[Archived] Michael Appleton - New Rovers Manager

[RevidgeBlue]

Can't say I'm too bothered as to whether Appleton is represented by Kentaro or whether he has any links to JA or not, all I'm bothered about is whether he is any bloody good or not.

The only information suggesting that JA might have any input into this process are an unsubstantiated statement from Glen and Kamy thinking Appleton may recently have changed agents but that he doesn't know who to.

I'm led to believe that Glen was completely incorrect in asserting Shaw met with JA before Shaw went to India so I'm not putting too much weight on his latest claims.

Back in the real world and away from conspiracy theories I would suggest Appleton's record is far from encouraging despite any extenuating circumstances.

More to the point from my point of view, if Appleton was any good, why have Blackpool allowed us to speak to him and more or less waved him off with their blessing after only 2 months in charge?

If he was any good they'd be reporting us for illegal approaches and fighting tooth and nail to keep him etc.

[XLM]

Incredible. Have I dreamt the last 2 years or is there something somewhere sucking people's memories into a big black hole and replacing them with sunny rainbows and candy floss mountains? If this was evolution then the section of our support completely incapable of learning from being conned again, and again, and again, and again would have been killed off by now. We are being taken for our 15th ride around the scheming, scummy, low-down, circus of crooks and thieves, and you're telling us to give it a chance.

If this was evolution the "fitter" would be those who didn't let it bother them as much. A little bit of information is a dangerous thing. Things aren't right at Rovers but knowing half the story is worse than knowing none.

As far as I'm concerned Appleton has done no wrong so he should get full support. You guys can let it all consume you, I'm going to watch some football instead.

[Kamy100]

Why not simply ask him at tomorrow's presser !

Simply, can you confirm who your present agent is. That is nort really a confidential issue.

We will see how honest he is !

If I am there, will deffo ask the question,

[roverandout]

kamy was there ever any approach for poyet?

[Mercer]

If I am there, will deffo ask the question,

Good man !

[Pedro]

Incredible. Have I dreamt the last 2 years or is there something somewhere sucking people's memories into a big black hole and replacing them with sunny rainbows and candy floss mountains? If this was evolution then the section of our support completely incapable of learning from being conned again, and again, and again, and again would have been killed off by now. We are being taken for our 15th ride around the scheming, scummy, low-down, circus of crooks and thieves, and you're telling us to give it a chance.

No, I said give HIM a chance. Until the merry band of chavs and dreamers can conjure up the millions of real (not imaginary) money to buy the club that is not for sale, then unfortunately you are going to have to be dictated to. As for crooks and thieves etc...where is the evidence of this? It sounds to me that we are going to have to wait for the book before we see it now!

Speaking of dreamers, did you honestly expect a high profile manager?

[Jimmy612]

I find it strange that JA would push another client towards Rovers after the way Kean worked out and the garbage he came out with about the fans. Not too mention Milo's complete failure and alleged abuse from fans.

Not sure why he would land his client in a totally unstable environment where he knows if he fails the fans will crucify him and damage his career tenfold.

Money I guess.

Strange?!?!? He's just got those silly keaners to pay his client 4 years on what I believe to be triple what he was on at Blackpool! He'll make upwards of a grand a week out of those thick @#/?s!

[Kamy100]

No, I said give HIM a chance. Until the merry band of chavs and dreamers can conjure up the millions of real (not imaginary) money to buy the club that is not for sale, then unfortunately you are going to have to be dictated to. As for crooks and thieves etc...where is the evidence of this? It sounds to me that we are going to have to wait for the book before we see it now!

Speaking of dreamers, did you honestly expect a high profile manager?

Agree.

Regardless of agent issues, or being underwhelmed by this appointment, I will get behind Appleton, and like every other manager judge him on results.

Our owners are crazy and we can't control what they do, what we can control is the way we support the team.

[Mercer]

No, I said give HIM a chance. Until the merry band of chavs and dreamers can conjure up the millions of real (not imaginary) money to buy the club that is not for sale, then unfortunately you are going to have to be dictated to. As for crooks and thieves etc...where is the evidence of this? It sounds to me that we are going to have to wait for the book before we see it now!

Speaking of dreamers, did you honestly expect a high profile manager?

No, as we no longer punch above our weight and we are, like it or not, a mere small town club with gates to match.

All I wanted was a manager with a demonstrable amount of respect and knowledge in and of the game.

To me, Appleton ticked those boxes and would have taken him over Macdonald, Ali, Dickov, Davies, Brown and a washed-up Sven.

What irks is that we might be back into a world that I would personally consider a tad murky. If this is the case, I fear that it might finish a number of Rovers' fans for good, including myself.

[thenodrog]

Alan Nixon disagrees and says Appleton's with WMG.

I think we all know by now that Alan Nixon does what he is told to do by a certain individual.

[sambo]

It seems a bit fishy that Kamy mentions the Kentaro link, then it's ultimately seized upon that 'oh wait, actually Jerome rang Venky's and got him the gig' - why wasn't this mentioned previously? Or was it found in the 30 minutes after Kamy posted his Kentaro findings? Not a dig at BRAG but could be a well timed attempt to get fans back onside. I could be wide of the mark though.

[BuckyRover]

As has previously been stated. Kentaro does not necessarily equal SEM.

[Jimmy612]

Can't say I'm too bothered as to whether Appleton is represented by Kentaro or whether he has any links to JA or not, all I'm bothered about is whether he is any bloody good or not

Simon I find this comment astonishing! Have you forgotten the reason that we are in this mess now? Have you forgotten who found Venkys? Who told them Steve Kean was the cheap option to lead us to glory? Who heaped @#/? player after @#/? player on us including his less than useless son? Who went live on sky sports and blamed the fans for personal attacks on his family and pretended to cry? @#/? me you must have a short memory!

[Pedro]

Amazing how everyone know's the ins and outs of the terms of the deal, the agent, the conspiracy...everything! You guys must have really cleaned up at the bookies.

Oh no, wait...it's just the usual Twitter rumours and hindsighted guesswork.

[glen9mullan]

Can't say I'm too bothered as to whether Appleton is represented by Kentaro or whether he has any links to JA or not, all I'm bothered about is whether he is any bloody good or not.

The only information suggesting that JA might have any input into this process are an unsubstantiated statement from Glen and Kamy thinking Appleton may recently have changed agents but that he doesn't know who to.

I'm led to believe that Glen was completely incorrect in asserting Shaw met with JA before Shaw went to India so I'm not putting too much weight on his latest claims.

Back in the real world and away from conspiracy theories I would suggest Appleton's record is far from encouraging despite any extenuating circumstances.

More to the point from my point of view, if Appleton was any good, why have Blackpool allowed us to speak to him and more or less waved him off with their blessing after only 2 months in charge?

If he was any good they'd be reporting us for illegal approaches and fighting tooth and nail to keep him etc.

Thought id pull you up on the Anderson meeting, I was indeed 100% correct on it, and when contacted by Brownie on here, I made it quite clear I would not retract the statement.

[Gally]

Simon I find this comment astonishing! Have you forgotten the reason that we are in this mess now? Have you forgotten who found Venkys? Who told them Steve Kean was the cheap option to lead us to glory? Who heaped @#/? player after @#/? player on us including his less than useless son? Who went live on sky sports and blamed the fans for personal attacks on his family and pretended to cry? @#/? me you must have a short memory!

Without putting words in his mouth, I think he meant that him being a decent manager is all that matters.

Everyone wanted Kean out, but there are plenty that wanted him out purely and simply because his results were awful rather than anything more sinister.

[blueboy3333]

glen mullan ‏@glen9mullan

After 2 years of trying to remove Jerome Anderson, he is indeed the man behind the Appleton appointment, deal done direct with india

Do you have documented proof that this is the case? I only ask because you yourself have requested proof when accusations have been made of BRAG. I'm not being pedantic BTW, it's just that this is a very serious allegation which, if true, is a nightmare for Rovers because JA will be involved in a transfer window once again.

[cop]

I find it strange that JA would push another client towards Rovers after the way Kean worked out and the garbage he came out with about the fans. Not too mention Milo's complete failure and alleged abuse from fans.

Because Venkys are supposedly stupid enough to get in bed with them... To be fair to Jerome Anderson, SEM / Kentaro, they're a blooming good agency! Steve Kean is now an out of work millionaire football manager while Anderson's son took advantage of a professional contract at the club too.

Not sure why he would land his client in a totally unstable environment where he knows if he fails the fans will crucify him and damage his career tenfold.

Money I guess.

I'm sure he'll be used to it, he managed Portsmouth remember, hardly a club with high moral values when it come to operating as a football club.

[Pedro]

Do you have documented proof that this is the case? I only ask because you yourself have requested proof when accusations have been made of BRAG. I'm not being pedantic BTW, it's just that this is a very serious allegation which, if true, is a nightmare for Rovers because JA will be involved in a transfer window once again.

Were the dealings that bad in that transfer window? Jermaine Jones was class, Santa Cruz was proven, I can also see the sense in purchasing Rochina and Formica.

The stand out deals for the wrong reasons were Anderson and Ribeiro but we've had Paul Dalgleish and Paul Harford on the books in the past and they were turd too. My main issue with JA is his client Steve Kean who seemed unmoveable for whatever reason.

[AndyC]

Northern Rover‏@Northern_Rover

Can confirm that Appleton not represented by Kentaro,he is represented by WMG,who have a impressive list of clients (http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/wmg-management-sfx-sports/details/berater_193.html …)

Who also represent Danny murphy

[SydneyRover]

Edit

[47er]

Incredible. Have I dreamt the last 2 years or is there something somewhere sucking people's memories into a big black hole and replacing them with sunny rainbows and candy floss mountains? If this was evolution then the section of our support completely incapable of learning from being conned again, and again, and again, and again would have been killed off by now. We are being taken for our 15th ride around the scheming, scummy, low-down, circus of crooks and thieves, and you're telling us to give it a chance.

Absolutely right! Amazing how dumb some are. Its not Appleton's fault and fairness demands we give him a chance but there is little optimism about this appointment which reeks for all sorts of reasons.

if it works out I'll be please but it will be luck not judgement. NB below---------Singh would prefer an experienced manager. This is all about internal warfare and sidelining him. We are in deep shlt.

• Sport
• Football
• Blackpool

Blackburn get permission to talk to Blackpool's manager Appleton

• Rovers close to appointing third manager of season

• Appleton and assistant miss Seasiders' training

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• Andy Hunter
• The Guardian, Thursday 10 January 2013 20.24 GMT

Blackpool's manager Michael Appleton did not take training on Thursday in the wake of an official approach for his services from Blackburn Rovers. Photograph: PA Wire/PA

Michael Appleton is poised to become Blackburn Rovers' third manager of the season providing Venky's, the club's owner, accepts the recommendation of the managing director, Derek Shaw.

Rovers have been granted permission to hold talks with the Blackpoolmanager and his first-team coach, Ashley Westwood, following an official approach to their Championship rivals on Wednesday evening. Appleton, who replaced Ian Holloway at Blackpool only on 7 November, did not take training at Blackpool as he and Westwood discussed the terms of their anticipated departure with the chairman, Karl Oyston.

Blackburn have met Blackpool's compensation demands to install the 37-year-old as successor to Henning Berg, who was sacked after 57 days as Rovers manager, along with the club's backroom staff. A Blackpool statement announced: "Blackpool FC can confirm that, following discussions with Blackburn Rovers and Michael Appleton, permission has been granted for the manager and Ashley Westwood to discuss personal terms with the club."

Blackburn said in a statement that the talks would take place on Friday.

Although the former Portsmouth manager is the only candidate that Blackburn have approached and could be in charge before Rovers' trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday, the appointment has still to receive the seal of approval from the club's owners in India. The executive structure at Blackburn has been divided since Berg was sacked after 10 matches, with Shaw and the general manager, Paul Agnew, at odds with the global adviser, Shebby Singh, over the direction Rovers should take.

Shaw, who was a director at Preston North End when Appleton played for the club, flew to India to express concerns at Singh's influence in the aftermath of Berg's departure. It is understood that Singh has played no part in the approach to Appleton and would prefer a more experienced manager. Appleton has won two and drawn seven of his 11 Championship games at Bloomfield Road but has been frustrated by the lack of transfer activity this month. Blackpool are currently 14th in the Championship, one point and one place behind his prospective employers Blackburn.

It was only last week that Venky's announced the caretaker management team of Gary Bowyer and Terry McPhillips would remain in charge until the end of January. The reserve team manager, Bowyer, and head of youth, McPhillips, have guided the team to three consecutive victories since taking over from Berg, who replaced Steve Kean after an exhaustive search by the Blackburn hierarchy. The pair are likely to be in charge at Molineux, although Appleton will be present should Venky's confirm his appointment.

Bowyer said on Thursday: "We expect to be taking the team at Wolves. As far as we're aware we were told we had it until the end of January but, like I stressed last week when that announcement was made, we understand that anything can happen in that month. That seems to be what's happened at the moment. The club have made an approach and it's an official approach.

"To be perfectly honest, it's nothing to do with me. It's a board matter. I think it would be wrong of me to comment on a manager at another football club. Until we're told otherwise we'll continue to do what we've done and that's prepare the players for the game. I was notified last night and told that the official approach had been made, like I have been with everything that's gone on in our time here.

[RevidgeBlue]

What on earth are you talking about jimmy?

The Walker Trust employed JA to find a buyer. As I understand it he introduced them to Venky's, the Walker Trust were the ones who had the opportunity to investigate and carry out due dilligence on Venkys and they were were under no compulsion whatsoever to sell to them or take the money and run.

Kean obviously turned out to be a failure but should have been sacked long before he was. JA has gone on record many times saying he advised Venky's NOT to sack big Sam

There's no evidence whatsoever as far as I can see that JA has had any involvment whatsoever at the Club since the January 2011 transfer window.

I thought on the whole that was one of the best transfer windows we've had. Rochina and Jermaine Jones were cracking signings imo. Formica isn't a world beater but isn't a bad player by any stretch and the only signing which didn't come off was RSC who again I thought was a superb signing before he arrived.

Phil Jones' contract was also renegotiated resulting in us receiving a much higher fee when he went to United a few months later.

I don't know anything at all about JA but a cursory look at his CV seems to indicate he's had a long association with Arsenal through the Dein years and a shorter one with City during the Sven period. During which times both Clubs were very successful on the pitch.

The primary reason we have bombed is because Kean was sheeeite and we held onto him far too long. Unfortunately the owners seem intent on compounding our position with one dodgy managerial decision after another.

But I don't understand this fixation with JA. Neither here nor there to our situation.

[thenodrog]

The Walker Trust employed JA to find a buyer. As I understand it he introduced them to Venky's, the Walker Trust were the ones who had the opportunity to investigate and carry out due dilligence on Venkys and they were were under no compulsion whatsoever to sell to them or take the money and run.

Have you discounted the involvement of Rothschilds Simon? They were the ones assigned that task.

Also unless I'm mistaken wasn't Anderson the stadium announcer at Arsenal? At City he was much more closely involved with the Shinawatra debacle that almost ended in huge debt and impending bankruptcy than he was with the current owners.

[Lathund]

Were the dealings that bad in that transfer window? Jermaine Jones was class, Santa Cruz was proven, I can also see the sense in purchasing Rochina and Formica.

Signing Rochina was fine, a good prospect. Paying £400k to Barcelona and £1.6m to an agent, Manuel Salamanca Ferrer is what has upset people.