[Archived] Rhodes Wants To Leave

[den]

Well he might have done any of the above if he had any say in the matter. If the Walker Trust dictated a player had to be sold to balance the books that was the end of the matter. John Williams had no say in it.

I'm not talking about selling a player to balance the books, I'm talking about a player who wants to leave.

You're argument for keeping hold of players by fining and dictating to them won't work nowadays. If these two are determined to leave and are prepared to do what's needed to leave, there's absolutely no point in holding them here.

[JHRover]

Encouraging Rhodes to make the comments to ESPN was a ploy from Middlesbrough to be the final straw to push the move through. Surely if Rhodes made it known to the world that he wasn't happy then it would mean only one thing - Rovers would be keen to sell and would probably do so quickly and for a lower price than if Rhodes had kept quiet.

Unfortunately for Middlesbrough, and also Rhodes, that stunt appears to have had little to no effect.

Good.

Such underhand tactics should not enable Middlesbrough to win in this war of attrition. Why should they be in the position of power here? He's not their player and they shouldn't be even allowed to spent such an amount as an established Championship club.

Venkys should be the ones calling the shots. It was their investment that brought Rhodes here as a League One player, their investment that has paid him handsomely for 3 years and their investment that sees him under contract until 2019. Unless I'm mistaken nobody held a gun to his head and forced him to sign up for another 2 years last season. Nobody forced him to say all that stuff about loving it at Rovers and being here for as long as we wanted him.

If he isn't happy at the club and isn't prepared to play then he might reconsider his position once the transfer window is closed and his 'dream move' hasn't come to fruition. Until then he'll no doubt be banking his £30,000+ per week to not be available to play.

Its about time people stood up to 'player power' and parasitic clubs like Middlesbrough who think they can throw Gibson's money around and do what they want to get what they want. This is a battle and the last thing I want is for Rovers to roll over and have their belly tickled whilst its prized assets head for the exit door.

If Middlesbrough mean business they can offer more than they have. If that's still not enough then clear off elsewhere. I'm sure Karanka could give Jose a call and ask to borrow another one of his players.

[RevidgeBlue]

I'm not talking about selling a player to balance the books, I'm talking about a player who wants to leave.

You're argument for keeping hold of players by fining and dictating to them won't work nowadays. If these two are determined to leave and are prepared to do what's needed to leave, there's absolutely no point in holding them here.

You know full well that if they are sold you'll be the first one on here slating the owners for selling all our best players just as you've always done in the past in the cases of Jones/Samba/ Nzonzi/Hoillet etc even though they all wanted to leave as well and by the argument you're now employing we had no say in the matter then either.

[Rover_Shaun]

For Blackburn replace with Huddersfield and for Middlesbrough replace with Blackburn and we are back to the same situation as Rhodes' last transfer. Huddersfield had their price, we had ours. We tried to get him at ours but, like us now, Huddersfield stood firm and got the price they wanted.

Lets not put our club on a pedestal it doesn't deserve to be on.

[K-Hod]

Don't think there's a pedestal, Middlesbrough are just being snidey, underhand, arrogant @#/? about the transfer of a player they want to buy.

[Gav]

There's a difference between not blaming a player for wanting out and then behaving in the way that we are seeing here.

At the end of the day we don't know what goes on down at Brockhall, so in terms of Rhodes wanting the move whilst it might appear odd that he wants to move to Mboro we don't know the ins and outs.

My gripe is the way things are being done. I fully expected Gestede to behave in the manner he has, but I am very surprised and disappointed in Rhodes' conduct when the club in question is Middlesbrough and not a step up or Premier League club.

Players feigning injury or being unavailable for pre-season (no doubt instructed to do so to avoid injury) whilst collecting their wage is unacceptable.

If they aren't prepared to put themselves on the line for BRFC then they should give their salaries to supporters or charity.

The club have been trying to sell Rhodes for an inflated price for 2 seasons now, they almost succeeded last season only to pull the plug at the last minute. Rhodes didn't miss any games, in fact after the Hull debacle he played the day after and scored, consummate professional.

As you say Gestede on the other hand refused to play and should have been fined, unprofessional.

But back to Rhodes, I'm fully on the side of the player here which isn't my usual position I can tell you. Shaw has been flogging Rhodes to anyone that would listen and he's said nothing and kept his head down, scored goals and played whenever asked.

His reward? being dropped for Brown and Gestede, which is part of being a professional footballer but its hardly going to make him determined to stay.

If I was Rhodes I'd have put in a transfer request at the end of last season, the club is going backwards and I'd want out. Missing pre-season games is hardly offense, he stepped up last season when required thats what counts.

[JHRover]

For Blackburn replace with Huddersfield and for Middlesbrough replace with Blackburn and we are back to the same situation as Rhodes' last transfer. Huddersfield had their price, we had ours. We tried to get him at ours but, like us now, Huddersfield stood firm and got the price they wanted.

Lets not put our club on a pedestal it doesn't deserve to be on.

I don't remember Steve Kean talking about Rhodes in the media whilst he was still a Huddersfield player.

I don't remember us pushing Rhodes to make comments in press clearly designed to pressure Huddersfield to sell.

As I remember that transfer was handled remarkably well by Rovers and Huddersfield. Hfield were prepared to sell and it came down to a price being agreed.

Contrast to this situation where there is no sign Rovers do want to sell, the owners clearly don't want to discuss the deal, and now underhand tactics are being employed by the other club to get what they want.

[Rover_Shaun]

I'm sure had Rhodes said he wanted to leave Huddersfield at the beginning of our bidding process things could have been mirrored.

Calling Boro parasitic seems a bit hysterical, that's all.

Maybe it's because over the last 25 years we've mostly been the predator and only occasionally the prey.

There have been a myriad of deals done this way in the past and this won't be the last. It may not be right and gentleman like but the first without sin can cast the first stone

Can we really blame Rhodes for wanting out? Other than his great wage what else has our current setup and direction got to offer an ambitious player?

[Gav]

I don't remember Steve Kean talking about Rhodes in the media whilst he was still a Huddersfield player.

I don't remember us pushing Rhodes to make comments in press clearly designed to pressure Huddersfield to sell.

As I remember that transfer was handled remarkably well by Rovers and Huddersfield. Hfield were prepared to sell and it came down to a price being agreed.

Contrast to this situation where there is no sign Rovers do want to sell, the owners clearly don't want to discuss the deal, and now underhand tactics are being employed by the other club to get what they want.

Have you been living on another planet JH?

Rhodes is for sale, the manager has said so, the 'chairman' has said so, many times over the past 2yrs, if the price is right.

[yoda]

Players, or their agents, have all the power these days and contracts seem to mean nothing. Wouldn't it be nice if owners in the shape of Venkys won a player v. owners battle for once. Rovers could set a precedent for the rest of football.

Not with the Venky's, remember they have been bitten on the bottom by more than one

[den]

You know full well that if they are sold you'll be the first one on here slating the owners for selling all our best players just as you've always done in the past in the cases of Jones/Samba/ Nzonzi/Hoillet etc even though they all wanted to leave as well and by the argument you're now employing we had no say in the matter then either.

You're coming across as having a bit of a tantrum Rev. I'm saying the management/owners should sit down and talk properly to the players. Talk to them and decide whether it's in the club's interest to try to keep them. Refusing to answer the phone to boro, fining the players etc, as you suggest is just downright childish.

[Parsonblue]

So basically, you want to sell the 2 players we can least afford to lose, at a price which is nowhere near what we want for them, just because it doesn't suit Boro or they can't afford it?

As regards the bit in bold, yes they will. It would help if the manager starts picking them though.

Edit: And a poster above makes a good point, we don't even know they aren't both still injured as far as I'm aware. There was a piece from the LT the other day from GB saying that if the pair are still here next season he's convinced they'll give nothing less than 100%. Surely you're not saying you don't believe GB are you?

You've seen enough players in the past who have thrown their toys out of the pram until they get the move they want. Look how we got players like Savage. I agree - not often and it won't become a habit - with Shaun on this. When Rhodes wanted to come to Ewood he did the same thing with Huddersfield. Rhodes and Gestede aren't unique in this. I'm sure that over the past twenty-odd years or so many fans of other clubs have felt the same toward us as we feel towards Middlesbrough. We've been a feeder clubs for others in the past for many, many years and it seems we are heading that way again. It is simply part and parcel of our game - predator and prey. I would expect any manager to defend the players until they are actually sold. He can't very well come out and attack them now and then have to work with them in September if nobody buys them. However, we need it sorting and sorting quickly. The manager can't sign players if he doesn't know who is leaving and who is staying. If the owners tell the players they are staying then we need some statement of intent from them - and actually putting on a pair of boots might be a start.

[perthblue02]

You've seen enough players in the past who have thrown their toys out of the pram until they get the move they want. Look how we got players like Savage. I agree - not often and it won't become a habit - with Shaun on this. When Rhodes wanted to come to Ewood he did the same thing with Huddersfield. Rhodes and Gestede aren't unique in this. I'm sure that over the past twenty-odd years or so many fans of other clubs have felt the same toward us as we feel towards Middlesbrough. We've been a feeder clubs for others in the past for many, many years and it seems we are heading that way again. It is simply part and parcel of our game - predator and prey. I would expect any manager to defend the players until they are actually sold. He can't very well come out and attack them now and then have to work with them in September if nobody buys them. However, we need it sorting and sorting quickly. The manager can't sign players if he doesn't know who is leaving and who is staying. If the owners tell the players they are staying then we need some statement of intent from them - and actually putting on a pair of boots might be a start.

What position do you see Balaji and Madame playing Parson?

[AllRoverAsia]

I would really like definative answers to the following questions:

Are Rhodes and Gestede injured?

Are Rhodes and Gestede both now fit to play and if so from when?

Have either of Rhodes and Gestede refused to train? (I read on this MB that Rhodes was training and looked fit)

Have either of Rhodes and Gestede refused to play in any pre season friendly game? (I read somewhere on this MB that Rhodes had asked not to play v Bury?)

Is GB not playing Rhodes and Gestede as he expects or wants (?) both to be sold and is trying to build a team without them.

WTF is going on? I am totally confused.

Answers on a Postcard to: Confused in Bkk

[ABBEY]

do you see Balaji and Madame playing with Parson....EEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

[gumboots]

You're coming across as having a bit of a tantrum Rev. I'm saying the management/owners should sit down and talk properly to the players. Talk to them and decide whether it's in the club's interest to try to keep them. Refusing to answer the phone to boro, fining the players etc, as you suggest is just downright childish.

it's not us refusing to talk to the Boro though is it? I'm sure Shaw and others would be delighted to talk and get it sorted but I'm not sure there is a phone connection to madames hideout in pune. She probably deliberately buit in a no reception area and goes there when she doesn't fancy answering tricky calls

[Gav]

I would really like definative answers to the following questions:

Are Rhodes and Gestede injured?

Are Rhodes and Gestede both now fit to play and if so from when?

Have either of Rhodes and Gestede refused to train? (I read on this MB that Rhodes was training and looked fit)

Have either of Rhodes and Gestede refused to play in any pre season friendly game? (I read somewhere on this MB that Rhodes had asked not to play v Bury?)

Is GB not playing Rhodes and Gestede as he expects or wants (?) both to be sold and is trying to build a team without them.

WTF is going on? I am totally confused.

Answers on a Postcard to: Confused in Bkk

If wouldn't surprise me if Bowyer didn't know what was going on Asia.

The clubs a shambles and it won't get any better until Venkys leave, people are starting to get that message now.

[beanie]

Interesting that Rhodes has told the club not to pick him yet not handed in a written transfer request can't do anything that might affect the loyalty bonuses he wants from the people paying his wages while he refuses to play.

[Exiled in Toronto]

It's also quite amusing, to me at least, to think of Gibson's dawning realisation that he doesn't have "F*** O**" money. I wonder when was the last time he was completely and utterly ignored?

[yoda]

The club Shaw Shaw has been trying to sell Rhodes for an inflated price for 2 seasons now, they almost succeeded last season only to pull the plug at the last minute. Rhodes didn't miss any games, in fact after the Hull debacle he played the day after and scored, consummate professional.

As you say Gestede on the other hand refused to play and should have been fined, unprofessional.

But back to Rhodes, I'm fully on the side of the player here which isn't my usual position I can tell you. Shaw has been flogging Rhodes to anyone that would listen and he's said nothing and kept his head down, scored goals and played whenever asked.

His reward? being dropped for Brown and Gestede, which is part of being a professional footballer but its hardly going to make him determined to stay.

If I was Rhodes I'd have put in a transfer request at the end of last season, the club is going backwards and I'd want out. Missing pre-season games is hardly offense, he stepped up last season when required thats what counts.

He is under contract, end off,

no play no pay in my book

No player is bigger than Blackburn Rovers

[EgyptianPete]

He is under contract, end off,

no play no pay in my book

No player is bigger than Blackburn Rovers

Hold on chaps, we have someone on here who earlier today said Jordan did not want to play last night or something like that.

1. how does this person know, i would like to see the PROOF, because now of this I think one post everyone thinks he has refused to play, which in all probability is not the case, no agenda there then is there.

Bowyer has said today both Rudy and Jordan will play some part in the game against Wigan, that is not players refusing to play, furthermore Rudy was at Bury watching his team mates, again not really what you would expect if he wanted out so badly as is continually stated by many on this FB.

[tomphil]

The club have been trying to sell Rhodes for an inflated price for 2 seasons now, they almost succeeded last season only to pull the plug at the last minute. Rhodes didn't miss any games, in fact after the Hull debacle he played the day after and scored, consummate professional.

As you say Gestede on the other hand refused to play and should have been fined, unprofessional.

But back to Rhodes, I'm fully on the side of the player here which isn't my usual position I can tell you. Shaw has been flogging Rhodes to anyone that would listen and he's said nothing and kept his head down, scored goals and played whenever asked.

His reward? being dropped for Brown and Gestede, which is part of being a professional footballer but its hardly going to make him determined to stay.

If I was Rhodes I'd have put in a transfer request at the end of last season, the club is going backwards and I'd want out. Missing pre-season games is hardly offense, he stepped up last season when required thats what counts.

Pretty sure they were trying to force him to hand in a transfer request last mid season with jerking him about on the pitch. He wasn't happy that's for sure hence his reaction after some of his goals.

[Gav]

He is under contract, end off,

no play no pay in my book

No player is bigger than Blackburn Rovers

You're right of course Yoda but as with Gestede last season, most fans didn't bat an eyelid when he refused to play after a 3.5m bid from Palace.

Rhodes has been treated poorly in my opinion and we don't know if he refused to play or the manager decided not to pick him.

Pretty sure they were trying to force him to hand in a transfer request last mid season with jerking him about on the pitch. He wasn't happy that's for sure hence his reaction after some of his goals.

I'm not sure Bowyer would do that, but Rhodes could have indicated a desire to leave hence giving Brown a run in the side, certainly possible.

Why would any player with career ambitions want to stay here? I know I'd be hard pushed and I'm

A Rover!

[tomphil]

Well he was the one doing it and it was detrimental to the team at times and Rhodes was clearly looking like he wanted to play and wasn't happy about being hauled off. Not sure what it says about Bowyer although being a puppet somebody was probably instructing him to do it.

[EgyptianPete]

You're right of course Yoda but as with Gestede last season, most fans didn't bat an eyelid when he refused to play after a 3.5m bid from Palace.

Rhodes has been treated poorly in my opinion and we don't know if he refused to play or the manager decided not to pick him.

I'm not sure Bowyer would do that, but Rhodes could have indicated a desire to leave hence giving Brown a run in the side, certainly possible.

Why would any player with career ambitions want to stay here? I know I'd be hard pushed and I'm

A Rover!

Well Gav whilst I agree with this post you do on occasions come across maybe not anti rovers but shall we say anti certain rovers related problems. Oh and not having a dig.

Well he was the one doing it and it was detrimental to the team at times and Rhodes was clearly looking like he wanted to play and wasn't happy about being hauled off. Not sure what it says about Bowyer although being a puppet somebody was probably instructing him to do it.

Lets be honest, if we had a proper manager we probably would not be where we are today, self preservation from some and blind stupidity from others.