[Archived] Rhodes To Boro

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Fair's fair, Rhodes would have buried that header that Graham had today.

Fact is, he didn't want to be here and his 'performances' this season reflected this.

I'm not sure what the arguement actually is? If it is, "If Rhodes put in a shift and played to his best ability he would score some goals in this woeful and gutless team that wants the season to end almost as much as the fans do." ...then the answer is, yes...probably.

His heading wasn't the greatest for a tall guy. I've seen him miss straight forward headers before.

[Stuart]

Fair's fair, Rhodes would have buried that header that Graham had today.

Fact is, he didn't want to be here and his 'performances' this season reflected this.

I'm not sure what the arguement actually is? If it is, "If Rhodes put in a shift and played to his best ability he would score some goals in this woeful and gutless team that wants the season to end almost as much as the fans do." ...then the answer is, yes...probably.

If you listen to a lot of folks he didn't want to be here every transfer window, yet somehow he still managed to score 20+ goals per season. He said he felt like he wasn't wanted. Given what transpired in January that seems pretty clear. Except the chickens are coming home to roost as the proceeds aren't being reused.

The argument is that we wouldn't be better off with him in the current side - instead of Brown, for instance. It's certainly debatable. Personally I think Rhodes just edges it over Brown but only by the odd goal or 80. Just wish people would stop trying to shout down the debate just because they are bored with it. It's very easy for people to simply not click on this thread if they don't want to talk about it.

[sambo]

I regret my Rhodes stance to an extent. Thought it was good for all parties, but can't see us benefiting much from it. Wish him all the best.

[K-Hod]

What's the point of it though Stuart? In some ways I think Lambert has had the rug pulled from under his feet. He was probably told that he'd be able to spend the proceeds from the Rhodes sale, now it might be that isn't the case?

There is a case for Rhodes probably doing better with the current midfield behind him but he's not here is he?

The argument vs Brown is a daft one, obviously he's far better than Brown, but I'd say Graham is a more complete striker all around (in terms of the physical side of the game), he has bagged a few as well.

[Stuart]

What's the point of it though Stuart? In some ways I think Lambert has had the rug pulled from under his feet. He was probably told that he'd be able to spend the proceeds from the Rhodes sale, now it might be that isn't the case?

There is a case for Rhodes probably doing better with the current midfield behind him but he's not here is he?

The argument vs Brown is a daft one, obviously he's far better than Brown, but I'd say Graham is a more complete striker all around (in terms of the physical side of the game), he has bagged a few as well.

What's the point of any debate? Or by that token, a messageboard? There are strong opinions about it, and there are people who think we are better off with Brown in the side than Rhodes. It's nuts! If Rhodes discussion is confined to this thread there should be no problem.

[chor808]

I sure lambert expected the entire funds from the Rhodes sale to go into the transfer kitty for the summer. If he had just come on here and talked to a few of us we could have told him not to trust venkys as far as he could throw them.

[JBiz]

There are strong opinions about it, and there are people who think we are better off with Brown in the side than Rhodes. It's nuts!

Who?

Some may have said the team have scored as many as we where, but I don't see anyone saying this.

Let's face it, we had to sell rhodes considering his worth and cost. We brought 3 forwards, one injured sent back and the other two started ahead of Brown today.

He's our fourth choice essentially, was when Rhodes was here. There is no debate on their separate worth.

[47er]

If you listen to a lot of folks he didn't want to be here every transfer window, yet somehow he still managed to score 20+ goals per season. He said he felt like he wasn't wanted. Given what transpired in January that seems pretty clear. Except the chickens are coming home to roost as the proceeds aren't being reused.

The argument is that we wouldn't be better off with him in the current side - instead of Brown, for instance. It's certainly debatable. Personally I think Rhodes just edges it over Brown but only by the odd goal or 80. Just wish people would stop trying to shout down the debate just because they are bored with it. It's very easy for people to simply not click on this thread if they don't want to talk about it.

Brown shouldn't be here,Rhodes didn't want to be here and wanted to go to Boro a year ago.

Lambert didn't sign Brown, he's stuck with him.

These are all details for me. The bigger picture is that we are stuck with Venkys till they decide otherwise.

We are f**ked. There is no hope. This could take years to come right if it ever does.

[jim mk2]

Assuming Boro go up I hope Rhodes is a success in the Premier League for his sake - he seems a good solid lad who's made the most of his ability.

I might be wrong but I just don't think he'll be quick, strong or clever enough to trouble PL defences.

It's no coincidence that no PL club (other than Hull) came in for him during his 4 or so years at Ewood and why he can't get a start with Scotland.

[Pedro]

If you listen to a lot of folks he didn't want to be here every transfer window, yet somehow he still managed to score 20+ goals per season. He said he felt like he wasn't wanted. Given what transpired in January that seems pretty clear. Except the chickens are coming home to roost as the proceeds aren't being reused.

The argument is that we wouldn't be better off with him in the current side - instead of Brown, for instance. It's certainly debatable. Personally I think Rhodes just edges it over Brown but only by the odd goal or 80. Just wish people would stop trying to shout down the debate just because they are bored with it. It's very easy for people to simply not click on this thread if they don't want to talk about it.

He wanted out. He wanted to go to Hull. He wanted to go to Boro' - and it appears greed on some level nearly scuppered the deal he wanted. In my opinion, he would have wanted to go to anyone who paid a genuine interest and had no love for us. Not feeling 'wanted' is simply a smokescreen of sorrowful bullshit and he needs to have a look in the mirror and be honest to himself because that lad did not bust a gut from the turn of 2015 and was given a ridiculously good contract to help him feel very 'wanted'. In terms of form, he was quite up and down to the point that even Uncle Gaz dropped him for a spell. In terms of ability, he can't hold a squad place under various Scotland managers. Certain quarters pretending that isn't/wasn't the case just prolongs a very tedious debate, where in truth, only in some magical realm, Rhodes would be wearing blue and white halves, busting a gut and leading the line at Ewood post Jan 16.

Regardless, although lacking in many ways, he proved that he was a very good lower league finisher. Admittedly, he wouldn't get in my top ten strikers since 92 and surprisingly, I care very little that he has gone because ultimately, we were crap with him and are crap without him. The owners paid silly money and received silly money for him (and paid his astronomical wages for a few years to boot). If that can be now used to plump up the squad, great. If not...well, we are conditioned for disappointment aren't we?

[Stuart]

He wanted out. He wanted to go to Hull. He wanted to go to Boro' - and it appears greed on some level nearly scuppered the deal he wanted. In my opinion, he would have wanted to go to anyone who paid a genuine interest and had no love for us. Not feeling 'wanted' is simply a smokescreen of sorrowful bullshit and he needs to have a look in the mirror and be honest to himself because that lad did not bust a gut from the turn of 2015 and was given a ridiculously good contract to help him feel very 'wanted'. In terms of form, he was quite up and down to the point that even Uncle Gaz dropped him for a spell. In terms of ability, he can't hold a squad place under various Scotland managers. Certain quarters pretending that isn't/wasn't the case just prolongs a very tedious debate, where in truth, only in some magical realm, Rhodes would be wearing blue and white halves, busting a gut and leading the line at Ewood post Jan 16.

Regardless, although lacking in many ways, he proved that he was a very good lower league finisher. Admittedly, he wouldn't get in my top ten strikers since 92 and surprisingly, I care very little that he has gone because ultimately, we were crap with him and are crap without him. The owners paid silly money and received silly money for him (and paid his astronomical wages for a few years to boot). If that can be now used to plump up the squad, great. If not...well, we are conditioned for disappointment aren't we?

Couldn't disagree more - with everything you've posted about Rhodes.

Your last sentence is interesting though...

We aren't conditioned for disappointment, we are conditioned to turn quality players, or players with real potential, into 'the problem' by searching for their weaknesses and turning poor players into 'the solution' by championing their strengths, regardless of the actual impact of either.

In my view, it comes down to the psyche of the majority of Blackburners, maybe football fans in general but Blackburners are particularly prone to this. They personify and project their own lack of footballing ability onto the pitch, and want to believe that they could be out there. Championing the like of Brown and Lowe because they run around a lot helps them to identify with them. "It's a tough sport and they are trying their best" is based on how they would view it if they themselves were out there trying their best. For me, if I am going to pay to watch professional footballers then I will only be satisfied with that if they are significantly better than me, or than I 'could have been'. The blokes we watch are paid thousands of pounds PER WEEK and have been brought in from far and wide because it is perceived by the (previous) manager that they are better than anything that this town has to offer. The more they are paid and the better the facilities, the more time they have available to perfect their art. When we are in league two I'll accept such a gulf between our players and Huddersfield's. Yesterday was simply embarrassing. Not just a lack of effort but a lack of quality on show.

[gumboots]

I hadn't heard of the majority of Huddersfields players and they made our team look like pub players or worse, like pub players the morning after a lock in. Enough said.

[JBiz]

In my view, it comes down to the psyche of the majority of Blackburners, maybe football fans in general but Blackburners are particularly prone to this. They personify and project their own lack of footballing ability onto the pitch, and want to believe that they could be out there. Championing the like of Brown and Lowe because they run around a lot helps them to identify with them. "It's a tough sport and they are trying their best" is based on how they would view it if they themselves were out there trying their best.

As this is a message board, you are perfectly welcome to this view, however I just see it as some sort of self justification for your opinion of a players worth.

It's not a "Blackburner" thing (IMO) for people to accept lesser quality due to mismanagement. I find that rather insulting tbh. The cherry on the cake this being about seeing players who we feel we are as good as.

Wrong thread to comment on your last point so I didn't quote it, whilst I agree we lack quality - im baffled to hear you say yesterday wasn't also about a lack endeavour, desire, work rate and tactics - or even just basic organisation and effort.

[Stuart]

As this is a message board, you are perfectly welcome to this view, however I just see it as some sort of self justification for your opinion of a players worth.

It's not a "Blackburner" thing (IMO) for people to accept lesser quality due to mismanagement. I find that rather insulting tbh. The cherry on the cake this being about seeing players who we feel we are as good as.

Wrong thread to comment on your last point so I didn't quote it, whilst I agree we lack quality - im baffled to hear you say yesterday wasn't also about a lack endeavour, desire, work rate and tactics - or even just basic organisation and effort.

What other reason can there be though for anybody championing Brown over Rhodes. I don't believe that they are just thick so I'm citing an underlying reason.

I'm a lifelong Blackburner, by the way, of humble background and still live here so I feel that I have a certain privilege to make such a comment. But feel free to join the banner-waving, card-carrying offendedeers if you must. Although I suspect you aren't really feeling all that insulted. Let's face it you don't care what I think anyway - although you doncontinue to be my perennial antagonist when it comes to quotes.

[JBiz]

I reigned that in a lot. Initially gasped in the same way with your quote, that I was yesterday when I read "Ewood is now venky loving Ewood" literally 15 minutes after getting home from that desperate performance. Thank the Lord I self moderated (deleted) that one.

I asked you earlier- who is championing Brown over JR? Nobody in there right mind can say Brown offers more. The only explanation is Blackburn folk like to talk up poor players to make themselves feel better? To then throw "my mate" Lowe in- who (IMO) could be useful in future, I mean at least then we can move Marshall up since he (and Lowe) was the only one to put a decent cross in yesterday! I was seething for about 5 seconds Stuart

The same mistake made in both comments or quotes for me - I doubt anyone in their right mind who knows the whole scenario could "love" Venkys, but there will be a few who do not know the half of it. Shouting "f***** Venkys" won't change their minds, only a calm explanation of the sheer negligence filling them in on just what they've done might work. The problem is, blaming them still doesn't solve anything.

[Pedro]

Couldn't disagree more - with everything you've posted about Rhodes.

Love can be blinding.

there are people who think we are better off with Brown in the side than Rhodes. It's nuts!

Agreed.

[islander200]

What's the point of any debate? Or by that token, a messageboard? There are strong opinions about it, and there are people who think we are better off with Brown in the side than Rhodes. It's nuts! If Rhodes discussion is confined to this thread there should be no problem.

Who has championed Brown over Rhodes?Iv seen plenty of posters that agreed with the sale including me but iv never seen anyone on here say they prefer Brown in the team than Rhodes??

[ABBEY]

I reigned that in a lot. Initially gasped in the same way with your quote, that I was yesterday when I read "Ewood is now venky loving Ewood" literally 15 minutes after getting home from that desperate performance. Thank the Lord I self moderated (deleted) that one.

The same mistake made in both comments or quotes for me - I doubt anyone in their right mind who knows the whole scenario could "love" Venkys, but there will be a few who do not know the half of it. Shouting "f***** Venkys" won't change their minds, only a calm explanation of the sheer negligence filling them in on just what they've done might work. The problem is, blaming them still doesn't solve anything.

ok then mr opposite , why did i get told to @#/? off and told none of this is venkys fault they are good for us??

spin it how you want....

[Stuart]

Who has championed Brown over Rhodes?Iv seen plenty of posters that agreed with the sale including me but iv never seen anyone on here say they prefer Brown in the team than Rhodes??

It's a very simple one. Those who have made excuses for Brown are many of the same who vilified Rhodes. It's notable by the reactions that my comment has touched a nerve.

[Tom]

ok then mr opposite , why did i get told to @#/? off and told none of this is venkys fault they are good for us??

spin it how you want....

I would still say those people are in the minority though Abbs the vast majority of us are just a bit apathetic to it.

In fact I have never seen a single person defend them in real life, not saying it didn't happen.

[oldjamfan1]

It's a very simple one. Those who have made excuses for Brown are many of the same who vilified Rhodes. It's notable by the reactions that my comment has touched a nerve.

Villified Rhodes? There's more than a touch of hyperbole there Stuart. At the end of the day a poster above summed it up - we paid and received ridiculous money for him. At 8 - 10 million quid the very least you would expect at championship level is a few goals, which to be fair he got. Extrapolating peoples views on Brown and Rhodes respectively and merging them into a direct comparison is disingenuous, and I think you probably already know that.

[ABBEY]

I would still say those people are in the minority though Abbs the vast majority of us are just a bit apathetic to it.

In fact I have never seen a single person defend them in real life, not saying it didn't happen.

well it did happen !!!

me ,my lad and his mate were giving it to venkys and the only voices were pro venkys .

The one who gave it large and dissapppeared sharpish said ,venkys are good for us ,it was down to the players and when i said ffs its venkys who have sold our top players he said it had nothing to do with them .All around him and us alls i heard was i was talking @#/? about them. That is what happened ...not one fan gave them any stick .

i couldnt care less if you dont believe me pal but that is 100000% fact as to what happened and why at the moment i feel like they win and the venky s and there happy clapping fans have driven me away and wont be back for the first time since 1970.

[Stuart]

Villified Rhodes? There's more than a touch of hyperbole there Stuart. At the end of the day a poster above summed it up - we paid and received ridiculous money for him. At 8 - 10 million quid the very least you would expect at championship level is a few goals, which to be fair he got. Extrapolating peoples views on Brown and Rhodes respectively and merging them into a direct comparison is disingenuous, and I think you probably already know that.

Similarly others are deflecting away from the bed that they were happy to have made for them.

Talking only about Rhodes' weaknesses and Brown's (supposed) strengths is similarly disingenuous. Particularly when you consider the contribution each made to results and dents in the opposition net. A point I have already made but that is an inconvenient truth that people are choosing to ignore.

The only refuge they have now is to pretend that even now we are still better off without Rhodes and to take digs at me and anyone else who say this coming. What would our season have been like if we hadn't had Rhodes for the first half of this season - despite his poor form? 'Poor' only by his own standards and not in comparison to most strikers in this league - and every other striker at Rovers, who have better providers in the side than Rhodes did.

[ABBEY]

thing is i dindt ask about rhodes yeterday i asked if we are stronger without rhodes as every hater alluded to. Doesnt matter if he wanted in or out or if he had a kebab for tea ...does it need a new thread ?

[JBiz]

ok then mr opposite , why did i get told to @#/? off and told none of this is venkys fault they are good for us??

spin it how you want....

Mr shouty, I'm not sure why you got told off but surely you can see why it's annoying to hear "the whole stadium loves Venkys" based on just your experience with a couple of fans.

It's exactly the same as calling anyone who can see both sides to the debate about rhodes in/out a "hater".