[Archived] Rhodes To Boro

[yoda]

I think you're clutching at straws Yoda.

We will know soon enough

[Mr. E]

This is a strange place at times.

Rhodes has been here for 3 and a half years, scoring over 20 goals a season, and he's the bad guy who we can't wait to get rid of.

Whereas, Lambert has been here 3 months, taken us on a run of 7 league games without a win, playing some of the worst football I've ever had the misfortune to see us play (after spending 3 years doing something similar at Villa too) and he's treated like the messiah.

One win, against a poor league 2 side, has got some of you a little giddy I think. In my opinion we are a stronger team with Rhodes than without and, as such, Lambert's comments today are a little silly.

Might be the case generally, but from what I've seen of Elliott Bennett, he's just about the worst player to pull on the shirt

For real? How does the quality of a player correlate with how much respect fans should have for him when declares he wants to leave for a rival? Messi has won everything in club football under the sun, but how do you think Barca fans would feel if next season for whatever reason they start doing poorly, and he jumps to Real to win more trophies and prestige? All that goes out the window in a heart beat.

[den]

Rhodes hasn't changed his mind though, Boro have, which makes it even worse.

He should have negotiated terms - whatever they were.

[BlueMonday]

I'm not without sympathy for Rhodes here. In fact didn't really want him to leave, but his agent needs to go back to Boro and make this work, for everyones sake.

If rumours are true, they are insisting on the 20% promotion bonus staying put. Why? Do they really think that will be realised if he stays at Rovers. I'd say thats a pointless clause because he'll not be playing Prem football with us.

Its hardly a strong bargaining position is it.

[DavidMailsTightPerm]

That statement the club has put out is disgraceful.

Lambert has made it clear Rhodes is not part of his plans and has chucked a number of digs in his comments.

Lets be under no illusion, Under Lambert the football has been dross and if anything has been a number of steps behind what Bowyer produced.

For a number of windows, the message of "we need to rebuild" has been over used. Exactly how many times do we need to rebuild this squad?

The truth is, Rovers for a number of windows have played the numbers game and have brought in a number of players which are poor and straight off the bottom shelf.

In Rhodes they have a player, who im pretty sure without we would of been relegated.

The player wanting to move on is natural, he wants to play at the highest level, at rovers this is never going to happen.

Yesterday we beat a league 2 team 3-0 convincingly, but lets not be under any illusions. Our league form and performances have been attrocious.

The money from Rhodes deal is being muted as a way to rebuild squad? This works if we actually bring in players who will reignite the supporter base

Crowds continue to fall and we are a team who are showing relegation form.

Is there another statement than besides that on the club website ?

[DE.]

He should have negotiated terms - whatever they were.

Rhodes holds a lot of power in this situation. Due to the wage he's on, he knows if he does end up back here for the next six months he's more than likely to be played. There's no need for him to accept Boro's demands if he feels he's either got a better deal here or can get a better one from elsewhere in the future.

We may not like it, but that's how the game is these days. The players hold the majority of the cards.

[tomphil]

There'll be all sorts of blame shifting going on now but no surprise it's ended in a farce. It did last time and people blamed Venkys for pulling the plug at the last min but Boro knew the terms and wouldn't commit to to paying them then.

[yoda]

There'll be all sorts of blame shifting going on now but no surprise it's ended in a farce. It did last time and people blamed Venkys for pulling the plug at the last min but Boro knew the terms and wouldn't commit to to paying them then.

Looks the same again, Gibson trying it on again, or his bean counters spooking him

[DavidMailsTightPerm]

Looks the same again, Gibson trying it on again, or his bean counters spooking him

Its a strange one - they obviously think he will score goals for them - which if he does will probably guarantee them promotion - which is worth far more to them than whatever Rhodes will end up costing.

[ChrisyG]

I'm astonished the deal has fallen through. It begs the question is Rhodes more interested in money or playing at the highest level?

If he wants to play at the highest level then he should have done a deal.

[tomphil]

If they allegedly can't afford the package now, why where they offering £14mill last season.

Gibson is at it.

If that really is the case then he really is a chunt because it's Rhodes and his own clubs fans he's shittin on at the end of the day. Doubt it will bother Venkys too much if he's after revenge for last time because they didn't give a toss then and refused to budge. They could be equally as awkward if they wanted the money and sell him to another club cheaper than Boros bid, if he wanted to go that is.

[cop]

It wouldn't surprise me if Shebby Singh, Steve Kean or the goons at SEM are due any of the profits made on the potential sale.

[Mani]

Lambert is paid to think like a manager not a partisan fan.

He should have said nothing, officially, let alone give direct quotes. That said, I bet Rhodes' agent doesn't get much sleep tonight.

Yes and a manager looks after the needs of the team. Lsmbert was not disrespectful he just told the truth. It is important that information is divulged by managers if it benefits the group.

In fact, it would be much easier for him to go with the grain, acquiesce and allow Rhodes and his entourage to come skulking back..it takes a real leader to make a tough decision like ostracising the golden boy. One thing is for sure. Everyone at the club now understands that no one is immune...something SAF championed regularly. He wasn't too bad a manager was he?

[BlueMonday]

If that really is the case then he really is a chunt because it's Rhodes and his own clubs fans he's shittin on at the end of the day. Doubt it will bother Venkys too much if he's after revenge for last time because they didn't give a toss then and refused to budge. They could be equally as awkward if they wanted the money and sell him to another club cheaper than Boros bid, if he wanted to go that is.

This is one case where I hope Venkys are stubborn. This is for the Agent and Gibson to sort out.

[Pedro]

I'm astonished the deal has fallen through. It begs the question is Rhodes more interested in money or playing at the highest level?

If he wants to play at the highest level then he should have done a deal.

I personally think it screams of an agent being too greedy and an owner not having any of it, whether for personal gain or trying to get the absolute best for his client (the two are obviously linked). I like Jordan, I just can't imagine him being a greedy person and I think he would desperately want to play in the Premier League. Boro have said it is terms, Rovers have said it is terms and Rhodes says he is "Baffled" - someone wants too much.

It wouldn't surprise me if Shebby Singh, Steve Kean or the goons at SEM are due any of the profits made on the potential sale.

Me neither.

[Stuart]

Yes and a manager looks after the needs of the team. Lsmbert was not disrespectful he just told the truth. It is important that information is divulged by managers if it benefits the group.

In fact, it would be much easier for him to go with the grain, acquiesce and allow Rhodes and his entourage to come skulking back..it takes a real leader to make a tough decision like ostracising the golden boy. One thing is for sure. Everyone at the club now understands that no one is immune...something SAF championed regularly. He wasn't too bad a manager was he?

The needs of the team but also the needs of the club.

9 million needs, and rising to 13 million. SAF didn't put his dirty laundry (or ire) onto the club website.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Yes and a manager looks after the needs of the team. Lsmbert was not disrespectful he just told the truth. It is important that information is divulged by managers if it benefits the group.

In fact, it would be much easier for him to go with the grain, acquiesce and allow Rhodes and his entourage to come skulking back..it takes a real leader to make a tough decision like ostracising the golden boy. One thing is for sure. Everyone at the club now understands that no one is immune...something SAF championed regularly. He wasn't too bad a manager was he?

At any club the manager has got to be paramount. You can't afford to let any player or group of players become too powerful. Football history is littered with clubs who made that mistake and paid the price for it.

[Athlete]

This is a strange place at times.

Rhodes has been here for 3 and a half years, scoring over 20 goals a season, and he's the bad guy who we can't wait to get rid of.

Whereas, Lambert has been here 3 months, taken us on a run of 7 league games without a win, playing some of the worst football I've ever had the misfortune to see us play (after spending 3 years doing something similar at Villa too) and he's treated like the messiah.

One win, against a poor league 2 side, has got some of you a little giddy I think. In my opinion we are a stronger team with Rhodes than without and, as such, Lambert's comments today are a little silly.

Might be the case generally, but from what I've seen of Elliott Bennett, he's just about the worst player to pull on the shirt

Really good post on the subject the best today

[tomphil]

This is one case where I hope Venkys are stubborn. This is for the Agent and Gibson to sort out.

Well some are saying he'll make more money by just staying at Rovers than what Boro were prepared to offer and are under the impression he'll get picked up by a Prem club anyway when his contract ends. Not sure I'd be that confident if I was him but I can also understand his standpoint if he was to risk losing millions by moving.

It seems his agents have miss judged just how much Boro really wanted him. Many pockets got lined by his move to Ewood allegedly and it seems they are after the same again only with bigger cherries on top. Games finally gone mad at Championship level.

[Baz]

@DanielHughes32 if JR plays we have to play 2 up top ! In a lot of games we get over ran in the middle of the park ! IMO 4-4-2 gone

Thats Dunnys thoughts on Rhodes.

[BlueMonday]

Well some are saying he'll make more money by just staying at Rovers than what Boro were prepared to offer and are under the impression he'll get picked up by a Prem club anyway when his contract ends. Not sure I'd be that confident if I was him but I can also understand his standpoint if he was to risk losing millions by moving.

It seems his agents have miss judged just how much Boro really wanted him. Many pockets got lined by his move to Ewood allegedly and it seems they are after the same again only with bigger cherries on top. Games finally gone mad at Championship level.

From whats been reported, Boro were going to match his £40k and give him a 5 year deal. The sticking point seems to be the 20% promotion bonus in his Rovers contract and some other extra add ons. As I mentioned earlier, he's not likely to see the promotion bonus with us, so he seems to be shooting himself in the foot over that.

[mustard]

@DanielHughes32 if JR plays we have to play 2 up top ! In a lot of games we get over ran in the middle of the park ! IMO 4-4-2 gone

Thats Dunnys thoughts on Rhodes.

If Watt can play a #10 role and drop deeper, he could work well with Rhodes. I guess we'll have to see what happens!

[Mani]

The needs of the team but also the needs of the club.

9 million needs, and rising to 13 million. SAF didn't put his dirty laundry (or ire) onto the club website.

Dirty laundry? Give me a break.

[tomphil]

From whats been reported, Boro were going to match his £40k and give him a 5 year deal. The sticking point seems to be the 20% promotion bonus in his Rovers contract and some other extra add ons. As I mentioned earlier, he's not likely to see the promotion bonus with us, so he seems to be shooting himself in the foot over that.

I suppose this is what happens when you give out complicated deals trying to keep a player whilst protecting your own interests at the same time. Player & his agents then think they'll get that at every club, probably more naivety by venkys when throwing the last contract at him sadly.

That figure would tie in to what I was told by a bloke who moves in circles that his wage in his new contract at Rovers would rise to 66k. Not sure whether it was with or without promotion but I suppose when they handed it out they expected we'd be up anyway .

I'm not ITK by the way, just know a bloke who is close to a good pal of JR so it's just gossip.

[Stuart]

Dirty laundry? Give me a break.

Lambert's tone in his statement suggested he was furious. Best not to put things in writing in that frame of mind.

Ah well, let's see what tomorrow brings...