Viking Supporters Co-operative
Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: Branton Rover on January 12, 2021, 08:25:46 pm
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Looks inevitable now a bid from PNE has been accepted that Ben is leaving - I personally wish him all the best after all it’s the fans not the players who are wedded to the club & for Ben it’s a job of work & from his perspective he’ll likely double his wage at a club nearer home in the division above where he is currently - its what you might call a no brainier - we are though indeed fortunate to have one of the most astute and tuned in managers who will no doubt have contingency plans ready to action now. With the bid accepted the board clearly thinks they can utilise the funds all for betterment of the club itself -
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We can’t do anything other than wish him all the best, he has served us well he has entertained us all, and you can’t blame him foe wanting to better himself. If I say one thing about him is, I think by leaving is if he had left if and after we go up he would have had a better bargaining tool as we would as a club
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Are we taking football click bait sites as gospel about if a bid has been accepted?
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Free press
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To work closer to home, on more money and play championship football... good luck Ben.
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Real shame but not a shock. When you also add in the COVID issue then leaving for closer to home, higher division and more wages makes sense. Good luck to him
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Can’t begrudge him he’s been a class act.
He’s a championship player all day long.
I just feel disappointed he won’t see the season out, we’ve a cracking chance of getting a promotion on his CV and the form he’s in, still believe he’s have even more interest in the summer
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Cannot blame anyone wanting a pay rise and higher standard of football. Bit of a sour ending refusing to play
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Cannot blame anyone wanting a pay rise and higher standard of football. Bit of a sour ending refusing to play
Has he actually refused to play though? Or is that just hearsay...
Because things like that can really taint some peoples memories.
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Maybe he didn't refuse to play, maybe DM decided to to not play him incase he got injured and ruined a way to get a player who doesn't want to be here out of the club for the most amount of money possible to reinvest in the club
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It’s not hearsay.
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Maybe he was still actually recovering from covid :) I'm just amazed so many people know the inner workings and the "truth" even if there is 10 thousand versions of the truth :)
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It’s not hearsay.
And you know how ?
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From a perspective point of view, we've lost better players over the last dozen or so years and survived.
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It’s onwards and upwards .
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It’s not hearsay.
And you know how ?
I heard it from someone who never lets me down and has been spot on in the 15 or so years I’ve known them. I’m guessing it will all come out in the coming days.
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It’s not hearsay.
And you know how ?
I heard it from someone who never lets me down and has been spot on in the 15 or so years I’ve known them. I’m guessing it will all come out in the coming days.
Whether true or not, these things are not helpful as it taints what has been a good period with Ben at the club and I'm sure we've all enjoyed watching him develop. I'm certainly not going to let it matter and I wish him all the best too.
Given all the sh*te we've been through in the last 12 months, this is a small ripple in a big pond and we all need to move on to better times ahead. Just being able to get back to the Keepmoat safely is the main prize.
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It’s not hearsay.
And you know how ?
I heard it from someone who never lets me down and has been spot on in the 15 or so years I’ve known them. I’m guessing it will all come out in the coming days.
Whether true or not, these things are not helpful as it taints what has been a good period with Ben at the club and I'm sure we've all enjoyed watching him develop. I'm certainly not going to let it matter and I wish him all the best too.
Given all the sh*te we've been through in the last 12 months, this is a small ripple in a big pond and we all need to move on to better times ahead. Just being able to get back to the Keepmoat safely is the main prize.
Agree 100%. It’s just a shame he couldn't / wouldn’t see the season out.
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As I've posted before, it was clear as day that Whiteman accepted us not selling him in September through gritted teeth.
He's put in some excellent performances since which is a testament to his professionalism.
But you know how this works.
If he's determined to leave, then f**k him. He's yesterday's news.
We move on.
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Good luck Ben!
I'm not sure that Preston is the right fit but time will tell. We move on with a few quid in the bank and more financial certainty that many lower-league clubs. While it's a blow, I would be amazed if contingency plans hadn't been discussed at length.
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Very disappointed to lose him mid season.
I really did think he would stay until the summer.
Can’t blame him i suppose if he is doubling or even trebling his wages.
Football is a relatively short career.
We move on without him and i trust DM will have a replacement lined up.
Just hope this does not affect our momentum with our promotion ambition.
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Looks inevitable now a bid from PNE has been accepted that Ben is leaving - I personally wish him all the best after all it’s the fans not the players who are wedded to the club & for Ben it’s a job of work & from his perspective he’ll likely double his wage at a club nearer home in the division above where he is currently - its what you might call a no brainier - we are though indeed fortunate to have one of the most astute and tuned in managers who will no doubt have contingency plans ready to action now. With the bid accepted the board clearly thinks they can utilise the funds all for betterment of the club itself -
And that's exactly how we should look at it.
We must remember that Ben has been looked at by other clubs for the last 3 transfer windows, there's only so much loyalty that both club and player can employ when we're holding back somebody's career.
My understanding is that Adam Henshall has a considerable list of replacements, and rather than expecting one big name player we may be looking at a couple of players to bolster the squad.
We need to trust the process, its worked very well for us the last couple of seasons and there's no reason to suggest it won't work now.
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Good luck Ben, you've done a good job for Doncaster Rovers,
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Martin, I think most people can endorse Ben’s move and fully understand his wishes to be much nearer home. (Nobody knows that better than me, during my working life, I can assure you). I can only speak for myself here, I just can’t get over the timing of it and the disruption it will possibly cause to the squad as a whole. Here we are, in 4th place in the league with games in hand that could take us top, and we have this absolute bombshell. I feel for DM, I really do.
Yes, we may have contingencies in place, (and why wouldn’t we?) but we seem to be underestimating what the potential impact is going to have on us, going forward. I sincerely hope there’s better news around the corner because this turn of events is very, very disappointing.
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We are fortunate that BW signed a new contract when he did. Many players in his position would have wound their current contract down and moved on a ‘free’.
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Ben has been great for us. The way I look at it though is a million pounds plus profit right now helps keep our club going during horrible times.
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if he was sold for more than £1.5 million as rumoured, where does that rank Ben it terms of highest price paid for a Rovers player?
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I am sure contingency plans are in place. It should come as no surprise to anyone that this could happen in this transfer window. Good luck Ben.
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BJW, Without being certain, some figures bandied about suggest:
Matt Mills 2M
Billy Sharp 1.85M
John Marquis 1.8M
Richie Wellens 1.2M
Others may have better information
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We have to accept that this is football players come and go Ben could have broken his leg and ended his career but we carry on. At least this way we have money in the kitty and a team to support. Thanks, a lot Ben and all the best. Now looking forward to welcoming our next hero.
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That 'useless' manager Fergie didn't do bad for the club financially did he signing Marquis and Whiteman?
Not to mention Anderson etc...
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If you were offered substantially higher wages to go to a bigger company with more resources and prestige what would you do?
If you did move, should that diminish your achievements and hard work at the previous employer?
Ben has been a great player for DRFC never giving less than his best. This is a great opportunity for him in what is a short career, so I wish him all the best.
The fact that we’ll get a decent amount of money in to hopefully see us through this awful period of uncertainty is a bonus.
Plus I trust DM to find a decent replacement.
So, for me it’s disappointing to lose some one of his talent, but it’s the reality of the situation.
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Like most of us on here, I thank Ben for his time with us here, his professionalism, his great performances, and can only wish him and his family all the best wishes in the world for the next move in his career. Good luck Ben, and thank you.
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That 'useless' manager Fergie didn't do bad for the club financially did he signing Marquis and Whiteman?
Not to mention Anderson etc...
Could spot a player, but a terrible man manager with some. Dodgy tactician and a bottler as well.
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Martin, I think most people can endorse Ben’s move and fully understand his wishes to be much nearer home. (Nobody knows that better than me, during my working life, I can assure you). I can only speak for myself here, I just can’t get over the timing of it and the disruption it will possibly cause to the squad as a whole. Here we are, in 4th place in the league with games in hand that could take us top, and we have this absolute bombshell. I feel for DM, I really do.
Yes, we may have contingencies in place, (and why wouldn’t we?) but we seem to be underestimating what the potential impact is going to have on us, going forward. I sincerely hope there’s better news around the corner because this turn of events is very, very disappointing.
I understand your angst Alan, I really do, but this will not be a shock or a blow to DM. He's been well aware of this for sometime and he knows we have to take the rough with the smooth.
Only this time last year you were saying DM could walk if he doesn't get backed by the board as time was passing through the window. Yet all the time DM was waiting for his targets to become available (or not) before implementing plan A or B etc. DM is a major player in deciding which way he wants to go so he's not so much a victim feeling hard done by as you might think he is.
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My understanding is that Adam Henshall has a considerable list of replacements, and rather than expecting one big name player we may be looking at a couple of players to bolster the squad.
This shouldn't be missed. In the current situation, with games backed up, and a congested fixture list to start off with, plus 5 (I think) more games for us to win the FA cup, the ability to put fit decent quality players on the pitch is a good starting point.
It's becoming a war of attrition and the more options you can trust the better.
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Thank you Darren for signing some stellar players on permanent contracts.
We have now sold a couple for a reported 4.5 million quid.
Lord knows where we would be without that cash.
Thanks again :thumbsup:
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giid point, credit where credit's due.
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My understanding is that Adam Henshall has a considerable list of replacements, and rather than expecting one big name player we may be looking at a couple of players to bolster the squad.
This shouldn't be missed. In the current situation, with games backed up, and a congested fixture list to start off with, plus 5 (I think) more games for us to win the FA cup, the ability to put fit decent quality players on the pitch is a good starting point.
It's becoming a war of attrition and the more options you can trust the better.
Agree with that, also as we've seen DM favours a fair degree of squad rotation and adapting the line up to the opposition. Multiple signings would fit into this.
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BradwellRover, nobody has said he was useless at spotting a player, just the way he used them, as has been highlighted by the way the next two managers have used them in much more exciting teams to watch.
His teams matched his personality boring with a nasty side.
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If the price is roughly £2m, that isn't a bad price in this market. The figures above were in better financial times.....
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Excited to see who comes in.
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That 'useless' manager Fergie didn't do bad for the club financially did he signing Marquis and Whiteman?
Not to mention Anderson etc...
Never doubted DF’s recruitment. As you say he brought some good players to the club.
His problem was moulding them into a cohesive unit and a developing a way of playing that both suited the players at his disposal and one that the players were comfortable in playing. Plus his man management skills or should i say the lack of it.
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Going back to Ben if he has just made it clear that he wants to go to Preston and it was DM decision not to put him in the squad saturday then i thank him, and wish him the best for the future.
However if it turns out he made it clear that he wanted to go to Preston and he refused to be included in the squad and downed tools then the sooner he gets down the motorway the better and we can forget him..
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Excited to see who comes in.
Don’t forget that Madger Gomes is close to a comeback and expected to be in contention for a first team place in the next 2 weeks (DFP). Not a like for like by any means, but he showed himself to be very capable as a holding midfielder earlier in the season.
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With Ben leaving, and very good luck to him, we will most likely replace him in the long term with a permanent signing and if this player comes from a league 1 or 2 team he will have most likely have been a regular 1st team player, so we will be on the other side of the coin.
It’s the nature of the beast, it’s been going on for over a hundred years and will never stop
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I don’t recall all these good wishes being offered to McCann when he did the self same thing as Whiteman has done. As far as I’m concerned they are both tarred with the same brush.
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BradwellRover, nobody has said he was useless at spotting a player, just the way he used them, as has been highlighted by the way the next two managers have used them in much more exciting teams to watch.
His teams matched his personality boring with a nasty side.
I don't know too much about Fergie to be able comment about his "nasty" side but I never felt he was boring. I used to look forward to his interviews and I loved his passion and the way he talked. Compare that to Darren Moore and his interviews are the most boring I've ever witnessed, cliché after cliché, almost "Trotteresqe". I don't bother listening anymore.
Also point me in the direction of the last game we were exciting to watch. Last couple of months we have been turgid, and that's putting it kindly.
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My understanding is that Adam Henshall has a considerable list of replacements, and rather than expecting one big name player we may be looking at a couple of players to bolster the squad.
This shouldn't be missed. In the current situation, with games backed up, and a congested fixture list to start off with, plus 5 (I think) more games for us to win the FA cup, the ability to put fit decent quality players on the pitch is a good starting point.
It's becoming a war of attrition and the more options you can trust the better.
Agree with that, also as we've seen DM favours a fair degree of squad rotation and adapting the line up to the opposition. Multiple signings would fit into this.
I'm torn tbh on that front. If the player is fit and quality he plays them aka BW. How many times was he dropped or subbed even when not playing that well?
If he wasn't leaving no one else would have been coming in.
Squad rotation and strength in depth defence have benefits i completely agree but if this route is taken will it water down how good the player considered is?
If that's what is decided then I thinks A loan plus perm? Total guess and not sure what the right answer is
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Need to be careful with the refusing to play rumours. I well remember being in the ground and it was widely accepted that Billy had fallen out with Saunders and was refusing to play. We all know with hindsight the tragic reality of that situation.
Whether he did or didn't is immaterial to me. Been a great player for us and as they tend to do has moved on to better himself. He's not the first, won't be the last. He isn't the best we've lost and more importantly, unlike in years previously, we are in a position to replace him
Good luck to the lad. We move on and will be fine
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⬆️⬆️⬆️ Totally agree
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I don’t recall all these good wishes being offered to McCann when he did the self same thing as Whiteman has done. As far as I’m concerned they are both tarred with the same brush.
I'm not sure the two scenarios can be easily compared, Whiteman on the outside seems to have been very professional over the last two or three windows, knuckled down and got on with his job despite the interest.......until now and the unconfirmed rumours of refusing to play. (Doesn't seem likely - my guess is Moore managed the situation by not selecting him as he wasn't 100% focused, my guess though)
McCann preached loyalty then jumped ship at the drop of a hat
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Rugbyrover looks like Peterborough are the side for you then nearer as well
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Need to be careful with the refusing to play rumours. I well remember being in the ground and it was widely accepted that Billy had fallen out with Saunders and was refusing to play. We all know with hindsight the tragic reality of that situation.
Whether he did or didn't is immaterial to me. Been a great player for us and as they tend to do has moved on to better himself. He's not the first, won't be the last. He isn't the best we've lost and more importantly, unlike in years previously, we are in a position to replace him
Good luck to the lad. We move on and will be fine
:that: 100%
And on the point about replacing Ben 'Like for Like' or of equal quality, calibre or whatever other terms are being used, as Martin has pointed out Adam Henshall is the man responsible for talent spotting. He will likely be working to build the jigsaw with players that fit the Manager's pattern of play. We could well find we get an entirely different type to Ben but who actually improves us.
Put it this way, if we could choose from a Richie Wellens, Brian Stock or Ben Whiteman (each at their best) I suspect BW would be most people's third choice. Quite honestly I see this as an opportunity to improve.
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Need to be careful with the refusing to play rumours. I well remember being in the ground and it was widely accepted that Billy had fallen out with Saunders and was refusing to play. We all know with hindsight the tragic reality of that situation.
Whether he did or didn't is immaterial to me. Been a great player for us and as they tend to do has moved on to better himself. He's not the first, won't be the last. He isn't the best we've lost and more importantly, unlike in years previously, we are in a position to replace him
Good luck to the lad. We move on and will be fine
Need to be careful with the refusing to play rumours. I well remember being in the ground and it was widely accepted that Billy had fallen out with Saunders and was refusing to play. We all know with hindsight the tragic reality of that situation.
Whether he did or didn't is immaterial to me. Been a great player for us and as they tend to do has moved on to better himself. He's not the first, won't be the last. He isn't the best we've lost and more importantly, unlike in years previously, we are in a position to replace him
Good luck to the lad. We move on and will be fine
Need to be careful with the refusing to play rumours. I well remember being in the ground and it was widely accepted that Billy had fallen out with Saunders and was refusing to play. We all know with hindsight the tragic reality of that situation.
Whether he did or didn't is immaterial to me. Been a great player for us and as they tend to do has moved on to better himself. He's not the first, won't be the last. He isn't the best we've lost and more importantly, unlike in years previously, we are in a position to replace him
Good luck to the lad. We move on and will be fine
Don't you be coming on here spreading a positive well balanced opinion , there's no place for that here
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BradwellRover, nobody has said he was useless at spotting a player, just the way he used them, as has been highlighted by the way the next two managers have used them in much more exciting teams to watch.
His teams matched his personality boring with a nasty side.
Think you responded to me in error...I was saying the same thing as you?!!!
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Rugbyrover looks like Peterborough are the side for you then nearer as well
Nah, not for me.
Lets see how Cov City shape up eh? ;)
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I think this is exactly the model we should be following, buying good young talent, developing them and then selling on for a profit. It’s the only route to true sustainability (as far as I can see) for DRFC; and the one Barnsley have used very successfully over recent years.
Even if we got to the Championship (highest reasonable level for us?) it’s almost impossible to survive there without selling players, racking up huge debt and/or having an investor.
Let’s hope DM brings in another one or two with the proceeds and the balance (after Sheff U’s cut) can support COVID related losses. I’m pretty optimistic.
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I don’t recall all these good wishes being offered to McCann when he did the self same thing as Whiteman has done. As far as I’m concerned they are both tarred with the same brush.
I'm not sure the two scenarios can be easily compared, Whiteman on the outside seems to have been very professional over the last two or three windows, knuckled down and got on with his job despite the interest.......until now and the unconfirmed rumours of refusing to play. (Doesn't seem likely - my guess is Moore managed the situation by not selecting him as he wasn't 100% focused, my guess though)
McCann preached loyalty then jumped ship at the drop of a hat
And Whiteman voluntarily signed a new 3 year deal which has given the club a lot more clout when negotiating any transfer for him. For most/possibly all of his time here Whiteman's been a model professional.
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I don’t recall all these good wishes being offered to McCann when he did the self same thing as Whiteman has done. As far as I’m concerned they are both tarred with the same brush.
I'm not sure the two scenarios can be easily compared, Whiteman on the outside seems to have been very professional over the last two or three windows, knuckled down and got on with his job despite the interest.......until now and the unconfirmed rumours of refusing to play. (Doesn't seem likely - my guess is Moore managed the situation by not selecting him as he wasn't 100% focused, my guess though)
McCann preached loyalty then jumped ship at the drop of a hat
And Whiteman voluntarily signed a new 3 year deal which has given the club a lot more clout when negotiating any transfer for him. For most/possibly all of his time here Whiteman's been a model professional.
Exactly, 100% agree, it'd could've been a lot worse for us, he's helped us by signing that contract to not lose him for nothing (will have obviously benefited from a pay rise in that too). Gutted to lose him but cannot really fault how he's been with the interest, from what I've seen on the outside anyway.
Let's hope we add a sell on as can seen him going for decent money on his next move.
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Charlie Brown Chelsea to MK Dons is the only EFL transfer completed up to press today according to the BBC.
It's taking some sorting out.
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Should be a great opportunity for us to now pick from the carcasses of struggling clubs and get some real bargains.
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I'm going to out my head up over the parapet, is Ben really that good? He has had some cracking games for us, more than less, but he is not Mr Consistent. Good passer of the ball but no pace and not the strongest tackler in the world. When he is off though he is very average and I think we have seen better opposing defensive midfielders in his time with us. I'm going to trust in AH to come up with the goods but I would really like a proper mester to replace him
It's only an opinion nothing more
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Has there been a statement from the club or CEO with regards to loosing another top goal score ( Again) and how this will be taken onboard or if further support will be offered to DM.
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No.
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Do you ever give it a rest 1969
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BradwellRover, nobody has said he was useless at spotting a player, just the way he used them, as has been highlighted by the way the next two managers have used them in much more exciting teams to watch.
His teams matched his personality boring with a nasty side.
Eh? Did you actually read what I wrote and what I was responding to (provided again below)?
Lifelong supporter:
That 'useless' manager Fergie didn't do bad for the club financially did he signing Marquis and Whiteman?
Not to mention Anderson etc...
My response:
Could spot a player, but a terrible man manager with some. Dodgy tactician and a bottler as well.
I was saying the same thing as you.
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Has there been a statement from the club or CEO with regards to loosing another top goal score ( Again) and how this will be taken onboard or if further support will be offered to DM.
It's not confirmed yet, why would they make a statement until it's signed and sealed?
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Thursdays are generally press days and what with Ben having a medical etc, I would imagine they'll agree a rough time to make their respective announcements.
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Has there been a statement from the club or CEO with regards to loosing another top goal score ( Again) and how this will be taken onboard or if further support will be offered to DM.
I think you should wait for the medicals to be completed, the contracts to be signed and lodged with the EFL before expecting any official confirmation.
At the moment its only reported that he's been sold and those are the reasons why.
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I'm going to out my head up over the parapet, is Ben really that good? He has had some cracking games for us, more than less, but he is not Mr Consistent. Good passer of the ball but no pace and not the strongest tackler in the world. When he is off though he is very average and I think we have seen better opposing defensive midfielders in his time with us. I'm going to trust in AH to come up with the goods but I would really like a proper mester to replace him
It's only an opinion nothing more
One of the highest interception rates in the league and one of the best passers in the league. Football isn't all about pace and sliding tackles.
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I'm going to out my head up over the parapet, is Ben really that good? He has had some cracking games for us, more than less, but he is not Mr Consistent. Good passer of the ball but no pace and not the strongest tackler in the world. When he is off though he is very average and I think we have seen better opposing defensive midfielders in his time with us. I'm going to trust in AH to come up with the goods but I would really like a proper mester to replace him
It's only an opinion nothing more
One of the highest interception rates in the league and one of the best passers in the league. Football isn't all about pace and sliding tackles.
If you can't megs six players then score from 40 yards you're not welcome here!
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Charlie Brown Chelsea to MK Dons is the only EFL transfer completed up to press today according to the BBC.
It's taking some sorting out.
Bet they’re paying him peanuts!
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For anyone who criticises our loan policy.
Sometime it does pay dividends.
If this transfer could strengthen our team by 2/3 or 4 players it could address any weaknesses we do have and progress stronger going forwards.
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I'm going to out my head up over the parapet, is Ben really that good? He has had some cracking games for us, more than less, but he is not Mr Consistent. Good passer of the ball but no pace and not the strongest tackler in the world. When he is off though he is very average and I think we have seen better opposing defensive midfielders in his time with us. I'm going to trust in AH to come up with the goods but I would really like a proper mester to replace him
It's only an opinion nothing more
One of the highest interception rates in the league and one of the best passers in the league. Football isn't all about pace and sliding tackles.
But pretty good tools for a defensive midfielder, just wonder if he might struggle a bit in Championship, hope not
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I'm going to out my head up over the parapet, is Ben really that good? He has had some cracking games for us, more than less, but he is not Mr Consistent. Good passer of the ball but no pace and not the strongest tackler in the world. When he is off though he is very average and I think we have seen better opposing defensive midfielders in his time with us. I'm going to trust in AH to come up with the goods but I would really like a proper mester to replace him
It's only an opinion nothing more
One of the highest interception rates in the league and one of the best passers in the league. Football isn't all about pace and sliding tackles.
But pretty good tools for a defensive midfielder, just wonder if he might struggle a bit in Championship, hope not
Is he even a guaranteed first choice starter? I would imagine there are players on part with his ability and strengths I don't know.
Inevitably he will play against better players and he won't be the main star player like he is for us.
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I’d argue the opposite, that better players around you raise your game and your levels.
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I'm going to out my head up over the parapet, is Ben really that good? He has had some cracking games for us, more than less, but he is not Mr Consistent. Good passer of the ball but no pace and not the strongest tackler in the world. When he is off though he is very average and I think we have seen better opposing defensive midfielders in his time with us. I'm going to trust in AH to come up with the goods but I would really like a proper mester to replace him
It's only an opinion nothing more
One of the highest interception rates in the league and one of the best passers in the league. Football isn't all about pace and sliding tackles.
But pretty good tools for a defensive midfielder, just wonder if he might struggle a bit in Championship, hope not
I wouldn't call him a defensive midfielder. He's more a deep lying playmaker, similar to Jordan Henderson or Ruben Neves. In the right place to win a ball back, can tackle if need be, gets the team going forward through his passes and can easily unlock a defence with his ability to pick out the right pass.
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I'm going to out my head up over the parapet, is Ben really that good? He has had some cracking games for us, more than less, but he is not Mr Consistent. Good passer of the ball but no pace and not the strongest tackler in the world. When he is off though he is very average and I think we have seen better opposing defensive midfielders in his time with us. I'm going to trust in AH to come up with the goods but I would really like a proper mester to replace him
It's only an opinion nothing more
One of the highest interception rates in the league and one of the best passers in the league. Football isn't all about pace and sliding tackles.
But pretty good tools for a defensive midfielder, just wonder if he might struggle a bit in Championship, hope not
Is he even a guaranteed first choice starter? I would imagine there are players on part with his ability and strengths I don't know.
Inevitably he will play against better players and he won't be the main star player like he is for us.
Another reason that the timing of this surprises me, I would have thought moving in the close season is much easier for a player transition than trying to hit the ground running in a new team in a higher league. I guess he just thinks the move is right for him & didn't want to pass the opportunity up.
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Do you ever give it a rest 1969
. I asked a question as I’d not heard anything official or how this would effect the club and selections going forward . I pay my season ticket and watch every game on tv or iPad so I thought it should have been addressed sooner rather than the usual “ they can wait” in this not so normal times . So get off your little donkey .
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For anyone who criticises our loan policy.
Sometime it does pay dividends.
If this transfer could strengthen our team by 2/3 or 4 players it could address any weaknesses we do have and progress stronger going forwards.
Our loan policy was very different when we signed whiteman than it is today
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We had also just been promoted from the bottom tier and finished 15 points off the play offs and 40 points off automatic promotion.
Today we are in a far better position altogether, whatever the loan policy.
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If this was just Ben leaving, I wouldn't be as pessimistic as I am about our promotion prospects today. It's the fact that we've probably lost Sims as well.
Those two have been our most productive and creative players this season by a country mile.
I've no doubt that DM and AH have targets in the pipeline, but to replace both Whiteman and Sims and still achieve promotion is a herculean task IMO.
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We use the loans to benefit the club as never before and help it sustain by bolstering what would be small under strength squad . Well done to DM for his farsighted vision of how to get ours and his club further up the food chain .
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Has there been a statement from the club or CEO with regards to loosing another top goal score ( Again) and how this will be taken onboard or if further support will be offered to DM.
Rovers are always the last to report these things on our website. We always know days before it’s on there. But there is nothing to report till it’s done and dusted
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I'm going to out my head up over the parapet, is Ben really that good? He has had some cracking games for us, more than less, but he is not Mr Consistent. Good passer of the ball but no pace and not the strongest tackler in the world. When he is off though he is very average and I think we have seen better opposing defensive midfielders in his time with us. I'm going to trust in AH to come up with the goods but I would really like a proper mester to replace him
It's only an opinion nothing more
One of the highest interception rates in the league and one of the best passers in the league. Football isn't all about pace and sliding tackles.
But pretty good tools for a defensive midfielder, just wonder if he might struggle a bit in Championship, hope not
I wouldn't call him a defensive midfielder. He's more a deep lying playmaker, similar to Jordan Henderson or Ruben Neves. In the right place to win a ball back, can tackle if need be, gets the team going forward through his passes and can easily unlock a defence with his ability to pick out the right pass.
Think that you are in the minority with that description of how Ben played for us
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I'm going to out my head up over the parapet, is Ben really that good? He has had some cracking games for us, more than less, but he is not Mr Consistent. Good passer of the ball but no pace and not the strongest tackler in the world. When he is off though he is very average and I think we have seen better opposing defensive midfielders in his time with us. I'm going to trust in AH to come up with the goods but I would really like a proper mester to replace him
It's only an opinion nothing more
One of the highest interception rates in the league and one of the best passers in the league. Football isn't all about pace and sliding tackles.
But pretty good tools for a defensive midfielder, just wonder if he might struggle a bit in Championship, hope not
I wouldn't call him a defensive midfielder. He's more a deep lying playmaker, similar to Jordan Henderson or Ruben Neves. In the right place to win a ball back, can tackle if need be, gets the team going forward through his passes and can easily unlock a defence with his ability to pick out the right pass.
Think that you are in the minority with that description of how Ben played for us
I don't think he's in the minority Raven. Some of Ben's defence splitting passes this season have been out of this world.
I'd like to know where they're coming from now he's gone.
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I note that, presuming there is no last minute hitch, Ben will now become Preston’s record signing. Quiz question - which future Rovers player is their current record signing for a fee of £1.5M?
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I note that, presuming there is no last minute hitch, Ben will now become Preston’s record signing. Quiz question - which future Rovers player is their current record signing for a fee of £1.5M?
Future Rovers player referring to Doncaster?
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Charlie Brown Chelsea to MK Dons is the only EFL transfer completed up to press today according to the BBC.
It's taking some sorting out.
Bet they’re paying him peanuts!
I had a pec-an they are not paying him peanuts !
If its cash-ew are wanting you have come to the right place (Chelsea said)
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I'm going to out my head up over the parapet, is Ben really that good? He has had some cracking games for us, more than less, but he is not Mr Consistent. Good passer of the ball but no pace and not the strongest tackler in the world. When he is off though he is very average and I think we have seen better opposing defensive midfielders in his time with us. I'm going to trust in AH to come up with the goods but I would really like a proper mester to replace him
It's only an opinion nothing more
There's times this season when we've played so called lesser opposition when I've really expected him to boss the midfield and dictate the game and it's not really happened and I've been disappointed. Having said that you can see the quality on show in the final 3rd and he's scoring goals so maybe a step up with better players will bring more consistent performances.
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I'm going to out my head up over the parapet, is Ben really that good? He has had some cracking games for us, more than less, but he is not Mr Consistent. Good passer of the ball but no pace and not the strongest tackler in the world. When he is off though he is very average and I think we have seen better opposing defensive midfielders in his time with us. I'm going to trust in AH to come up with the goods but I would really like a proper mester to replace him
It's only an opinion nothing more
One of the highest interception rates in the league and one of the best passers in the league. Football isn't all about pace and sliding tackles.
But pretty good tools for a defensive midfielder, just wonder if he might struggle a bit in Championship, hope not
I wouldn't call him a defensive midfielder. He's more a deep lying playmaker, similar to Jordan Henderson or Ruben Neves. In the right place to win a ball back, can tackle if need be, gets the team going forward through his passes and can easily unlock a defence with his ability to pick out the right pass.
Think that you are in the minority with that description of how Ben played for us
He's certainly not in the minority, Whiteman is not a "defensive" midfielder and we haven't really played with one since Ferguson left and we abandoned the Diamond. Whiteman is a fluid deep-lying playmaker who can move the ball around all areas of the pitch and go with it. Jordan Henderson is a good comparison.
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I note that, presuming there is no last minute hitch, Ben will now become Preston’s record signing. Quiz question - which future Rovers player is their current record signing for a fee of £1.5M?
Isn’t their record the Coventry lad at £2m? Not sure Ben is being sold at that level is he Dutch? Good if we have got that.
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According to this season’s sky annual it was David Healy at £1.5M in
2001. Maybe record beaten after publication?..
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Was it David Healy for £1.5M in 2001?
Bugger, too late.
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I'm going to out my head up over the parapet, is Ben really that good? He has had some cracking games for us, more than less, but he is not Mr Consistent. Good passer of the ball but no pace and not the strongest tackler in the world. When he is off though he is very average and I think we have seen better opposing defensive midfielders in his time with us. I'm going to trust in AH to come up with the goods but I would really like a proper mester to replace him
It's only an opinion nothing more
One of the highest interception rates in the league and one of the best passers in the league. Football isn't all about pace and sliding tackles.
But pretty good tools for a defensive midfielder, just wonder if he might struggle a bit in Championship, hope not
I wouldn't call him a defensive midfielder. He's more a deep lying playmaker, similar to Jordan Henderson or Ruben Neves. In the right place to win a ball back, can tackle if need be, gets the team going forward through his passes and can easily unlock a defence with his ability to pick out the right pass.
Think that you are in the minority with that description of how Ben played for us
I don't think he's in the minority Raven. Some of Ben's defence splitting passes this season have been out of this world.
I'd like to know where they're coming from now he's gone.
It's the description "deep lying playmaker" not his passing ability
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According to this season’s sky annual it was David Healy at £1.5M in
2001. Maybe record beaten after publication?..
When I cheated and looked it up I found 4 Rovers bound players (I think)
David Healy 1.8 million
Richard Chaplow 1.08 million
Iain Hume 900 thou
Chris Brown 540 th
There may be others
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/preston-north-end/transferrekorde/verein/466
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Obviously undisclosed but the media coverage at Bayliss signing from Coventry was “believed to be £2m”. Plenty of sources attribute him as the record signing.
Hope this is not a foretaste for Ben. The lad signed in July 2019 and has only started a single game in the league for them since signing.
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Done Deal.
On DROS. Undisclosed fee
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https://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/news/2021/january/whiteman-leaves-rovers/?fbclid=IwAR31srU-11Q2p-ITZ0z3ZLVvEgQiZ_eX8uPDDCgjNqiXwAukXN_LAYdZfkc
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Bens put out the standard statement on twitter thanking everyone at Rovers and he's buzzing to be at PNE
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I hope he is as good for them as he was for us.
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A pre 9am announcement is unusual, could we have a replacement lined up for today?
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Cheers Ben! You've been brilliant for us!
He could have gone last season and we may not have got as much money as he's developed since then. He could have gone in the summer but no one was prepared to stump up. He's gone now and it's a good move for him being local and a step up in his career to challenge himself and it also gives us some funds during a tough time for the whole of football. Hopefully we've added a sell-on clause in there too just in case he does well.
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Leaves PNE plenty of time to release their announcement, interview and photo session etc.
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Leaves PNE plenty of time to release their announcement, interview and photo session etc.
Already done
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Good. We can move on now.
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Fair play to Ben, has been a class act in the way he has gone about it all. Good luck to him at Preston, cant bemoan that move at all. Excited to see who we may bring in and fingers crossed some of that money is used to tie down some new contracts for the likes of Anderson, James etc too.
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I think we all knew this day was coming at some point. Still bloody annoying though.
That said, I wish Ben the best of luck in the future and we now have to move on, bring in a replacement and hopefully carry on our push for promotion.
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Good to hear him being Frank about the move.
https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/exclusive-ben-whiteman-difficult-decision-leave-doncaster-rovers-3100038
Those who look to criticise the club need to understand why that is unfair and unnecessary!
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Quite happy with him being honest and he's right. It's a chance he wants to take, a fee that seems sensible and why should he wait around. At least he's honest I don't think that's something footballers are enough.
I liked it with wellens who was also honest when he moved to a bigger club for more money and I now agree with it for Ben. Good luck to him, I now hope we get someone who will grow to be better and grow the club out of it.
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We’ve made a handsome profit from him, in my opinion it should have been more, but it is what it is. The key thing now is how we replace him, how quickly and with who? The outcome of our season could well depend on what happens next
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We’ve made a handsome profit from him, in my opinion it should have been more, but it is what it is. The key thing now is how we replace him, how quickly and with who? The outcome of our season could well depend on what happens next
I would assume that we have prepared for this happening as the Club will have been anticipating this could happen especially as we have had bids in the previous transfer windows.
It just depends whether the right players come along and if we can get them over the line.
No point just signing players for the sake of it especially permanent.
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Class act, cheers Ben & good luck.
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That is far the standard goodbye .He displays genuine feelings about the club and particularly Gavin Baldwin who will have been the chief negotiator for the club in this deal .He has been sincere and clearly appreciates the way the club has dealt with all this .Well done Ben .You are professional and genuine on and off the pitch .
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Confirmed then he signed his contract to help us get a fee.
We should be grateful for that.
All the best captain your on track for a great career.
I hope we’ve got our own sell on clause in there.
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I agree Brian. This seems a well thought out statement and not the usual homage paying standard effort.
I'm sure that he will always remember his time here with happy memories and continue to always follow our club and it's progress.
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Do we have two replacements lined up with records better than Ben's, which we won't be able to get over the line?
I wonder.
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As I have no affinity with any single player I am actually excited about Ben’s departure...
We get to see what the manager will do ( exciting)
We get to see how the team shapes up ( exciting)
We get to occasionally check on Ben to see what Preston fans think ( exciting)
So all of n all we have some excitement heading our way !
I know some will dwell on the past and feel sad n deflated, some will even turn against the board and the manager ...... but not me, this is good business, very good business indeed...
Like I’ve said previously, I’ve seen quite a few strong physical talented midfielders in this league who just happen to be at the wrong club....
Good luck to Ben .... I feel he will need to add a fair bit to his game to receive the accolades he received here.....
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No ambition, he should have stayed at Doncaster, they’ll be swapping places with Preston in the summer. Should’ve waited for a bigger club
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All the best Ben hope you go to bigger things
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Good luck Ben, thanks for all your time and effort whilst at Rovers.
Now onto who is going to replace him.
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No ambition, he should have stayed at Doncaster, they’ll be swapping places with Preston in the summer. Should’ve waited for a bigger club
Thanks for the kind words Shadrach but we all know Preston aren't getting relegated this year.
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Players come and go. He was a great player for us and speaks well of the club. All the best Ben and thank you for gracing our club
We now move on.
What really annoys me about some supporters, saying the board have no ambition. Our club is run very well and is respected in the community and elsewhere. There is a national pandemic on, income is virtually nothing, yet we still have a club.
I am proud to be a DRFC supporter and am thankful we have a great board. Just a shame some people choose to have a go at the board. Very sad people, especially what happened not to long ago in the past.
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Good post - fully agree.
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Darren Moore has to praised for his fortitude and professionalism to keep taking all these knock backs from Covid , through to sale of key players and has still kept the his team focused and hungry to win.
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Players come and go. He was a great player for us and speaks well of the club. All the best Ben and thank you for gracing our club
We now move on.
What really annoys me about some supporters, saying the board have no ambition. Our club is run very well and is respected in the community and elsewhere. There is a national pandemic on, income is virtually nothing, yet we still have a club.
I am proud to be a DRFC supporter and am thankful we have a great board. Just a shame some people choose to have a go at the board. Very sad people, especially what happened not to long ago in the past.
Totally agree. We're making hay during this pandemic football-wise, but in reality success should currently be measured on keeping the club afloat. Staying in the same division a bonus. Promotion would be far exceeding expectation.
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Expect to see fewer posters on here now their heads have exploded.. happens every transfer window .. a reality check is needed by some. We are what we are.. we are Donny Rovers.. be thankful. It’s football.. and we look forward to whatever comes next .
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Sorry to see Ben go, I wonder what the chances are of keeping Taylor Richards with the money we now have? I would love to see him as a Rovers player.
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Absolutely no chance , Brighton payed quite a bit for money for him .
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You'd of thought he'd have gone to a bigger club!!!
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Very classy statement from Ben- I have almost forgiven him already!
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DM - “If you’re asking if I’m going to bring anyone in for a transfer fee then I can tell you no.”
:headbang:
Sometimes I despair at this club. I understand the majority being used to look after the club financially during this season but having 6 loanees isn't smart if they'd all would get in the first eleven and we can't play with one of them. Might as well accept not challenging now.
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DM - “If you’re asking if I’m going to bring anyone in for a transfer fee then I can tell you no.”
:headbang:
Sometimes I despair at this club. I understand the majority being used to look after the club financially during this season but having 6 loanees isn't smart if they'd all would get in the first eleven and we can't play with one of them. Might as well accept not challenging now.
Aye we should definitely give up. Might as well resign from the league ey!
Meanwhile, in the real world - Darren has literally said he will get money from the Whiteman transfer to use on new players. Doesn't have to mean a transfer fee. Why don't we wait to see what happens in the next 2-3 weeks? So many Rovers fans rush to judgement, almost as if willing them on to fail. I'm sure that's not the case for you DO but we should have learned by now to take what Darren Moore says with a pinch of salt sometimes.
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Liam Hoden has just literally said in a Twitter Q&A that Darren Moore has the capability to use money to sign a player, but he may just not go that route.
People are very quick to get on the club's back, forgetting how much autonomy we rightly give the manager.
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Plus, it’s not smart to just say come take our money!
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DM - “If you’re asking if I’m going to bring anyone in for a transfer fee then I can tell you no.”
:headbang:
Sometimes I despair at this club. I understand the majority being used to look after the club financially during this season but having 6 loanees isn't smart if they'd all would get in the first eleven and we can't play with one of them. Might as well accept not challenging now.
I think that, as others have said, we shouldn't rush to judgement here.
DM is not the media expert and has said a few things during his time with us that don't necessary reflect the right situation. For accuracy on these matters then Gavin is the man to speak to, and he hasn't ruled anything out at all.
What I can tell you is that we won't be deliberately telling people how much money we have in the bank and how we intend to spend it, that's just foolish.
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That’s a good point,
Moore told us previously that we had no interest in okenabirhie and then we signed him.
It’s also true we shouldn’t be telling everyone we’ve got money to spend
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Players come and go. He was a great player for us and speaks well of the club. All the best Ben and thank you for gracing our club
We now move on.
What really annoys me about some supporters, saying the board have no ambition. Our club is run very well and is respected in the community and elsewhere. There is a national pandemic on, income is virtually nothing, yet we still have a club.
I am proud to be a DRFC supporter and am thankful we have a great board. Just a shame some people choose to have a go at the board. Very sad people, especially what happened not to long ago in the past.
Totally agree. We're making hay during this pandemic football-wise, but in reality success should currently be measured on keeping the club afloat. Staying in the same division a bonus. Promotion would be far exceeding expectation.
Exceeding expectation from whom? That certainly doesn't tally with the board's ambitions.
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Pne fan just bobbing by to get a heads up on Ben joining pne...enjoyed reading the few pages I have read...much more cordial than pne forum where the now it all’s and moaning crew run amok.
We got a few players running down there contracts so glad you think Ben signed to get you a few quiz sounds a decent lad....we’re does he live.?
Pity we couldn’t have lent you Baylis.... but then again maybe he isn’t up to your standard yet.
Good luck for your season stopped,in Rotherham 2019... me my son impressed with a new ground being close to center...
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Pne fan just bobbing by to get a heads up on Ben joining pne...enjoyed reading the few pages I have read...much more cordial than pne forum where the now it all’s and moaning crew run amok.
We got a few players running down there contracts so glad you think Ben signed to get you a few quiz sounds a decent lad....we’re does he live.?
Pity we couldn’t have lent you Baylis.... but then again maybe he isn’t up to your standard yet.
Good luck for your season stopped,in Rotherham 2019... me my son impressed with a new ground being close to center...
Think he’s based around Greater Manchester?
You’ve got a top player. There are no obvious weaknesses in his game, he can pass, tackle, get around the pitch. He’s good at winning the ball back and is dangerous from range too. More importantly, he’s proved to be a leader with the right mentality. I’ll look forward to seeing how he progresses at PNE.
Back to our situation, I think SM raises valid points there. What would be the point in DM saying we’re going to go out and spend now? It might temporarily pacify a few dissenting voices on Twitter but at the same time it ramps up expectation and weakens out negotiating position. Let’s see what happens.
In Matt Smith and Taylor Richards we have two excellent midfield players to step in, at least for the time being. I think Smith can play the anchor role.