Often Partisan

Bradshaw and Blues

Walsall striker Tom Bradshaw was placed on the transfer list yesterday at his own request as the Welsh striker confirmed he was looking for Championship football. Predictably, this has once again led to a number of Blues fans asking why the club have not put in a bid for the young striker.

The 23-year-old scored 20 times for Walsall last season in all competitions and boasts a near enough 1-in-2 strike rate in his time at the Saddlers. Tipped for international honours with Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales, Bradshaw is seen by many fans as a good investment for Blues to make.

However, the noises I have heard from within the club are different. As I understand it, consideration has been given to the signing of Bradshaw but the idea was discarded as it was felt that Bradshaw wasn’t up to the standard Blues are looking for. Judging by the players that have definitely been linked – James Wilson and Nelson Oliveira to name two – Blues are looking at bringing in players with Championship and Premier League experience.

I think is for two reasons. Anyone who comes in has got to be able to compete with Clayton Donaldson for a regular starting position; I doubt very much Rowett will alter from his approach of having one striker up front so a new striker has got to be at least as good as the Jamaican international. I also think with Clayton now approaching his 34th birthday some consideration has also been given to how much longer the Blues striker can continue performing to the standard he has before age catches up with him.

Having seen Nicolai Brock-Madsen and James Vaughan in particular struggle somewhat in the friendly against Solihull Moors, I think neither of those players fit that role. I can see Brock being sent out on loan a division lower to give him some game time and a chance to settle in to the English game properly while Vaughan, who only signed for Blues permanently at the end of last season could feasibly be moved on if Blues bring in more than one striker – which is a possibility.

Whatever way Blues choose to go with their striking options, for me time is running short. I know that the transfer window closes at the end of August; I would prefer we got in players before the start of the season so that they’re up to speed with the squad as a whole and their fitness in particular. I do think our lack of massive amounts of money hamper us; not only in that we cannot offer huge wages and transfer fees but because we can’t hurry people up in making offers they can’t refuse; Blues have got to be canny and really push things forward now lest we be left behind once “the real ball” comes out.

As for Bradshaw; the word is he’s going to Barnsley. Time will tell if that is a signing we have missed out on or  a bullet dodged. I hope Rowett is able to bring in players quickly to make that question immaterial.

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166 Responses to “Bradshaw and Blues”

  • atko says:

    I still cannot help thinking though any striker is going to do their homework on a club before considering joining them & anyone looking at Blues will think they are going to be here to warm the bench at best! Gary Rowett has consistently shown faith with Clayton Donaldson & potential strikers will think “Hey! I want first team football, not the last 10 minutes of a game!”. Mr Rowett has got to realize that he needs to rotate his squad more to keep players match fit, keep them happy & just as importantly to show incoming players they can get in to the first team.

  • DP says:

    The question is would Bradshaw be an upgrade on Vaughan and/or Brock-Madsen and the answer is probably yes – he’s scored a lot of goals at his level something neither Vaughan or Brock-Madsen have achieved – so it’s ok for GR to take a gamble on an unknown danish striker but not ok to take a gamble on a local lad who has scored loads of goals who his club want to cash in on? And for a similar fee that Brock commanded? I’ve seen the £500k figure quoted in the press

    Brock-Madsen 16 goals in 90 for Randers

  • Steve says:

    The Blues should be doing all they can to sign a young player like Bradshaw who is obviously a talent, even if he is only proven at league 1 level at the moment.

    Lets just hope that Rowett’s correct in his decision if the Blues don’t sign Bradshaw, but some how I think this is one that could come back to haunt us if that’s case.

  • David L says:

    It’s good planning to prefer a 34 year old whose goals have helped us finish in 10th place twice over a local lad 10 years younger with a better strike rate (albeit one division down) who is available for effectively peanuts ?

    Doesn’t make sense to me – there must be more to it than footy.

    Sure we’ve been linked to players – but is there any more substance to that than there is to the rumour that I’ll soon be owning a Ferrari cos I ‘ve walked past the showrooms a couple of times?

    • The Flying Pig says:

      Although I agree with your fundamental point in the first paragraph, I don’t think Bradshaw is the right type of player to replace Donaldo. From what I’ve seen of him (not very much) Bradshaw is more of a penalty-box poacher and the way we’re set-up doesn’t really allow for that in our Plan A.

      I’m not saying I like the way we’re set up, just that the manager seems to have a style of play which requires a hold-up player who can challenge for high balls.

  • Agent Abonglahor says:

    Sometimes it’s worth taking a punt on potential gems. Just look where Donaldson was playing when we took a punt. Vardy is another example. If you can get them on modest contracts with high buy out clauses and rewards for sucess then the risks are limited at both ends.

  • Walker says:

    I think something different is what we need. We havent had a goal scorer of quality for years and I think bradshaw has that (granted unproven at our level) look at the quality of his finishing. It doesnt matter what level if someone knows where the goal is and seems to cleanly strike/head the ball then its worth a punt. I think rowett is scared of failure after brock!!!

    Rowett if bradshaw goes to another team and bags the goals in then im sorry you have to go!! It almost as bad as clark not playing ibe who is now a 15 million pound player. The fans want bradshaw so come on rowett pull your finger out now before he goes the wolves, Vile!!

  • Mitchell says:

    Why make this striking position complicated. Why do we have to consider bringing in someone who is better than Donaldson? Imo the answer is to either sell him on or plan to use him as a substitute. We are not imo going anywhere with Don.up top. He serve us well whilst in a tricky position-but hopefully we don’t live there anymore. Get a proper two formation without the laborious ball up to a stranded striker who simply is worn out.

  • williammorgan says:

    Tom Bradshaw is an hard call , as are most strikers to get the right formula to score goals , the ideal sort of striker is Messi or.Ronaldo that make goals and score goals . But who can afford them , so it’s no good a club saying we wait for either of these to come along for nothing , not with top clubs signing the best 8 year olds is it going to happen , Jamie vardy was a one off , so Bradshaw is up for sale ,his movement is very good , his passing is not good enough , his heading could be better with some of his other skills , so unless he is taken to one side for a few months to improve these skills or have Fab and tesche just behind him setting chances up for him it wont happen .so you either sign him or look for somebody a bit better that costs more that’s ready made …hard call but ideally two goal scorers goalmakers would be better…

  • Walker says:

    Have you not seen his finishing for the last 2 seasons?

    • AdamTrueBlue says:

      Who needs good passing when your last touch was to put the ball past the keeper? I think it will be a trick lost if we let Bradshaw get away, and at his minimal cost we can still look for options. Kro

  • Shirley Blue says:

    If you are going to go for the likes of Bradshaw then it has to be with the plan of going with two out and out strikers. Assuming you are also going to go with two wide men that leaves two in central midfield. When most other teams play 4-2-3-1 that means the opposition have at least numerical advantage in the area of the pitch where most games are won or lost. There are a couple of ways around this. Only play one very attacking wide player though this can leave you unbalanced. Go 4-4-2 with the wide midfield players playing narrow but then you lose natural width. Tricky one really but I think he will go for a similar type to Donaldson (and hopefully even better) so he can alternate them to keep them fresh. Having only recently spent £1.5m on Fabbrini as his number 10 I can’t see him going two up front as that leaves him with a problem with what to do with him. If we can also get a good left sided attacking midfielder I have no problem with 4-2-3-1 especially with Tesche being in the 2 and a fit and firing David Cotterill on the right.

  • Walker says:

    let me add strikers arent wingers!! rowett needs to know that. Like donaldson at the end of last season. awful wide!!

    • StaffsBlue says:

      I think that will come as news to him lol

      • Shirley Blue says:

        I think a manager who has turned us from relegation certainties to a top half Championship team for the last 2 seasons deserves a little bit more respect than stupid, ignorant comments like that.

        • StaffsBlue says:

          I’m sure he’s big enough to look after himself.

          • David L says:

            Agreed. GR has turned the club round in an admirable way.

            He talks about the game well, and clearly has passion for the club.

            However, it can’t be denied that the performances in the last few months of last season were poor, and the lack of further restructuring of the squad (moving on those who won’t quite make it, and giving a chance to those who might) and meaningful transfer activity can make even the most fair-minded of supporters to feel a bit apprehensive.

  • David L says:

    I know

    a) I’ve said this before
    b) It’s perhaps way too simple

    but

    Fabbrini = Mahrez
    Bradshaw = Vardy

    Rest of the team work like mad to get the ball to the two diamonds who score the goals that makes everyone happy.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    We don’t appear to be looking at strikers who are different to what we have… which means the same old boring system. Donaldson’s goal record is actually far better than the two “targets” we seem to be after. Nelson Oliveira has scored around 22 goals for 7 clubs (6 on loan) in 7 years as a professional. Wilson has scored 8 goals in approx 40 matches for Utd and Brighton. Hardly prolific.

    Unless we play two up front (unlikely I know) it could possibly mean that we’ll suffer the same problems this season as we did last season… banging long balls up to a loan striker who can’t find the net.

  • Richard Granfield says:

    Boringly I have faith in Gary to get the striker he wants. Vaughan’s run of not scoring is a worry, but as Donaldson said he is still getting into positions to miss. I think when he he scores one it will be the first of many.
    Regarding Donaldson approaching his 34th birthday, he is 32 so is slowly approaching his 33rd birthday, which is not until 2017.

  • KC says:

    Bradshaw surely has to be a better alternative than Vaughan and B-M who have contributed absolutely nothing to the team or squad.

  • teejay says:

    garys hands are tied we are just messing about with stories of players to get fans excited for season tickets we have no money it is the same old crap every year hand me downs and free bees I really like rowett but teams have worked us out now as of the end of the season and we don’t have a plan b I do not see the point of a lot of money for brock Maddison to then loan him out and I would love Vaughn to come good but he never starts with the right players round him lets throw some youngsters in as well trevor was 16 when he came in just frustrated again k r o

    • Richard Granfield says:

      teejay……I agree with you that teams have have worked out our counter attacking strategy.
      Playing on the counter attack away from home when the home team have an obligation to attack is all well and good, but at home it is less effective.
      I recall a number of games at St Andrews’ last season when we retreated into defence when not in possession only for the away side to pass the ball at will on the halfway line looking for an opening.
      We need to play a more possession based attacking football at home rather than the counter attacking style hither to. I believe Gary will have the players to do this come the Cardiff fixture.

    • AdamTrueBlue says:

      It will be interesting to know if TF will have any influence over Gary’s decisions? Kro

      • steve says:

        Why would he ? As much as i love TF,he’s had his chance and blew it. Whatever capacity he comes back to the club in,it should have nothing to do with the first team.

  • Shirley Blue says:

    I think a very important position to get right is the left hand attacking midfielder assuming he sticks with 4-2-3-1. The team for me lacks pace and has done since Demari Gray was let go. We also missed Cotterill for a good chunk of last season and I would hope that being part of the Wales squad over the early part of the season will mean he will be back raring to go and fully fit- we missed his crossing and dead ball ability. I would think the starting two in central midfield will be Kieftenbeld and Tesche which has a nice balance about it. I’m a Fabbrini fan and I think having Tesche back should suit him. So for me it’s someone to alternate with Donaldson who can do a similar job and a pacy, athletic left sided attacking midfielder.

  • royinamillion says:

    A good goal poacher is worth his weight in gold. I have never seen Bradshaw play but like all good poachers they know where to be at the right time. I don’t believe size to be important just look at Key Phillips Vardy and the French kid Griezmann as examples. So it’s a question more of how God he is and how good he can be. Let’s face it if he does come hand they play one up front it will have to be him.

  • Charlie says:

    I think not going for Bradshaw is crazy. He can score with both feet, inside and out the box and scores headed goals as well. I think Wilson is ok, but does not score enough. Olivera is not wanted by his club and did not have a great season at forest with 9 goals. See him at stans and wasn’t great. If we did get Wilson or Olivera, would be on loan and I take it we would have to pay a loan fee. Seems stupid when they won’t be ours. Bradshaw for around 750k is a no brainer, one good champ season and he’ll be worth 3-5million. Wilson and Olivera might be technically better, but IMO Bradshaw would score more goals than both put together. I know I would rather have a player that is ours, good investment and scores goals than a technically better loan player taking us as a stepping stone. We will have around 1million over the next 6-12months from Redmond deal that if Norwich never sold him we wouldn’t have, why not do a similar structured deal for Bradshaw? GR get us Bradshaw who will score goals than Wilson/Olivera that look good but not much goal to games ratios. In GR we trust but not getting Bradshaw shows me 2 things 1) we going for loan players as we not got the money or 2) GR is scared of doing another Brock move. We payed 500k for Brock the flop Madsen. I’m not being funny but Brock looked awful against Moors, a semi pro side, he has been with us 12 months, I have not seen any development at all, one for the future, lol, he will never make it, I think GR got conned by that one. How many people would swap Brock for Bradshaw?? Rest my case KRO

  • Flertch says:

    Vaughan is not good enough anymore …Donaldson started as a winger so who know a what in store for us ? I would like to sign Knightley and Bradshaw as our strike options and promote young Hales to the bench .Finally a decent left back and then BRING IT ON ! …KRO

  • williammorgan says:

    We still need 80 goals total to get promotion , even if we get 30 goals from a main striker up front guarantees you nothing , the club needs to play the odds to be able to get promotion , as stats and results are all that counts at the end of the day , when the club works out what the best chance of this and the best chance of that is , then we will have a chance of promotion …KRO

  • Alan Richardson says:

    I have felt, rightly or wrongly that Almajir has changed over the years to being someone who was willing to understand the complexities of transfers, particularly if the club had little money, to someone who was now finding it difficult to be patient. The club have made 2 good signings already and I am sure that they are equally as anxious as we all are to sign more. How much better for the manager to be able to say “We’ve signed so-and so” instead of having to endure the impatience of others, an impatience which no doubt he shares.
    Don’t take this Almajir as anything but what is meant to be a constructive criticism. Keep up the good work for which we are eternally grateful.

    • zxcv says:

      Alan, Dan has made it quiet clear We are NOT going to sign Bradshaw, We are after much better players than him. right Dan?

      • Tony says:

        The point is who has told Dan this? come to think of it just what is Dan’s relationship with the club, who is giving him this information.

        • almajir says:

          Do you think I just make stuff up? Or do you think in the five and a half years I’ve been writing OP I might actually have got to know a few people in that time?

          • Tony says:

            No Dan I do not think its made up stuff I’m sure you have been led to believe It the point I was making is the club are obviously aware of your site and you relationship with the fans ie us.
            Are they using you as a go between to tell us what they think we want to know?.

        • Waycoolblue says:

          Well it is wright Bradshaw will not be coming to Birmingham this as been a fact for 3 weeks now.
          Dan said it 4 weeks ago and I for one fort he could be wrong but No he was wright. Plus I don’t think it would be good practise to reveal ones souse. Bradshaw as passed a medical at Barnsley. So this is also a fact his future is at Barnsley. Now If he goes there and scores 15/20 goals then he will be one that got away. Only time will tell. I have full confidence we will get the player we need time to move on KRO

  • zxcv says:

    If Rowett thinks the crock is worth 0ver a million or whatever it was he`s paid for him, and then won`t gamble on a 20 goal a season man for the last two seasons for 750 grand says it all for me. Either they not giving him the money (don`t trust him) or he has lost his bottle and no decision can`t be a wrong decision. Bradshaw has to be worth a gamble even Clark would have snapped him up by now. Just a reminder Donaldson cost Nowt ,nothing, zilch . Over a million quid for the Brock, Ha Ha Ha.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    There’s no disputing that Rowett has done an excellent job since he’s been at the club, but perhaps, after two 10th place seasons, he is under pressure to deliver, at least, a play-off place. Who knows. There’s a strong possibility that, with the right signings, he’ll be able to play a team of entirely his own signings for the very first time this season. I think only then can we really judge him as a manager. That doesn’t mean he’s immune from criticism in certain areas. As I’ve said, I’m sure he’s big enough to take it on the chin.

    • Shirley Blue says:

      I don’t think he is any pressure whatsoever to get a play-off place. The three coming down start with a £55m war chest in parachute money and there are plenty of other clubs in the Chsmpionship with a lot more resources at their disposal than we have. If he can maintain 10th place or thereabouts he will have done well. Getting us in the play-offs will be nothing short of a miracle so let’s get real. This season is all about holding position to buy time to get new owners and investment in then we can think realistically about promotion.

      • StaffsBlue says:

        I said perhaps… and who knows. I didn’t claim it as fact, it was just an opinion. Just like yours, although, with less acid I might add.

        • Shirley Blue says:

          No acid intended but to say that expectations should be set at “at least” a play-off place is putting undue pressure on a manager who has far less resources at his disposal than at least half of the clubs in this division. Yes he got £1.5m to spend on a player last season but only because he sold arguably a better one for £3.75m. The other ones he got in were available for a reason – recovering from injuries or just not needed or wanted by their clubs. if your opinion is shared bu many other supporters then the manager and team are going to start the season with some very unrealistic expectations and pressure.

  • williammorgan says:

    I think with the lack of cash in this window and what has happened in the last five years many of us havn’t the faith in plan A of three shells and a pea ..when signing players ..KRO

    • zxcv says:

      He has had 10 times what Clark had and wasted it end of. and lets not forget who signed 75/80% of our squad.

      • Shirley Blue says:

        Yes and when he went we were second bottom, going down, a total shambles and then got beat 8-0 at home by Bournemouth so stop talking bo##ocks.

      • Waycoolblue says:

        With the amount of players Clark signed there was always going to be some good ones!. a staggering 22 of them have now left the club. Yes we still have some of his signing but not many of them was ever Clarks first team choices. All Clark did was sign in bulk and then try to build a team out of them. No the best way to build a squad.

  • zxcv says:

    staffs if he had made the right signings in the Jan window instead of wasting our money we may hav stayed the pace along with the likes of s/wed who were no great shakes in the play offs also his motivation his substitutions and tactic`s were dire to say the least. so sorry but I strongly dispute an excellent job.

    • StaffsBlue says:

      I have to agree with that. But as I said, I’m willing to judge him when he plays his own team. I think that’s the same for any manager.

    • Hillfield Blues says:

      We should have kept up with Sheff Wed?
      Did you see how much they spent on players and wages last season? Compare it to what Rowett had to spend and you’ll probably get a better picture and opinion.

      • zxcv says:

        didn`t you tell us not long ago that you don`t have to spend big money and quoted some that had gone up spending very little. so which one is your opinion?

    • steve says:

      It’s ok saying if he made the right signings. Who has said that these “right signings” Want to come to us. It’s not about who we want,it’s who wants to come to us.

  • Steve in Yorkshire says:

    On paper Bradshaw sounds like a no brainer, good scoring record for the last two seasons, youth on his side, not too high a price tag. As they say however, the game isn’t played on paper or on a PC, PS or Xbox!

    There has to be a reason why he hasn’t been snapped up already, why offers haven’t come in to Walsall’s satisfaction. Rumours of clubs favourites to sign him have been Barnsley, Rotherham and Preston; nothing against those teams, but nobody targeting play offs and promotion are interested. perhaps there are two reasons for this. Firstly teams don’t think he’s better than what they already have, secondly he wouldn’t necessarily suit their system as he doesn’t look like he could play on his own up front at this level.

    Blues aren’t going to change their system, like it or not and most teams do play 4-2-3-1, like it or not. I have only seen him in the two play off semis against Barnsley. I watched with great interest as I knew he could be in our price range and there had been interest. I was wholly unimpressed.

    I think Oliveira would be a good player to challenge the Don for a start, but I’m hoping there’s a more prolific surprise package out there who has been scouted who could be a longer term replacement for the Don.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    I’ll accept that Bradshaw isn’t good enough from people who know more than I do. Fair enough, but I’m not wholly impressed with the other strikers we’ve been linked with so far. I’m hoping for a pleasant surprise… although not holding my breath.

  • zxcv says:

    His record over the last two seasons was not played on Paper mate. (get it paper mate… pen) I`ll get me coat.

  • Waycoolblue says:

    Bradshaw is a quality striker who is only going to get better People think he cant play the lone striker role OK well never can Wilson so why go for him. Olvera IMO is the better choice if you want a player to do Donaldson’s Job. But this will cost £500k season long lone + wages. Or we could go for something different witch would give us a Plan B. I would take Bradshaw over Wilson Bradshaw would be our player we can afford him and he will only get better with better players rowed him.
    So for me 2 striker Olvera on lone and buy Bradshaw. Don’t bother with Wilson.

  • Bluenosesol says:

    GR sign who you like, but for goodness sake lets change our stance from back foot to front foot. We have bought our 4 season tickets to be entertained and not an act of charity!!! KRO.

    • Shirley Blue says:

      Got to agree with that to an extent. i am hoping Tesche will give us more quality in midfield so we can keep possession better, push a little higher up the pitch at home anyway and not rely on counter-attacking or worse just whacking it up the pitch for Donaldson to chase or challenge for it. I am a GR fan but it was very one dimensional and turgid especially in the last few months as play-offs hopes steadily diminished. Hopefully that doesn’t carry through till this season.

  • Steve in Yorkshire says:

    I would agree that I’d rather sign Bradshaw than Wilson just on loan, but fear he’s a bit of a luxury we can’t afford, at that price for us he’d have to start. Think he’d be a great option for a Plan B and unlike Vaughan could come off the bench and nick a goal, but really don’t think he’d work as the lone striker.

  • ChrisG says:

    Personally i’d like to see us bring in Bradshaw & another more experienced striker & get rid of Donaldson, I just think at 34 he’s had his day and he did seem to struggle a bit last season & missed some real sitters.

    • StaffsBlue says:

      If we have to play with a target man who dominates defenders and scores a few goals, there aren’t many better in this division than Matt Smith. I doubt very much we could afford the likes of him, but he’s definitely the kind of player we need to play this system.

      • ChrisG says:

        Yes staffs he would be a good addition, I just think Donaldson was out jumped & out muscled too many times last season, I know there were times he had more than one defender on him, but not everytime & I know people have mentioned his workrate, but as i’ve said before i’d rather him do less donkey work & score more often.

        • StaffsBlue says:

          I remember sitting there at StAns against Leeds a few seasons ago and he came on as sub IIRC and I thought ‘omg, now we’re in trouble.’ We never got near him for the rest of the game. He scored their first, set up the second, then pressured Caddis into scoring an OG for their third.

    • Hillfield Blues says:

      He’s just 32 Chris

  • David L says:

    We’re going to get a better striker than a young player who has scored 40 goals in 89 appearances and is knocking on the door of selection for the squad of a country that just made the semis at Euro 16.

    That’s going to be some player! Can’t wait !!

  • If we do sign the likes of Bradshaw it wouldn’t come a miss to let Frannie have a go at one to one tuition on them with the trainers putting his ideas to motion …..KRO

  • Walker says:

    bradshaw has passed a medical at Barnsley. You watch he will do well and will be worth 3-4 mill. Not taking a risk is ludicrous!!!!!

    We can waste 500k+ on a nobody from somewhere in europe but not on a hungry player who has a good record. Shocking!!

    • zxcv says:

      your spot on Walker, Rowett should stand or fall by this decision. Every signing is a gamble and he imo is making all the wrong one`s. The chances we create the kid would have thought he`d died and gone to heaven, would have got a bagful for us imo.and if he does for Barnsley Rowett should be shown the door.

  • If we have a player on a very good loan fee till January , and then guarantee to pay the price that a club wants now , we won’t go amiss because we was thinking of having Wilson so said anyway on loan , and the club we buy off won’t go amiss for they will get more money for the player they are selling, by having a loan fee now ,and the price they are asking for him now in january ……KRO

  • Steve in Yorkshire says:

    It’s interesting how fans get so frustrated that we aren’t going for such an ‘affordable’ option. If he’s that good I wonder if the fans of every other club in the Championship (apart from Barnsley) are livid that they also aren’t signing Bradshaw.

    I think we’re a bit more emotionally attached as he is at Walsall and we’d like to think that despite our financial woes we could at least cherry pick their prized assets.

    My mate goes to every Barnsley game and he isn’t excited by him, we shall see.

    • David L says:

      I’ve no particular dog in this fight, but Bradshaw just seemed such a good fit.

      The posh half of the division aren’t interested in signing anyone under £3mill or with a crazy foreign name or both, so the likes of Bradshaw will only interest those of us who aren’t so well off.

      But look at the match

      Local ? Check
      Good record re injuries? Check
      Scores goals? Check (but yes, 1 div down)
      Has potential ? Check. Wales U21
      Young but not too young? Check
      Affordable? Check
      Plays in a team that believes in passing football? Check

      What’s not to like?

      Look at Leeds – just paid £3m for a player of similar possibilities (Roofe) but who has been scoring at a division below.

      Sure, trust in GR – but the better than Bradshaw option better be better than what we’ve already got (so not Wilson or Olivera)

  • Mark H says:

    Why don’t Blues sign Bradshaw and then let him out on loan to continue his development? That way we could have a top asset without having to pay big money.

  • DMR says:

    For all the hard work Clayton does he isn’t a natural finisher. Bradshaw is just the kind of forward we need that the squad is lacking. Can’t believe we are letting him slip through the net to Barnsley for peanuts, unless we have someone else line up it’s a bit of a shocker

    • zxcv says:

      agreed, also does Rowett think there`s a law against plying them both as a front two, we might just see the Don grab a few more along the way.

  • Mitchell says:

    It now appears obvious with the by-passing of Bradshaw that GR has something already lined up. My guess is a two player deal with Donaldson heading the other way.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    I don’t think it’s worth getting all worked up over one player. Yes, we all think Bradshaw would have been a good signing, but Rowett obviously knows more than we do and it’s only his opinion that counts at the end of the day. We just need to wait and see what he comes up with. Ultimately, his signings will define this season and how far we can go. Patience is a vitrue my friends.

    • zxcv says:

      your right about its his opinion that counts but knowing better errrr??? I would put you over him in choosing which players to sign maybe even Dan.?

      • StaffsBlue says:

        Of course mate, given the chance, we’d probably all choose different players than Rowett, but he’s within the game, he has all the stats and videos etc… he’s also obviously had people watching Bradshaw (among others) and has decided that there’s something in his game that doesn’t suit. He’s moved on, so we have no choice but to do the same.

        • zxcv says:

          don`t seemed to have worked to good so far, hahaha, Seriously Bradshaw`s record in last two seasons must suggest that at 750grand is worth a gamble if the tripe he`s signed so far is anything to go by. where is the comparison ?

    • BhamCityJulian says:

      Think Ewan Chester. His voice counts.

  • Steve in Yorkshire says:

    I found this on the BBC website, think it’s an interesting statistical comparison for last season between Bradshaw and Novak. Worth noting that the Walsall team arguably should have won automatic promotion too! If we didn’t know Novak first hand, but he had the same stats at a local club like Walsall wouldn’t many be banging on about signing him too?

    Tom Bradshaw Walsall
    202 Minutes per goal 3442 Minutes played
    17Goals scored 1 Assists
    Shots on target 60%

    Lee Novak Chesterfield
    200 Minutes per goal 2794 Minutes played
    14 Goals scored 4 Assists
    Shots on target 59%

  • We keep calling the Don ,his legs could be overtight from Marbella , he is the only striker that scores goals ,,give him a break…….., 62 % of his shots were on target last season more than any other player ……Kro

    • StaffsBlue says:

      Considering the amount of chances he misses, I find that stat a little strange. I’m not saying it’s not true, I’m just a little sceptical.

  • In the championship that is …..that is why I say he should be in the middle not on the wing or running round like an headless chicken holding the ball up for the rest of the team to catch up after cuddling the goalkeeper for long spells …..

  • Steve in Yorkshire says:

    Well said! I think with better service with a stronger midfield he might actually bag a few more this season, especially if he has some genuine competition which will allow him a rest here and there so we don’t have to keep flogging him he can be fresher and be a genuine threat. As much as Lafferty didn’t work out it did at least freshen up Donaldson!

  • Hillfield Blues says:

    The bottom line is that if Bradshaw really was that good there would be imore interest than just Barnsley.Its clear that other championship sides aren’t exactly breaking the door down so I’m happy to let GR go with who he feels is a better bet.His record in Div 1 is good but how many on here have seen him play regularly enough to form an opinion?.I have to be honest and say the only 2 games I have seen him were in the playoffs and to me he looked nothing special.

    • zxcv says:

      Wonder if Liverpool fans said that when they were the only Div 1 (prem eqiv) clubi n for Kevin Kegan from Scunthorpe. again do you really believe you have to pay fortunes or not??

      • Hillfield Blues says:

        I think the Liverpool fans probably had a very high opinion of Kevin Keegan once they had actually seen him play.Otherwise I don’t think there was a big clamour by a lot of fans to get him signed as there is here.My point is that very few have hardly seen him play so there’s no guarantee he will be any good in the championship.To suggest that GR is a bottler as you put it because he doesn’t fancy him is wide of the mark.You could say that every Div 1 player was a potential Keegan or Vardy in the making and waste a lot of money.

      • StaffsBlue says:

        I don’t think there are anywhere near as many unearthed gems as there used to be… but they’re still there if you take a good look. I think that with the emergency loan window now closed for good, it’s even more important to look around and see what other clubs are trying to keep on the QT… like we did with Redmond, Butland and Gray.

        If other clubs can do it, why can’t we?

        • zxcv says:

          Staffs I don`t think there are as many half decent players let alone gems as there used to be football and the standards are as low imo as they ever have been championship football (old div 1) is about at the standard of old league three. That’s why when someone like Bradshaw pops up and has done so for two seasons now and that’s very important two seasons, shows he is no flash in the pan and must be worth a dabble at maybe not much more than half a million and at his age.

          • StaffsBlue says:

            I agree with all that mate, but unfortunately, our opinion doesn’t count for much.

  • Bromsgrove Blue says:

    It is glaringly evident that Blues need a striker after the way we struggled to find the net last season. Donaldson will not get you the ratio of goals to make Blues playoff contenders. Bear in mind that the 3 relegated clubs will be pushing for an immediate return to the Premiership, together with big spenders like Derby and Sheffield Wednesday. GR needs to make a move sooner rather than later if we are not to get left at the starters gate on August 6th. KRO

  • Luke Gill says:

    Sign Bradshaw to use him for back up should donaldson get injured and is out for 3 to 4 months with a hamstring problem

  • StevieG says:

    Any of you seen Bradshaw play for the past two seasons? Thought not.

    • Waycoolblue says:

      I have seen him play 15 or so times he is a good player but not so good under pressure big games like the playoffs he tends to go missing. But that’s all something that comes with time. If we had money and time to mould him then he would be a good signing its just a same he wont be coming.

  • It doesnt matter whether we’ve seen him or not , the call is in GRs hands , and I think that we are going to have to wait longer to know , which ain’t easy , with people telling us how much other clubs are spending , with people telling us where other potential signings are going to …COME ON LETS get these other signings in , are we there yet ….

  • Dave Mann says:

    The signings will happen when Rowett is happy with the player , happy with the fee and not untill them so let’s wait to get the right players in and not sign players for squad sake .. They have to be pushing first eleven otherwise don’t bother !! KRO

    • StaffsBlue says:

      100% spot on with that. We brought too many players in last season that clearly weren’t up to it. On our budget, that can’t be allowed to happen again. Maybe that’s why Ewan Chester has been brought in.

  • MANO says:

    Donaldson does not put enough chances away, kyle lafferty would be a good alternative , plus he would suit our system ‘as he likes to play up on his own” cost i fear is out of blues range ?

  • Blue Eyed Boy says:

    We wont get Bradshaw based on :
    a) We cant afford him – No money despite this infamous £10m floating around? Another “pie in the sky”
    b) GR wont touch him as he hasn’t had him on loan beforehand – GR only sticks with players he
    knows well, irrespective of their limited ability
    c) GR struggles with goalscorers

    Cmon get some proven goalscorers strikers in and amaze yourself GR – Another solution ask TF to put his boots on for one last time,I bet he would be more prolific than Donaldson or any of the other alleged strikers at the club
    On TF,this is great news that he wants to come back in an Ambassador role,but how about “Director Of Football”,and whilst were at it so we can really out some positive spin into the club instead of the continual bull****,how about getting Barry Fry back in a PR role.
    These 2 guys are “Bluenose” through and through and would be a major asset to enticing players to the club
    Oh no please don’t tell me Robinson is being lined up for one of these roles?!!

    • Mitchell says:

      Can sense your frustration BEB and you are entitled to it.Bradshaw by the way looks to have completed his medical at Barnsley. TF would grace any part he would play at our club and his contacts the envy of most. We have to be careful however with the number of advisers that GR has at his disposal. Imo TF and Ewan Chester hold a wealth of experience which is good, but your doubts or clout we have regarding money available is valid.Pie in the sky may well describe the £10m at the moment with it only being available after the takeover completion and it is questionable as to how much of that will be spent on players.Keep up your pressure BEB as we do not want any complacency setting in with promises of millions to come.

    • Bluey says:

      The £10m is not “pie in the sky” but will not be available until the takeover is complete.

  • Jazzzy786 says:

    we get rid of Johnston, Novak and Thomas who were better strikers than Brock and Vaughan. With our stronger midfield we can afford to play two up top but cannot see GR changing his lone striker style. Bradshaw is a goal poacher and IMO exactly what we need to play alongside a big striker that holds up play and feeds on knockdowns. He’ll do well at Barnsley. I hope Fabbrini can emulate Torals goal scoring or we’re gonna struggle big time.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Bradshaw has signed a 3 year deal at Barnsley, for an ‘undisclosed fee.’

    So that’s put that one to bed. We move on.

  • BlackCountryBlue says:

    Agree Staffs – Bradshaw is a decent player according to his stats but how do we know he wanted to come. Did Barnsley offer him more money, longer contract, guarantee him a starting place etc. etc. Why weren’t ‘top Championship’ clubs in for him – Derby, Brighton, Norwich or smaller Prem like B’Mouth, Burnley, Boro if he is so worth ‘a punt’ particularly after the Vardy story???? Move on – lots will have looked at him but clearly a lot of people in the game have seen something (or not).
    TF – great news, what an ambassador for the club.

  • Littleblue says:

    To all the moaners on here don’t you realise with little money Gary has to spend there is no point in wasting money on someone who is unproven at championship level so I for one will trust rowetts judgment for now until he has real money to spend. Note we could go back to the Lee Clark days ay mark –

  • Walker says:

    vardy is worth 25 mill = enough said

  • williammorgan says:

    I think trust not only as to be earned but proven nowadays , and i think that any bids made for players should be declared at the end of the windows with how much was bid , this will stop any clubs scamming fans into buying season tickets when they have no intention of signing certain players they state they are after …

  • Charlie says:

    Apparently looking at German second tier Finland striker, got BM stamped all over it. Think we will regret not going for Bradshaw. Might as well offer Zigic another contract pmsl

  • Waycoolblue says:

    We have been linked with Tim Väyrynen of Dynamo Dresden all I know of him is he is 23 years old Finnish and 6ft.3
    And as scored 38 goals in 98 app. All competitions

    HE has been capped on seven occasions by Finland’s full squad after working his way through the U19 and U21 ranks.

  • Mitchell says:

    Cotterill appears absent. Cannot find him in any friendly squad. Maybe a rest from Euro’s.

  • Dave Mann says:

    He will show is face in Edinburgh against Hibernian I would think for his first friendly so yes he should get extra time off .. That should go without saying to be honest . KRO

  • Vayrynen is very strong but ain’t the one for us .his passing isnt good enough

  • Dave Mann says:

    Neither is his name . KRO

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Vile fans outraged at having to pay £42 for tickets at Sheffield Wedesday. Welcome to the Championship!

    All credit to Reading who are fixing prices at £20 for away fans.

  • Dave Mann says:

    Last season at way games we were bannering £20 for away fans not £30 so that’s the price it should be in the championship , £30 for premiership yes so £42 for every vile fan away seems right :-) KRO

  • Dave Mann says:

    They should charge them with supporting the most unwelcome and uninvited fans that any Home fans have ever seen .. And I know that from vast experience of talking to visiting fans .. We are well respected , trust me !!!.KRO

  • Waycoolblue says:

    I don’t care about the vile being upset because they cant afford to see their Sh**t team play away games I’m just surprised the can count past 12 as that’s considering their all 12 toed puppets.

    Its just I fort there was a cap in place now. or is that not the case. Just thinking of myself and our Supporters. I main going away to Middlesbrough cost me £49 ticket £98 next day return on the train. £36 one night in a holiday inn total £183. I Would like to spend les.

  • Dave Mann says:

    I agree Waycoolblue it is an expensive experience following Blues around the country and middlesboro along with Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday should be ashamed of themselves for charging rediculous amounts for away fans .. Away fans make the atmosphere and do more singing than home fans even when greatly outnumbered and to reduce the numbers by the price or even the amount given is killing the attendances and the game itself IMO . KRO

    • Hillfield Blues says:

      Absolutely outrageous prices and WB summed it up with his trip to Teesside costing him £183 and that was without a pie and a pint or three.Surly common sense has to prevail here with clubs giving away fans traveling across the country some kind of levy that helps them cut their costs.Utter greed is pushing the working man away from the game they love.

  • BhamCityJulian says:

    The higher cost is to cover additional police and stewards costs.


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