bluebruce

Sorry, my sarcasm mustn't have been clear enough. I meant that a Northwest station's coverage with our ex-manager doing the commentary would probably be biased in our direction, much like the Midlands coverage would have been biased to Leicester. We would think the Granada version with Mackay was balanced, because we're biased to Rovers too.

Well whaddya know, an actual link. Prepare to be underwhelmed! Think this guy's name has come up before though. https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/rovers/news/17656256.rovers-eye-non-league-hot-shot-to-boost-striking-ranks/

The North West commentary by our ex-manager was more balanced than the Midlands commentary when we played a Midlands club?

The Rhodes, Rudy and Marshall of yesteryear, sure. Not sure if any of them have still got what it takes.

I idly mentioned him during a discussion about what Marriott was meant to have cost, and their relative track records. There's not been a link or anything (nor has there to Marriott), just people took my off-hand use of him as an example and ran with it. Nor was I suggesting we sign either player. Thought I'd clarify that before it escalated further, in typical BRFCS fashion. Kind of thing that happens though when there aren't any rumours doing the round.

Quite, imagine if Brereton was prone to the odd pathetic dive. Oh wait...

I believe this was reported in the LT at one point. I remember being deeply hurt that Brad, who I never thought would leave for money, left mainly for money. But hearing it was because of financial problems rather than greed softened that blow immensely. Shame it had to happen to him though, it was from trying to help people, not from gambling etc.

Tell it to Wikipedia, it's a hassle typing lengthy messages about stats on my phone. First season, Notts Forest, 2 appearances. I never said good, just established, which he is. I'd happily take him over Brereton though.

When he signed for Boro for 5.5 million he had played 61 Championship games over 3 seasons, and 19 Premier League games. Then played another 8 Prem and 39 Championship games before moving to Leeds for about 7 million. He had 36 Championship goals at that point. So yes, well-established. Especially compared to Marriott, who at one year younger had 2 Championship appearances and zero Prem, selling in the same summer.

I was trying to find out the price earlier and got an article from the Peterborough chairman where he insisted the fee was being misreported in the press. He seemed to be suggesting it was more than reported. The figure in question was 2-3 million rising to 5 with add-ons. He seemed to feel that made them look desperate, which they weren't. So, just guessing, maybe more like 4-5, rising to 7 with add-ons. Personally I think that's a lot for a lad who had one good season in League One (we bought League One's best player for just over 10% of that). That's what well-established Championship strikers can move for (Bamford was about 7?). Of course it's also what total gambits like Brereton can move for, so I can't say we shouldn't have spent it there instead.

Presumably to cut down on all the argy bargy and players taking a spot in the wall then moving out of the way, and other chicanery. Not really bothered by that one - why does an attacker have to be in the wall anyway, other than to disrupt it? Free kicks are a good enough opportunity without that. No clue about the goalkeeper touching his posts...I dunno, maybe the idea is that it's used as a psychological deterrent by goalkeepers and they don't want that kind of thing? Seems OTT to me. With the subs one...they could just stop the watch the moment the substitution starts until play resumes. I'd always figured that's what they're supposed to do anyway, but it doesn't seem to happen often if at all. Would also stop managers making substitutions purely to waste time, as it wouldn't help at all in that respect. It would then only be useful to take the impetus from a team with the bit between their teeth.

I know the thread is titled for last season, but this still seems the most apt place currently available to post it (I think, can't be bothered to check). Rule changes for next season: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/rule-changes-next-season-set-16299910.amp

Disagree about Robbo, he was well past his prime by then and had become a liability even at this level. Yes his big wage was a factor, as we couldn't sustain it in the Championship, but if he had been playing a lot better maybe we would have. When Steele came in I can't say I noticed much difference (agree it wasn't a particularly ambitious replacement though). Was far from a great keeper, but (I'm sure I'll be pilloried for this given the apparent consensus) thought he is villified far more than he warranted.

Personally I think Data's strength, intelligence and learning capability would be invaluable. I don't know whether league regulations allow us to field an android though, may have to go through the courts to have his sentience recognised first.

Obviously disagreement on whether we should look to sell Raya but every player has their price. What's everybody's magic figure, the lowest they'd personally take to sell him? Note I'm not asking what people think he is worth in the market, just what you think would be enough for it to be the right call for us. So no need for people to jump in after saying we would never get 10 million for example. I'd probably give serious consideration to anything at 4 million or over. A very large sell on would have to be a factor in any deal.

No, as I haven't given him the slightest disrespect.

You can't expect people to take it for a fact when you won't expand or substantiate it. We can only consider that to be an allegation. I'm not saying it isn't a fact, but surely you understand this?

So why did you post about them on a message board?

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11676/11722913/brentford-make-enquiry-for-blackburn-goalkeeper-david-raya Link to the sky article as I don't think it has been posted yet.

Got to say, his goal stats don't particularly inspire me. We sorely need more goals from midfield. 3 this season in League One doesn't scream that he's the answer. 6 the season before, granted. Wiki says he is an attacking midfielder and describes himself as box to box. I'd expect more than three in League One from either role. Maybe you can shed more light?

More likely to just be Pants, mon.

Frank Fielding hasn't ever played for the full England team...has he? Wikipedia doesn't think so. A game kept on the bench, you mean?

Because we're a charity now.

OK, so the club does pay for it, not the player. That's what I'd have thought. I don't know tons about how player insurance works...but every type of insurance I've had is yearly. I would assume football is either the same, or over the length of the contract. The contract just ended, so if we sign him on another the premium will need to be worked out again right? I can't imagine the premium is unchanged on a player who has spent the last two years injured. Unless you can tell me how I'm misunderstanding the above, I'm not sure where your claim that this won't cost the club a penny is coming from. I imagine the insurance doesn't cover the period where he isn't technically injured but is on the comeback trail (when we get no benefit from him), and therefore we'll be paying his wages then at the least. Insurance isn't some big free giveaway, it costs. The more likely you are to claim, the more it costs.

He won't even be ready for pre-season apparently. Madness.