I think he's been on DC's list all summer has bags of league experience and played 290 (over 300 in all competitions) games for Hartlepool United scoring 44. Good signing I think
Good signing though me thinks. Can play on the wings and we need wingers too. I think we will end up signing Trotman and Higgins which along with Lockyer will be our defensive cover. Im not sure on Mitchell or Thompson if they will sign or not. The youth Keeper Preston will be our number 2 I think. Saves Clarke looking elsewhere. I think we will need another striker as well.
Experienced midfielder becomes summer signing number six Experienced midfielder Andy Monkhouse today became manager Darrell Clarke's sixth summer signing. Monkhouse, born in Leeds, began his career as a trainee with Rotherham United and went on to score nine goals in 128 league appearances for the Millers. He joined Swindon Town in June 2006, but injury meant that he but only made 10 league appearances for the Robins and he spent time on loan at Hartlepool United before signing a permanent deal at the Victoria Ground in January 2007. A member of the side that gained promotion to League One at the end of the 2006/07 campaign, he was also named in the PFA League Two Team of the Year that season. Released by Hartlepool in the summer he scored 44 goals in 290 league games for the club and appearances in other competitions took his total appearances to 322. Darrell said of his new signing; “I am delighted to bring in an experienced player such as Andy. “I was looking for two experienced recruits in the summer and with Andy and Lee Mansell I now have those. “They have both come for the right reasons and are hungry for success. “Andy is a creative player who can score a goal or two and he’s had a very successful, career to date. “The pleasing thing is that he wanted to come here for the right reasons and his experience will be invaluable to us.” Andy himself said he was pleased to be here and is looking forward to the challenge of helping Rovers regain their league status. “I have spoken to Darrell a few times and, to be honest, he didn’t have to say too much to me because it didn’t take long to agree terms to join a club the size of Bristol Rovers. “I’m happy to be here and can’t wait to get started. I’ve played against Rovers a few times over the years and I know what it’s like playing at the Memorial Stadium as an away player. “I’m coming here with a fresh approach and hope we have a successful season and that we can get back into the Football League. Chairman Nick Higgs said; “I am delighted to welcome Andy Monkhouse to the club and hope he enjoys a successful time with us. “He brings with him a wealth of experience and will be a valuable addition to Darrell’s first team squad.
Not the youngest, but he is still a very good player and IMO a great signing for us. He's played against us plenty of times in the past for Hartlepool.
More from Monkhouse about his move to us: “I feel lucky and privileged to be here because there are still a lot of players looking for work with only a few weeks until the start of the season. It was a wrench to leave Hartlepool after seven years and I will have to see less of my wife and two kids whilst I am here, so, it goes without saying, that I wouldn’t have moved down South for any club. Coming to Bristol Rovers was an opportunity that was too good to turn down though, and I didn’t need a lot of persuading after speaking to Darrell on the phone last week. I want to be part of a promotion-winning team, so, with all that in mind, it was a bit of a no-brainer. I’m happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started. It’s hard to be away from your family for long spells, but I am willing to do it and I am hoping to look back at the end of the season and say that it was all worth it. I started as an out-and-out left winger, but I have played in several different positions in the last few seasons. I’ve played all across midfield and up front as well. I’ll play wherever I’m needed and the starting point for me is to try my best and give 100 per cent every time I put my boots on. I’ve been running around the streets and training in the gym on my own since I was released by Hartlepool at the end of the season, so it might take me a couple of weeks to get up to speed. I’m 33 years old, but I feel like a player who is 15 years younger than that. There is a little bit of nerves inside me mixed with excitement and I can’t wait to get started.”
He didn't play much last season, but I reckon he'll prove to be a really good signing. What he says about feeling lucky is interesting because it is definitely tough for a lot of released players to find a club. He sounds hungry and determined, which is just what we need. Could he be a captain? We seem to have quite a few contenders... leaders on the pitch. It's what we've been missing...
Can just see Jeff Stelling jumping up and down when Monkhouse scores as he always seemed to be a big fan of his. Let's hope he does well here welcome to the gas Monkhouse!
Impressive signing always thought our midfield has lacked experience and a physical touch for a few years. This is the sort of signing we need, if you thought league two was rough this is going to be worse. Only thing that worries me though is why are we the only team chasing him?
We still need a squad and there are a lot of games so there should be plenty of opportunities for everyone...
great comment. not sure he will be the captain but im sure he will be a leader on the pitch with others.
I was thinking that the other day. Successful teams do seem to have plenty of leaders on the pitch and so that bodes well for us. I want to be positive, and I'm not going to be swayed by pre-season results. It will be the game against Grimsby where I start to make a judgement.
i have always been like this until pre-season with mcghee. seen the signs from pre-season that we were going to struggle. i remember mentioning this on the OS forum and i got shouted down. i remember saying things in detail what we would struggle on and how we would struggle (cant remember what it was now specifically). then a few months later those who shouted me down was saying he same things i said in pre season. i reminded them of what i said and they shouted me down again saying its not the time for i told you so's last seasons pre season wasnt great either and was obvious we would struggle as no pace in the team! this pre season looks worrying as we dont look like we got goals in us. but we only played 1 game with our main players. but i like the fact we have leaders and players who will fight for the shirt and always give 100%. we have lacked this for years.
