[Archived] Nicko's Thread Part 3

[den]

Scholes still has so much to offer. I'd be surprised if he left Old Trafford.

United wont push him out. They will let Scholes allow his own ideas I imagine. If he wants to see out his days at OT, I'm sure he'll be allowed to do that.

[alexanders]

Anthony Annan is playing in Norway and he mentioned that Norway is only a springboard in his career.

He was close to a move to Rovers last year and I know that there have been representatives to watch him this year too.

I also share the opinions about Essien. I love his type of character and play.

[Eddie]

stam was the best central defender in the world when he was sold and was the main reason United lost out on the title the year they sold him. They were in bits at the back without him.

Didn't he have his failed drugs test? Wasn't that part of the reason he was sold, or is my memory playing tricks on me?

I think Giggs and Scholes are far too iconic for Man U to be leaving quietly this summer. Personally, my gut feel is brilliant if it did happen but its not going to.

Anthony Annan on the other hand looks a real possibility especially given the track record of Sparky of persistence rewarding him with getting his man. The big question has to be the Work Permit and given the head-in-the-sand tightening of regulations today, I fear only having ten international caps won't be enough to get him into Rovers.

Don't you just have to have played in 75% of your nations internationals in the past year? As a result of his participation in the ACN he should have managed that.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Nicko, have you heard if any clubs are interested in Javier Saviola?

I haven't seen him play for quite a while, but from i remember he had some pace.

With him being told he has no future at Madrid i can't see the price being that much.

[joey_big_nose]

Get in Annan!

Could this be the "top class midfielder" we were supposed to turnin gour strategy to?

[Eddie]

He shouldn't really cost as much as 8/9 million though.

[philipl]

Don't you just have to have played in 75% of your nations internationals in the past year? As a result of his participation in the ACN he should have managed that.

Two years, I believe, plus as from today a supported statement that the player will significantly enhance the sport he is joining.

Under these rules, I have to say it is very doubtful that Ryan Nelsen would ever be given a work permit if he were coming to the UK for the first time.

[RibbleValleyRover]

From his wiki entry:

"He is an all-action central midfielder who is very comfortable playing defensively."

"Nicknamed Pablo Aimar in comparison to the Argentine national midfield superstar, Annan combines immense skill with a physical presence that complements his average height. Similar in style to Ghanaian midfield Superstar Michael Essien of Chelsea, Annan is touted as the next big thing to come out of Africa into Europe."

Sounds like the sort of player we need

[Eddie]

Two years, I believe, plus as from today a supported statement that the player will significantly enhance the sport he is joining.

Under these rules, I have to say it is very doubtful that Ryan Nelsen would ever be given a work permit if he were coming to the UK for the first time.

Haven't those rules been the same for several years? Nelsen didn't get a work permit the first time of asking if I recall.

[philipl]

I posted a link to the tightening in the rules in work permits for sports people being introduced today.

75% of appearances for a top 75 country no longer creates an automatic right to a work permit and if you don't have the 75% for a top 75 the implication is don't even try.

[RibbleValleyRover]

I find this interesting if true on the LET Article:

"My agent is working hard for me, and he says a lot about me moving to the Premiership in the summer, so I'm looking forward to playing there."

"He told me Blackburn, Bolton and Middlesbrough are all interested."

"My first choice is for a move to England, but I would also think about France or Spain."

Source: http://www.lancashireeveningtelegraph.co.u....2292455.0..php

Surely Rovers would be the most attractive choice out of the three prem clubs mentioned.

[nicko]

I don't think Annan is close to happening - or anywhere near the top of any shopping list.

[mohelger]

It amazes me that Annan is dubbed "the new Essien", apart from the fact that they both are from Ghana and playing in midfield, I cannot see any clear similarities. Annan, in those games I've seen him for norwegian club Stabæk (on loan from IK Start), has a good engine and some neat passing - but is nowhere near Essiens physique and strong defensive attributes. Annan looks more of a midfield holding player from what I've seen, a more defensive playmaker (but correct me if I'm wrong, I've only seen him in 3-5 games). He was a total flop for IK Start (who got relegated last season), but has made a good impression in the opening games of the new season - and has received some praise in the press. There is talk about Stabæk buying him permanently from IK Start.

[herbergeehh]

To add to that, Stabæk has just sold one midfielder to our old UEFA opponent Red Bull Salzburg - Somen Tchoyi, who was voted best player in the league last year - undisclosed fee, but given the quality of the player and Stabæk's current position as team nr 1 in Norway, I would think the fee will fund a permanent signing of Annan.

That's just my interpretation of the whole situation though, I don't know any more details than that. It would surprise me if they would sell Tchoyi at this point unless they were to bring in someone, and Annan might be the one.

[Torgeir]

It amazes me that Annan is dubbed "the new Essien", apart from the fact that they both are from Ghana and playing in midfield, I cannot see any clear similarities. Annan, in those games I've seen him for norwegian club Stabæk (on loan from IK Start), has a good engine and some neat passing - but is nowhere near Essiens physique and strong defensive attributes. Annan looks more of a midfield holding player from what I've seen, a more defensive playmaker (but correct me if I'm wrong, I've only seen him in 3-5 games). He was a total flop for IK Start (who got relegated last season), but has made a good impression in the opening games of the new season - and has received some praise in the press. There is talk about Stabæk buying him permanently from IK Start.

Fully agree. He's more in the mold of Makelele than Essien but has started this season well for a team who's currently top of the league. Can't really judge him based on last season for IK Start as he suffered mononucleosis in the early parts and later struggled with a couple of niggling injuries. This season he's got a full pre-season under his belt and is showing promise, but it's too early to tell if he could immediately add another dimension to our midfield. I doubt he's the 'next big thing to come out of Africa' though.

[thenodrog]

Can't see the Scholes \ Giggs thing happening BUT they are supreme professionals and would bring a terrifically positive and professional influence to the entire squad

[nicko]

For anyone with a Celtic persuasion - and to put a record straight because I thought he was going - Strachan is staying and has money to spend.

[brian_gallagher85]

Just seen the Interview on SSN (I got my Sky back at last ), thanks for the head up on the money side Nicko.

Great few weeks these are turning out to be ...any money on QoS tomorrow then Mr Nixon?

[nicko]

Just seen the Interview on SSN (I got my Sky back at last ), thanks for the head up on the money side Nicko.

Great few weeks these are turning out to be ...any money on QoS tomorrow then Mr Nixon?

Not a bawbee.

However I would suggest Bristol City ht/ft [sorry to They think it's all Rover] at around 11 to 2 may just be stealing money...

[Plastic Head]

I think it would be more a matter of whether Giggs and Scholes were prepared to leave Old Trafford, rather than us being able to attract them to our club.

I'd say we would be in a primary position to snap them both up. Scholes played at United with Hughes, he wouldn't need to move house, and I also think he would relish the chance to play for a Premier League club in the North West that perhaps is less likely to challenge United in the league - for this reason I just can't imagine him joining one of the 'bigger' clubs. Giggs on the other hand has played with Hughes at United, has played under him for Wales and probably knows him well.

Giggs will go to FC United next summer.

Scholes will go to Oldham at the same time.

You heard it here first.

[philipl]

Uefa has persuaded Blatter to change his position on 6+5. FIFA are still pusuing the idea but not in such a way that it will ever take effect within the EU unless the EU ever changes its employment laws.

So effectively its a dead duck.

Perhaps its as well it was Man U v Chelsea who played on Wednesday and managed to put 10 English players on the pitch out of the 28 used. Had it been Liverpool v Arsenal, they might not have even managed 4 out of 28.

[ffan]

Carlos Bocanegra, player just released by Fulham, would be a very good back up forBlackburn. many of us are sad to see him go.

Also Ian Pearce has been released...

[nicko]

Pretty significant news...

There is a Premier League club currently trying to agree a fee for Michael Bradley at Heerenveen. And it's not Rovers.

Full identity and any further info in the morning. I've got to keep their name back for obvious reasons - not just because I am off to back some losers at Haydock this evening.

Perhaps Rovers will wait to see what price is agreed before 'taking a view' on this one.

[ffan]

Pretty significant news...

There is a Premier League club currently trying to agree a fee for Michael Bradley at Heerenveen. And it's not Rovers.

Full identity and any further info in the morning. I've got to keep their name back for obvious reasons - not just because I am off to back some losers at Haydock this evening.

Perhaps Rovers will wait to see what price is agreed before 'taking a view' on this one.

Everton?

[bats]

On sportingo Chris Goldsmith believes Real Zaragozas Diego Molito in a possible target see article:

http://www.sportingo.com/Football/a8794_Bl...-out-his-misery

Surely we can't afforf him!!!!!