Often Partisan

Ravel Morrison to Sign?

Once again, a transfer story completely out of left-field without so much of a rumour before the player is due in to sign.  Last night Colin Tattum of the Birmingham Mail tweeted that  Ravel Morrison is going to sign for Blues on loan later today. I will admit to being a bit surprised and a bit apprehensive about this one.

I’ve never seen the young ex-Man United midfielder play, so I can’t tell you what I think of his ability – however you don’t have to look far to see people talk about the talent the boy has. Unfortunately, Morrison also has almost as much baggage as Heathrow Terminal 5 having been fined £7,000 for using a homophobic slur on Twitter earlier this year and also having just dodged a jail term for witness intimidation in February 2011.

Having signed for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £650,000 rising to £2mil with various add-ons, Ravel has only made one appearance in West Ham colours – a fourteen minute cameo (including injury time) against Leeds United in March of this year. I trawled through the thread about Ravel on popular West Ham forum KUMB.com, and there were some calls from fans for him to be played – in amongst a lengthy debate over his twitter antics, various injuries and now debate over Morrison’s early return home from West Ham’s pre-season tour in Germany. It certainly appears that even without playing, Morrison is one of those players that controversy is never far behind.

It’s got to be said, it’s a risky move from Clark. Whilst Morrison could once again implode and go off the rails as he seems to have a few times already it’s possible that if he gets a run of games he could be the inspired signing that rips this division a new one. Blues have a habit of signing players with “dodgy” pasts (cf Pennant, Bowyer, King…) and in the main they’ve done well. There is no denying that Blues fans love a player with a bit of flair who can make things happen and it might just be that some passionate backing might help Morrison settle and maybe even fulfil the prodigious talent that he seems to have.

However, it could easily backfire. I’ve always been an admirer of Alex Ferguson’s man-management skills – as an example I think Fergie is one of the key reasons that Rooney didn’t go off the rails as he seemed to threaten to do but instead blossomed into one of the best talents this country has produced. Fergie seems to have a habit of being the kind of guy who can nurture good footballers – and Fergie apparently lost patience with Ravel. The Guardian article I link above says that at the time Ravel was told to find another club, one coach had stopped speaking to him on the training pitch whilst another told Ravel’s mom that the boy was a “waste of space.” Clearly this is a boy with issues.

Whichever way it goes, I think Blues’ season will be more interesting with Ravel in the side. I hope that if he does sign he can make a positive impact and I believe Blues fans will do their best to get behind him to help that happen. This move could be the making of Ravel Morrison and equally so Blues’ season; however it could also be the next step to his downfall. I hope for us and him he shows those who have doubted him that he can do it.

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46 Responses to “Ravel Morrison to Sign?”

  • viperblue says:

    I have always liked a player with a bit of devilment in them
    good or bad morrison may add to this seasons mounting excitement

  • Gareth says:

    From what I’ve heard, can’t say I’m exactly happy about this one. Hope he proves me wrong.

  • KRM says:

    He has the potential to be a world-class footballer. The ability to deliver on the potential is a whole other matter; it’s all down to Ravel.

    Some have voiced concerns about the possibility that Ravel could bring discord to what is one of football’s most harmonious squads; I don’t share that concern. If a single 19 year old loan player could do such a thing, then the squad couldn’t have been that harmonious to begin with. Risk is worth the reward. Characters such as Carr, Caldwell, Davies, Murphy, Burkey, King, etc. can only be a benefit to the lad focusing (and then delivering), and if he fails here I can’t see him succeeding anywhere… And if he won’t pull in the same direction as the rest, then those players (along with others) will break him long before he could get close breaking them.

  • Wilko says:

    Could be a good signing for the club. Taking a player like this on loan can only have its advantages (if he performs well = bonus, if his attitude is wrong then terminate his loan). Plus, would you “play up” on our training ground only for Stevie Carr to come and knock you out??

  • Euston 9.18 says:

    How the hell did they keep this so quiet ??
    Any think concerning w.spam is all over the papers & most of it propaganda crap (which we as BLUES fans,know all about,from the cockney mob)

    Does anyone think Zigic,might be on his way,doesn’t seem to be in L.Clark’s thoughts post game interviews.
    Read today Vaughan from Norwich & y`day in the people N`Daw might be on there way to Blues,just wondering where the wage cash is coming from,maybe saving on Zigic’s weekly wage pays for the above players.

    Just a thought.

  • Blueboy88 says:

    Needs must when the devil drives…

    Ravel Morrison compared to Paul Scholes and dubbed potentially one of the greatest players of his generation.

    He has assaulted his girlfriend and his mother, and been found guilty of witness intimidation. The Daily Telegraph carried a summary in May, 2011.
    There seems little doubt that Manchester United and their advisers helped keep Morrison out of jail last May, as he had a 12-month suspended referral order hanging over his head.

    Its got a room share with Marlon King written all over it….

    Could be a LC master-stroke , or it will all “UnRavel” very quickly

  • Paul Carter - The Voice Of Reason says:

    Sounds quality to me and he’s only a young lad so hopefully he’ll mature a bit as he goes along.

    The law around Homophobia and that is so vague and general that it’s easy to fall foul of the law. I very much doubt he even knows any homosexuals. Assaulting his own mother and girlfriend though is inexcusable but sadly the bar has dropped a bit on the expected behaviour of players.

    Give him a chance and see what happens.

  • Daddybluenose says:

    Tchoi or Morison? Proven player vs young troubled unproven player….hmmm let me think? There’s always some leftfield rumour and it still amounts to nowt. Here’s another blues will be bidding up to 1mill for nemanja nikolic ha ha saw that one yesterday even after the BIHL suing announcement. Seriously we have a great squad who can score goals any addition would be a bonus but am already buzzing to watch the guys tear this division a new one. Kro

  • Blue blood says:

    It seem’s there’s enough mature players with bags of experience in our side to keep this lad on the straight & narrow, but it seems that if we sort him out & manage to release his true potential, then we will gain nothing out if doing so, this loan should be with a view to make it permanent. Then we can benefit from our efforts in monetary terms, selling him back to one of the big 4 after 2 seasons, 1 in the championship & 1 in the prem,
    May the blue machine roll on, KRO & SOTV

  • Dave Sherlock says:

    The laws on homophobia are so veige and general that it is easy to fall foul of the law…. That is an outragouse comment…. But moving on this Boy is supposed to be a talent maybe having someone like King around who has been through the mill and seems to have matured could help this boy see the oppotunity he’s got and if he keeps his head I hope he can light up St Andrews next season

    • Paul Carter - The Voice Of Reason says:

      Explain why it is outrageous?

      It’s not at all is it Dave.

      Not even near is it so you’re little game didn’t work did it?

  • TonyB says:

    Let’s hope he gets maximum encouragement, support and leadership from LC and the rest of the squad with ZERO tolerance for any misdemeanours. That will provide best opportunity both for the player and the club.

  • Tom says:

    Paul carters opinion on homophobia is far from outrageous, on a good side hopefully Zigic will be gone by Friday and we can use his 50grand a week to sign 2-3 players

  • Barry says:

    Not sure about this signing but it’s in the player’s hands to make this move work if it comes about. So long as there’s a clause in the loan contract that allows Blues to kick him out if he either disrupts the squad or causes any problems I’ll be happy

  • skareggae72 says:

    Seems like Morrison was replying to some abuse he suffered on twitter by calling somebody a certain midland/offal based product uusally served with gravy,although the spotlight fell onto Morrison,being the`celebrity` and the bad boy,so if he signs he is bound to face close scrutiny.

    Over the course of the season,could be a useful signing,although i would prefer to be bringing through are own youth players,rather than West Hams,who are unlikely to sell a player who they only signed in January,for a fee possibly rising to £3m.

  • Paul Carter - The Voice Of Reason says:

    Let’s not get diverted here on the homophobic thing, this lads age and background could make him a potential great signing even if it is only a loan.

  • Bluenosesol says:

    Our pushing above our weight last season and the positive vibes for this season major on the fantastic camaraderie that exists wirthin the squad and the staff. Last thing we need now to upset the applecart is a bad apple! The baggage associated with this young lad is so bad it beggars belief. HOWEVER, if we can be the ones that turn him around, he could redeem hs career and light up St Andrews, just trust that we have a fast exit strategy should it be required and that we do not overcommit on any financial deal.

  • Dave Sherlock says:

    Paul I’m not trying to stir things I disagree with your comment though the fact is that there are certain ways in which people are expected to behave and making a homophobic comment on a social
    Network site is an offence there’s no two ways about it and it’s basic common sense. The question posed in the blog is has this young man has had behaviour issues that could be a problem for the tight nit group of players we have at the club. I personally feel we shouldn’t
    Use this lads past or reputation as a stick to beat him with by all accounts he’s a great talent and I hope he does really well for us.

  • oldburyblue says:

    I can’t understand this “bad apple” fear. If a “bad’un” walked into your factory or big office would you allow him/her to rule the roost or would they be soon be sorted by the hairy a..ed co-workers? I think we have more than enough strength of character within the Club to soon put him in his place if necessary.

    Fergie rules by fear and reputation. He can afford to cut his nose off to spite his face every so often just to keep & more importantly, show that control. Morrison has GOT to be worth the risk, trusting the likes of Carr, Murphy and Calderwell to look after him…if necessary.

  • John says:

    Blues are on a good thing with the signing of Morrison. Lee Clark quite obviously knows a good player when he sees one and also knows his background. Morrison will know,that this might be his last chance in football, so will be desperate to show what he can do and that he can behave himself.

  • Oldbluenose says:

    Bearing in mind that the guy is only on LOAN, !!. Cannot see any problem with giving him a break,!!.

  • jazzzy786 says:

    From what I hear he called another player ‘gay’ because of his mannerisms. IMO hardly crime of the century. Could be a nice backup for Ambrose and Fahey. Yes, he’s a bit of a twat but hopefully with a few mature lads around him and without the distractions of Landon we may actually see a decent player on the pitch. Lets get a left back now.

    • Jay Sidney says:

      Jazzzy786 and the so-called “Voice of reason” might care to ponder on why we can’t ask Justin Fashanu what homophobia can do…

      And what sort of hero is it goes around assaulting women?

  • Trevor Honnor says:

    At the risk of re-opening a previous blog/debate…. Apologies….

    Is there any further word on Darren Carter being signed/not signed ??

    In reference to this blog – I think Morrison has plenty of talent and will definitely strengthen our squad along with the other 5 signings this has been a quite spectacular transfer window.

  • Paulo says:

    Morrison is simply a loan …just like Chris Wood was, so his priorities are for himself. If he’s good, then fair play.

  • ForevertheOptimist says:

    Great signing and he’s got goals in him.
    Good to see Clark maintaining signing players that pose a goal threat.
    Gonna be a great season with goals galore and a strong back four.
    Hope Clark has done his homework based on previous statements of only signing players of the right demeanour to fit into the tightly nit group.
    Very optimistic for the season ahead.
    KRO Blues.

  • Think of the children says:

    Oh yeah he’s clearly someone who is all about the football, you know what the youngsters today are like, they don’t care about the money.

    Take Ravel for instance. Last year’s court appearance for “subject[ing] the victim of a knifepoint robbery to a two-day ordeal in an attempt to stop him giving evidence at the trial of his muggers” makes him sound like he’s really gonna play his heart out for the blues!

    The Guardian:

    “For his sentencing, he looked what he was: a teenager in Nike trainers and a tie knotted Grange Hill-style, ie as short as possible. There was no emotion when the judge told him he was being spared detention. However, Morrison seemed appalled when he was informed he had to pay costs, including £500 compensation to the victim. The court was told United’s No49, described on the club’s website as a “supremely gifted talent”, had nothing in the bank despite receiving £3,400, after tax, on the 25th of every month, as part of the professional contract he signed when he was 17.”

  • Paul Carter - The Voice Of Reason says:

    Marlon King has done worse

    • oldburyblue says:

      Much, much worse. As did Bowyer before him. I don’t want him as my son-in-law, I won’t be sociallising with him, so as long as he entertains me for 90mins each game…..he’ll do for me.

  • […] for being the only journo to go with the story of Ravel Morrison to sign for Blues, exclusively tweeting that the move was going to happen on Sunday […]

  • Alex T says:

    I hope we dont see Redmond lose his place to this chav…..

  • jimmy says:

    Has’nt played hardly any football for unitied or the hammers. Hell get lumps kicked out of him in the championship. Not sure about this one LC. Time will tell.

  • Blucksdiee!!. says:

    To brand him as a Chav harsh you pathetic excuse of a person, Redmond will have a place in birmingham’s squad next season anyway, that’s if they don’t sell him for 14million, rumour has it george Elokobi is having a medical tomorrow,

  • Blucksdiee!!. says:

    Nah me neither now pal didn’t happen did it??

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