This isn't gossip, but more of a suggestion and wondered what people's thoughts were... I see Jason Roberts was interviewed in one of the papers at the weekend which was talking about his frustration around Blackburn’s financial plight. When he plays 10 games this season (full games, or as sub) he automatically triggers a clause that offers him a new one year contract. He hasn’t played since his 8th game as Blackburn don’t want to trigger a new contract in case they go down and can’t afford it. I think he would be a great signing. Yes he is 32/33, but he’s a blood and sweat type player that would give his all and has a pretty decent goal scoring record, scoring 161 goals in 480 matches (1:3)! He’d give us a good, strong, fast option up top to help alleviate the expectation from Lambert. He’s proved he can score goals both at Championship and Premiership level and will probably have another 18 months left in him, so could def be worth a 6month loan at least. On top of this he’s a great guy (despite playing for Pompey) and does a lot of charity and community work and would be a great role-model for some of our younger player, unlike some of the big time Charlie’s being mentioned on here! What’s people’s thoughts? I definitely think HCDAJFU ;-)
he would be decent back up for Lambert. But i think wages would be an issue and maybe we should look to someone more youthful. I think Sam Vokes could be decent loan buy as he loves the club and is a similar build to Lambert and can score goals at this level
The question is, can he fulfil what we need over the remainder of this season alone (forget about next year). We need someone who has experience - check. We need a goalscorer - check. We need someone hungry - check. We need someone who can both slot into our current style or create on their own - check. Not a bad shout at all.
Thanks HB, I think he'd be a great addition and maybe he'd take a wage cut if there was a carrot of a 12 month deal if we get promoted and are happy. Given Blackburn's plight, they may even part fund his wages. I'd you want someone who could def hit the ground running and guarantee goals at this level then he could be the man-not sure Vokes is... 29 goals in 148 games isn't exciting me to be honest!?
If we could get Roberts down here for the rest of the season he would be great. At worst he would be a good back up for Rickie,but could quite probably play alongside him. Blackburn would probably be willing to pay most of his wages anyway,as it would save them money in the long run.
Roberts is a good bloke, but I think a combinationn of age and wage demands (although yes, Blackburn may pay some or most) would deem him as an unlikely signing. I think now with Saints, the idea is to build a competeive squad for the years ahead whislt blooding academy players. Saying that, I wouldn't object to him being with us as I think he could do a job.
89 games, so not a great record. Also worrying that only played 89 games in 4 seasons. Either injury prone or can't command a first team place. Don't get me wrong, he's not a bad player but def won't guarantee goals this season or be of a premiership standard if we go up in my opinion.
I always thought he was underated, but that maybe because he rates himself higher than perhaps he should. He should never have left Wigan when he did... ideas above his station. I do think he is a good strong runner, but not for me either now. Three years ago with a little bit of future left in him, then yes. I don't really want a 6-12 month striker.
It seems pointless. If we're trying to "build a team" then why bother getting in someone either on loan or too old to establish themselves into a squad?
No thanks. He is too old and he wouldn't add anything to the team, especially if we sign Lee (which looks very likely, barring any complications with his work permit)
Because we need to cement promotion, that is our number 1 priority. If a 6 month loan helps up (regardless of who it is), then that is the right thing to do. Everyone knows that prices get inflated in Jan, so we are better off 'building' come the summer anyway, by which time we will (hopefully ;o) be in the Premiership, which will again boost our appeal as potential employers. If you don't agree with Roberts as a suggestion then fine but to rule out a 6 month loan idea would be foolish!
I don't think ruling it out is foolish at all. We already have strikers and we've just (basically) signed a new one who is going to need time to adapt to a different league and more, a vastly different culture. Bringing in short-term competition for him isn't going to help him settle at all.
I can see where you are coming from, and what you say makes perfect sense. Even with Lee coming (fingers crossed) we still need another striker and whether we can get one of the ilk that we want in the next few weeks is another matter, so a loan deal might be a very good option (particularly with an option to buy - not in the case of Roberts but another more youthful striker). Lee is not the sort of player that will replace Rickie when he is injured/suspended, I see him more as a strike partner for Rickie with Connolly's age and fitness (injury wise) an issue, and Barnard out for who knows how long, not to mention Guly's picked up an injury (and hes just a stand in striker anyway).
Dan and Lambertissier - I see both points here. If we sign a short -term striker and he helps us get promoted then great; when we look back, I won't be complaning. I also see Dan's point about unsettling Lee, but that could also go the other way - an experienced player may help him settle and take a little of the pressure off.
Think we're all in agreement; Def an argument for both and I'd like us to bring in Lee and also someone of Premiership ilk whether it's short or long term. At least it's an exciting debate; we been far too used to arguing about the lack of signings/ lack of quality of the signings! We're finally spoilt for choice which is somewhat of a first! On a side note, can anyone tell me hoe to include someone's post in my reply?
