can't be both. By agitating for and getting huge pay increases, any transfer fee was always going to be big.

[Toodling]

Samba is a total disgrace, hope he breaks his legs in the reserves and rots after his latest actions tbh.

[DE.]

The perception seems to be that if you're against Samba then you're for Venky's, and vice-versa.

I think they're both as bad as each other tbh. Samba's been good for us but the last two transfer windows in particular has gone missing with phantom injuries and tried to force a move. I don't need to explain why Venky's should be held in utter contempt.

Both nasty in their own way, but at least Samba's done some good for the club in the past, even if he's tarnished his reputation in the last couple of years and ruined his chance (with me, anyway) of being considered a Rovers legend.

[thenodrog]

Our squad seems to be being picked from above based on financial factors, and Kean is just allowed to choose from a list of players approved from above. Really sad states of affairs - Anyone who is trying to paint Samba a villain here is just drinking Venkys Koolaid. All IMHO of course

Exactly. In just over a year the club has been subjected to a massive carve up. All the fans devotion, all Jacks dreams, all the hard work of the Directors and staff has been cast aside and blown to smithereens on the alter of greed.

[thenodrog]

Samba: I’ll play for you... if I can quit!

It's the best option for all. Problem is that he mustn't be allowed to name his transfer fee as he tried in January..... but he will. His agent and his next manager will be playing this to their own ends. Still what do we care? Why should we care even cos any money outstanding will end up either in Switzerland, Pune, Barclays vaults or whereever Tony Fernandez banks. It wont be used to strengthen the squad or improve specator facilities thats for sure.

[Stuart]

The perception seems to be that if you're against Samba then you're for Venky's, and vice-versa.

I think they're both as bad as each other tbh..

Totally disagree. Samba is an ambitious, possibly misguided/ill-advised footballer who has reacted to his treatment, and perceived subsequent betrayal, by the owners. What they have (not) done is far, far worse than Samba.

What I cannot understand is that people are completely against Venkys and every failed promise, yet are berating Samba for thinking the same.

About 15% (or more) of our fan base - good, ardent supporters - have stopped coming to Ewood. 1 of our first XI (just under 10%) has said he has had enough and "isn't 100% with the club", yet people have jumped on that to say he won't play.

Kean has made every excuse going to explain him not being involved - changing his story to, amongst others, dropping him himself - yet people are calling Samba a disgrace. It's like a mist has descended, momentarilly suspending reality from the crap we've been fed and lived through by Venkys and Kean over the last 15 months, and Samba has done what he has done right out of the blue.

Many fans are basically saying to Samba: do as I say, not as I do.

Hypocrisy.

Maybe in the frustration that nothing we do bothers our owners or "manager", people a looking for a scapegoat to take out their angst on. Well, for me, the benefit of ANY doubt is with Samba. If he had left in January, he would has done more good for our club than Venkys and Kean combined will ever do.

[thenodrog]

well if that article is true in the sun then the get out clause should be set at 12M minimum

It'll be set at whatever Samba dictates. The power is skewed to the players these days. It's wrong but who can blame them for exploiting the situation?

Ok, I stand corrected on Samba's behavior - I've gone amd researched ot a bit now...but this is the first time he has ever spoken out against the Club unless I am missing that? Agree that if he is the one lying about being injured he should be castrated.

@roverandout - why hasn't that been reported anywhere if he has been? It would put the Club in a much stronger position to make that publicly known, would it not?

I still maintain that there is something else going on here. As I said before, I don't think a player cam just call or text in sick or injured. Players are the major assets to clubs and they have to take care of them to maintain their fitness and value. If he said he was injured, they would immediately bring him in for assessment and treatment to ensure he was fit again as soon as possible. Same goes for sickness. You see the difference in Club behacior when reporting on Lowe's ankle injury, for example, being constantly monitored and being touch and go for Saturday - then you have Samba's case where they state an injury and that he is out for Saturday, no elaboration, and no timeframe for recovery. Totally different stance and attitude. Plus the weird legal comment made by Kean. Nothing adds up here, and I can't bring myself to condemn Samba at this point.

Lesson for you Daniel. If you put all footballers, agents and managers in a sack, shook it up and hit it with a big stick .... whoever you hit would deserve it.

[DE.]

Totally disagree. Samba is an ambitious, possibly misguided/ill-advised footballer who has reacted to his treatment, and perceived subsequent betrayal, by the owners. What they have (not) done is far, far worse than Samba.

He wasn't reacting to the betrayal of the owners in the past transfer windows, though. He was pretending to be injured before they came along, too (although ironically, now he is fit and it's the manager pretending he's injured )

[Stuart]

He wasn't reacting to the betrayal of the owners in the past transfer windows, though. He was pretending to be injured before they came along, too (although ironically, now he is fit and it's the manager pretending he's injured )

Of course, it's in his interests (and probably his agent's) to go after a pay rise but in the past he has always got his head down and given everything on the pitch. Under Venkys is the first I've known him react like this.

I agree with his reasons, even if I don't like the situation we are now in. I can't pretend everything is fine and carry on as normal so I don't expect anyone else to do so.

[thenodrog]

2. In every situation the power is with the players and the clubs have effectively lost control of their employees.

In a nutshell. Players should not be classed as employees. It gives them too many rights and too much protection. Each player nowadays is a self contained business. They have agents, accountants, managers etc etc. They should have to adhere to business rules and not employment rules. If they sign a contract it should be performance based and if they fail to complete their contract they should be subject to financial penalties just as a club would be if it terminated a players contract without valid reason.

[DE.]

Of course, it's in his interests (and probably his agent's) to go after a pay rise but in the past he has always got his head down and given everything on the pitch. Under Venkys is the first I've known him react like this.

I agree with his reasons, even if I don't like the situation we are now in. I can't pretend everything is fine and carry on as normal so I don't expect anyone else to do so.

I was probably wrong to say they're as bad as each other tbf. Venky's are far worse. However, I have little to no sympathy for Samba either. All the warning signs were there last year when he signed his brand new 5 year contract. If he was so eager to go he should have had a release clause put in or not signed one at all. I fail to believe that he or his agent genuinely believed Venky's were going to come good on their promises(and if they did then more fool them), by keeping Kean in charge they were already stating their intent. The writing was on the wall.

This is probably the first time Samba's had a legitimate reason to act up, but I'm not willing to forget his past actions and can't feel any sympathy for him here. In many ways he's the creator of his own problems.

[thenodrog]

I can't begin to comprehend how Samba's teammates feel towards him. He wants to leave for whatever reason; but there are young players in that dressing room that are striving to play for the shirt regardless of the off-field troubles and poor management, and will give their all to be playing their football in the Premier League for BRFC. We should have got rid when we had the opportunity as the way he going on is no good to ANYBODY, and is a situation that the most experienced and disciplined manager would struggle to deal with- never mind Steve Kean -whom has more than enough on his plate at the moment!

imo Samba had drawn a line in the sand and the club has ignored it. Sometimes a man has to stand on his principles. Might be wrong but I'm sure that Kean and the club would have had plenty of warning this situation was in the pipeline.

I must stress this is imo.

[Stuart]

I was probably wrong to say they're as bad as each other tbf. Venky's are far worse. However, I have little to no sympathy for Samba either. All the warning signs were there last year when he signed his brand new 5 year contract. If he was so eager to go he should have had a release clause put in or not signed one at all. I fail to believe that he or his agent genuinely believed Venky's were going to come good on their promises(and if they did then more fool them), by keeping Kean in charge they were already stating their intent. The writing was on the wall.

This is probably the first time Samba's had a legitimate reason to act up, but I'm not willing to forget his past actions and can't feel any sympathy for him here. In many ways he's the creator of his own problems.

I wouldn't say I was sympathetic. After all he'll be a very rich man probably for the rest of his life.

I'm more empathetic towards him.

In a nutshell. Players should not be classed as employees. It gives them too many rights and too much protection. Each player nowadays is a self contained business. They have agents, accountants, managers etc etc. They should have to adhere to business rules and not employment rules. If they sign a contract it should be performance based and if they fail to complete their contract they should be subject to financial penalties just as a club would be if it terminated a players contract without valid reason.

Excellent idea. Or at least class them as self-employed.

Theno for the FA.

[had.e.nuff]

Samba: I’ll play for you... if I can quit!

I would let him have a new contract, and name his own price but it would be on £10,000 a week and 10% of his sell on price and see what fee he agrees.