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Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: wing commander on August 18, 2020, 01:01:38 pm

Title: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: wing commander on August 18, 2020, 01:01:38 pm
At Cheltenham and will play for them in a friendly tonight with Alfie May..I think thats the end of that one by the looks..
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: 5minstogo on August 18, 2020, 01:19:28 pm
🥺
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Metalmicky on August 18, 2020, 01:34:51 pm
It's a slightly shorter commute from Cheltenham to Coventry - I think I heard that's where he lives? - so this may be his preferred choice.  if so, fair play to Matty - although he will be missed in and around the ground...
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: WheatleyRover on August 18, 2020, 03:33:34 pm
I thought it had already been confirmed he's leaving.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Barmby Rover on August 18, 2020, 03:37:10 pm
Good luck to Matty, a reliable player who was very adaptable. We shall miss him but if circumstances are better for him there, so be it.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: the vicar on August 18, 2020, 03:53:08 pm
Sad as he was a great club man
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: lee.j09 on August 18, 2020, 04:32:44 pm
So let me get this right, Cheltenham can offer him a better deal then us.

Interesting!
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Retdon1 on August 18, 2020, 04:33:44 pm
So let me get this right, Cheltenham can offer him a better deal then us.

Interesting!

Where has that been reported ?
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: colincramb on August 18, 2020, 04:35:48 pm
So let me get this right, Cheltenham can offer him a better deal then us.

Interesting!

Yes possibly they can, if they think he’s worth more than we think he is.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Rovers91 on August 18, 2020, 04:47:27 pm
Good professional but nothing more than a squad player for us so can understand him looking else where for that extra security with a longer contract and regular football.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: lee.j09 on August 18, 2020, 04:57:42 pm
So let me get this right, Cheltenham can offer him a better deal then us.

Interesting!

Where has that been reported ?

Seems as though he’s turned our offer down....
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: the vicar on August 18, 2020, 04:59:05 pm
It says on Cheltenham site and on there town wrag that Marty is playing, but it does not mean he will sign for them
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Retdon1 on August 18, 2020, 05:03:41 pm
So let me get this right, Cheltenham can offer him a better deal then us.

Interesting!

Where has that been reported ?

Seems as though he’s turned our offer down....

Maybe we offered him a deal that reflects his status as a back up player in our squad and he felt he could get a better deal closer to home.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: roversdude on August 18, 2020, 05:04:59 pm
They can probably offer a deal that suits him better, there’s much more to an offer than just money - coupled with a shorter commute. If that’s the last we have seen of Matty then I wish him all the best for the future
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: dknward2 on August 18, 2020, 05:08:58 pm
A better deal maybe classed as a first team player there where as we may not offer that guarantee
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Janso on August 18, 2020, 05:12:32 pm
So let me get this right, Cheltenham can offer him a better deal then us.

Interesting!

Where has that been reported ?

Seems as though he’s turned our offer down....

Maybe we offered him a deal that reflects his status as a back up player in our squad and he felt he could get a better deal closer to home.
And maybe wants to try something different.

Gotta love how it's instantly with the "club's skint/tight Kitsons" line that gets trotted out every year as soon as a player doesn't sign a deal. As if they're not human beings that do also have other factors to take into account.

Interestingly (or maybe not to many), Andy Williams is down there I think as well.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Draytonian III on August 18, 2020, 05:13:40 pm
Maybe he could be getting a two year deal there
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: The Beast on August 18, 2020, 05:18:11 pm
So let me get this right, Cheltenham can offer him a better deal then us.

Interesting!

Where has that been reported ?

Seems as though he’s turned our offer down....

Maybe we offered him a deal that reflects his status as a back up player in our squad and he felt he could get a better deal closer to home.
Exactly, it’s like Champ manager, he’s seen as a back up player here, maybe first team/ squad rotation there, it is sad to see him go though, seems a top guy!
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Monkcaster_Rover on August 18, 2020, 05:26:39 pm
Lovely man. Wish him all the best.

Proper Rovers reunion down there, now.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on August 18, 2020, 05:34:18 pm
At Cheltenham and will play for them in a friendly tonight with Alfie May..I think thats the end of that one by the looks..

i think we all know Tony Blair should be on trial

never say never ....... we live in hope !!
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Campsall rover on August 18, 2020, 05:37:25 pm
Model professional and brilliant club man and role model.

All the best to him.
Hope he does really well wherever he goes & whatever he does in the future.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: tommy toes on August 18, 2020, 05:43:28 pm
Met him a few times at the gym. Had some long chats. He's a smashing lad
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: elmsallrover on August 18, 2020, 06:07:55 pm
So let me get this right, Cheltenham can offer him a better deal then us.

Interesting!

Where has that been reported ?

Seems as though he’s turned our offer down....

Maybe we offered him a deal that reflects his status as a back up player in our squad and he felt he could get a better deal closer to home.
a back up player for some 18 year old kid from Premier league
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: idler on August 18, 2020, 07:27:04 pm
Maybe a longer deal guaranteed first team player with bonuses coupled with nearer home. If these were all offered it might make it far more appealing than a one year deal here.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: EasyforDennis on August 18, 2020, 07:42:11 pm
If we want to progress and hopefully get out of this league this season we need to ditch the sentiment and back the Managers judgement. :chair: :chair:
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: PDX_Rover on August 18, 2020, 08:15:02 pm
Great bloke. Model pro. And his community work was exemplary. Can’t blame him for wanting something closer to home and with a chance of more game time.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: DonnyOsmond on August 18, 2020, 10:27:16 pm
Played right wing back and set one up. Alfie got a goal too.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Jonathan on August 18, 2020, 10:42:42 pm
Exceptional professional. He reached out and got in touch with me after my dad passed away last year. If he’s leaving, and it looks like he is, then I wish him nothing but success. He will be moving for the right reasons for himself, and he deserves to do that. All players do. Not all fans see it consistently. It’s a sentimental game.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: idler on August 18, 2020, 10:45:43 pm
Hope he does well there. A thoroughly decent professional that puts many Premier League and Championship players to shame with how he conducts himself. Like Copps he's a great example to young players.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: the vicar on August 18, 2020, 10:57:21 pm
He wasn’t in tonight’s squad
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: idler on August 18, 2020, 10:59:17 pm
Maybe they've seen enough already.😉
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Retdon1 on August 18, 2020, 11:05:07 pm
He wasn’t in tonight’s squad

He was
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: dknward2 on August 18, 2020, 11:16:58 pm
There are pictures of him playing
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: the vicar on August 18, 2020, 11:18:51 pm
He wasn’t named in there line up or on the bench that’s what I was going on
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: steve@dcfd on August 18, 2020, 11:25:23 pm
31| GOAL! Stratford 0-2 Robins

⚽️ Dan Bowry

Trialist Matty Blair squares for Bowry to tap in a deserved second goal
He replaced the right back who down to start on team sheet..
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: drfchound on August 19, 2020, 08:18:41 am
Is it unusual for the press to name the trialist in his report.
Just asking.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: steve@dcfd on August 19, 2020, 08:28:07 am
It was on the Cheltenham’s Twitter feed for the game.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: selby on August 19, 2020, 10:06:04 am
  According to the manager the are just filling in with him because of injuries, and because of lack of funds there may be nothing for him.
   A funny position to be in  when he had a definite offer on the table.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Metalmicky on August 19, 2020, 10:15:28 am
  According to the manager the are just filling in with him because of injuries, and because of lack of funds there may be nothing for him.
   A funny position to be in  when he had a definite offer on the table.

I saw that also..... bit strange.

https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/matty-blair-bristol-city-relationship-4437470
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on August 19, 2020, 10:25:54 am
Not unusual though is it. We've had players train with us to help them out. Paul Green and Victor Anichebe spring to mind.

There could be many factors why Blair has decided to move on as touched on above.

If DM doesn't see him as the future then I would imagine DM will have had the decency to have a conversation with Matty. I don't see why we have to have a vigil evertime a player moves on particularly if they are regarded as 'fringe' players.

There's no reason to believe this is anything but a footballing decision.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Metalmicky on August 19, 2020, 10:46:05 am
Not unusual though is it. We've had players train with us to help them out. Paul Green and Victor Anichebe spring to mind.

There could be many factors why Blair has decided to move on as touched on above.

If DM doesn't see him as the future then I would imagine DM will have had the decency to have a conversation with Matty. I don't see why we have to have a vigil evertime a player moves on particularly if they are regarded as 'fringe' players.

There's no reason to believe this is anything but a footballing decision.

I would say it is unusual...... granted not common, but a bit unusual.
I understand that Matty is considering his options - and not necessarily decided to move on.
DM hasn't closed the door on Blair - I believe the offer is still on the table.  I also don't think there is a 'vigil' for him - just interest.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on August 19, 2020, 11:16:32 am
Not unusual though is it. We've had players train with us to help them out. Paul Green and Victor Anichebe spring to mind.

There could be many factors why Blair has decided to move on as touched on above.

If DM doesn't see him as the future then I would imagine DM will have had the decency to have a conversation with Matty. I don't see why we have to have a vigil evertime a player moves on particularly if they are regarded as 'fringe' players.

There's no reason to believe this is anything but a footballing decision.

I would say it is unusual...... granted not common, but a bit unusual.
I understand that Matty is considering his options - and not necessarily decided to move on.
DM hasn't closed the door on Blair - I believe the offer is still on the table.  I also don't think there is a 'vigil' for him - just interest.

You spotted my exaggeration! You know what I mean though, certain posters always pointing the finger at the club, allowing these players to leave rather than understanding most are footballing decisions the manager makes.



Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Chris Black come back on August 19, 2020, 01:44:52 pm
Not unusual though is it. We've had players train with us to help them out. Paul Green and Victor Anichebe spring to mind.

There could be many factors why Blair has decided to move on as touched on above.

If DM doesn't see him as the future then I would imagine DM will have had the decency to have a conversation with Matty. I don't see why we have to have a vigil evertime a player moves on particularly if they are regarded as 'fringe' players.

There's no reason to believe this is anything but a footballing decision.

Anichebe still hasn’t signed for anyone. What a waste for a guy in his prime years to have not played since 2017 and even then was in China.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: DonnyOsmond on August 19, 2020, 01:54:57 pm
Not unusual though is it. We've had players train with us to help them out. Paul Green and Victor Anichebe spring to mind.

There could be many factors why Blair has decided to move on as touched on above.

If DM doesn't see him as the future then I would imagine DM will have had the decency to have a conversation with Matty. I don't see why we have to have a vigil evertime a player moves on particularly if they are regarded as 'fringe' players.

There's no reason to believe this is anything but a footballing decision.

Anichebe still hasn’t signed for anyone. What a waste for a guy in his prime years to have not played since 2017 and even then was in China.

Thought he could have earnt more though. A year later and his income is still £0.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: ravenrover on August 19, 2020, 04:44:51 pm
He's had  a couple of pay days ftom Sky
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: drfchound on August 19, 2020, 05:14:41 pm
Not unusual though is it. We've had players train with us to help them out. Paul Green and Victor Anichebe spring to mind.

There could be many factors why Blair has decided to move on as touched on above.

If DM doesn't see him as the future then I would imagine DM will have had the decency to have a conversation with Matty. I don't see why we have to have a vigil evertime a player moves on particularly if they are regarded as 'fringe' players.

There's no reason to believe this is anything but a footballing decision.







Out of curiosity Baz, I am wondering why Darren would have put an offer to Matty if he didn't see him as the future.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on August 19, 2020, 05:23:07 pm
Not unusual though is it. We've had players train with us to help them out. Paul Green and Victor Anichebe spring to mind.

There could be many factors why Blair has decided to move on as touched on above.

If DM doesn't see him as the future then I would imagine DM will have had the decency to have a conversation with Matty. I don't see why we have to have a vigil evertime a player moves on particularly if they are regarded as 'fringe' players.

There's no reason to believe this is anything but a footballing decision.







Out of curiosity Baz, I am wondering why Darren would have put an offer to Matty if he didn't see him as the future.


As in can't assure him of much first team football as others have said.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: drfchound on August 19, 2020, 05:29:21 pm
Not unusual though is it. We've had players train with us to help them out. Paul Green and Victor Anichebe spring to mind.

There could be many factors why Blair has decided to move on as touched on above.

If DM doesn't see him as the future then I would imagine DM will have had the decency to have a conversation with Matty. I don't see why we have to have a vigil evertime a player moves on particularly if they are regarded as 'fringe' players.

There's no reason to believe this is anything but a footballing decision.







Out of curiosity Baz, I am wondering why Darren would have put an offer to Matty if he didn't see him as the future.


As in can't assure him of much first team football as others have said.





Yeah, I agree on that.
With our likely smaller squad though (than in previous seasons) and the likelihood of lots of games, particularly in the early part of the season, I would think he would have been deployed through necessity.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: idler on August 19, 2020, 06:19:19 pm
Maybe he wants a longer deal?
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: drfchound on August 19, 2020, 07:05:26 pm
Maybe you are right idler.
It doesn’t sound too promising down Cheltenham way though.
On the other hand, the Cheltenham manager might be playing mind games.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: idler on August 19, 2020, 07:15:42 pm
I think that at this time it's like blind man's bluff. Uncharted territory as far as trying to look into the future goes. Nobody knows for certain how long before we are anywhere near getting back to normal plus the firms that advertise with us and sponsor the team must be cutting back. I'm glad that I'm not trying to sort out any team's budget at the minute.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: vaya on August 19, 2020, 07:53:25 pm
I think that at this time it's like blind man's bluff. Uncharted territory as far as trying to look into the future goes. Nobody knows for certain how long before we are anywhere near getting back to normal plus the firms that advertise with us and sponsor the team must be cutting back. I'm glad that I'm not trying to sort out any team's budget at the minute.

Ditto. At the minute I can't see this season being anything other than a damage limitation excercise for the lower leagues.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Janso on August 19, 2020, 08:17:19 pm
I think that at this time it's like blind man's bluff. Uncharted territory as far as trying to look into the future goes. Nobody knows for certain how long before we are anywhere near getting back to normal plus the firms that advertise with us and sponsor the team must be cutting back. I'm glad that I'm not trying to sort out any team's budget at the minute.

Ditto. At the minute I can't see this season being anything other than a damage limitation excercise for the lower leagues.

To some it'll still just be the club being tight Kitsons with no ambition though.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: drfchound on August 19, 2020, 10:17:31 pm
We don’t even know if we will get to see the whole season played out.
A big second wave of Covid in the winter could see to that.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Janso on August 19, 2020, 11:38:33 pm
We don’t even know if we will get to see the whole season played out.
A big second wave of Covid in the winter could see to that.

At least the big clubs will get that winter break they've been clamouring for...  :coat:
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: since-1969 on August 20, 2020, 04:25:51 am
At Cheltenham and will play for them in a friendly tonight with Alfie May..I think thats the end of that one by the looks..

i think we all know Tony Blair should be on trial

never say never ....... we live in hope !!

Oh ...and you’ll be saying next  that the 45k+ dead here in the U.K. Boris Johnson isn’t  responsible  . Numpty !!!
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Metalmicky on August 21, 2020, 08:16:58 am
Bradford also interested in Matty apparently...

https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bradford-city-join-cheltenham-town-4444152
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: idler on August 21, 2020, 08:30:16 am
That will add 30-45 minutes to his journey time from Coventry if he signs for City.
No mention of it from my City supporting mates in the pub yesterday.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: thumper on September 03, 2020, 07:05:05 pm
Offered a contract by Cheltenham now
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: idler on September 03, 2020, 07:09:54 pm
Good luck to hi if that's where he wants to go. He's been very good here in his stay.
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: roversdude on September 03, 2020, 07:20:13 pm
Matty was a brilliant professional for us wish him the best of luck
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: Metalmicky on September 04, 2020, 08:48:50 am
I thought somebody had said that he lived near Coventry.....?  The article (in link) says he lives locally.. to Cheltenham.  If so, I don't blame him for moving...!!  He's only secured a one year deal though - so I hope he has a blinding year down there and gets a new contract.

https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-doncaster-rovers-mansfield-town-4483815
Title: Re: Matty Blair on trial
Post by: scawsby steve on September 04, 2020, 05:13:20 pm
A real ex-Rovers attack line-up there. May, Williams, and Blair.

All ably assisted by Liam Sercombe, whom I believe to be a very good signing for the club.