It'll be a rapid slide into obscurity for Benni now. As other posters have mentioned above, to not even be motivated enough to lose weight in time for your home country's World Cup says it all.

Sullivan's comments are typical of his hugely unprofessional manner. It is disgusting that Benni is in the shape that he is, but you don't talk about such issues in the press. He always talks in a derogatory manner about his own players and staff and it's not the right way to go about things. Remember when he slammed Frank Querdrue in the press whilst at Birmingham, claiming him to be a complete waste of money? I'd hate to play for that ######. Still, £2.5m has to be one of the best deals ever. I remember a lot on here criticising Sam for leaving him out of the side, but maybe we now know for sure what the reason behind this decision was.

First of all I want to express how deeply saddening this event is. It's not just the fact that a man has died, but that he has left a kid behind. For me, there are few things more tragic. My condolences go out to those on here that knew him. I have to say, I think I might have seen him at games in the past - his face looks familiar. I am also curious, however, and want to know a little more before I reach any wrong assumptions: am I right in thinking that, in reaction to the bar being closed at half time, Rovers fans became rowdy and ended up throwing a bin, which hit John Taylor on the head and subsequently killed him? This story about him trying to 'head it', being rubbish? If true, then I hope this event will make people think twice before they engage in yobbish behaviour and drink beyond their limits.

Also, Sam maintained all along that he was prepared to sell McCarthy. There was no need for him to behave the way that he did. He did so purely to enhance the negotiating position of potential suitors.

I TOTALLY agree with you.

If Benni were obviously fit and enthusiastic, then there would be no need for Allardyce to talk about it in the press. On the flip side, if your manager were criticising you so publically, the very least that you would do is get into tip top shape and show a good work ethic on the pitch and while, without necessarily have a beaming smile whilst on the bench, not look as though you don't give a solitary ###### about the club.

I'm getting De Ja Vu from a few seasons back when he was angling for a move to Chelsea.

I thought he'd been around more teams than he has. Still, the first two points stand. Furthermore, I remember him really angling for a move away after his first season with us and his attitude has been terrible for a long while now. I used Di Santo more as an example. Although, I certainly wouldn't be adverse to him joining were the fee acceptable. He is young and looks promising. I'd rather the money be used on improving the midfield though. Benni does next to nothing these days. Benni's stats since his first season have hardly been amazing. EDIT: Oh, and Kalinic looks bloody good. Have you not been watching him?!

Benni bic mac is a perfect example of your washed-up, past it, journeyman footballer who's lost his hunger for the game (though not for McDonalds, clearly). If we can get anything like £1.5m+ for him, then we should look to sell and put it towards either bringing in Di Santo on a permanent basis or to replace the likes of Diouf, Pedersen, Hoilett, Dunn and Andrews who will more than likely all be off in the summer.

If we get a bid of £2.5m, then we should SELL. He's washed up, his best is long gone and his heart certainly isn't in it, not at Rovers anyway. Sam doesn't fancy him and he rarely starts. Get rid and use the money to bring Di Santo in on a permanent basis. Or use it to bring in an attack minded / creative / passing midfielder. It really is a no brainer to me.

Any Idlewild fans out there enjoying Post-Electric Blues? You are so lucky. I could have got tickets for one of their London dates, but not one of my friends would come with me. I probably should have gone by myself I suppose, but I'm not sure I would have enjoyed that.

Yeah I thought he was an absolutely quality player before that injury. Imagine going back to a time prior to that injury with a younger Tugay also in the squad. Now, snap back to reality and think of last season's CM pairing of Mokoena and Andrews...

One of the finest gents to ever grace the English game. I loved Sir Bobby, may he rest in peace.

Fair enough Gumboots, I see what you're saying Thinking about it, Anelka has a fair few penalties as well last season.

Yeah, but I'd imagine the conversion rate for penalties to be considerably higher than in open play. I',m hardly knocking him, just saying that the stats are slight deceptive. I don't think that's an unreasonable thing to say.