Showing posts with label BLACKBURN ROVERS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BLACKBURN ROVERS. Show all posts
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Joe's season (and Cardiff City career) set to end
Cardiff City today revealed that Joe Ledley will enter hospital at the end of January for his delay hip operations - he will have ops on both hips within 10 days - which means that his season will be over in a couple of games ... and quite possibly, his time at Cardiff City too.
The club confirmed that Joe had played on for a while but that it could not be delayed any longer. They will hope to have ther return of Steve McPhail and possible new singings to cover him by month end.
However fans will question whether we will now be seeing his last moments for Cardiff City as he is out of contract this summer, can talk to other clubs now and can leave for compensation only in he stays in England or Wales or free if he goes abroad.
He had been linked with moves to Celtic, Stoke and Blackburn alrerady this month but this news will be the end of that.
Bluebirds boss Dave Jones said, "When the day comes for him to go in [for the surgery] I hope that won't be the last time we see him in a blue shirt, but if it is, that's football for you."
The club confirmed that Joe had played on for a while but that it could not be delayed any longer. They will hope to have ther return of Steve McPhail and possible new singings to cover him by month end.
However fans will question whether we will now be seeing his last moments for Cardiff City as he is out of contract this summer, can talk to other clubs now and can leave for compensation only in he stays in England or Wales or free if he goes abroad.
He had been linked with moves to Celtic, Stoke and Blackburn alrerady this month but this news will be the end of that.
Bluebirds boss Dave Jones said, "When the day comes for him to go in [for the surgery] I hope that won't be the last time we see him in a blue shirt, but if it is, that's football for you."
Monday, January 11, 2010
Joe to go?
He may be having a poor season, he need need a hip op and a couple of months rest but JOE LEDLEY remains a good player and in demand.It's a pity that his agent and himself allowed contracts talks to fester for over a year - although some will also blame Cardiff City for that - but he is free to talk to other clubs and arrange a move in the summer.
It is being reported in Lancashire that Big Sam Allardyce is ready to plot a £2M raid for the player valued at £6M by Stoke City last year to take him to Blackburn Rovers and will be making his move in the next 24 hours. Having been pasted 4-1 at Manchester City tonight and faced with arelegation scrap, it may not be a great move for Joe.
Others claim a deal is in the offeing with Birmingham City where one of his best mates, Cameron Jerome, and also Roger Johnson are performing wonders this season. Personally, I can see that happening.
Joe can go now for an agreed fee or leave for compensation in the summer but the nightmare is if he moves abroad as no fee would then be paid, his Scottish agent is mooted to have mentioned Celtic It may get Joe more money now but it's really not a wise football move.
Of course, there's a remote chance he could stay with City but I think the odds are greater than myself wanting to see Bristol City do well!
Friday, January 01, 2010
Premiership midfielders linked to Cardiff
Cardiff City are being strongly linked with loan moves for Stephen Reid of Blackburn Rovers and/or Ben Watson of Wigan, ironically players who have had less than successful loan spells recently with fellow Championship side Queens Park Rangers.
Reid, a 28 year old Eire international with 22 caps, was signed by Blackburn from Millwall for £2.5M in 2003 and has started 90 Premiership games scoring 6 goals, he is noted for powerful shooting. However ihe has not played in the Premiership since Sept'2008 and had only 3 Carling Cup appearences for the Ewood Park club this term and injuries have seen him drop down the pecking order. At QPR, Reid started once and was used a sub once in late November.
Ben Watson, dubbed the Beckham of Peckham for his set piece flair, is seen as surplus by Roberto Martinez at Wigan after arriving there last January from Crystal Palace for £2M. He joined QPR, ahead of Cardiff, and has started 16 Championship games scoring twice, his tally would have been greater hadhe not earned 2 successive red cards. His loan spell has just ended with mixed reviews and it is believed Dave Jones has made enquiries already.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Robbie Fowler Fatter Than Pauline Fowler
Blobby Fowler
For all those of us who continually pointed out he carried almost as many pounds on his body in weight as he did in his bank with money and remarked as how unfit and slow he was with Cardiff City, just take a look at Robbie Fowler now he's arrived in Australia. They say the camera never lies, it's pretty clear that Fowler's body doesn't either.
This is the guy Dave Jones was retain for Cardiff's Premiership assault this season and whom he believed would score 20 goals. Even though he was a guy who treated his time at Ninian Park with little more than contempt in my eyes and completely ruined my previously favourable view of him for his exploits down the years ... even if I thought he had prematurely lost it and been in decline for 6 years before arriving at Ninian Park.
Five months in the Premiership with Blackburn Rovers followed by 5 more months seemingly as a couch potato (or should thta be couch chips?) at home means Fowler has a major battle to get himself into any sort of shape even to compete in Australian football. It surely underlines how Dave Jones and Cardiff City had a very lucky escape.
This is the guy Dave Jones was retain for Cardiff's Premiership assault this season and whom he believed would score 20 goals. Even though he was a guy who treated his time at Ninian Park with little more than contempt in my eyes and completely ruined my previously favourable view of him for his exploits down the years ... even if I thought he had prematurely lost it and been in decline for 6 years before arriving at Ninian Park.
Five months in the Premiership with Blackburn Rovers followed by 5 more months seemingly as a couch potato (or should thta be couch chips?) at home means Fowler has a major battle to get himself into any sort of shape even to compete in Australian football. It surely underlines how Dave Jones and Cardiff City had a very lucky escape.
This Report Comes from the Australian Daily Telegraph
"Robbie Fowler a 'God' in weighting"
By John Taylor - The Daily Telegraph - April 30 - 2009
ROBBIE Fowler, one of the biggest-name footballers to sign for an Australian club, already has tongues wagging - not about his exploits for Liverpool but his body shape.
The man they still call 'God' in Merseyside has three months to go to get himself in good physical condition before he makes his debut as North Queensland Fury's marquee player in the A-League.
As our picture shows, Fowler could be mistaken for one of the characters in the SBS TV series Nerds FC. But he is actually training with the Fury.
Fury coach Ian Ferguson insists his prized capture is not overweight. "He's fine. He's got no problem with his weight," he said yesterday.
Since his second spell with the Reds came to an end against Charlton on May 13, 2007, Fowler has played limited football with Cardiff City and Blackburn.
Despite Fowler's magnificent goalscoring feats in the English Premier League, Ferguson has made it clear to him that playing in the A-League certainly won't be a stroll in the park.
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25404514-5006068,00.html
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Cardiff City look to Lancashire for Derbyshire and a Great Dane
It's been quietly whispered for a couple of days but today's News of the World adds credence to Cardiff City making firm moves for Blackburn Rovers England Under 21 striker Matt Derbyshire.
Derbyshire, who was on loan at fellow Welsh side Wrexham a couple of years ago, is a highly rated and capable striker but who is finding his career at Blackburn developing in the slow lane at almost 23 years old and feels it's time to push on.
He has only started 28 times for the Premiership club (17 of them in the league) but racked up in excess of 50 sub outings too scoring 20 goals, 5 coming this season, so will clearly help City.
It's also rumoured that the club are enquiring about a permanent return for ex-loan star and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeicel. The keeper knows he won't get near the Man City first team with the mega-millions they are thowing about so wants out. Celtic are interested but can't guarantee him first team football and if the rumour mill is correct, Cardiff are promising more than that.
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/141599/MATT-DERBYSHIRE -FOR-CARDIFF.html
Derbyshire, who was on loan at fellow Welsh side Wrexham a couple of years ago, is a highly rated and capable striker but who is finding his career at Blackburn developing in the slow lane at almost 23 years old and feels it's time to push on.
He has only started 28 times for the Premiership club (17 of them in the league) but racked up in excess of 50 sub outings too scoring 20 goals, 5 coming this season, so will clearly help City.
It's also rumoured that the club are enquiring about a permanent return for ex-loan star and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeicel. The keeper knows he won't get near the Man City first team with the mega-millions they are thowing about so wants out. Celtic are interested but can't guarantee him first team football and if the rumour mill is correct, Cardiff are promising more than that.
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/141599/MATT-DERBYSHIRE -FOR-CARDIFF.html
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
It's The Football Silly Season - Dave Jones linked by media to Blackburn vacancy
Jonesy displayed his arms folded, passionless touchline look
Having sacked Paul Ince this morning, Sky Sports News immediately named Cardiff City boss Dave Jones as a possibility to replace him at Blackburn Rovers.
Rovers are in desparate shape and seem to be on their way to the Championship as a club in decline. Jones meanwhile is steering Cardiff towards a play-off tilt at the Premiership with a new stadium coming and are a club moving ahead.
Blackburn will surely want an impact manager and I don't believe Dave Jones is that. He's a steady man with rigid thoughts and tactics. It is therefore no surprise that DJ is now 6th favourite at about 20/1 ... I'd keep your money in your pockets personally.
It is testimony to Jones' public perception having steered Cardiff to the F.A. Cup Final and current play-off berth on frugal resources that would see his name linked to any vacancy of this ilk even if he still doesn't win over a fair section of City fans but I would be staggered if this is still a running story past the next 24 hours.
Rovers are in desparate shape and seem to be on their way to the Championship as a club in decline. Jones meanwhile is steering Cardiff towards a play-off tilt at the Premiership with a new stadium coming and are a club moving ahead.
Blackburn will surely want an impact manager and I don't believe Dave Jones is that. He's a steady man with rigid thoughts and tactics. It is therefore no surprise that DJ is now 6th favourite at about 20/1 ... I'd keep your money in your pockets personally.
It is testimony to Jones' public perception having steered Cardiff to the F.A. Cup Final and current play-off berth on frugal resources that would see his name linked to any vacancy of this ilk even if he still doesn't win over a fair section of City fans but I would be staggered if this is still a running story past the next 24 hours.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Now who's laughing Robbie? Fowler in talks with Grimsby
Walking out on Cardiff City pre-season after agreeing a new contract and the club spent a year giving the player the very best around the world treatment for injuries was always going to make Robbie Fowler a hate figure, even if many like myself didn't want him to stay anyway and glad to see the back of him really but news emerges that the player's last fling with the Premiership may be dying as he is in talks with League Two Grimsby about a player coach role.
You like Fishing Robbie? F'off to Grimsby then
Fowler has had 3 Premiership outings - two as substitute - totalling 102 minutes at Blackburn but with the club under Paul Ince currently in the bottom two and looking every inch a relegation side, the player's short-term contract is due for renewal this month and his future there has to be shrouded in doubt. Grimsby are battling to stay in the Football League but fortunes have improved under Mike Newell, a friend of Fowler's.
He could stay, he could go, he could be using Grimsby for something else which wouldn't be the first time he's pulled a stunt like that. Still, how the mighty fall eh?
Thursday, September 11, 2008
FOWLER SET TO SIGN ON AT BLACKBURN
It is being reported that Cheeky Scouse Scamp Robbie Fowler is to seal a short-term contract until Christmas by Premiership side Blackburn Rovers and could well feature in their squad to face Arsenal this weekend.
Fowler disgracefully walked out on Cardiff City this summer in favour for training at Blackburn after agreeing a 1 year deal at Ninian Park.
Fan reaction in Blackburn was muted with reports of Fowler looking as slowly, lazy and unfit - just as many observed him at Cardiff wondering why we were offering him a new deal anyway.
Incredibly, Fowler - via his agent - approached Peter Ridsdale a fortnight ago asking if the offer was still available. He was given a curt response. The thought had crossed my mind that Fowler was once again using City. If we had said yes, it would have been perfect leverage for him to get a better offer from Blackburn who, initially, were offering a week-by-week deal.
All I can say is Blackburn and Ince must be desparate to want Robbie. I really expect to see him do absolutely nothing there.
Fowler disgracefully walked out on Cardiff City this summer in favour for training at Blackburn after agreeing a 1 year deal at Ninian Park.
Fan reaction in Blackburn was muted with reports of Fowler looking as slowly, lazy and unfit - just as many observed him at Cardiff wondering why we were offering him a new deal anyway.
Incredibly, Fowler - via his agent - approached Peter Ridsdale a fortnight ago asking if the offer was still available. He was given a curt response. The thought had crossed my mind that Fowler was once again using City. If we had said yes, it would have been perfect leverage for him to get a better offer from Blackburn who, initially, were offering a week-by-week deal.
All I can say is Blackburn and Ince must be desparate to want Robbie. I really expect to see him do absolutely nothing there.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
CHEEKY SCOUSE GIT ASKS CITY TO TAKE HIM BACK
CITY DON'T WANT YOUWE DON'T CARE
It should be unbelievable, but somehow it was highly believable but surreal, that Robbie Fowler came crying asking for Cardiff City to take him back. The cheek of the ****!
Fowler, after being highly rewarded, given round the world treatment and round the clock rehabilitation showed his gratitude towards this club and a manager who stood by him throughout in Dave Jones by walking out on City this summer after agreeing a new contract in favour of training, and the forlorn hope of a contract, in the Premiership with Blackburn Rovers.
City fans were mostly glad to see the back of him as most, myself definitely included, just didn't believe he was up to the job at all. His best was several years ago and it's a continual decline since. However we felt aggrieved by the way he treated the club.
Blackburn, even though his manager is his mate (Paul Ince), have now realised that as well and offered Fowler a weekly contract only.
After leaving his missus for a mistress, Fowler has now belatedly realised his mistake and asked City to take him back with his nauseous agent sending an e-mail, not even he had the bottle to ask over the phone or face to face which says everything. City's reply, via Peter Ridsdale, was apparently a curt 'no thanks' - I would also have used 7 letters but probably have said F*** O**!
Fowler already knows no other top two division club wants him and he may now opt for the low profile, but rewarding, life in Dubai or similar.
Enjoy your fortune Robbie but good riddance and thanks for no memories you muppet!
South Wales Echo story
.
Monday, July 14, 2008
LEAVE MY POOR ROBBIE ALONE says DAVE JONES
City boss Dave Jones has made scathing comments about Cardiff City supporters expressing their angwer and dismay at the way Robbie Fowler has dumped the club where he verbally agreed to sign a new contract in favour of training only ahead of a possible short-term deal at Blackburn.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/cardiff-city-fc/2008/07/14/time-to-leave-robbie-alone-jones-tells-fowler-critics-91466-21334406/
Fowler: You expect me to wear this again? F**k that, I'm off!
On the one hand, I think Jones has a point. The CardiffCity.com messageboards have been awash with no holds barred flak towards Fowler, much of it coming from fans who didn't want him to be offered a new contract or to stay anyway. In that sense, their comments are contradictory and hypocritical.
On a personal level, I am delighted Fowler is off the club's books - even if it took him to leave City than the club to realise enough was enough.
However, the flip side of the argument is that DJ has failed to show any understanding why supporters should express their feelings on a poor episode and the behaviour of Fowler plus his agent. He may not agree with it but he should be realistic enough to appreciate why Cardiff City fans will have their fully justified views.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/cardiff-city-fc/2008/07/14/time-to-leave-robbie-alone-jones-tells-fowler-critics-91466-21334406/
Friday, July 11, 2008
FEELINGS OF RELIEF AND ANGER AS ROBBIE FOWLER SH*TS ON CARDIFF CITY FOR BLACKBURN
According to the dictionary, an ENIGMA is "a person of puzzling or contradictory character" while USELESS is "not serving the purpose or any purpose; unavailing or futile" and PROCRASTINATE translates as "To put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness".
GUESS YOU NOW KNOW MY FEELINGS ABOUT 12 MONTHS OF ROBBIE FOWLER AT CARDIFF CITY.
The media fell for it hook, line and sinker last summer with daily, the flattery of City being linked with an "audacious" move for such a player and, to be fair, many fans got sucked in too by "God" becomign a City player. If he's God, it only affirms why I'm a happy atheist who only worships at the Church of Ninian Park!
When Fowler eventually signed, far too late into pre-season and weeks of messing around, replica shirt sales with the name Fowler on the back were the ultimate fashion statement in Cardiff. Many fans, myself included, wanting to point out Fowler had been a player in decline - and injury - for 7 years since his mid-20's were stampeded and thought of as churlish.
Fowler had his debut in a pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad and could barely move, he showed one vintage touch and then went off injured and wasn't ready to start the season. He next showed up against Torquay and was always going to look classy in that company but it looked like Cardiff had 10 men playing competitive football and one - Fowler - who looked as if he was in a testimonial or Masters Football.
In September/October'07, Fowler had his one and only patch (temporary) of form as he scored doubles against a weakened West Brom in the Carling Cup and then against Preston in a live Sky game but two of them were penalties and his 6 goal tally for City featured 3 spot kicks. Fowler was injured again but did manage 10 minutes against Bristol City before Xmas, that was the last we saw of Robbie on the pitch for City.
While the overwhelming majority of fans had given up on him and hoped a severance deal would be sorted out - manager Dave Jones even attacked David Giles for having the temerity to suggest it in the media - The Bluebirds supplemented the £25k a week (upto that figure) reputedly being paid in wages for Fowler (even if the club were denying this) by sending him to Germany and America for radical career-saving treatement for injuries to both hips.
The club invested in Fowler like no other player but I doubt Fowler himself ever had any appreciation of it. At the season's end, supporters again felt it was time to cut ties and regard it as a failed gamble but, for the second summer running, the backdrop was a "will he, won't he" sign for City saga. Only Dave Jones and Peter Ridsdale seemed keen to keep him opening talks, meeting him in Dubai, offering a pay-as-you-play contract and then negotiating away in a manner that would not consider for anyone else.
His agent was as evasive as ever but insisted there was a deal to be done but you knew he would spin the dice until the very last second. Just yesterday, Dave Jones announced to the media that Fowler would be re-signing for City. He is also on record for saying he felt Robbie would offer us 20 goals this season ... please stop sniggering, especially as Fowler has not offered 20 games for most of the past 8 seasons!
I'm afraid Jones and Ridsdale were caught out and let down but their wanderlust for Fowler who later had an approach from Paul Ince to take a 1 year deal at Blackburn letting both down at a time when their stock is diminishing with unimpressive summer singings, no sign of spending as promised after last season's bonanza, the cock up over Hasselbaink's contract and revelations of Ridsdale's earning.
As for Robbie, in fairness, it's a good move and I couldn't care less he's left us. Good riddance in my mind, he gave us little so leaves with few thanks. The only question is why on earth did we allow ourselves to get messed around by someone clearly with no feelings whatsoever for this club and with so little to over over so many recent years?
Mugs'R'Us ... or them in the cases of Jones and Ridders.
GUESS YOU NOW KNOW MY FEELINGS ABOUT 12 MONTHS OF ROBBIE FOWLER AT CARDIFF CITY.
The media fell for it hook, line and sinker last summer with daily, the flattery of City being linked with an "audacious" move for such a player and, to be fair, many fans got sucked in too by "God" becomign a City player. If he's God, it only affirms why I'm a happy atheist who only worships at the Church of Ninian Park!
When Fowler eventually signed, far too late into pre-season and weeks of messing around, replica shirt sales with the name Fowler on the back were the ultimate fashion statement in Cardiff. Many fans, myself included, wanting to point out Fowler had been a player in decline - and injury - for 7 years since his mid-20's were stampeded and thought of as churlish.
Fowler had his debut in a pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad and could barely move, he showed one vintage touch and then went off injured and wasn't ready to start the season. He next showed up against Torquay and was always going to look classy in that company but it looked like Cardiff had 10 men playing competitive football and one - Fowler - who looked as if he was in a testimonial or Masters Football.
In September/October'07, Fowler had his one and only patch (temporary) of form as he scored doubles against a weakened West Brom in the Carling Cup and then against Preston in a live Sky game but two of them were penalties and his 6 goal tally for City featured 3 spot kicks. Fowler was injured again but did manage 10 minutes against Bristol City before Xmas, that was the last we saw of Robbie on the pitch for City.
While the overwhelming majority of fans had given up on him and hoped a severance deal would be sorted out - manager Dave Jones even attacked David Giles for having the temerity to suggest it in the media - The Bluebirds supplemented the £25k a week (upto that figure) reputedly being paid in wages for Fowler (even if the club were denying this) by sending him to Germany and America for radical career-saving treatement for injuries to both hips.
The club invested in Fowler like no other player but I doubt Fowler himself ever had any appreciation of it. At the season's end, supporters again felt it was time to cut ties and regard it as a failed gamble but, for the second summer running, the backdrop was a "will he, won't he" sign for City saga. Only Dave Jones and Peter Ridsdale seemed keen to keep him opening talks, meeting him in Dubai, offering a pay-as-you-play contract and then negotiating away in a manner that would not consider for anyone else.
His agent was as evasive as ever but insisted there was a deal to be done but you knew he would spin the dice until the very last second. Just yesterday, Dave Jones announced to the media that Fowler would be re-signing for City. He is also on record for saying he felt Robbie would offer us 20 goals this season ... please stop sniggering, especially as Fowler has not offered 20 games for most of the past 8 seasons!
I'm afraid Jones and Ridsdale were caught out and let down but their wanderlust for Fowler who later had an approach from Paul Ince to take a 1 year deal at Blackburn letting both down at a time when their stock is diminishing with unimpressive summer singings, no sign of spending as promised after last season's bonanza, the cock up over Hasselbaink's contract and revelations of Ridsdale's earning.
As for Robbie, in fairness, it's a good move and I couldn't care less he's left us. Good riddance in my mind, he gave us little so leaves with few thanks. The only question is why on earth did we allow ourselves to get messed around by someone clearly with no feelings whatsoever for this club and with so little to over over so many recent years?
Mugs'R'Us ... or them in the cases of Jones and Ridders.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
ENCKLEMAN RELEASED BY BLACKBURN
Everyone seems to be going out of their way to be kind to Peter Enckleman which is understandable but it was his error, a bad one, that was most contributory of Kanu's weekend F.A. Cup Final winner.
Have no illusions, had he done that in a league game, he would have been slaughtered and he had a poor performance in which he appeared to lose his bottle and went "punchy" by throwing fists at everything instead of catching.
Less than 48 hours after that game, he has been released by Blackburn Rovers where he hadn't played for 3 years before joining the Bluebirds on loan. This seems to pave the way for his permanent transfer to Ninian Park for a keeper who has done moderately well but really doesn't appear to be City's long-term answer and, for me, nowhere near Kasper Schmeicel who was our best keeper last season.
Wonder if Dave Jones is having second thoughts?
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