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Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: Dr Fundlekrotch on June 14, 2010, 06:44:31 pm

Title: George Friend
Post by: Dr Fundlekrotch on June 14, 2010, 06:44:31 pm
Woah.  Didn't see that one coming.  Excellent news
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: pkt_drfc on June 14, 2010, 06:45:34 pm
Dr Fundlekrotch wrote:
Quote
Woah.  Didn't see that one coming.  Excellent news


Yep bonus http://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10329~2070762,00.html
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: dumbroofer on June 14, 2010, 06:45:43 pm
bang on
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: The Dav on June 14, 2010, 06:55:47 pm
Age on his side too, looks a big lad as well, well done Sean & JR....
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: DonnyEl on June 14, 2010, 06:57:53 pm
what kind of contracts he signed?
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: cup of T for SOD on June 14, 2010, 06:58:54 pm
Anyone know how much he cost yet?

Cheers
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Chris on June 14, 2010, 06:59:04 pm
2 year deal. Not sure whether it was a free transfer though?
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: en aitch on June 14, 2010, 07:01:00 pm
Looks like another player that Mr O'D & team can get back on track!

Quote
Friday, 14 May 2010
George Friend: Free Transfer
Wolverhampton Wanderers appear to have made an extremely expensive mistake as they have announced that defender George Friend has been given a free transfer.

However, Wolves loss has very much been Exeter City’s gain, with the player having been back at St James’ Park on loan for the last 13 matches of the season.

Friend began his career at Exeter as a youth team player, signing a two-year professional contract in March 2006. Able to play left-back or in midfield, he made his Conference league debut in a goalless draw at Forest Green Rovers in April 2006.

In order to gain experience , Friend had loan spells with Tiverton Town (in 2005-06), Team Bath (December 2006) and Folkestone Invicta.

By season 2007-08 Friend had established himself as a regular in the Grecians first team and helped them win promotion back to the Football League following a play off final victory over Cambridge United at Wembley.

After playing in Exeter's opening games of the 2008-09 season, he moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2008, signing a two-year deal, with the option of a third year, for an initial fee of £400,000. He made his Wolves debut a month later at Swansea City.

Friend signed for Millwall on loan in August 2009, then Southend United on loan a month later, and also Scunthorpe United on loan in October 2009. He then returned to Exeter City on loan in March 2010.
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Rosso Rover on June 14, 2010, 07:01:12 pm
he was released by wolves so out of contract
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: DearneValleyRover on June 14, 2010, 07:01:47 pm
DonnyEl wrote:
Quote
what kind of contracts he signed?


Did he bring his own pen and ca Oster borrow it?

Seriously though good signing, one down five to go ( if you count Oster and Hayter).
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Jonathan on June 14, 2010, 07:03:42 pm
I know little of him but I'm delighted we've signed a left back and will always trust the judgement of our management. He is 6ft 1 and has pace which is a good start.

Here are some opinions on him from Exeter fans, who have probably seen more of him than anyone (I haven't read them yet but hopefully somebody can do that and summarise what kind of player we've got!)

http://www.exeweb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39252&highlight=george+friend
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Dr Fundlekrotch on June 14, 2010, 07:04:47 pm
Maybe now people will accept that the board andmanagement are doing things behind the scenes and things are going on that they just don't want other people knowing about.
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Chrisd_123 on June 14, 2010, 07:10:22 pm
Interesting to hear in his interview that Shackell played a part in Friend signing by telling him how good it is here...Yet wouldn't sign himself  :laugh:
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Wellred on June 14, 2010, 07:12:48 pm
Money talks
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Chrisd_123 on June 14, 2010, 07:14:39 pm
It also seems the Wolves website is updated by the bbc...
http://www.wolves.co.uk/page/Home/

League one eh?
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: DMnumber4 on June 14, 2010, 07:25:18 pm
Sounds like a hero down in Exeter.

Conference upbringing so at least he'll have his feet on the ground ala Greeny.

6 foot 1 left back so shouldn't get beat at the back post too often.

Young, hungry, grounded and apparently physically capable. Time will tell  :)
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: CusworthRovers on June 14, 2010, 07:28:26 pm
He's a good looking boy, well groomed and looks like he's stepped out of a boy band.

He looks to have a very good sense and awareness of fashion. His jeans are pulled right down to expose his Calvins.


Gok Wan 14/6/10
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Chrisd_123 on June 14, 2010, 07:30:05 pm
Jonathan wrote:
Quote
I know little of him but I'm delighted we've signed a left back and will always trust the judgement of our management. He is 6ft 1 and has pace which is a good start.

Here are some opinions on him from Exeter fans, who have probably seen more of him than anyone (I haven't read them yet but hopefully somebody can do that and summarise what kind of player we've got!)

http://www.exeweb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39252&highlight=george+friend


They seem very fond of him. They also seem big fans of us, how we play and how we've climbed the leagues. Looks as if we've become the club that clubs like Exeter really want to aspire to be like.
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Dutch Uncle on June 14, 2010, 07:35:29 pm
Chrisd_123 wrote:
 Looks as if we've become the club that clubs like Exeter really want to aspire to be like.[/quote]

Hardly surprising in that we are only the second club (after Colchester) to be promoted three times from the Conference to level 2 - and Colchester took 15 years as opposed to our 6, and were relegated in their second season in tier 2. We clearly personify the dreams of all conference (and ex conference) clubs

And still we moan.................

Edit: P.S. Great signing
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: VikingJames on June 14, 2010, 07:38:45 pm
I pinpointed him on here a few months ago as a replacement for Roberts when he left, so obviously I am pleased with this signing.

From what I have heard and read, he is a good player, and only 22 ish, so SOD has plenty of time to turn him into a top player.

Happy with this, well done SOD, ROK and JR!
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Snods Shinpad 2 on June 14, 2010, 07:49:41 pm
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDF4_5RhMY8[/video]
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Dutch Uncle on June 14, 2010, 07:52:46 pm
We've got a Friend......


James Taylor classic for the oldies......


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6fEwCnTDBs&feature=related
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Muttley on June 14, 2010, 08:02:53 pm
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAbaqzk66Vc[/video]

 :unsure:
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: grayx on June 14, 2010, 08:05:24 pm
Dr Fundlekrotch wrote:
Quote
Woah.  Didn't see that one coming.  Excellent news


Agreed. Some really good reviews from Exeter fans & a permanent signing too. Apart from possibly JET, I would love to see our remaining signings as permanent deals,so we're not looking for replacements again this time next season. Oster & Sharp next please.
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Mike_F on June 14, 2010, 08:28:40 pm
What would you do if I sang out of tune...

Cracking signing if the hype's true (and I have no reason to believe it isn't). Well done Seanand the board.
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: roversdude on June 14, 2010, 08:30:23 pm
worrying thing there is that DROS are at work on a monday
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: donnypaul on June 14, 2010, 08:32:13 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB2gPZRsz0Q

is a easy one to sing along to ,changing me to george
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Filo on June 14, 2010, 08:48:17 pm
Muttley wrote:
Quote
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAbaqzk66Vc[/video]

 :unsure:
That might work if alot sang it, a bitlike West Brom's \"Lords my Shepard\"
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Bald Rover on June 14, 2010, 08:54:22 pm
what about the theme from golden girls? (ala SIF)
change the words to Youve just beeen done by George Friend! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiQzUEc_FmI)
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Woodhead Passer on June 14, 2010, 09:49:39 pm
If we ever need anyone to hit crossbar from halfway line during a game - he'd be the one to do it   :laugh:

6ft1 and has got a decent throw :)

(Friend is on 45secs into it)

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fVLultWPA0&feature=youtube_gdata[/video]
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: CusworthRovers on June 14, 2010, 09:58:52 pm
Looks like I/We have a lad who's very much into his football.

One could say.......Friend I have is a Passionate Friend
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: RobTheRover on June 14, 2010, 10:00:04 pm
I say he gets free kick duties.  Everyone in Row W can relax if Woodsy isnt taking them. ;-)
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: rbut on June 14, 2010, 10:08:08 pm
what about youve got a friend in me from toystory
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 14, 2010, 10:21:52 pm
Ah but Is Friend Electric or will he be a damp squib?
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: ljm-drfc on June 14, 2010, 11:11:56 pm
Haha that crossbar challenge was a quality watch.
 :laugh:
Some great pile-ons  :laugh:
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Filo on June 15, 2010, 09:15:02 am
Chris wrote:
Quote
2 year deal. Not sure whether it was a free transfer though?



This deal was done almost 2 years ago, DROS have only just got round to reporting it, so we are still monitoring the situation with the pen  :)
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: tommy toes on June 15, 2010, 11:04:47 am
I used to watch all the Conference gages on Setanta and was always really impressed with Friend. He's similar to how SOD likes his full backs ie quick, gets forward and puts some great cosses in. I'm really pleased with this signing.
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: tommy toes on June 15, 2010, 11:06:19 am
I'm really pleased with this signing..although not pleased with my typerising....
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: donnybez on June 15, 2010, 06:44:41 pm
Fantastic player  :) glad we managed to replace Roberts with someone who is, or could be better then him
If Exeter are serious about a left back we could always loan them Dumbuya...
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: DadsleyRover on June 15, 2010, 07:58:24 pm
Someone I know at Wolves rates him as a perfect player for us. A good athlete and does not have any edge to him. So he should get on with Sean and Richard.
He also added that Andrew Surman would be a good catch for us if he has not gone to Norwich. And that we should try and get Richard Stearman on loan.
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: eastender on June 15, 2010, 08:40:14 pm
Kennedy or Friend,given the choice between the two, which one would you have chosen.Both players are young and talented but the fact that Friend as already played at an higher level than Kennedy, and as been the subject of a transfer, for a fee that is larger than our transfer record (hopefully not for long)gives him the edge IMHO,only time will tell.
PS, Welcome to Doncaster George . :)
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: PDX_Rover on June 15, 2010, 08:44:46 pm
Happy with that news.  Well done JR and SOD/ROK.
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Drover on June 15, 2010, 10:15:27 pm
I admit I do not know enough about him to comment on him,but going by the words on this thread its very encouraging,Its also pleasing to see that SOD n ROK certainly do have plan b and c etc and did not take long after the Kennedy news to come up with another left back.Well done Rovers Management and all involved.
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: i_ateallthepies on June 16, 2010, 12:01:12 pm
Perhaps Kennedy was the plan B all along.  Out of those two, Friend would have been my first choice.
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: Donnywolf on June 16, 2010, 12:47:49 pm
DadsleyRover wrote:
Quote
Someone I know at Wolves rates him as a perfect player for us. A good athlete and does not have any edge to him. So he should get on with Sean and Richard.
He also added that Andrew Surman would be a good catch for us if he has not gone to Norwich. And that we should try and get Richard Stearman on loan.


...ask your mate to send Carl Ikeme (Goalkeeper) as well + any other Wolfies that they can spare

Then I will have the best of ALL worlds !
Title: Re:George Friend
Post by: wing commander on June 16, 2010, 12:58:54 pm
I know its a bit giddy actually signing someone but lets be fair to the lad,he is bigged up on here as some sort of superstar,he isnt as yet he has a LOT to learn at this level.As nice as it is to read Exeters comments no one appears to have balanced that with Southends,Millwals and Scunthorpe who rate hime from the worst left back they have ever had to a average player not worth signing......
  The lad needs time to learn his trade and will probably make a few more mistakes than Roberts whilst he learns but he obviousley has the talent, hopefully the end product will be worth it.....