Often Partisan

Vaughan to Move On?

When is a player not a Blues player? James Vaughan has been linked on HITC via the Sun with a move north of the border to Rangers, who will make their second debut in the top flight next season.

While HITC are correct that Vaughan spent the second half of last season on loan at Blues, Vaughan technically isn’t a free agent. When the deal was done to sign Vaughan was also offered a 12 month deal for the season after, effectively tying him down to St Andrew’s until June 2017. I’m not sure how binding that agreement will have been; pre-contracts can only be offered by Birmingham City to Bosman ruling signings who come from outside the Football League prior to the end of May.

I could see Vaughan not being at Blues next season. I think the former Everton striker is at a time in his career where he needs to be playing first team football week in, week out – something I don’t think he’s going to get at Blues. With the whispers around the place being that Blues are looking to bring in another striker it could be that Vaughan starts the new season as third choice; I can’t see him being happy with that.

I did really want Vaughan to do well for us but it just seemed fated not to be. The missed penalty against Bournemouth in the FA Cup probably represented his best chance to break his duck for the team and as the season wore on I couldn’t see the zero in his goals scored column changing.

If Blues can bring in a good striker, then I’d be happy personally to see Vaughan make a move that would be good for his career rather than be lurking around St Andrew’s as an unhappy reserve. With Denny Johnstone, Nicolai Brock Madsen as backup and youngsters pushing on we’d be fine.

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85 Responses to “Vaughan to Move On?”

  • Blue Tsunsmi says:

    To be honest it’s no great loss. He had chances galore and missed them all. Rohan Hale will be pushing the door next season, ‘if you’re good enough you’re old enough’ and I’m sure GR will bring someone better in too.

  • Eddie says:

    I wonder what wage he’s on and wether Rangers could match it?

    • Mirkwood55 says:

      They’ve just signed Clint Hill from QPR and I’m sure he’s not on chicken feed, particularly as QPR were looking to move on their high earners. Don’t think Glasgow Rangers are short of a bob or two these days!!

  • Richard Granfield says:

    Vaughan has a better pedigree than our other strikers and at his best is Premier League standard imo.
    He has been dogged by injury throughout his career, but if he can remain injury free he will be a major asset to Blues’ next season.

  • Tony E says:

    I actually feel sorry for Vaughan it is just not working for him, but no one can criticise his effort or lack of it. If he does move on I wish him well and obviously hope that we find the player up front who will provide the goals the team needs.

    • atko says:

      The problem is Donaldson will always be our most in form striker even when he is out of form because nobody else gets enough game time to show what they can do & get some kind of form to score goals. Players need to be given competitive game time not development games which have no relevance at this level. A 10 minute spell off the bench or odd game in 10 won’t help & that’s the only reason why Mr Rowett’s small squad tactics won’t work.

      You have to utilise your squad players to keep them all fit, competitive – and I mean competitive at a Championship level & competitive at squad level in order to keep players from getting complacent thinking they will automatically be selected every week. No matter who we bring in – and I have said this many, many times last season – unless they are given a fair crack at first team football then they are not going to be much good to us. The problem is will anyone want to come here either given that all they need do is look at past games involving Blues and seeing what opportunities are there for strikers. Seeing a lack of opportunities will instantly turn a player away from signing too. Something Mr Rowett might want to bear in mind!

  • KC says:

    Lots of enthusiasm. Gets in the right positions but unfortunately nothing at the end of it.

  • atko says:

    I thought when we took him on loan it was confirmed it was with a view to possibly signing him at the end of the contract but no deal was ever done – kind of like the contracts that have the option to extend for another year. The agreement was to take him on loan but it looks like we haven’t opted to pursue beyond the loan period. That’s the way I thought things happened.

  • Tony says:

    Vaughan represents yet another poor signing by Rowett, he was bought as a striker and I’m afraid he just didn’t strike. As I keep saying Rowlett steadied the ship and put some belief back into the side but that’s it, he has reached the limit of his capabilities.
    Giving this manager big money to spend would in my opinion be a big mistake, he should be replaced with all due haste.

    • zxcv says:

      I couldn’t` agree more Tony.

    • StaffsBlue says:

      I voiced my doubts when his name was connected with the Blues job in the first place. I was worried that he might not have enough experience and nous for a job this big. I always thought he may hit a wall. He does fall down in certain areas, for sure, but he’s learning as he goes along and hasn’t done too bad so far.

      This season is a big one for Mr Rowett. If he doesn’t pull up any trees this season, our new owners might fancy someone with a bigger profile. Who knows, but I think he deserves at least one more crack at it.

    • ChrisBCFC says:

      To be fair to Vaughan, he’s hardly been given the chance.

    • Waycoolblue says:

      Your talking rubbish . if GR had money to spend last season he would not have made the signings he did. So until he as had money to spend you cant judge him on that. I do not believe he made bad Singings for what he had to spend its hit and miss some worked some did not. That’s real life for you.

      • almajir says:

        I think Gary has been poor in the transfer market, and it’s shown.

        • Waycoolblue says:

          Small amount of money gets you average players GR as termed average players in to a good team :1 Maikel Kieftenbeld :2 Jacques Maghoma :3 Jon Toral lone :4 Diego Fabbrini :5 Michael Morrison :6 Ryan Shotton lone :7 Tomasz Kuszcak all good signings and Adam Legzdins looks decant back up. Lone signings with the other than Toral & Shotton was not so good but at the end of the day they was in it for their self and did not clear So he as made very good sinning on a very small budget. Or are you saying they are all crap.

          • almajir says:

            Wouldn’t say Fabbrini was a good signing personally…

          • RichardM says:

            I think crticism of Fabbrini is a little harsh. As you said Dan, players need game time, Fabbrini was not going to get any with Toral in such good form, but will have the opportunity this season. Don’t write him off yet…

  • Tony E says:

    The game is all about opinions and I totally disagree with the previous two!

  • Royinamillion says:

    Vaughan has pedigree and all he needs is that first goal to go in. He’s fast and heads the ball well so personally I’d like to see him have one more go and see if he can break that duck

  • StaffsBlue says:

    I don’t particularly want to see Vaughan go, as I said, I like the guy. But if he did opt for pastures new, you couldn’t really blame him.

  • Dave Mann says:

    Vaughan and Donaldson both need to go for me .. Vaughan because he’s not good enough and Donaldson because we need new ideas and a new start and if that means changing the manager also then so be it ! … We need players for all formations and a manager willing to use different formations .. If come the end of October when things should be sorted and we are struggling in the bottom half of the league then expect anything to happen . KRO

    • zxcv says:

      Dave I would agree that maybe we need fresh ideas as I can`t really see GR changing from is one up front formation, I think most people know by now that he sets the team up not to lose in games we clearly should have gone for the throat so to speak last season. For me I question his bottle and have done for a long time now not only is his signings been very poor at best but also showed a lack of bottle bringing the kids in at the end of the season even just to blood them and why? because he was putting his record of finishing as high as he could before experimenting for the good of the future. Tony E, i agree the game is all about opinion but like others have said his signings have been poor and “its true to say that it has shown,” so i don`t think anyone would say that’s opinion because they would be mad to say they have been excellent or even average as most can`t even get into the team. sorry time for a change for me as i (hand on heart) can not trust him to spend all our money as it may be another awful long time before we recover from such bad investments yet again. Of course anyone can by badly but not on this scale.

  • Richard says:

    I think hale really could do with a couple of loans this season. Maybe like to see him go conference like Solihull moors for first half and then league 2 second half just too see where he is in that ladder. I also think this maxwell kid is going to do big things this year… kro

  • Texas Pete says:

    On the basis of these comments, Ronaldo should go.

  • muzza says:

    He signed fabbrini and teche who were great for that short time picked us up that season and got belief …hes hired chester which will help him. and to be fair stayed when he could of gone …so why shouldnt he have chance of spending some dough…which he hasnt had much since hes been at blues … everybody thought vaughn was a good signing didnt work out but bigger budget means he can get better players give the guy credit he deserves ..with the way blues have been was always gona be gambles on players finacially.young manager learning and makes mistakes but def a good young manger that gets players playing for him

    • Waycoolblue says:

      I Agree fully. It makes you lath how some supporters see a 10m tag and think we need a top class manager to come in and spend it. When infarct the best Manager is the one that gets his team playing without the spending power. 10mil is not a lot of money in football but GR as had almost nothing and done a good job so what can he do with 10mil a lot I would think.

  • muzza says:

    And to be fair spent money on keiftenbield good signing ..brok masden wasnt but hey ho …kusack good signing toral good signing most wanted fabbrini back that will be good next year with out toral in his way but toral had good season …morrison was good when he signed ..maghoma had his days dont think with budget rowett had the signings been that bad ..some havnt worked but thats gamble ..we all liked vaughan to be fair when he signed

  • ChrisG says:

    I still think he’d make a great no.10 with the right striker in front of him. He not afraid to tackle & track back, he’s pretty quick and he can really pass a ball, something that we lack in our midfield & with Torel gone & Fab not exactly setting the world alight that no.10 position is still open.

  • Richard Granfield says:

    I think Blues are well served in midfield especially if Adams and Maxwell show continued improvement and Brown decides to sign his contract.
    Competition for the 4 defensive positions and striker position are the priority.

  • The thing that bothers me is the fact that clubs no where near as good a reputation as blues are in with a shout of signing blues targets . I am beginning to wonder wether we are offering wages still way below any chance of signing quality players . Either that or Rowett hasn’t enough pulling power or charisma to sign quality players .or there is a lack of ambjtion in the club

  • Lichblue says:

    I was delighted when we signed Vaughn as i thought he would do the business for us. He works his socks off but that is not enough. We need goals and he doesn’t score. So i wouldn’t be devastated if he left.

  • Pete Flamingo says:

    New signings have been the weakest part of Gary’s management to date, he badly needs the help of a good and trusted scout, and he’s got that now so I expect better signings now, like Hughton did at Brighton with the same help.

  • Pods says:

    Quiet simply lets see who GR brings in, we all the position which need strengthing.
    Vaughn will want to impress during pre season training, let’s hope he is given a chance and I’m sure as he is a bluenose he will try even harder. To be fair he has not been given much game time.
    I hope GR is looking very hard at Aluko.

  • Tony says:

    Just been watching some clips of Bryan Hughes goals, must admit I had forgotten just how much class he had, a really good player.

  • Happen I am being hard on GR . But unless we get the players we need before the season starts.. the first half of next season could turn very bad for blues with no emergency loans and all our loanouts gone . The only fall back blues will have will be our young players . And if we have a bad run of injuries .well let’s just hope we sign some good players. For if we are near the bottom at New year .quality players might not want to sign for us .this is a hard league to be in and its not a league you gamble in .if we have to go above the wage limit then thats what we will have to do …….by the way thanks for the memory Tony..

  • Blue Tsunsmi says:

    It’s interesting to read the opposing views of what GR has done. In my view, we didn’t move on last season. Same points and same position isn’t progress. We had an awful late run and if he had been Clarke we would have been after getting rid of him. A couple of good results at the end flattered us. His transfer manoeuvres have been inconsistent and apart from Toral last year his loans were poor. He is overly cautious at all times and is a one formation man. There isn’t even tactical flexibility in the formation, just not good enough.

  • Mitchell says:

    No striker we bring in will be an asset until Donaldson has him as a partner. We need a pair hunting together but don’t feel confident that Don.can flick on the balls that a Phillips or whoever can feed off. At Brentford he had Dallas,Judge or Gray alongside him-but never up there on his own. Like Dave Mann I would not be surprised to see him leave and replaced by a more lethal CF but again it has to be in pairs.

  • Shirley Blue says:

    I think some people need to be very careful what they wish for where GR is concerned because it wouldn’t take very much for things to go tits up and for us to be struggling at the bottom of the Championship again. In a way he made a rod for his own back with us doing so well early on last season and massively raising expectations (including my own) when realistically consolidating at 10th was actually an achievement with this squad. This coming season is obviously a big one for GR as it looks like he will have more funds to operate with than before but I think it will be a significantly stronger division given the clubs who are coming down. Would I rather have Di Matteo than Rowett – no way – we have the better manager and I would suggest it would be better for BCFC if some people get a life and be less hyper-critical.

    • Mitchell says:

      It is not so much as ‘getting a life’ but getting a better striking policy. If we are to continually be grateful for GR saving us from League One then our aspirations to just survive is not much of a life.Yes,you are right to be wary of what we wish for but at the same time we need to change our predicted strike line up of Donaldson doing what everybody knows and this coming season will be a stern test to compete with much better teams. Our poor possession rate playing the way we do can only go on for a time until we get well and truly swamped. New approach,new attitude and fresh tactics needed to avoid any trap floors.

  • Hillfield Blues says:

    The sort of market that GR has had to shop in your always going to get hits and misses.For every Morrison and Keiftenbild your going to get a Vaughan or a Brock-Madsen so some have to be more realistic.Loans are what they are and it’s hard to judge how they’re going to work out because although in our case Buckley and Lafferty are good players,their lack of match activity at their parent clubs has made them less effective.Reading some of the comments you would think he had blown 10-15 million and quite how some can call for him to get the sack after less than 2 seasons is absolutely unbelievable considering we haven’t even had owners in that time.

    • zxcv says:

      Didn’t` our previous manager also have to shop in the same market, in fact he never even had one quarter of a million I don`t think, let alone SIX times that on the likes of the brock and Co. Clark had to bring in at least two squads during his time, the likes of David Cotterill, Paul Caddis, Donaldson, ext ext. he always seemed to pull a rabbit out the hat a bit like Barry fry did, So sorry mate that don`t wash with me he ain`t the first to have to manage on a shoe string. fact is he has had more to spend.

      • Hillfield Blues says:

        So he should be sacked then?

      • Waycoolblue says:

        LOL with the amount of signings Clark made there was always going to be some good ones all Clark did was bring in a bunch of players and then look to build a team from it and how many of them remain as first team choice?. How many of them are still at the club? How many of them was bad signings all the ones that are now gone was not good enough. And how did he get them playing so badly if they was so good I rest my case. Clark is the past GR is the present KRO

      • Shirley Blue says:

        He inherited a squad that had finished 4th. He got money for players – Ambrose – a deal worth c£1m. Also high earners like Lovenkrands, Mullins. All three were a total waste of space.

  • GR has showed he has talent i hope he has enough talent to get us success .what he doesn’t have probably is enough cash to afford the quality goalscoring attacking midfield players to go behind a single striker . But will he except the fact .I hope he does well .but he will have to be flexible to endure the ordeal as things are not looking good on the transfer front .

  • DaveP says:

    The 15-minute disappearing act by Vaughan after that penalty against Bournemouth I think proved he hasn’t got the appropriate mentality to apply himself as much as he likes to believe. He gave up and we played for ten men for rest of the game when what we really needed someone with a bit of gumption to take it to Bournemouth, not to sulk cos he’d put it in the Tilton.

    I for one also agree that we need to find someone to replace Donaldson, who, as much as he is lauded for his work-rate, he misses a LOT of chances. If we could get a fee for him I’d take it.

  • Bluenosesol says:

    I am somewhat perturbed that we are turning on GR at this early stage. In my opinion, I have 2 issues with GR, he has difficulties identifying players who can improve the team and he seems happy with the notion that we are the worst team in the league at keeping possession and hence relying on breakaway tactics to get results. The transfer situation has hopefully been addressed by bringing in an experienced “minder” to assist Garry with acquisitions. My biggest concern is that our style of play is back foot and kills the entertainment factor. However on balance GR has gotten us into 10th position two seasons running and with modest improvement we could make the play offs next season. Whilst the club remain in financial hardship ( The belief by some that GR has a £10 million war chest this season is a misperception), then GR remains the right man for the job. When the man from Del Monte arrives with his bulging swag bag then that will be the time to ask if GR is the best man available for the job and I would suggest that if he has gotten us into the Premier League, then the answer will be a resounding yes!! KRO!!”

    • zxcv says:

      The problem is mate is that he has to spend the money first lol ie before we know if he is capable of good signings and managing better players. its to late when he has blown 10 million quid. you have to make that call now based on what we know now. He had more 6 times more than what Lee Clark had. 70% Clarks team anyhow.

  • Peter Nicholls says:

    I have some experience at managing football teams and sold Kevin Francis to Derby some years ago as well as managing at semi-pro level for 30 years..
    Whoever is bought cannot be expected to run around like a headless chicken to defend one minute & then race up the field gain composure to put the ball into the net.
    Donaldson is suffering from this type of exposure as in the times he gets chances he is too tired to think.
    I do not think the great goal scorers e.g Jimmy Greaves etc would have been asked to come back to defend & score as seems to be the norm in todays football-forwards are bad defenders anyway.

  • zxcv says:

    Ps, Just a thought? I somehow have a gut feeling that it was not GR choice to retain James Vaughan. Mmmm

    • Mitchell says:

      This move for Vaughan by Warburton is similar to last season when he signed Keirnan. This time however it has worked in our favour. GR. Saves face and the opportunity to get a new player in or promote from within.

  • Lee Povey says:

    A friend of mine sent me a screen shot that we are lining up a bid for Leo Ulloa from Leicester. Have you heard if this is true Dan? or anyone else. It seems like an interesting but ambitious signing attempt. KRO

    • almajir says:

      Can’t see that being true

      • zxcv says:

        I would love it to be true and who can tell with new owners coming in and lets not forget we have a new director of football so maybe this could just be the start of our new future. We may be underestimating the two points I am making or it may all be me waffling, who nose.

      • Lee Povey says:

        yeah I doubt it too, especially with Stoke and West Brom being interested, although I am pleased about James Wilson. I believe he will add a little bit of something to the team. Young, talented and hungry to impress and improve. I think we will benefit from each other if he signs on a season long loan.

  • Daz0121 says:

    I think Gary has did a great job since he’s came in given the circumstances of the club.
    That’s said, it’s only natural for us fans to want that little bit more with every new season he takes charge in. Regarding his signings I think he’s learned his lesson in bringing in loan players for the sake of it..especially if they are not gonna be given adequate playing time.
    The problem I have had with his permanent signings in particular Brock and Diego is the fact he is not prepared to give them a real run in the team, for me I can see why Brock was brought in, he ticks all the boxes to potentially be a great championship striker, he’s a big stong lad who has shown all be it at a lower level can put the ball in the back of the net with his head and both feet, the problem is he never got a real run in the first team and we are already talking about shipping him out, for me he can do no worse that what Clayton did last season, and Donaldson at 32 and Brock at 23 I know who I’d rather be giving the minutes to next season.
    Similar with Diego, when he had that great game against us for Millwall he was their main man, played every game and the team told clearly to give him the ball at all times, where as when played for blues since January it’s either been of the bench for 12 minutes or when Toral needed a little rest, it was almost as though Diego new when he started a match regardless his performance he was gonna be subbed come 60 mins…which he was on most if not all occasions.
    For me Gary needs to shake up the squad and formation, not be so rigid with style of play and not have clear favouritism with players when clearly out of form..with have some interesting talented players I wanna see given a real chance in their favoured positions (Viv, Adams, Hale, Brock, Diego, Brown) instead of bringing more players that lets be real..going by Gary’s previous signings won’t get a bloody chance anyway!

  • Richard Granfield says:

    Reece Brown has signed his contract!
    I am pleased.

  • bhamcityjulian says:

    My make wish this season is a change of tactics to possession based on the front foot allied with a change in personnel because I’m bored seeing the same old faces

  • Mitchell says:

    It is good to hear about GR comments on Brown. To say that he could solve the problem of a No.10- then do it now. If GR believes he can be that No.10 -play him there pre-season and beyond.Obviously good enough so why not. No dithering or mulling it over Gary-just do it-no fan is going to criticise you if it doesn’t work out. Brilliant opportunity now for GR to lose that cautious tag that many supporters are labelling at him. Just do it.

    • Shirley Blue says:

      I would have thought that Fabbrini is first choice number 10 after spending £1.5m on him. I would suggest GR should explore that route first before seeing whether Brown can actually live up to all the hype. You say Brown is obviously good enough – based on what exactly? I would criticize him for making Brown first choice unless its on merit.

      • Mitchell says:

        ShirleyBlue. Just read Rowetts comments on him signing a new contract.His words NOT mine on saving blues getting in a no.10. GR feels he is obviously ready. My own personal view is that I don’t rate Brown but will be delighted to be wrong on this. Again,just read GR on Browns new contract.

  • Mitchell says:

    Just watched Fabbrini’s beach trickery in Sardinia. Reminds me of Dave/Staffs/and William in their heyday!

  • Dave Mann says:

    Yeah maybe but not convinced to be honest mate …needs more control ! KRO

  • Blue Eyed Boy says:

    Dave Mann for England,what a talent!!
    Fully recommended by that “Super Agent” Mitchell

    • Mitchell says:

      You are spot on Blue Eyed Boy,but must quash the rumour that Dave will be doing a keepy uppy cameo on the Aggbrough pitch when Kiddy v Blues pre-season friendly in early August. It’s a contracts issue etc.-hope you understand.

      • Dave Mann says:

        Ime hoping for the Hibernian game on the 24th July to show my ball skills and a bit of coaching .. Yeah really ! Going the game though . KRO


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