Brian Stock

[Branton Rover]

I write these notes as an admirer of Brian in two very different aspects firstly as a footballer he is without question one of the finest players to wear a Rovers shirt since I started watching my beloved club 30 years ago now and secondly as a bloke he is a fine family man easy going & approachable always happy to talk to supporters me included about Rovers & football in general.  After reading some of the comments along the lines of get rid I find offensive we all know that contract negotiations are rarely straightforward & unfortunately on this occasion they appear to have broke down which is a crying shame for all involved.  Brian would certainly have stayed & would have been happy to sign had he got what he deemed fair offer after 4 years of Stirling service to the Rovers cause.  On the other hand the club has to look into the crystal ball & God forbid we'd signed Brian on a new 3 year contract then found after a period of time that the player wasn't able to play enough games to merit such an outlay it's a really difficult situation for all concerned.  If Brian feels he's unable to accept terms that are on the table we have got to be adult about where we go from here.  Come January & if nothing is sorted then I'm afraid for the good of both parties we must reluctantly have to cash in we couldn't tolerate suffering another Greeny moment that wouldn't be fair on the club or its supporters.  

If there is a parting of the ways I for one would happily always welcome Brian into my company because of the times we have met I have always found him to be courteous & modest about his football ability & he is a gentleman which is a rare commodity in players of today.  Whatever happens I'd wish him well & good luck for his future unless he signs for the Dingles.  

Ps I think SOD is an amazing manager & we have to trust his judgment on football matters let's face it he knows a hell of a lot more than we do.  It's just a strange scenario that Stocky is not starting games no disrespect to our current midfield who are doing a magnificent job but no-one can tell me it wouldn't improve with Brian in it sat just in front of the back four.

[Norfolk N Chance]

Sounds to me its all over so very sad and to be honest if it is Leeds this will be the hardest pill of all to swallow (in recent history)!

Suggest if there is truth in this rumour which clearly will not go away then it is done well before Jan and he goes on loan as this will cause alot of unrest amoungst fans and players.

Very very let down Rovers fan!

[Branton Rover]

Unfortunately we must face facts we aren't big payers at Donny Billy aside which is a bitter pill to swallow but we aren't ever going to be in a position to start throwing money around irresponsibly that would lead to ruin & I for one are proud of how we go about things. John Ryan is indeed right in my opinion to keep a tight hold on the reins & run things in the correct manner.  The one thing in our favour when it comes to Stocky is the fact that Sean has known the lad since childhood & there must be a compromise out there somewhere Sean will do what he feels is in the best for all party's he won't let anyone down.  Stocky respects Sean to do the best by the player & John Ryan can expect the manager to do what's best for the club.

[donnybez]

With Stocky its a case of thank you for everything, you've been an inspiration but now lets look to the future and find a new kingpin to work with

[Lesonthewest]

Branton Rover wrote:

I write these notes as an admirer of Brian in two very different aspects firstly as a footballer he is without question one of the finest players to wear a Rovers shirt since I started watching my beloved club 30 years ago now and secondly as a bloke he is a fine family man easy going & approachable always happy to talk to supporters me included about Rovers & football in general.  After reading some of the comments along the lines of get rid I find offensive we all know that contract negotiations are rarely straightforward & unfortunately on this occasion they appear to have broke down which is a crying shame for all involved.  Brian would certainly have stayed & would have been happy to sign had he got what he deemed fair offer after 4 years of Stirling service to the Rovers cause.  On the other hand the club has to look into the crystal ball & God forbid we'd signed Brian on a new 3 year contract then found after a period of time that the player wasn't able to play enough games to merit such an outlay it's a really difficult situation for all concerned.  If Brian feels he's unable to accept terms that are on the table we have got to be adult about where we go from here.  Come January & if nothing is sorted then I'm afraid for the good of both parties we must reluctantly have to cash in we couldn't tolerate suffering another Greeny moment that wouldn't be fair on the club or its supporters.  

If there is a parting of the ways I for one would happily always welcome Brian into my company because of the times we have met I have always found him to be courteous & modest about his football ability & he is a gentleman which is a rare commodity in players of
today.  Whatever happens I'd wish him well & good luck for his future unless he signs for


 

Ps I think SOD is an amazing manager & we have to trust his judgment on football matters let's face it he knows a hell of a lot more than we do.  It's just a strange scenario that Stocky is not starting games no disrespect to our current midfield who are doing a magnificent job but no-one can tell me it wouldn't improve with Brian in it sat just in front of the back four.

Top post Branton, & one I agree with entirely. It will be a sad day if Brian does leave the club. I have also met him on a few occasions & he always speaks highly of the club & especially the manager. Great guy, great player (one of the best I have seen in a Rovers shirt), & a great captain. All players have injuries & obviously his is not easily remedied, but I cannot believe some are writing him off already! It all seems a bit strange to me as it is well known how highly the manager & chairman think of him, surely something can be sorted out. But then again with the club having no money to spend we can easily pick someone up on a free to replace him, there are loads of players with his midfield skills out there aren't there  

[CusworthRovers]

Lesonthewest wrote:

But then again with the club having no money to spend we can easily pick someone up on a free to replace him, there are loads of players with his midfield skills out there aren't there  

I'm not sure there is Les, well there may be but I haven't seen his type anywhere in the game on TV or versus Donny. Then again, I'm not sure if there is that type of player as there might not be that system elsewhere that breeds that type of player (if that makes sense).

He's a stroker and a first class one too.

He just sits back and strokes the ball around, mops up and strokes some more, demands the ball and strokes away. In the systems of the Sean, he is pure effortless class a most superb player.


Infact, a comparison would be Alonso and we know how important he was/is to Liverpool, R Madrid and Spain.

[RobTheRover]

Is he as big a stroker as you are Cussy?

[CusworthRovers]

I'll set em up, you knock em down chief.

[northbayviking]

I join the Stocky admiration club as well.
I agree with all Branton Rover says.
He his a talented footballer with vision and skill and I cant compare him with anyone else although is influence on the team is similar to that which Ian Snodin had although his style of play is not.
He is also a very nice family man, very friendly and always ready to talk to us supporters. A fine example of a sportsman and role model.
I also agree the team misses him when he does not start, however I think he would have left long ago a la Greeny, Matty and Richie if he did not have the back problem.
I wish him well whatever happens to him in the future.

[Lesonthewest]

CusworthRovers wrote:

Lesonthewest wrote:

But then again with the club having no money to spend we can easily pick someone up on a free to replace him, there are loads of players with his midfield skills out there aren't there  

I'm not sure there is Les, well there may be but I haven't seen his type anywhere in the game on TV or versus Donny. Then again, I'm not sure if there is that type of player as there might not be that system elsewhere that breeds that type of player (if that makes sense).

He's a stroker and a first class one too.

He just sits back and strokes the ball around, mops up and strokes some more, demands the ball and strokes away. In the systems of the Sean, he is pure effortless class a most superb player.


Infact, a comparison would be Alonso and we know how important he was/is to Liverpool, R Madrid and Spain.

Absolutely Cusworth,I was just being tongue in cheek. There is not a replacement out there anywhere near as good as Stocky that we could bring in without paying big money. He is a massive player for this club when fit, & to write him off like some are this early is madness.

[grayx]

[/quote]there is not a replacement out there anywhere near as good as Stocky that we could bring in without paying big money. He is a massive player for this club when fit, & to write him off like some are this early is madness.[/quote]

I agree. Apparentley the main stumbling block is Stocks desire to continue playing for Wales, whilst SOD wants him to concentrate on his club football. His back problem wont enable him to do both..........(allegedly)

[Bentley Bullet]

I wonder if Stock feels a little 'under paid' when reflecting on Billy Sharp's wage?

[Colin C No.3]

I think Stockys' influence on this current side, can be likened to that of Alan Warboys' under Billy Bremner. Alan had to quit prematurely with a back condition too if I remember correctly.

Bremner once said of him \"I wish I had 11 Alan Warboys to pick\".

Alan was playing in midfield for us too at that time. I remember reading a quote from him recently that he had felt \"shabbily treated\" by us when he had to call time on his career, given all that he had put into the Rovers cause at that time.

I sincerely hope the club never gives Stocky cause to voice similar feelings.

Come on JR, Stock is as bigger a requirement to the ongoing success of the club as the signing of Sharp. Give the man a contract.

I ask this after assurances from Brian in the press, that his back is not a problem.

[Sheepskin Stu]

Assurances from Brian in the press are not enough. A contract has been offered. If Stocky doesn't feel that contract is good enough then he should look elsewhere frankly. I have faith in Sean to make the right decisions about player retention. I think we've moved on as team and the importance of Stock has diminished and that's not overlooking the good service he has given the club thus far.

[i_ateallthepies]

I agree with all comments about Brian Stock's contribution to this club and surely he has more good service to offer, but it has to be said that in the games he did start this season he was a shadow of his former self, so I for one don't complain that he lost his place.
True, an in form BS is indispensable in our team but this season he hasn't been anything like it and fifteen minute cameos aren't really enough to go on.

Nobody should suppose that SOD doesn't rate BS, goodness me, he is only the player he is because of SOD's influence, and for Brian to say his back isn't a problem (or whatever he said about it) is a bit disengenuous since he missed half of last season with it, and it has been said that it's genetic condition to which there is no cure.  So there has to be concerns that last season might well be as good as it gets.

So for me it's a no brainer, if there are difficulties with coming up with a deal that Brian is happy with, then SOD will have a bloody good reason for it.

But all said I'd still love a fully fit Brian Stock to be pulling on the red and white hoops.

[Branton Rover]

Re Sean it's my understanding that the prerequisite for Sean leaving Bournemouth to come north was that we do all we can to buy Stocky who was by then at Preston & we all know what happened next.

[Viking Don]

He was brought here on loan immediately Sean came so that tells you what Sean thinks of him. I'll be very surprised if he lets him go without a fight unless his back is going to be a stumbling block. He's Sean's player! He'd be mad to leave.

EDIT: I'll just add to that that even on the bench he's very important as he's the one who's played Sean's structures most so understands what's needed without having to be told. He's grown up with the fella so it'll be hard for him to leave to another Championship club as it's not going to be automatically better with a few more quid in his wallet. Fair enough if a prem side were after him, then he could maybe retire after his playing days are over, but as it stands if he goes to Leeds then he's still going to have to think about what he's going to do for a living after the windbag kicking days are over. They won't pay him that much!

Oh yes, and a short career only means a short playing career. Football itself doesn't have to be a short career, as Dario, Alex and Sir Bobby would testify. And there's no better manager to learn from in this league than the one he's already got! I really could see him being a future manager of DRFC. DRFC is now Sean's DRFC and none of us seem to want that to change so he'd be in a strong position for the post if/when Sean fcuks off. A quick buck now could mean 30 more years carrying bricks around. Not good for the back! Sign now and he becomes a very significant part of our history, and we don't forget.

Christ, this is becoming an essay, but in the words of Lennon, 'money can't buy me love', and Stock is loved here.

[Surrey Rover]

Colin C No.3 wrote:

Bremner once said of him \"I wish I had 11 Alan Warboys to pick\".

Alan was playing in midfield for us too at that time

Alan Warboys played centre forward and centre half for the Rovers under Bremner but I've no memory of him playing in midfield at any time during his second spell at the club.

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

Interestingly in the free press today the club really annoyed about these rumours saying they're completely untrue and that the club hopes to sort things out with him quickly.

[BillyStubbsTears]

Nothin personal to Stock but my heart f**king well bleeds when I hear this, \"only a short career- got to think of my family\" ballacks.

An average player at this level is on £5k a week.

Even without a tax accountant, they'd be taking home £3k a week. It is very easy to have a very good lifestyle on £1k a week take-home.

So, 5 years at this level and the average player should have £500k saved up. Get an accountant and that would be closer to a million. Get 5% interest on that and you've got a comfortable life forever even if you never work again.

Am I missing something?

[DearneValleyRover]

BillyStubbsTears wrote:

Nothin personal to Stock but my heart fcuking well bleeds when I hear this, \"only a short career- got to think of my family\" ballacks.

An average player at this level is on £5k a week.

Even without a tax accountant, they'd be taking home £3k a week. It is very easy to have a very good lifestyle on £1k a week take-home.

So, 5 years at this level and the average player should have £500k saved up. Get an accountant and that would be closer to a million. Get 5% interest on that and you've got a comfortable life forever even if you never work again.

Am I missing something?

Totally agree BST and when said career is over they are still young enough to have a new career. Let's face it, after pre-season training they have plenty of spare time to under take studies/training for their post football future.

[Filo]

DearneValleyRover wrote:

BillyStubbsTears wrote:

Nothin personal to Stock but my heart fcuking well bleeds when I hear this, \"only a short career- got to think of my family\" ballacks.

An average player at this level is on £5k a week.

Even without a tax accountant, they'd be taking home £3k a week. It is very easy to have a very good lifestyle on £1k a week take-home.

So, 5 years at this level and the average player should have £500k saved up. Get an accountant and that would be closer to a million. Get 5% interest on that and you've got a comfortable life forever even if you never work again.

Am I missing something?

Totally agree BST and when said career is over they are still young enough to have a new career. Let's face it, after pre-season training they have plenty of spare time to under take studies/training for their post football future.

I agree as well, most footballers end up with a \"job for the boys\" with their mates in football or in the media, look at Dean Windass, he`ll never make a football reporter while he`s got a hole in his arse, but Sky Sports seem to think he`s ok

[Wellred]

and Chris Kamara is making a good living as a comedian...........oh sorry no he's a sky sports reporter isn't he?

[BobG]

I Met Chris Kamara a couple of weeks back. He came down to take training for the Under 10's team Alexander plays for. He was bloody superb doing the training. Great with the lads and great with the parents. All the lads, most of whom had never heard of him, listened hard and he got them all actually thinking (!) about what they were doing. He had some brill training routines too. And then he stood around for an hour afterwards signing just about everything that moved and having his pic taken with assorted lads and lasses. He told me that he only ever played at BV once - and that \"Ian Snodin could look after himself\" Ha ha ha! So, he might be a rubbish repoter, but for me, he's a top bloke.

BobG

[Lesonthewest]

BillyStubbsTears wrote:

Nothin personal to Stock but my heart fcuking well bleeds when I hear this, \"only a short career- got to think of my family\" ballacks.

An average player at this level is on £5k a week.

Even without a tax accountant, they'd be taking home £3k a week. It is very easy to have a very good lifestyle on £1k a week take-home.

So, 5 years at this level and the average player should have £500k saved up. Get an accountant and that would be closer to a million. Get 5% interest on that and you've got a comfortable life forever even if you never work again.

Am I missing something?

While I agree with the financial bleatings of current footballers BST, I do dissagree with  Stock being classed as an average player in this League. He is the best we have, & one of the better in the Championship, current International, & in the current climate would take some replacing.

 If we go back to the old days he is in fact like the rest a Division 2 player! So in effect we have players on far too much money than their play & skill commands. But the truth is we have a player & captain who can, with a return to form, take us forward. On saying that, reading between the lines & listening to JR, maybe, just maybe, Brian may be pushing the club a little. It's going to take a little give & take from both sides in my opinion to sort it, but it needs sorting, he is too good a player to let go cheaply.

[mushRTID]

Kammy is brilliant. Il never forgive sky for pinching SSN away from me. Miss him and Stelling!

[DonnyBazR0ver]

While I agree with the financial bleatings of current footballers BST, I do dissagree with Stock being classed as an average player in this League. He is the best we have, & one of the better in the Championship, current International, & in the current climate would take some replacing.

If we go back to the old days he is in fact like the rest a Division 2 player! So in effect we have players on far too much money than their play & skill commands. But the truth is we have a player & captain who can, with a return to form, take us forward. On saying that, reading between the lines & listening to JR, maybe, just maybe, Brian may be pushing the club a little. It's going to take a little give & take from both sides in my opinion to sort it, but it needs sorting, he is too good a player to let go cheaply.

Bang on. You have also got to think about the effect it would have if he left. Wellens, Mills etc were not SOD's love childs. I think it would be a big downer on the squad and a big downer for the fans.

Just as big a negative impact, as Billy signing was a positive. A big piece in the jigsaw will be lost.

OK question marks about his fitness. We've got a month and a half to see what Stocky has left in his locker.

[Lesonthewest]

Is that the same 'Cammy' who slagged us off when manager of Bradford City on the signing of a a certain Darren Moore? Can't stand the bloke.

[roversam]

Lesonthewest wrote:

Is that the same 'Cammy' who slagged us off when manager of Bradford City on the signing of a a certain Darren Moore? Can't stand the bloke.

Cammy, no he must be a different bloke, we are on about Kammy.

[Norfolk N Chance]

FP - saying its all crap and he going no where with the contract trying to be sorted out sooner rather than later!