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Line in the Sand
Gary Rowett has today told www.bcfc.com that he remains hopeful of striking a deal for Watford midfielder Diego Fabbrini, who played on loan at St Andrew’s at the end of last season. He went to on to say that although talks were ongoing there were other players on the list that he would like should the deal for the Italian go through.
I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I’m tired of this whole charade around Tesche and Fabbrini. The deal has been on the table for weeks – neither Nottingham Forest nor Watford seem to be willing to get it tied up and with just 16 days until our opening league fixture at home to Reading I’m beginning to think time has run out for either of them to join us.
I can appreciate why Rowett wants those players – both stood out in our midfield when they played for us on loan at the end of last season. However, I don’t think we can wait forever for them and I think there has to be a point where we draw a line in the sand and say “right, we’re going to look for someone else”.
Of course Rowett is aware of the Eardley effect – Blues signed Neal Eardley in May 2013 because they couldn’t do the deal for Caddis from Swindon with the Robins reportedly rejecting a bid for the Scot as they wanted more up-front. We know what happened next – Eardley got injured, and Blues managed to scrape together a fee for Caddis from the money brought in from Nabay going to Fulham along with the savings after releasing Marlon King from his deal. This left Blues with a player who is contracted with the club until 2016 that is surplus to requirements and yet unwanted by any other clubs – in other words, a waste of money.
I can understand that he doesn’t want to go chasing someone else only for Tesche and/or Fabbrini to become available but I also think there comes a time when a manager has to make the call that it’s just not doable any more. I’m disappointed – I really wanted Tesche above anyone else this summer but the noises from Nottingham are that the German is happy to stay and that Freedman will play him so I think it’s only fair for me to believe that deal is dead in the water.
One deal that might be alive might be something with Borussia Moenchengladbach forward Peniel Mlapa. Westdeutsche Zeitung have reported that the striker is unwanted and hasn’t been training with them so it’s possible that Blues might decide to pursue a loan with an option to buy. Mlapa is contracted to Gladbach until June 2016 but it appears he’s completely out of the picture and it could be in his and Gladbach’s best interests to let him stay at B9 until January to see if English football suits him better.
Tags: Diego Fabbrini, Peniel Mlapa, Robert Tesche
109 Responses to “Line in the Sand”
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Forget Tesche, forget Fabbrini.. and move on. They’re good players, but they’re not irreplacable. It’s ok waiting until the end of the window, but what if we have 2 or 3 defeats in that first month? We’ll be playing catch up again. He’s supposed to have all these targets, so go out and get a couple.
We still need at least 4players tho make a challenge on the top six
i think the fabbrini deal is very close now and i believe the last two forest matches was tesche on the bench after starting the first game.
I would take Mlapa on loan for what it’s worth but he won’t play if donaldsons fit so it’s a tricky one … Fabbrini & Tesche might be getting tedious and dragging on but I don’t care if it takes to sept 1st as rowett as said to bring them in because they will be well worth it IMO .. If we start the season with what we’ve got then it won’t be that bad because the team I said earlier would not get into any relegation problems so ime not one for drawing a line under it do to speak . Kro
Read the forest website tesche ain’t going to the blues , he’s made it clear that he wants to stay at forest so forget him and move on to the next target. Kro – sotv
Tesche knows Delph as they were neighbours so there’s hope yet
Is that what a lot of players and teams say but as we all know a week in football can change rapidly.. Let’s wait and see hey!! Kro
From a Watford fan – Fabbrini has been surplus to requirements for a while now. The new coach has had a look at him but there are 3 new players coming in which will push him completely out of the reckoning. I don’t think he has settled in England and may well be considering a move back to Italy (although a loan spell at Siena was not a successful one). He won’t be staying at Watford.
If the transfer of McGugan to Sheff Wed is anything to go by, the owner is trying for a permanent deal.
Good luck for the season ahead.
Appreciate the time you have taken to update us from Watford’s perspective. Good luck to your team in the PL, it’s tough getting up in the first place and just as tough staying up.
I believe patience is still required by Dan and the fans. Watford signing midfielder Jurado from Spartak Moscow yesterday may be the last piece in the jigsaw which will enable a deal for Fabbrini to be completed.
I would much rather wait and get the quality player/s needed than settle for second best.
Jason Shackell is in talks with Derby regarding a move from Burnley. If that happens it may mean Jake Buxton moving to Blues. Buxton is just the type of experienced central defender we need.
He won’t let tesche go under the ffp forest can only have a squad of 24 they have 22 at moment and need a gk and left bk ,and with Reid ,Cohen ,fryatt and assambalonga all injured with no sign of return he won’t let a proven championship midfielder as tesche leave ,as I’ve said before best mates a forest supporter that’s his words not mine ,but I think rowett as dug an hole for himself saying will only sign quality players such as them when our budget won’t allow us to bring those players in
no hole, as there will be plenty of players on offer on loan in September once the prem clubs announce their final squads at the end of August.
everyone panicking far too earlyabout signings, every year is different and we just have to trust GR and his team
Who says our budget won’t allow them to come to Blues? Reasons behind players not signing is not always down to budget. Watford might have no plans to sell until they are satisfied with their own squad. Same for Forest. Players might want to keep their options open for the best deal from the best club they can get. There are any number of reasons why a player might not sign or a club might not release a player or agree a fee, etc. It’s frustrating for Blues, least of all GR but it’s not all down to our budget!
Although an impatient type I think we need to wait a little longer whilst managers assess their players after the summer break. I reckon Tesche could yet be available but not till 3rd or 4th week of August at which time I suspect a host of decent players will be told they don’t fit and then made available. No doubt GR is even more frustrated than we so don’t push the panic buttons yet
Don’t panick Dan.I still think there’s hope in both the deals as Rowett has mentioned today on the Blues website.Fingers crossed.
I Think this where GR is showing his inexperience at this level, both Fabrini & Tesche ain’t happening so move on, (personally I am fed up reading about it) Nobody is coming Permantly of any note We will start the season in worse shape than last in terms of quality. I really didn’t like Clark as a manager however he knew a player. GR should have learned a lesson from least season (ie get your business done early within what you can afford then work with what you have got.
All we will end up with now are players that have done pre-seaon but have quickly realised they are out of favour and are looking for a way out. All the good freebies have gone, missed because we wait for 2 players who are obviously are looking a team better than Blues. We are a last resort.
Many of those Clark signed have been bombed out more will follow Clark signed players like confetti, ffs sake stop mentioning his name its sending me over the edge again.
Admitted, some of them bombed, but even the likes of Man U, Man City and Chelsea sign players who bomb. It’s not that unusual. But a lot of the players signed by the previous manager made up the nucleus of the side that finished 10th… and will most likely make up the nucleus of this seasons team.
We haven’t missed out on most of the good freebies because of waiting, but because we can’t match wages offered by those with rich owners, higher gates or parachute payments.
How do you know GR hasn’t moved on? He has been asked a question about Fabrini & Tesche & has indicated he would still be interested in signing them. That is he would be interested as of that moment he was asked. If 5 minutes after that interview someone else on his list had shown an interest in coming to Blues I am sure he would just move on. All he has said in the interview is the deals are on the table & he would still be interested in them. The moment other interest on his list starts to gather momentum those deals will be withdrawn. GR isn’t stupid! He’ll be hanging around for nobody.
Tesche deal is dead. Simples! Fabbrini maybe still a chance. Dont agree we are in worse position under rowett. Think brown deserves his chance. Id much prefer to see a good centre back signed as i think we have good numbers in the midfield area.
We’ve got a good CB Already in Edgar, however GR doesn’t fancy him. Not about Brown he looks a bit lightweight for the Championship
GR loaned him out as Edgar sees himself as a midfielder, which seeing him there under Clark, he is not.
Far too slow in midfield.
As far as i can tell he plays as a fullback for Huddersfield and Canada and many Terrier fans say he never gets forward enough.
Well he won’t as he has no pace, so this is why he doesn’t fit in at BCFC.
just found ( http://www.whoscored.com/Players/23301/Show/David-Edgar ) he does play more games at centre back for canada
If without Fabbrini and tesche at blues won’t be stay up play off in new season 2015/16
Worshipped by his country Canada, Star Player with Huddersfield. What is wrong with David Edgar? Answers not on a post card please.
The bottom line with both Tesche and Fabrini is that money talks….end of. Both of them were not even making match day squads for their respective clubs last season but obviously on good contracts and Blues cannot better or match them and are trying to pick them up on the cheap. We all wanted Tesche in but if his wages are around 25k a week how could we attract him to our club in our current situation?
GR has nailed it by saying that it’s best to hold out and see if we can pull one of these deals off rather than just bring a body in that won’t improve us but just provide cover. Let us judge him on how he deals with this as our manager and not just wheather we sign Tesche or Fabrini.
Exactly, he not only has to juggle trying to get players in who are under contract without paying anything above £500,000 but has to brainwash a player to come for circa £10k a week when he is already getting more than that.
Blues fans need to get real and stop fantasizing about ficticious wages we can’t afford
Hi Chris would love to have Bastian Schweinsteiger but unfortunately hes in my fantasy team……
Being worshipped by Canada a country that is renowned for producing great ice hockey players not footballers. And if we are comparing ourselves to Huddersfield then I am worried!
From what I’ve read, they weren’t that keen on him at Huddersfield. Plus, they’ve had since May to sign him if they thought that highly of him. I think Edgar’s career at Blues is down to him. If he accepts the fact that he’s a centre back, he could play a decent amount of games this season. If he insists he’s a midfielder, then his only option will be to leave. His choice.
Agree
As I have already said with tesche not coming GR has saved 2 million pounds so why hasn’t fabbrini been signed , most managers sign players now before the window opens ,there are skillfull players out there still get them signed up GR , sign mlapa on permantly , and one star player in midfield plus the loanies we have, this summer window was to be something special ,after what we all have been through ,and once again it ain’t funny , we ain’t strong enough yet ,once again the story of BC shows its head again ,how many times have we been two players short of a good team and the club as bottled out, learn from the past will you ,we have a dream .
where has £2 million suddenly come from?
the club has no where near this amount for one player, nor does it have the money to pay £25k a week to him either
Where do you get 2million quid from William?
William this is real life not some computer game! If it were that simple & you could sign whoever is available we would have the best team in the league but it ain’t! Not sure where your 2mill valuation came from but even if you are right, it doesn’t mean GR can just go pick up anyone else just like that, even if they do catch his eye. As I have said many times before & I am sure other have too, there are many factors that need to be taken care of before a player walks through the BCFC door & is handed a Blues shirt! The need to agree a fee with the club they are contracted to, assuming the club allows us to talk to the player & the player even wants to talk to Blues let alone want to come here. Agree Terms with the player & let’s not forget the all important medical. All these take time & ANY one or more of them can be delayed days or weeks which subsequently delays the whole process.One process fails the deal is off & GR has to start the process all over again. Easy to see why transfers can take months from a club showing an interest.
Spot on staffs! Maybe him being worshipped by his national team has inflated his ego somewhat to the point he feels that he can choose the position he plays for blues. Something is clearly not right with his attitude and I trust rowetts judgement on this. I also think we should keep calm there are still 2 weeks left before the season starts. Plenty of time yet for a couple of quality additions. Rowett turned blues fortunes around in a few days so what’s a couple of weeks going to hurt? The loan signings of tesche and fab had an instant impact. So why can’t his alternatives? Gary has proved he has an eye for a player so let’s stop comparing his signings to Clarks .because he wasted money on players like Ambrose for god sake.
I have been checking newsnow for the last 10 weeks in really hope and expectation that a couple real quality players are signed and sealed only to be disappointed each time. However GR is absolutely right in waiting. We still have a limited budget so obviously are not going to make them incredible personal terms that will make them sign instantly. Closer to deadline day though players run out of options and realise that its sit on the bench for 6 months or find a new home. GR is a considered man and does not follow Lee Clarkes approach of buy 10 and maybe 2 will be OK.
As corporal Jones used to say…..”Don’t panic Mr Mainwaring!” Just because we want players doesn’t mean we will get them quickly if at all. It works both ways, buying and selling. We chose not to sell Gray, and Donaldson when they were coveted by other managers who no doubt tried their hardest to sign them. We can show our interest in Tesche and Fabbrini but can’t force their Clubs to let them go. What more do we expect GR to do?
Ont panic Mr Mannering to be exact.
Check my spelling and then your own Tony. It is Don’t not Ont and Mainwaring and not Mannering….to be exact!
And: “Don’t tell ’em your name, Pike!”
No. It is “Don’t tell him, Pike”
Wrong Yam Yam again
???
The one thing that worries me is, that, apart from goalkeeper, he’s not really strengthened the areas that needed strengthening. We need a solid centre back who will give us 35-40 games a season. We need a proper defensive midfielder to help share the load with Davis. We need that box-to-box player, in the Tesche mould. So far (apart from the keepers) we have Maghoma and Jones. What position will Maghoma play? If he’s been brought in for the left side, he won’t get a smell if Gray hits the ground running…. same on the right with Cotterill. So, all that’s left is Gleeson’s place, or Shinnie’s. Same with Jones, I can’t see him anywhere near the first XI, with Thomas, Novak and possibly Johnson in front of him. As others have mentioned… when are we going to strengthen?
Staff, I’m assuming he will revert to Davis & Gleeson as previously if he doesn’t strengthen the midfield & possibly try to bring in a loan deal or two once the season is under way. I suspect he is trying to get the permanent deals taken care of first & if that doesn’t work out turn to the loan market as plan b. Meantime as I say Davis & Gleeson will start.
I agree. If no more players come in before the 8th, other than in goal, I can’t see too much difference from last season: Kuszczak; Caddis, Morrison, Spector, Grounds; Gleeson, Davis; Cotterill, Shinnie, Gray; Donaldson.
I think only 3 of those places are maybe up for grabs, Spector’s, Gleeson’s and Shinnie’s… and those are the areas we need strengthening.
Need 1 more in each of the central positions at least! As i have said numerous times. If just one of either gleeson, Davis, shinnie, morrison or good forbid Donaldson get injuries who do we turn to? Specter is a good player who will give you work rate. But other that no one else is good enough or proven to come in. Not to mention we have one recognised centre back at the club.Weak team. Don’t expect more than 10th, I think we will be lucky for anything like 15th. Not rowets fault. Sign of where the club is at. Then there are certain fans here that think we can just go out and buy anyone….
Oh come on blue boys leave it to our manager to manage .hes not done so bad so far .if we are not careful we will start sounding like those idiots from village Aston .Let’s be positive we are keeping our best players who belong to us the tide is beginning to turn blue again . Look out village the blues are on our way
THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PLAYERS AROUND THE WORLD AND IN ENGLAND, HOW CAN YOU BRING IN BETTER PLAYERS WITH LITTLE MONEY THAT DON,T MAKE SENCE DOSE IT, HOW CAN YOU HAVE A SEASON TICKET WHEN THE TEAM IS GOING TO STRUGGLE, SO BLUES FANS DON,T GO ON ABOUT IT NOTHING WILL CHANGE, TO ALL SUPPORTERS THE CLUB IS IN LIMBO KNOW REAAL OWNERS CARSON IS BEHIND THE AISA DEAL TO KEEP HOLD OF THE CLUB, SO WITH LOW WAGES NO MONEY TO SPEND LOWER CROWDS, A VERY GOOD MANAGER WHO AS KNOW TOOLS TO WORK WITH ITS A REAL SHAME BUT THESE ARE THE FACTS, GET USE TO IT FANS, CHINS UP DAVE.
Dave
a) turn off your caps lock key
b) Carson isn’t behind TTA. I know you don’t believe it, but you’re wrong. So wrong.
c) The facts are that Blues have renewed contracts for players they want to keep hold of – we’ve not done that for a while. We’ve rejected bids for players we want to keep hold of – if we were skint we’d have had to let them go. Now I know you’re not going to believe this either – but things are much better than they once were.
Dan, you can’t have an intelligent conversation with someone who doesn’t have the required level of intellect
DITO.. Anyway as shouting in caps at us made you happy Dave..
I know 100% that GR is working on a deal as we speak a good quality player that is not Tesche or Fabrini’ I cant say it will happen at this point as its far from dune. Never can I confirm who.
KRO
You are probably right that we are in a better position of late, however we still lack the spending power, when you think clubs like borough bidding for players in the region of £10 mill, (blues have never payed more than 6 for a player I believe even in the prem) we haven’t spent that on our entire current team with wages probably.
Time to move on, we need good players in as the squad is not strong enough so lets look if we can get the 2nd choice in.
We have been down this route with other managers and we got ourselves in trouble
That’s exactly what will be happening Stephen. The offers have been made, it’s a case of take it or leave it. Meantime, GR & his staff will be looking elsewhere. There will always be a plan B & C & possibly more. They will know when the time is to move to the next stage & for all we know they could be on plan C now.
KEEPING ON EYE good player name is Peleteiro Ramallo number 23 play for Brentford He is very good skill lots of shoot and passed ball. better than Fabbrini….. Asking Gary Rowett bring Peleteiro Ramall !!!
I want a tall, fast centre half good in the airand on the ground……poor old managers who are second guessed by each individual fan……….
Think its right to draw a line under the Tesche deal, I don’t think he will be leaving Forest unless the right deal is offered. I do however think its worth holding out for Fabrini, with Watford in the Premier League he wont get any games so unless he is offered a good salary to warm the bench we should be able to offer him a reasonable deal and regular game time. Basically its down to him (if Watford decide to jettison). My own personal view is that I am hoping GR can strengthen the defense I still think we will suffer unless we have a strong capable back four with the ability to cover for injuries/suspesions. Time will tell but I am optimistic for the season ahead. KRO
Have to agree with this. Every successful team is built on a good, solid defence. We’ve been let down so many times over the last 2 or 3 seasons by p*ss poor defending. If we don’t strengthen that position, I can see that continuing.
Also in agreement. Our journey to the Premiership in the late 90’s and early 2000’s was built on a solid defensive unit. We were never big scorers, but always in the top couple of teams in the old division 1 for the fewest goals conceded. We have been so fragile in this area in the past couple of seasons which has been to our detriment. If we could strengthen the spine of our team with a quality centre-half and an aggressive, leader-type centre-midfielder to compliment our current options, I would be happy. We have pace and just about enough quality in the final third (particularly with Dimmi and possibly Arthur) to give opposition teams cause for concern
We are stocked for attackers it’s true but they need a link up man like fabbrini or tesche was at the end of last season.
Think it could all be great press handling by GR. He’ll be busy trying to sort out other deals. He doesn’t look like a man who would only focus on two targets he had already found last year. They might not come off. But he’s testing his entire squad to see what the most urgent need is and if he can better it by going outside of the club.
Mlapa ant very good at all I would not sign him He was good wants but he as gone of the bile . If we heed yet another Striker then I would look at Darren Mattocks from Vancouver Whitecaps FC he would be cheep les than £400k he will score goals and should get a work permit. As he plays for Jamaica. he is something different to Donaldson. As more pace can track back and win the ball. he made 47 appearances and scored 39 goals over two years. he is on some sort of pay as you play rolling contact and allowed to play for other clubs in closed season. So quality at a very low price.
Here is a clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKYTIrCpSK4
Tesche looks like a dead deal
Fabbrini is close but he is also in talks with Middleburgh so a case of hoping he will proffer us over them.
:-)
No manager worth his salt sits waiting on one, or two prospects.
Gary R had a phone bill of over £700 whilsts on holiday, were they all to Tesche’s and Fabrini’s agents and their clubs. I seriously doubt it.
They are his publicly admitted hopes. He is being honest by saying such. That does not mean that he and Panos P. aren’t working in other areas at the same time. Some people can multi-task AJ :-)
He is questioned about 2 players…he responds !
What is this “Line In The Sand” nonsense ?
Perhaps the interviewer/journo, needs to ask more relevant questions, so like yourself, we don’t all get embroilled in this regurgitated and boring repitition.
Take Care my friend.
You are right . And there are other targets. Tesche’s and Fabrini’ are top of GRs this is because they know the system and player & staff and did superbly, as I said above Tesche looks like a dead deal.
I also said Fabbrini is close but he is also in talks with Middleburgh so a case of hoping he will proffer us over them. I told everyone this well before it was in the news. You can see above.
The club are now in talks with a players agent all I cant say is he is a good quality player and he ant Tesche or Fabrini’
VGA.
Can you be more specific with your claims about which good quality players (and their agents) Blues may be in discussion with? Where are these things coming from?
Bostin’ Rostyn will not be furthering his career with Blues. I am not too disappointed as I don’t think he adds enough to our midfield to warrant a contract.
Im concerned, the team that finished last season is stronger than we currently have. If you are going to sign a striker then make sure he is better than Donaldson – otherwise its a waste because you need to improve your 11 over the squad scenario. Trust Rowett but we need four players – centre half, 2 midfielders and a striker all better than what we have for competition.
If we lose two key players early doors its going to be a long season
Looks like Fabbrini is going to ‘Boro according the the paper up there and the Mail
Just wonder how believable some of these rags are.
Like I said at the top of the page…Forget Tesche, forget Fabbrini.. and move on.
Staffs. I think you are right when you say moving on is the best bet. Gary Rowett is clearly correct in trying to bring in the players he thinks will be best for the team but these things have dragged on a fair bit now and there is a danger Blues could be seen as starting to agonise over ‘yes/no’ loan deals for too long.
You mentioned about Rowett’s test coming if Blues are in the bottom three after 10 or 12 games. A fair point. His more immediate test may be who is actually able to bring in as he has stated he has quite a lot of players on his wanted list.
Middlesbrough for me are the team to catch this season with who they’ve signed and if they get Fabbrini and Rhodes there be no stopping them this time …. We’re gonna loose out to them because they’re spending serious money and I for one would love to see him and Tesche back at Blues but if it don’t happen then we move on and try and get players of equal quality instead , easier said than done but if we’re to stay in the top half this season then those three players we’ve all been shouting out for will have to come in ASAP ! Kro
Spot on. We recruited from League 1 last season and, credit to those players, most of them made the step up and did well. But, this season, we need to recruit, at least, a couple of solid Championship quality players if we’re going to push on inside the top 10.
It seems Bostin Rostyn is a no-go Dave. Again, we move on.
No supprise there staffs to be honest , he looked ok from what I saw of him but maybe league 1-2 is more is level , let’s hope by letting him go and the demise of Fabbrini we might have two of those players already sorted but who’s to know what Rowett is thinking !! Kro
If we get a decent centre back and a box to box midfielder, both of decent Championship standard, I’ll be happy to start the season with that. We can always bring in the odd loan player if needed.
Maybe the midfielder needs to be naturally left-sided. The defence does need cover as Blues do tend to get more than their fair share of injuries.
Hi Staffs we possible need a player of Treshe style as he was the one that got our possession game going, davis with Gleeson seemed to do the trick in the middle of the park with Treshe pulling the strings.These two will need to keep playing at high level in the championship if we are to have any chance of forging up the table.
Rotherham have signed that Chris Maguire a striker from sheff wed ,wasn’t he linked with us earlier in the window
What would we give for a kenny Cunningham a Robbie Savage and Forssell right now … Those three would be absolutely perfect for what we need .. Oh happy days , happy days!’ Kro
Spot on Dave. Cunningham and Upson were the defensive foundation to our 12 game unbeaten run not that long ago. Mind you we had Joe Hart in goal too. Oh happy days.
Maybe Johnson and Dann. Either way, a solid back is required
Johnson and Dann yes, more so Dann. But upson and cunningham were good. One year they were so solid we hovered around the European places (champions league) until we fizzled out after Christmas with maybe only 2 or three wins after.
Well… If Tesche and Fabbrini join to Middlesbrough???… Come on Gary Rowetts is good manager at blues, Keeping eye to name is Peleteiro Ramallo… Who name player number 10 at blues??? Good luck to Gary Rowett 2015/16
Summer hype of Tesche and Fabbrini now over thank goodness. So much spoken and debated with ‘will they -won’t they’. Do you know bluenoses that we are better than that and anyone who is undecided about joining us should not. Their choices and their wages. Let’s get behind the likes of Shinnie and Gleeson who have given their all since GR arrived and accept tha this league is now littered with ex prem. clubs and aspiring clubs with money to burn in order to get out. We are a 12/13th club at present with die-hard players and supporters to match. GR will add what he can on a tight budget ensuring we don’t flirt with league 1. We would all like to compete like Leeds and Reading who have millions to spend-but we haven’t the serious dough. One day we will. In the meantime we have to remember Shakespeare who once said ‘ Like it we do not, change it we cannot, but accept it we must’.
Well said
Mitchell, I agree that the Fabbrini, Tesche saga must now move on but I don’t think the players were undecided about us but more there clubs with forest paying hardball and Watford wanting the best loan deal for there player so I don’t hold any blame to the players involved but a change of heart by the clubs.. Ime off to Burton tomorrow and though things haven’t massively changed during pre season as far as new arrivals ime still buzzing with anticipation at what we still have and let’s be honest and say if we play the starting line up I expect Saturday then that team is good enough for mid table mediocrity , ok it’s not playoffs like I was expecting but 3 players could change all that as we know so there’s still 2 weeks to go so trust in your manager! Kro
As I’ve said all summer Dave, as have you I believe, if we go with what we have, we’ll be looking at, probably, a 10th-12th place finish. But, with 2 or 3 quality additions, we can push up into that top 10.
Over to you Mr Rowett.
Forest have messed Blues about re Tesche and maybe Rowett should have moved on a little earlier. That said, he has stated that there are a lot of other players he is looking at so let’s hope for more positive news on the signings front sooner rather than later.
If Fabrinni thought the Brum nightlife sparse compared with London or Solihull was too quiet and leafy he’s in for big shock in the North East
Your telling me its one hell of a dump
What is now a concern for me is the thin squad vulnerability to potential injuries. Just look at the next 7days or so. Friendliest against Burton today, Benfica next Monday followed by Spurs and then Leicester! If we get through these without at least three first teamers against Reading I will be amazed. Sorry GR but I find this total madness. You can read the script now can’t you. ‘ Injuries take their toll etc..’
Maybe rowett as faith in what he’s got ! … He’s going to play a strong side today and after second thoughts I think he will play Kuszczak , grounds , Caddis , Morrison , Spector, Davis, gleeson, cotterill shinnie , gray, Donaldson to start with then bring on Robinson , brown, maghoma and Arthur when needed .. No 45 min teams this time, a strong11 and 3/4 subs and that’s it !!1-3 my prediction , looking forward To it now, if your not going I will give you my honest opinion on the game through out ok! Kro. My bureau just writing what is got is going to play strong site today and after second thoughts I think it will be like a Jack grounds Cadiz motion spectre David Gleeson touch up sheeny dry Johnson to start with then bring on Robinson Road Magana and after when they’re needed no 45 minute changes time stronger 11 and three.’s and that’s it 13 my prediction looking forward to it now if you’re not going I will give you my honest opinion on the game tonight okay keep water
I hope Robinson never plays again for us
Forget the rest after kro… I had my voice box on and was speaking total twaddle , sorry guys !!! Kto
David Davis is a doubt for today’s game Dave. There’s a good chance Reece Brown might partner Gleeson I would think.
No Dave, that was not twaddle! It made perfect sense..a bit of mandarin, some Dutch, a little Italian and a good helping of Portuguese!
I did not realise I could speak so many languages Mitchell but I was just repeating what I said and it came out all nonsense but seriously mate with just 2 weeks till the start of the season we’ve got to play a good game today and perform and win to build confidence and belief and I believe we will do that .. We can still get those three players in we need before the start so let’s win today and build from there. Kro
Dave couldn’t care what language you speak as long it blue ha ha
line in the sand…………….players yet to be offered contracts or taken up DC, AS, JG, SG, NE, DE, WT,LN……nearly another team……you can understand why other teams will play hard ball with blues regarding their players eg Teams like NF we no long carry the big boy status……
David Davis and Paul Caddis are doubts for today’s game. Charlee Adams and Andy Shinnie will definitely be out.
All we need now is Don.getting a pull or worse. Our squad is around 25 including 4 goalies. Average Champ. size 30. Say no more.
GR was quoted today wanting to name his strongest team against burton……i bet burton fancy their chances today…..looking for a early scalp…..
That’s right, Mark. Always look on the bright side of life…! Or never in you case…
Your case.
Excluding the probable absentees, This would be my side for today’s game:
Kuszczak;
Spector, Morrison, Grounds, Hancox
Brown, Gleeson
Novak, Arthur, Gray
Donaldson.
I wouldn’t play that side against Reading, but it should be more than good enough to see off Burton.