Grasping at apples? Not heard that expression before. Is that 1864speak?!? I'd copyright that if I were you. More articles about the transfer - Football 365 - Cottagers sign Andy Cole and the Sky Sports webpage - COTTAGERS CLINCH COLE CAPTURE. It seems that Cole has managed to come out this alright as he only had a year left on his contract at Ewood but seems to have got a two-year deal from Fulham.

Yep, he's a goner. Cole moves to Fulham

Well...that's certainly Dwight Yorke's version of events, as can be read in The News of The World today. Or at the link below... Is it true? Is it false? Who knows but it's hardly the kind of thing that you want being conducted in the full glare of the national press. Souness almost broke my leg

1864 - Even though I read the LET every night (the bits about Rovers anyway) I have not seen that published. There was a slight reference to Cole wanting out the other day but that was all. As for Cole not being paid by the club...nah, can't see it. If his agent knew his stuff he'd have demanded that Cole at least didn't lose out on the deal. So Rovers pay him that (which he would have received anyway in twelve months) yet it allows them to save the money from his wages. It doesn't matter if he was a millionaire, who throws away money they don't need to? If Rovers didn't pay him I'd be utterly amazed. It just doesn't make sense otherwise. They still, however, save a fortune by not paying his wages. Not being able to work with Souness doesn't mean the club must do as he says or he is a superstar or whatever. It just means he hates his guts! Many people have left a job before because they hate their boss. That means they all think they are superstars and bigger than the company if we all go along those lines! Anyway we can discuss this to death and still not know, although most likely all will come out in time.

If they could actually find anyone to take over Yorke's contract then they'd have to likewise then come to some agreement with him most probably. There's not much point in the club just paying him off as that wouldn't save them any money at all.

No, a written transfer request would have to be just that. Besides, where do you get the information that it was Cole who said he cannot play for them? It hasn't been in the media reports and in fact I've only heard it on here from some posters and they've been guessing. I'm not saying it's not true but that information hasn't come to light so I don't know how to comment on that. Certainly it was mentioned in the press reports that it was at a Rovers board meeting that the decision was taken that Andy Cole must leave. Sounds more like they were sick of the sight of each other rather than being a one-sided request to leave. As for Fulham taking over his contract (and I'm pretty sure it's 12 months and not 18 as he signed a 3 1/2 year contract when we bought him) they are hardly likely to take over the loyalty bonus/golden handshake are they??? I'd say Rovers would have been willing to pay it just to get him out the club. Unless Cole and his agent have been stupid enough to leave it and forget the money (a very unlikely scenario I'm sure we all must agree for a modern footballer and his agent) then Rovers will have paid him that to get him off the wage bill.

If that's true, Rovers are essentially free of their financial obligation to Cole, and they've lost no money in the deal. Of course, it would look better to the public if they got a fee for him, but if letting him walk on a Bosman frees them from the cost of a golden handshake, then it will ultimately be beneficial for the club. I'd say it's more likely that Rovers paid him whatever golden handshake he would have been due, meaning that instead they save on the wages (whatever they are). This seems likely because it would probably mean that Cole would not have to demand a signing-on fee from Fulham. Otherwise why would Cole give up whatever he was to receive at the end of the contract? Rovers wanted rid and we have heard no indication that he actually handed in a transfer request meaning that they would have had to pay the 'loyalty' bonus as he supposedly didn't wish to leave, at least not officially. Cole had them over a barrel and as his agent seems to have been particularly adept at getting the best deal in the past for his client from the club you can be sure that Cole himself didn't lose out financially from moving clubs. Regardless, the wages saved should be quite substantial and it just depends how the squad is strengthened. Even the Cole detractors must admit that we have a less strong squad without him so I'll wait and see who is brought in to fill the gap and improve the squad.

Errr...dunno. Maybe because he's happy enough to stay at Old Trafford winning those medals?

As far as we know it's Souness that Cole had a problem with and not the club. To suggest his conduct is "simply unacceptable" doesn't make sense when we have no clue what actually happened. In March Souness admitted that he had been in the wrong as much as Cole regarding their bust-ups. Unless you have heard something that hasn't come out in the press? Cole and Souness are similar in that they can both start an argument in an empty room. If anything this is likely to be the fault of both parties. Most arguments are.

Alan Nixon broke the story a week ago. We all laughed at him yet the way things are going it seems to be coming true. The other story of his about Rovers featured a £10million transfer fund. In every close season Souness has brought new players in throughout the summer. Even with giving Cole a golden handshakes deal and bringing three new players in, if Nixon got it right there would still be enough left for a replacement for Cole. A good one at that. Here's hoping... It's been said by some on here than Rovers couldn't afford to bid higher for M G Pedersen - is that true? Or did they just not want to bid higher for him? Especially with De Pedro waiting in the wings available on a free yet the interest shown in him being masked by all the talk of Pedersen. Of course they'll keep saying they have no money for any new players. A daft person would take that at face value and believe it, a wiser person will just wait and see. They've surprised us many times before.

Match report from the Rovers site below SG Schorndorf 0 Blackburn Rovers 8 and the match report from Andy Neild at the LET which picks out Dickov as the most impressive of the forwards. Gr-eight opening to tour for Rovers

ROVERS KICKING OFF AGAIN These summer breaks seem to get shorter and shorter - only the middle of July and Rovers today are kicking off in their first pre-season friendly. The match against SG Schorndorf starts at 5pm local time and as Germany is an hour ahead of the UK, that'll be 4pm for us back here in Blighty. The article linked above mentions the expected return of Barry Ferguson, Lorenzo Amoruso and David Thompson from injury, as well as the three new signings. What it doesn't mention is which players were left at home so does anyone know for definite whether Cole has or has not gone? Even though only a pre-season friendly it'll be interesting to see who Souness picks in midfield and where. Is Thompson or Emerton to start at right midfield? Who in the middle alongside Ferguson? Maybe most importantly considering the recent palavar over a certain striker, who is picked up front? It's only very, very early but I'll be interested to see the team Souness picks. After today there are two more games in Germany next week before returning to England for away games with Stockport County (Wednesday 28th July), Preston (Saturday 31st July) and then the only home game for pre-season...the glamour tie against Sporting Lisbon on Wedneday 4th August. The pre-season warm ups conclude on Saturday 7th August at Bray Wanderers. Last year between the start of pre-season and the actual close of the transfer window I think we added three players; Ferguson, Reid and Baggio. Possibly Babbel as well if I remember right. While Souness has suggested that he is happy with his squad, if Cole does leave I'd be very surprised if no more players came in. Oh well...it's the middle of July and yet the (pre) season starts here! 2004/05 : PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES?

Incidentally, please could you explain to me which part of Andy Cole refusing to play for Souness doesn't make it his fault. Manchester Blue - sorry but can you provide any reference as to that statement. I've not yet heard that Cole has refused to play for anyone never mind Rovers. If we are to believe what has been published then the decision (in conjunction with Souness) was taken by the board for Andy Cole not to play again Rovers and not by Andy Cole himself. As far as I'm aware Andy "call me Andrew" Cole has not (nor has he ever done) handed in a transfer request or said he cannot work with Souness.

Thank you Jim, I'll take that as a backhanded compliment.

People on this board will know that if possible I do try to be positive and I have maintained this summer that Souness is still the right man for the job. However i find myself agreeing with many on here and in particular SG194 who is rightly amazed that we may consider paying one of our best players to leave and play for a rival team. Paul, vyeo, Scotty and Den have all posted what I feel. It really comes to something when I agree with Jim. The goals scored are only part of it, it's obvious that Cole is a quality player. Even now. To let him go is quite simply a poor decision. So what if we save a little bit of money- what we gonna do? Bring in Teddy Sheringham with it? If Cole is to be adequately replaced then big money needs to be spent. Do we really have this money? On other threads people have mentioned the likes of Beattie and Kluivert. Can we really afford Beattie? Won't ever bother to say why Kluivert coming here will never happen in a month of sundays... If Cole goes and isn't replaced by a quality proven striker (not Dickov) then I won't be defending Souness anymore on the 'Souness must go' thread. There's been too many players who have left out the team or cold-shouldered because of a falling out with Souness. I'm still hoping this just paper talk. Otherwise, for me it'll be the straw that broke the camel's back... One last thing - I can say without any amount of hyperbole that I am less optimistic about this coming season then I have been about any season since I first started supporting Rovers in the mid-eighties. Cole must stay...and for more than just one season.

Rev/Capt Kayos - I think I put my point across poorly. The point I was trying to suggest was that if we had sacked Souness things may have been different. It's very likely Souness will get the sack at some stage- most managers do. If that happens though if anyone says 'told you so' then it doesn't mean a lot really does it? Some people on here seem to think they know exactly what is going to happen. They don't. They can guess, we all can. I'm not suggesting either of you two think that and I agree with the majority of your views on what is going on at Ewood. As for "Too early to say that yet IMO FLB." Not really...I was only referring to last season. This season is a different matter, Souness is the right man for the job now. When he isn't the right man we will all be in the 'Souness out' brigade. Predicting what will happen is a load of rubbish. It's all guesswork. Here's my prediction...sometime in the future Souness will be sacked. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but soon and for the rest of your life. Oh no wait...sorry that's Casablanca isn't it? Souness will be here for as long as he is the best man for the job. Just because some posters are constantly pessimistic does give them any more kudos than those who are constantly positive. Regarding the other comments made by Rev and Capt about the things that must be improved...I agree completely. Souness must deliver an improvement on last season. Not a huge improvement but there must be some improvement. Losing over half our home games is not acceptable.

Mr Kayos - It stands for 'I Can't Believe It's Not Football'. I did it to keep it brief but it doesn't really work if I have to post again to explain it! To the mods/admin - of the people who regularly read this site the vast majority do appreciate all the work and effort that is put in behind the scenes. If people are making suggestions to help it doesn't mean they disagree with how it has been done, just that in future in seems like more money will be needed to maintain the site than at present. Still think the idea of sponsors isn't a bad idea - I know Dr Rich doesn't like it and actually agree with his view but all that matters is if it helps keep the board running.

Oh and one other thing - no one thinks about the funding of the site unless you tell them. The reason that people don't know the site could do with donations whenever is because they don't think. That isn't ignorance, it's human nature. Now I don't know how much the site makes from the Amazon link but if it is bit can't other links to websites like this be set up. Also...the last I heard on the board about the Amazon link was before Christmas. When I suggested setting up some links for some specific Rovers (actually, in the end I didn't find many in stock on the site) not many seemed sure if the sponsorship was still on. I'm not saying that this should be shoved down people's throats but remind them...and regularly. Most people I'm sure will be happy to contribute but they do need a kick up the bum. If people didn't then there would be no need for charity workers as no people would need to be reminded! If the Amazon link is still going then PM me and maybe I can sort out a links page of books that can be bought on there and may be of interest, either by being about Rovers or having been recommended on the 'Decent Holiday Reads' thread. I know the site has money for a bit but...hey...no harm in trying to get a little bit more.

These last few days must surely have put things into perspective. Message board quality declining? Who cares????? As long as it is there I'm happy. Whenever it is down then the days go very slowly. This is my favourite site on the net. Long may it continue!

You know what the great thing about this thread is? It proves once and for all that you can have argument over absolutely ANYTHING on the internet. Even when everyone is aiming for the same thing! Regarding the 'sponsor' idea - it's not that bad an idea. It may seem that people are only doing it for that extra little bit of status but if it keeps funds channelling into keeping the messageboard going then so what? I'm saying this as someone who won't be able to set up a standing order for the next year and so due to personal circumstances will not have 'sponsor' next to my avavtar. So what though? I'll live! I'll try to though...tough as it may be. Oh and I'll harbour no resentment to those who are contributing regularly. Why should I? They're helping a site I get a lot of pleasure from keep going. The Admin have to decide which way to go forward. Cutting out the ICBINF forum or other features isn't really the best option though I must say. It's not that I think they are up to the actual messageboard but without them it's simply not the same site. On there I can read about the latest music, political discussion, books to read, films to see and dodgy websites to look at. Take them away and you take away the community of the board. Simple fact is...we don't JUST come on here for news of Rovers. We come on for a lot more than that. I'll try to sort out a one-off donation myself if I can gather some cash together. Regardless...appeal for donations, nobody will be offended if you do and then see where you are and what you need to do.

The things you mention are all irrelevant though EIT, as are the things the 'pro-Souness' posters think. All the matters is the results and as you mentioned in your last sentence if there are bad results then people will be calling for him to go. It's not that people on here are pro-Souness, just that they are pro-Rovers. Everyone on here must agree that Souness is the best manager we have had since Kenny stepped up in 1995 to his Director of Football/pie orderer or whatever he did for a year (he certainly didn't direct no football!). As Souness has brought the club back from the brink we feel he may still be the man. If not, we'll want him out if it is best for the club. If he does mess up next season though, at least those calling for Souness out will have got wrong. You see...most wanted him out last season as they thought we were going down. We didn't. This 'bandwagon' can't go rolling on forever waiting for any old opportunistic moment to say 'told you so!', that's intellectually dishonest. That moment has gone, you can't keep it going forever. The vast majority of managers get the sack at sometime, so don't think you are some kind of sage for predicting another one. So...waggy, rover6, philipl, Jim, Scotty, Capt Kayos, Revidge Blue , myself (yes I would myself have been happy enough if he'd resigned after the Leeds game and even before then for that matter) and all the others - we got it wrong!!! Souness stayed and he kept us up. We're all hoping Souness can turn it around. If he can't then we'll all want him out and...well, anyone who says 'I told you so' then is full of it. How about we all stop trying to be a Nostradamus of the North and give Souness a chance. It is, after all, his last chance.

I agree that we shouldn't be looking at him to be a main choice in centre midfield but I'd like to see him given a few games in that position this next season. To see what he can do when he is given a chance to shine rather than just battle away unselfishly for the team in a part of the pitch he appears to seem a bit awkward in.

Or 5-1 even...and I bet you were you thinking of a challenge for Champions League places just like the rest of us. Here's to a less disappointing last 37 league games this season...the first game we got spot on!!!

Actually I think you are right. If I remember right when he was taken off we weren't losing then two minutes we were behind and that was that for the game.

In the original post by BRFC4EVA he mentioned that Douglas is not yet good enough. I'm not so sure about that. The performances he put in at the end of last season were sometimes impressive and that was despite being played out of position. It's plain to see that Douglas is no left winger but I'd be interested to see how he did in the middle. The work rate and commitment are there and he doesn't mind getting stuck in. The qualities he gives the team are similar to those Flitcroft used to have, way back in the days before he was known as a 'love rat'. I'd have to see Douglas given a run in central midfield to see how he does as will everyone else. To say he is not yet up to it (or as some have said will never be it) is sheer speculation and not even an educated guess. I say give the guy a chance this season in his preferred position. Which means he'll probably end up as a right back...