The Rovers Return

Benni McCarthy looks set for West Ham

EDIT: BENNI MCCARTHY HAS NOW APPARENTLY AGREED PERSONAL TERMS WITH WEST HAM

It’s been an extremely quiet transfer window so far. Not just at Rovers, but across the Premier League as a whole.

But a few snippets of speculation have emerged recently as the window enters its final week.

It was always expected to be pretty movement-free, particularly at Ewood, where no secret’s been made of the fact that funds are tight and Big Sam has to sell before he can even think about buying.

The only deals that have gone through are those of youth players Andy Haworth (Rochdale) and Marcus Marshall and Gavin Gunning (Rotherham) who have all gone out on loan.

Rovers have been linked quite regularly with Eidur Gudjohnsen and  Valdiray Basturk (Daily Mail) throughout the window. But no move is likely unless certain players leave the club.

McCarthy is being linked with a move to West Ham as new owners Gold and Sullivan look to strengthen the Hammers’ squad. Alan Nixon wrote in The Mirror that he may have to go on loan until his contract with Rovers finishes in 18 months as his recent lack of international caps means he would not get a new work permit. Read more »

- As I said in the previous post, we have 11 (now 10) cup finals between now and the end of the season. With this being our game in hand it is the most important result we’ve had this year and could well be the difference come the the finale!

- Nice to see Diouf get his first goal for the club. He’s done well since signing and this will only serve to boost his confidence. He looks really fired up, you can see that from his reaction to winning games, so I’m pleased for the lad.

- Jason Roberts yet again proving he’s a good player for us. Possibly the most important goal he’ll ever score.

- Paul Robinson keeps on proving himself as a top notch keeper. He made a great save from Nevland with the last kick of the game and must surely be due an England call-up soon! Read more »

In a return to my original format, here are my thoughts on another three points under Big Sam…

- Man it feels good to be out of the drop zone. Even though it’s only by the skin of our teeth.

- The first half was a shocker. The players seemed nervous and demonstrated a lack of confidence to run at the Geordies. The fans also seemed nervous and an eery quiet fell across the Rovers supporting contingents.

- The penalty was harsh, but who gives a shit?

- Two great goals followed. Both from Roberts. Have that JR doubters. The first a great finish where he had to act quickly, the second a wonderful run from Andrews let in Ped who crossed perfectly for Roberts to blast in from close range. Read more »

Two games and one point. Not the best outcome but at least we didn’t get beat.

At Sunderland we should have won. We had chances throughout the second half but didn’t take them. Jason Roberts missed a sitter. We could dwell on that, or we could move on and remember what an asset he is to our team.

Roberts, I don’t care what anyone says, including Jamie Partlin, is a strong, quick and powerful player. A perfect strike partner for Benni and, as I’ll talk about in a minute, scoring goals!

Moving on from the disappointment of Tyneside, the disappointment of Ewood!

An excellent performance from every one of our players against City. Read more »