Haven't seen Bothroyd play this season other than a few highlight clips. For all his arrogance and moods, he has real skill on the ground as well as in the air - something that Helguson does not possess. I never personally liked Bothroyd, but there again I'd never be involved with him personally so what the hell. If Malky didn't like him, then fair enough because he'd have to work with him - that's a different and very valid point. As far as I'm concerned (and it's all about opinions), Bothroyd with his hold up skills and on-the-floor ability would have brought more to the squad than Helguson. Maybe Malky's "work ethic" thing has brought us the wrong choice on this occasion. May sound like more Heidi bashing to some, but it's just an opinion.
possibly, but malky makes such a big deal about having people who all give 100% and its a group of players who are all pulling in the right direction - for all his quality he would pose a risk that his laid back manner could spread, which i'm guessing why malky wont touch him with a bargepole. heidar has his limitations but the amount of headers he wins for a small player is astounding, and is an important cog in the machine, talent wise he is as you say far inferior but makes up for that in other departments.....
I thought Helguson looked very tired on Saturday as if the weight of being our main physical presence up front was starting to become a burden. He didn't appear to win much in the air either - I know he is always challenging and making a nuisance of himself but he needs start winning the ball constructively and with 2 monsters at the back like Knight and Mills that was very difficult. He is 35 and can't go on forever. Maybe he needs a rest and as Rudy's performance has improved in his last 2 appearances (more game time = better performance) perhaps it is time to give him a start with Heidar on the bench. Rudy also gives us more physical presence at the back when defending set pieces. I would have Velikonja on the bench tomorrow as well to give us a bit more variety up front. To have both Conway and Frei in reserve is a bit of an extravagance. According to WoL Velikonja is not in the squad for this week's development game so maybe Malky is having another look at him after his hat trick last week. He deserves an opportunity.
If we are to go up we need a new striker. Im sure someone will come in January. Lets hope we are still in a good position. I agree Velikonja needs to be brought in to the squad. Its going to take him time to adjust though. If I was Malky id try and get Jerome now.
Jerome is a Prem quality player but the reputed £25k per week (which Blackburn don't appear willing to pay) is a big ask. Also, we need someone to put the ball in the net and overall Jerome has a 1 in 4.3 strike rate compared to someone like Le Fondre who has a 1 in 2.5 ratio. Agreed Le Fondre's goals have been mainly at lower level but given the service he will score. Whether Reading, who have used him as a super sub off the bench, would want to let him go would be another matter although he would be cheaper than Jerome. I seem to recall we were trying to get Le Fondre a year or so ago. I think it was a major error in not signing him then. Could even have given us the goal push to the Prem which Kenny failed to provide.
its alot of money and would be simply a short term solution - it would only pay off if he provided output in the way of scoring goals and helping convert losses into draws and draws into wins....... last season we got lawrence when he was available and on a high wage - jerome will be even higher but it depends if malky is thinking short or long term - so far he's had a bit of both.
Ched Evans is in court tomorrow. If the verdict is overturned then he is presumably innocent and will be looking for a club.
malky looks at a players quality, and also at the way they handle themselves and their attitude to their profession on and off the field - evans last seen in league 1 (albeit doing very well) fails on both counts......
Sorry whoops - I think we should pass on that one. Being banged up fro the past 6 months isn't going to do his fitness any good. Anyway, we need someone to score in the net, not in a hotel room. Guilty verdict or overturned in the appeal court, I doubt our owners would be too keen to involve a player with that stigma hanging over him Maybe no point taking the moral high ground about this whole affair anyway, I just don't think he'd be good enough to get us where we want to be.
Acid test tomorrow night. If we lose against a Charlton side that doesnt seem to have a fit defender, then questions will have to be asked, such as where is Velonika, surely now is the time to blood him on the big stage, the lad must be gutted. Yes lose that one and MM back in the Dock.
I think we will be ok tomorrow night, Charlton arent much kop, but then again neither were Bristol Shiiittty, however our away form has to turn around, so why not tomorrow.
Currently only Burnley have scored more goals than us and it's our away results that will ultimately scupper our promotion chances if not addressed sooner rather than later. The goals are coming from all over the park with goals coming from defenders and the midfield. How urgent is the need for an out and out striker?
