Brooker may play this week

[gud-old-donny]

http://www.thestar.co.uk/doncaster/Striker-poised-for-first-Rovers.6414128.jp

[Barmby Rover]

\"Steve looked really good in training and I was impressed with him,\" said the Rovers boss.


I hope that this statement does not prelude another problem, or am I becoming paranoid?

[scuzzer]

You mean he might be prone to chucking himself on the floor any time a defender looks at him Barmby?!

[Alan Southstand]

It may be good news about Brooker, but SSN reports that John Oster has had to sit out training due to feeling 'pain in the knee'. Not good news at all so close to the start of the season and it appears that r&r has not worked in his favour.

[Jonathan]

Alan Southstand wrote:

It may be good news about Brooker, but SSN reports that John Oster has had to sit out training due to feeling 'pain in the knee'. Not good news at all so close to the start of the season and it appears that r&r has not worked in his favour.

The Oster situation is a concern but reading the update on DROS, hopefully it's not too serious.

Great to hear Brooker is looking good but we have to be very careful with him. Nobody can expect him to suddenly play 40 games a season, but if we can use him sparingly and build him up he could be a real asset. Obviously it's great to hear we're after Keogh on loan as that would give us a good balance of striking options to complement Sharp.

[Alan Southstand]

All the hints are there, Jon, but there's not much concrete evidence on other incomings. Things seem to have gone quiet after all the razamatazz of the Billy signing. I realise that, if we are to get 2 or 3 loan signings are to come in, then they'll not be joining us until maybe after their own clubs pre-season(?), however, I seem to remember someone quoting JR as having said that 3 loans had already been agreed and there was to be more information later. That was then altered to maybe 2 loans, after discussions were had, with JR, at the Askern friendly. Since then - nothing!

It may seem like I'm pestering, when, in reality, I'm doing anything but that. I am a 'tad' concerned that it seems to have gone so quiet, but not overly so, as I realise these things take time. But if someone has already 'agreed' to join us on loan - why can't we formally announce \"DRFC will be signing ------------- on the ---- August, for a season-long loan\"? I just don't understand how these things work.
E.g. How can Barnsley announce their signing of the Stoke midfield player, for a season-long loan, yet we can't announce anything?

It is good news about Steve and I sincerely hope he sees out a season with us. I don't think we can expect too much from him, as he's been away for an awful long time, but if SOD thinks he's looking good then that can only be good for the player and for us supporters.

[Jonathan]

I think you have to give them time to conduct negotiations, Alan. I openly admit I was disappointed with how last summer went - the departures of Wellens and Mills and the fact we only brought in one player (Oster) capable of making inroads into the first team. This summer has been entirely different, though. We've only lost Gareth Roberts that we intended to keep and he's been replaced with a promising young player with big-club experience and the physical stature to add something extra to our back line. We have signed Gillet who we already know is a capable player and can make an impact in the team when called upon. Obviously we have also splashed out a club record fee to to bring in a striker that really raises the bar for us, so we have already shown intent to strengthen.

The club have confirmed officially that talks are on-going to bring Andy Keogh and Steven Caulker here, so we have to trust that they are working hard to make it happen. We know that Caulker is off on tour with England so it's understandable that it could take time before he arrives. As for Keogh, we'll just have to see. It's not beyond the realms of possibility he could arrive this week. Rather than just saying have patience, I think there are grounds to say have a bit of faith this summer.

[Alan Southstand]

I thought that might happen - my faith is definately not in question. I was really referring to a previous (6th July) message from Rob, which read:

Just had a call from Gartom.... 1 Week ago    
...who in turn has just had a call from JR.

As you all probably know by now (and if you dont, what is it like on the moon?) Billy has indeed signed, pending a medical. A press conference is scheduled for wednesday.

Also, Simon Gillett has agreed to sign, and three loan players have also agreed to come. No specific details as yet on those.

Today really is a hugely significant day in the history of our great club. Today is the day that we step up to become a major force in this division. Enjoy that thought.

RTR

The point I'm making is - IF the 3 loanees have 'agreed' to come - why can't we announce them? Restrictions from their respective Clubs maybe an answer, but I go back to the Stoke/Barnsley loan and how they can announce theirs? It's confusing!

[coventryrover]

Patience young man, patience

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

Alan Southstand wrote:

The point I'm making is - IF the 3 loanees have 'agreed' to come - why can't we announce them? Restrictions from their respective Clubs maybe an answer, but I go back to the Stoke/Barnsley loan and how they can announce theirs? It's confusing!

The other way of looking at it is that it saves a bit of money.  Having them here now and paying wages etc would be a bit pointless (particularly in Caulker's case as he's on international duty).

As for the Barnsley one, that's their choice really, looking at previous years, loan signings very rarely begin before the season starts (think Mills, Brown, Sharp, Shackell etc).  Players will want to force their way in at their own club and rightly so.  Look at it on the other point of view, the likes of Webster, Fairhurst etc will be used pre season but perhaps come the start of the season they'll find games hard to come by and then go on loan.  I guess it's the same principle at other clubs.

That guy Barnsley signed didn't do well for Brighton last season, seems to have a reputation as a good player but Brighton fans reckon he's rubbish.

[RoversDave]

The Premier League, have until the end of August to submit the \"25 man  squads\" they are going to use in the first half of the season. So loans may not start until then.

[BLIR]

RoversDave wrote:

The Premier League, have until the end of August to submit the \"25 man  squads\" they are going to use in the first half of the season. So loans may not start until then.

But surely we want to get the loanees in sooner rather than later, have them train with the team pre-season so as not to disrupt the balance of the team at the last minute?

[Alan Southstand]

Patience young man, patience

I like the 'young' part, Coventry! 58 this month mate, even I can't stretch that to being young!

[Jonathan]

Come on Alan, you know me well enough to know I wasn't questioning your faith!