[Archived] Henning Berg - Rovers Manager

[jonv]

This Brad rumor to happen would have to be sewn up by 5pm on the dot then?

[CapeTownRover]

so why mention it Jim? Its not like he has come in yet, and its not like he will be a number 2 or coach. People are just happy, that respected former players are coming in, and therfore creating a much better atmosphere.

[Mike E]

Bleeding Nora, for the umpteenth time someone said Friedel might be coming back as a No 2 / first-team coach and I said goalkeepers generally don't make good coaches / managers - which is true as they have been very few successful ones in football over the years. This did not mean he would not make a good goalkeeping coach, which of course he probably would.

Can you quote the post? I've looked and can't see any reference to him being manager or coach before you mentioned it. Altho I accept I might just be scanning too quick.

[jim mk2]

Some might be happy but I don't see the point. We already have a very good goalkeeper who is popular with supporters. If Venky's have money to spend the team needs another centre forward, and cover in defence and midfield before it needs another goalkeeper.

[Kelbo]

Some might be happy but I don't see the point. We already have a very good goalkeeper who is popular with supporters. If Venky's have money to spend the team needs another centre forward, and cover in defence and midfield before it needs another goalkeeper.

Can agree with your post but I do trust Berg and could see where he is coming from, Brad has a real presence and commands his box so well, however, on the other hand not at the expense of Robbo!!

[Salgado Is A Hero]

Robbo is ok but I personally wouldn't describe him as a very good keeper

He's not agile enough to get down low quickly and instead of using his feet constantly tries to get there with his hands

Agree with this....Robinson has too many flaws to be considered a very good keeper imo.

Along with his lack of agility and sketchiness from long shots, the only time he comes off his line is to flap at crosses.

Considering that odd points here and there this season could be vitally important, then for me it is an absolute no brainer to bring Friedal back to the club if it is in anyway possible. He is still top quality and much better than what we have at the moment.

Those saying he is past his best obviously do not watch PL football anymore and those saying he will suddenly disintegrate into a Paddy Kenny replica underestimate the dedication, fitness and professionalism of the player. Yes please.

He has always kept himself in great shape so it's unfair to suggest he is past it due to his age, just because older keepers in the past have declined in ability at his age.

[Mike E]

Some might be happy but I don't see the point. We already have a very good goalkeeper who is popular with supporters. If Venky's have money to spend the team needs another centre forward, and cover in defence and midfield before it needs another goalkeeper.

I would argue we have 3 good Cb's and 2 young ones as back-up (both very promising). Centre forward is fine w/ JR, Gomez and Rochina playing for one place up front (altho Rochina sits back) until Best comes back in Jan. In midfield, we have LOADS of players, all of whom are more than capable at this level (Etuhu, Murphy, Dunn, Pedersen, Vukcevic, Lowe).

Gk? We have some polish guy who isn't good enough to take the place of an unfit, average 1st team goalkeeper and a young guy who we know little about. Friedel would provide some EXCELLENT back-up to Robbo, while helping to bring on Jake Kean.

[den]

He's THE best keeper we've had since Jack took over and in the top 3 ever for us (my 68yr old dad's opinion).

I'd like to know the two keepers who your dad thought were better.

[Mike E]

I'd like to know the two keepers who your dad thought were better.

Tim Flowers was no1 but just cos we won the title with him, probably. He also has an unhealthy obsession with Adam Blacklaw. He always talks up Friedel, but is adamant the other 2 were still better. I can't argue as I wasn't born when Blacklaw was here and was 6/7 when Flowers left (I was a late bloomer in terms of support, only becoming a fan in 2000).

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

I'd like to know the two keepers who your dad thought were better.

Me too. He's the best I've ever seen at Ewood.

[Mike E]

Me too. He's the best I've ever seen at Ewood.

Read the post then, it's above yours

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Tim Flowers was no1 but just cos we won the title with him, probably. He also has an unhealthy obsession with Adam Blacklaw. He always talks up Friedel, but is adamant the other 2 were still better. I can't argue as I wasn't born when Blacklaw was here and was 6/7 when Flowers left (I was a late bloomer in terms of support, only becoming a fan in 2000).

Blacklaw ! Rafferty's pig ? Not in a million years. I can think of half a dozen better than him straight off the top of my head. He was reasonably good at Burnley but only good enough to get a couple of caps for Scotland. Enough said there then. His best days were over by the time he signed for us. Tim Flowers is a genuine contender , I'd have him second to Brad.

[Mercer]

Tim Flowers was no1 but just cos we won the title with him, probably. He also has an unhealthy obsession with Adam Blacklaw. He always talks up Friedel, but is adamant the other 2 were still better. I can't argue as I wasn't born when Blacklaw was here and was 6/7 when Flowers left (I was a late bloomer in terms of support, only becoming a fan in 2000).

Blacklaw was okay but feckin hell, not in the same class as either Flowers or Friedel. The fact that he replaced the hapless John Barton, just 12 months after Barton joined us from Preston, says it all.

Blacklaw I would describe as 'burly' whereas Mr Barton was a tad 'portly' !

Would also put the likes of Roger Jones, Jim Arnold and Terry Gennoe ahead of Blacklaw.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Hope the deal doesn't come off. Brad was a fantastic servant to the club but that was in the past, once again we are seeing far too much sentimentality at the club. I just don't see the point of this move.

[bluebruce]

Jeez...anyone who thinks Brad isn't good enough for Rovers in the Championship just hasn't seen him this season. If you want to argue he will deteriorate before the end of the season, fine, you might be right. But people have been saying that about him for what, about six years now? I agree it's a bit of a risk if we are losing Robbo though. Depends how good Kean is, mostly, or perhaps even the Pole.

Wish Bunn was still here, then I'd dispose of Robbo and bring in Friedel in a heartbeat.

[bigbrandjohn]

There is something else to consider. Why would Spurs, weaken their goalkeeping situation to be charitable to us. They have two top goalies vying for the no 1 slot, a very healthy option given their lofty ambitions so i dont expect them to throw us a bone. They are probably still smarting from handing us 17 million for Betnley.

[Mike E]

There is something else to consider. Why would Spurs, weaken their goalkeeping situation to be charitable to us. They have two FOUR top goalies vying for the no 1 slot, a very healthy option given their lofty ambitions so i dont expect them to throw us a bone. They are probably still smarting from handing us 17 million for Betnley.

I reckon they'd be happy to save the wages of the oldest of 4 prem class keepers tbh.

[bypass06]

http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/departure-of-manchester-united-striker-confirmed-and-could-lead-t

[Plastics]

It's certainly interesting. It wouldn't be so much fun watching his powers wane at Ewood but I rate him as a better keeper than Robinson. And I rate Robinson more highly than some on here.

[thenodrog]

Brad would be a great piece of business. He is a better keeper now than Robbo has ever been. He is in MUCH better physical condition and I would still put him in the top 10 keepers in the country. The 'feel good' factor for the fans would also be well serviced IF this could be pulled off. He must have at least 2 seasons left in him at our level.

I think the idea is that we will not stay at this level for the next two seasons!

[Dunnfc]

Abdi ibrahim at city. Norway u21 . My citeh mate reckons he's the ideal cm for us!

[thenodrog]

Which is exactly what I was saying - very few goalkeepers have become top-class coaches or managers.

It's accepted within the pro game that keepers don't have the same understanding of the game - by the nature of their role they can't can they ?

If Friedel does return in a goalkeeper coaching role where does this leave Mimms ?

Gone I assume. The sensible option now that our income has fallen off a cliff would be to trade him in for Robbo and save another wage by making him a gk coach.

[chaddyrovers]

btw, King loan deal confirmed now

[bluefred]

Friedel ?

Has to be a joke. The guy is 40+, past his best and would be a very expensive addition to an astronomical wage bill.

We also happen to have Robbo and goalkeeper is not exactly where we need strengthening.

IMO, this is absolute nonsense.

Night as well give Bryan Douglas the opportunity to come back.

i think your missing the point there mate,friedel is ten times the keeper ,robinson is,even at 40.

[thenodrog]

Seriously?!

Robbo is infinitely better than Bunn will ever be.

Sat on the bench every week he would be infinitely more expensive thats for sure.