Whiteman

[ian1980]

Doesn’t sound like he’s coming back for rest of season:

NEWS | Ben Whiteman feels his loan move at Rovers has really helped his development as a player, after returning to parent club Sheffield United.

The midfielder has made 30 appearances, scoring seven goals, since his summer move to the Keepmoat Stadium, with the Blades opting not to extend his loan.

Whiteman said: “It has been really good to play regularly, it is a step up from League Two and I feel I have done ok.

“League Two is a bit more physical, but it has been a real learning curve and I have loved my time with Rovers.”

Whiteman’s last act in a Rovers shirt was to score the equalising goal at Peterborough United on New Year’s Day.

He added: “It is nice to be leaving on a high and with the team doing well. I would be happy to come back, but obviously I’m hoping to go to United and do well.

“It’s just one of those things, I was fully expecting to stay here for the season so am a bit sad to be leaving - I’ve loved it and can’t thank the fans, players, manager and staff enough.”

[GazLaz]

Likely to come back I’d say, seems strange things weren’t agreed before the loans expired though.

[Retdon1]

That's a big blow although he could return before the window closes

[Jonathan]

Very odd. I’d still be surprised if he wasn’t back here for the rest of the season.

[since-1969]

Doesn’t sound like he’s coming back for rest of season:

NEWS | Ben Whiteman feels his loan move at Rovers has really helped his development as a player, after returning to parent club Sheffield United.

The midfielder has made 30 appearances, scoring seven goals, since his summer move to the Keepmoat Stadium, with the Blades opting not to extend his loan.

Whiteman said: “It has been really good to play regularly, it is a step up from League Two and I feel I have done ok.

“League Two is a bit more physical, but it has been a real learning curve and I have loved my time with Rovers.”

Whiteman’s last act in a Rovers shirt was to score the equalising goal at Peterborough United on New Year’s Day.

He added: “It is nice to be leaving on a high and with the team doing well. I would be happy to come back, but obviously I’m hoping to go to United and do well.

“It’s just one of those things, I was fully expecting to stay here for the season so am a bit sad to be leaving - I’ve loved it and can’t thank the fans, players, manager and staff enough.”

I told you this would happen .

“The Blunts are in a bit of a poor run , they could even drop to 6th today if results go the wrong way . My concern is the January window could see the looking at their squad and Whiteman may be come into their thinking “.

This has more to do with Blunts not having enough in reserve to see them through to the end of the season. 

[GazLaz]

He’s nowhere near good enough to play in the Championship.

[steve@dcfd]

Liam Hoden tweeted

An agreement had been reached between the two clubs for Whiteman to remain at the Keepmoat for the rest of the season but the Blades pulled the deal at late notice #drfc #sufc #twitterblades

Ben Whiteman will now not be returning to #drfc as Sheffield United intend to hold onto him due to injury problems at the club. #sufc #twitterblades

[darren61]

This news was on the Sheff Utd forum yesterday, took it with a pinch of salt.

[The Red Baron]

He's cup tied, so he won't ease their injury problems this weekend.

More likely another club has put in a bid to sign him permanently.

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

Strange.  I would straight away take the opportunity to get someone else in. I don't think he's quite good enough. However I do think he's improved in the last few games.  Ok league one player but he's gonna be sat around at sheff utd.

On that point they'll soon be pushing for a whole eleven that at some point has played for us.

[RedJ]

Bit of a blow. He's recently performed to a good standard so it's a shame he's going back just when it was starting to come together.

[GazLaz]

If he’s not coming back I’d try and get Kean Bryan on loan from City.

[Copps is Magic]

7 goals in any league for any midfielder is not shabby (especially as 21 year old), if you've got that player on your books you'd have a look wouldn't you, especially with a reported injury crisis. I wonder how many thought Lundstram wasn't good enough for the championship when he was 21? Or when he was playing for us. But he seems to have made the step up.

[jamesrover17]

Gutted at this... It always worries me when one of your best players is only on loan... Hopefully after Wilder has re-assesed his development he can return for the rest of the season... Cant see him featuring much in Uniteds team at the moment even with their injury problems

[RoversAlias]

That is a huge blow for me, he's been one of our best players during this good run and scored important goals. Much rather have kept him than Kongolo.

Ferguson needs to sign a replacement asap and could do with getting someone with a bit more experience if it's at all possible.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

That is a blow and sounds like one out of our control.

It's a pity as he was just starting to look really good. Even if it is a short term measure and he bench warms at the Blades, he will lose a bit of match sharpness.

Perhaps this will also force DFs hand to try and get the Houghton deal over the line.

[Chris Black come back]

Not insurmountable. Houghton is just as effective at bottom of diamond. Potentially also Luke to come back soon in that position.

Further forward at tip there is Copps and potentially Rowe could come in to that position.  Also Mandeville!

[steve@dcfd]

It’s not just DF but the CEO for the financial package as well. It looks like there’s not alot left in the budget if this goes through at the right terms for the club.

[Alan Southstand]

That is a space that needs filling, pronto.

[DonnyOsmond]

Not insurmountable. Houghton is just as effective at bottom of diamond. Potentially also Luke to come back soon in that position.

Further forward at tip there is Copps and potentially Rowe could come in to that position.  Also Mandeville!

Right of the diamond?

[Jonathan]

Well I am surprised. But this is how the loan market works, he was only ever on loan. Those citing a space in the squad should also note a space on the wage bill following his departure.

His goals will need replacing. His allround game needed quite some work so I don’t think it’ll be difficult to find someone that offers more in general play, but his seven goals were undoubtedly a significant contribution.

[DonnyOsmond]

Well I am surprised. But this is how the loan market works, he was only ever on loan. Those citing a space in the squad should also note a space on the wage bill following his departure.

His goals will need replacing. His allround game needed quite some work so I don’t think it’ll be difficult to find someone that offers more in general play, but his seven goals were undoubtedly a significant contribution.

Given his young age and only being a squad player for them I doubt he was on much wages and to get better would probably cost more.

[DMnumber4]

Was always a slight worry for me that three quarters of the (sometimes) midfield was actually on loan in: Kongolo, Whiteman and Houghton.

IF Houghton was signed permanently though...

[IDM]

In the DFP Fergie hasn't ruled out Whiteman coming back before the end of the window, if the issues at Sheffield Utd sort themselves out.

Clutching at straws maybe?

[Jonathan]

Well I am surprised. But this is how the loan market works, he was only ever on loan. Those citing a space in the squad should also note a space on the wage bill following his departure.

His goals will need replacing. His allround game needed quite some work so I don’t think it’ll be difficult to find someone that offers more in general play, but his seven goals were undoubtedly a significant contribution.

Given his young age and only being a squad player for them I doubt he was on much wages and to get better would probably cost more.

Other than his knack of scoring goals (which I realise is not to be sniffed at, he’s a very good finisher) I don’t think he’ll be too difficult to replace. Take the goals away and he was no better than Harry Middleton who we let go. Somebody will need to step up to the plate to fill the goals scored void, though.

[RoversAlias]

No better than Middleton! I grant you he hasn't been a world beater in general play but that is harsh in the extreme.

[DonnyOsmond]

He's definitely quicker than Middleton. Even my Gran is tbf.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I agree Jonathan that his goals leave a void but your assessment that he's no better than Middleton is way off the mark. Whiteman is stronger, quicker and doesn't dally on the ball.

Let's not forget, Mason is a very able Midfielder but alas, has not got the same goal threat. With Mason doing so well at the back, it would also leave a hole there.

Looks like DF and GB will be on the phone quite a bit!

[DonnyBazR0ver]

He’s nowhere near good enough to play in the Championship.

If he wasn't then I doubt Wilder would have him back. Sure, he may not be a starter every week but he wouldn't disgrace when called upon from the bench.

[GazLaz]

He’s nowhere near good enough to play in the Championship.

If he wasn't then I doubt Wilder would have him back. Sure, he may not be a starter every week but he wouldn't disgrace when called upon from the bench.

I’ve seen him play live more than Wilder I can tell you that.