[Archived] Transfer Window - January 2016

[ABBEY]

Rhodes doesn't help the team with his goals ..we've self proclaimed better players on here ..Rhodes isn't our best player ...

The haters are in all out hate today ...

Sorry the haters don't hate , must be an age thing I keep getting muddled .

[Speedie Dived]

Rhodes doesn't help the team with his goals ..we've self proclaimed better players on here ..Rhodes isn't our best player ...

The haters are in all out hate today ...

Sorry the haters don't hate , must be an age thing I keep getting muddled .

Who is hating? There is a grown up debate about the pros and cons of Rhodes.

You think it's just about goals, whereas the other side of the argument is modern football is much more than this and apart from his wonderful goals he hinders the general team play.

Can you see the contrasting view to your own?

[ABBEY]

Nope alls I see is Rhodes being blamed for everything.

The only thing he ain't been blamed for is the Whaley floods...

Yet

Grown up debate ? Such a childish retort.

[RevidgeBlue]

Just because Boro want him it doesn't justify him being a good footballer. If he did go the move might not work out?

The aim of football is not to get Rhodes to score 25 goals a year, it's for us to get promoted.

The team helps Jordan score 20 goals a year, Rhodes does not help the team.

Dear me what a lot of drivel. If Rhodes were to be sold and replaced by a 5-10 goal a year striker which is far more likely than not I think you'd soon find how much those 20 goals do in fact help the team.

Nope alls I see is Rhodes being blamed for everything.

The only thing he ain't been blamed for is the Whaley floods...

Yet

Grown up debate ? Such a childish retort.

GIve it time. Den probably hasn't logged ​in yet this morning......................

[Kamy100]

Rhodes has scored 21 goals in the calendar year 2015, which makes him 7th top scorer across the English Leagues. He has managed this in a side which for the majority of the year has played negative football, lacked creativity and struggled at the wrong end of the table.

Now imagine he is playing for a side like Middlesborough who are full of attacking intent, he could easily score 30 plus goals in the calendar year.

There is a trend of focussing on what Rhodes can't do rather than what he can do. He will never be a blockbusting all round striker.

He has struggled in the last few games, but to say that he is not trying is total bunkum. The fact is that for whatever reason Lambert has decided to play him in a way that does not match what he is good at, he is being played in a very deep role and often with his back to goal, this coupled wort poor service has resulted in his poor run.

If Lambert wants to continue to play him in that way then sell him as he will never be the type of striker that Lambert seems to wants (someone in the Benteke/Holt) mould.

I have seen so many suggest that we sell him and replace him with a striker who is either strong or fast, but what is the point of selling him and replacing him someone like that who may not be as prolific as him? I'd much rather keep him and start to play in a way that complements his strengths rather than his weaknesses.

[RevidgeBlue]

I'm guessing Lambert's tactics? Really, I've seen 5 out of 7 games and each time and direct style and in 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1(when Lawrence plays) but we have played the same way.

Under Lambert we havent change style once and I dont see him doing it for just for Rhodes. Do you see Lambert changing it for Rhodes cos I deffo dont. Do you?

Lambert current style and tactics dont suit Rhodes one bit. Thats clear to see surely?

Rhodes is our best player? Depends what you are basing that on and what attributes you are looking for.

Recommending inferior players? Really? Players like Gayle, Grabban, Crouch, Anichebe who are at Premier League clubs. Grabban was top scorer for Norwich last season when they got promote. Crouch has international caps for England.

Chaddy, when I checked on wiki last night Crouch is 34 in January and it appears as though he has basically been out since undergoing groin surgery at the end of last season or in the summer. I wouldn't go so far as to say I wouldn't touch him with a bargepole but I would certainly treat any move for him with the utmost caution. He might or might not be a decent short term foil for Rhodes but no way is he better these days imo.

Anichebe, blimey.I was under the impression he was somewhat of a busted flush. Gayle and Grabban, might be ok but presumably pretty expensive were they to become available.

[Pedro]

Rhodes moves in peaks and troughs and has since he arrived here. He has a purple patch for 6-7 games then a barren spell for 6-7 games. If he didn't he'd be knocking on 40 goals a season.

I don't think he doesn't want to be here. Let's remember he's already had nine this season and it could have easily been more. But I accept he's probably getting frustrated with the service and support he's had which is what we need to rectify urgently.

His best (mosy consistent) season was his first. I'd agree that he has had peaks and troughs but that isn't good enough. His peaks are lower and his troughs wider. He has to perform, in some manner, in every game. He has to show commitment, movement and courage in every game. For the past few months he has been a very, very poor player who has been protected by his past record. Be honest though, based on performances since Autumn, you wouldn't suggest bidding 500k for him he has been so bad. Personally I think it's all well and good that we have to 'provide' him with chances, which is fair, but the fella has to start holding that ball up, sticking his backside into the CB and laying it off or else he the other players are going to be on the back foot and not going to be confident committing fwds. Jansen and Cole weren't muscle bound, but they could win and hold up a ball and then lay it off, as well as score a range of goals. He HAS to do it too, as I am sure every manager he ever plays under will tell him.

[ABBEY]

Here's a thought for all the sell our top scorer brigade . Why not get shut of the strikers on the books who are actually woeful and bring a loanee in for the wages of them put together that could actually work with him

[Wing Wizard Windy Miller]

I'm guessing Lambert's tactics? Really, I've seen 5 out of 7 games and each time and direct style and in 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1(when Lawrence plays) but we have played the same way.

Under Lambert we havent change style once and I dont see him doing it for just for Rhodes. Do you see Lambert changing it for Rhodes cos I deffo dont. Do you?

Lambert current style and tactics dont suit Rhodes one bit. Thats clear to see surely?

Rhodes is our best player? Depends what you are basing that on and what attributes you are looking for.

Recommending inferior players? Really? Players like Gayle, Grabban, Crouch, Anichebe who are at Premier League clubs. Grabban was top scorer for Norwich last season when they got promote. Crouch has international caps for England.

Difficult to tell if Lambert is intent on playing long ball. I think it is more to do with the lack of quality in the middle to do anything else. Worth remembering that the one 'tidy' midfield player we have (Evans) was given a new contract under Lambert.

Also telling that on Rovers website yesterday (Koita article), he sad how we had "done well achieving the results we have". To me that indicates that he doesn't rate much of the current squad.

I think he is more of a get the ball into their half directly - then play your football there manager - Similar to Dalglish. To do it though, you need to be able to hold up the ball and flood forward from midfield.

[RevidgeBlue]

Just checked on Anichebe, he hasn't actually scored as many goals as his age. 27 and 24 career goals. Snakes alive.

One player I would like to see us go for with Bolton having to sell anything that isn't actually nailed down and a bit more besides is the young lad Clough. Not sure if he'd be very expensive though.

[JAL]

I'm guessing Lambert's tactics? Really, I've seen 5 out of 7 games and each time and direct style and in 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1(when Lawrence plays) but we have played the same way.

Under Lambert we havent change style once and I dont see him doing it for just for Rhodes. Do you see Lambert changing it for Rhodes cos I deffo dont. Do you?

Lambert current style and tactics dont suit Rhodes one bit. Thats clear to see surely?

Rhodes is our best player? Depends what you are basing that on and what attributes you are looking for.

Recommending inferior players? Really? Players like Gayle, Grabban, Crouch, Anichebe who are at Premier League clubs. Grabban was top scorer for Norwich last season when they got promote. Crouch has international caps for England.

Does Crouch live around the Formby area close enough to arbitro's agent ?

[Ribble Rover]

One player I would like to see us go for with Bolton having to sell anything that isn't actually nailed down and a bit more besides is the young lad Clough. Not sure if he'd be very expensive though.

we need players ready to compete at the top of the championship, clough isn't ready for this. He's only getting a game cos they're shyte and skint. We've enough crap in our Academy as it is.

[Wing Wizard Windy Miller]

Here's a thought for all the sell our top scorer brigade . Why not get shut of the strikers on the books who are actually woeful and bring a loanee in for the wages of them put together that could actually work with him

No problem with that Abbey, but it will take more than one player. At least 1 striker, probably 2 wingers and a creative midfielder - decent quality - then we can play to Rhode's strengths and improve the team - providing Lambert wants to play 2 up front.

[beanie]

Crouch may have England caps but age catches up with everyone

[Wing Wizard Windy Miller]

Just checked on Anichebe, he hasn't actually scored as many goals as his age. 27 and 24 career goals. Snakes alive.

One player I would like to see us go for with Bolton having to sell anything that isn't actually nailed down and a bit more besides is the young lad Clough. Not sure if he'd be very expensive though.

I agree about Clough, he looked a very useful player.

To be fair to Anichebe, He's a big unit and would be physically more imposing than anything we have. It doesn't seem like he has ever been loaned out (even when young) and has never really had a long run in a side to improve his record - but has 190 appearances at Premiership level.

IMO he would be a very, very effective player in the Championship and could easily improve his scoring record.

Only doubt would be that he is possibly injury prone.

[47er]

Rhodes looks great when he's scoring but currently he isn't.

Weeks now without scoring. I know the midfield is crap but he was scoring regularly earlier in the season with the same players behind him.

Hang on, I think I've just made an argument to bring Bowyer back.........

[Stuart]

Rhodes may fit into the style of play if we were able to get a competent partner for him at the moment he's playing Crap but alongside utter donkeys.

Imagine how Rhodes feels. Surrounded by donkeys, expected to singlehandedly make up for the midfield's ills - as well as score 20+ goals, whilst a team of quality players at the top of the league keeps being linked with you. And, whilst you are voted the player supporters of every other club would most like to sign, Rovers fans want to cash in on you, as soon as you hit a bad run of form, despite saving them from relegation when they were in free fall and providing most of the few bits of cheer we've had for the last three years, AND remaining a model professional throughout. Some would even rather have Jason Roberts instead of you. Would any of us be bang in form with all that going on?

Some fans just do not know what good looks like. Let's kill the golden goose though, that always works!

[Ribble Rover]

Imagine how Rhodes feels

Isn't his vastly superior wages compared to the rest of the squad some compensation for his hurt feelings?. I'd like to see him actually contribute a bit more in terms of ground covered and agression.

[Stuart]

Isn't his vastly superior wages compared to the rest of the squad some compensation for his hurt feelings?. I'd like to see him actually contribute a bit more in terms of ground covered and agression.

Doesn't work like that RR. Although I'm disappointed if that's as far through my post that you read.

If you'd trade his goals for workrate then we are literally killing the golden goose. There's probably a poacher joke in there somewhere but I'm losing the will on this one.

Only when he is gone will some realise. I really hope Lambert is plotting to bring a big strong fella next to him and a fit-as-a-butchers-dog midfielder to do his running for him, and leave him to focus on what he does better than most.

[tomphil]

I have no opinion on whether Rhodes should be sold or not. The only opinion that should matter on the issue is Lambert's.

But if he's sold for 12 million, how much would the Rovers see? Doesn't Huddersfield get a percentage? And wasn't the 8 million paid by one of the Rao brothers, who gets reimbursed on sale? I'm not saying that those 2 points are true, but that I seem to recall those statements being made when he was purchased.

If true, the only real benefit to selling Rhodes is getting his wages off the bill and maybe a few million net profit.

Just a thought.

It was paid in instalments and I think it's paid up now. Seemingly it was paid by the club but indirectly extra may have been put in by whoever to cover it so it's possible they may want it back. There was also a few people involved in his signing so they would probably be entitled to a cut.

There was a sell on fee of a % of any future profit from a sale owed to Huddersfield if he was sold. Someone was putting it about that expired after a certain amount of time, possibly when all the instalments were paid up, no idea if that's correct though.

[jim mk2]

Alf Ramsey had at his disposal one of the greatest goalscorers the English game has seen - Jimmy Greaves.- yet he dropped him for the workmanlike Roger Hunt, (and received alot of criticism from the southern press for doing so) - but Ramsey was vindicated as England won the World Cup, .

The point is, successful teams are never built around one player and the idea that Rovers should be set up to get the best of Rhodes is nonsense. I wouldn't mind if he converted every chance he gets but the fact is he doesn't - for every goal he scores he usually misses two.

[beanie]

The center midfield sits way to deep resulting in long hoofed balls up to center forwards one of whom is a poacher and any of the other three are donkeys I'd be out to improve cm and find a partner for our 20 goal our striker.

[BlooBoy]

Alf Ramsey had at his disposal one of the greatest goalscorers the English game has seen - Jimmy Greaves.- yet he dropped him for the workmanlike Roger Hunt, (and received alot of criticism from the southern press for doing so) - but Ramsey was vindicated as England won the World Cup, .

The point is, successful teams are never built around one player and the idea that Rovers should be set up to get the best of Rhodes is nonsense. I wouldn't mind if he converted every chance he gets but the fact is he doesn't - for every goal he scores he usually misses two.

That all sounds very good jim ,swap Rhodes for A.N.Other. But would anyone actually score being dropped into that team at present ?

Now if you say no we need a couple of other additions plus a replacement for Rhodes why get rid of a twenty goal striker and just introduce a couple of players in to bring in the creativity rovers (and rhodes ) needs?Why take a chance on some unproven striker ?

How many times has rhodes been substituted and then Rovers have scored ? Really says it all about where the problems lie.

[sambo]

The argument about Rhodes being a hindrance to the team is an interesting one.

Even with someone who could hold the ball up and get others involved - would the likes of Akpan, Guthrie and Evans really contribute much in the way of goals?

[chaddyrovers]

I agree about Clough, he looked a very useful player.

To be fair to Anichebe, He's a big unit and would be physically more imposing than anything we have. It doesn't seem like he has ever been loaned out (even when young) and has never really had a long run in a side to improve his record - but has 190 appearances at Premiership level.

IMO he would be a very, very effective player in the Championship and could easily improve his scoring record.

Only doubt would be that he is possibly injury prone.

Clough would add skill and tricky to our side.

On Anichebe, he would add strength and the abality to hold the ball up. That is what we lack up front. Then play a Rhodes or pacey striker(Grabban or Gayle) off him.

But atm we DONT have this striker to hold the ball up which we do need in our squad. Koita isnt the man for this.