Patrick Kelly

[Michael Shaw]

https://insidefutbol.com/2024/08/06/doncaster-rovers-set-to-land-west-ham-talent/655200/

On loan from West Ham. 19 year old central midfielder.

Wait and see if it is official.

[DonnyOsmond]

Already in the rumour mill.

[steve@dcfd]

Let’s see when it’s official the Craig replacement looks like he’s on his way

[Michael Shaw]

https://thedeck.news/doncaster-rovers-set-to-sign-premier-league-midfielder/

Another source. Doesn't mean its not true.
If we wait until its official he might have already been in the squad a month.

[mushRTID]

https://thedeck.news/doncaster-rovers-set-to-sign-premier-league-midfielder/

Another source. Doesn't mean its not true.
If we wait until its official he might have already been in the squad a month.

This one lost me when it claimed Ben Close can be a physical presence in midfield.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

https://thedeck.news/doncaster-rovers-set-to-sign-premier-league-midfielder/

Another source. Doesn't mean its not true.
If we wait until its official he might have already been in the squad a month.

This isn't another source, it's Chall, reporting on what's been put in the public domain.

[Ryaldinhio]

Pete O'Rourke put his name to this an hour ago, he is usually correct

[Draytonian III]

He’s a Northern Ireland U21 player so if he gets in the first team squad we could end up having postponements if we have 2 others selected at an international weekends. On a brighter note me and him have the same birthday, but I’m slightly older

[BigH]

https://thedeck.news/doncaster-rovers-set-to-sign-premier-league-midfielder/

Another source. Doesn't mean its not true.
If we wait until its official he might have already been in the squad a month.

This one lost me when it claimed Ben Close can be a physical presence in midfield.

…but only when he’s fit!

[Monkcaster_Rover]

‘Physical presence’ to me is someone who has something about them with a bit of weight.

Ben Close is not that man. Poor choice of wording from Chall.

[glosterred]

More info on this potential signing

https://x.com/SportsPeteO/status/1821515484807786656


COYR

[Sprotyrover]

More info on this potential signing

https://x.com/SportsPeteO/status/1821515484807786656


COYR

That sounds promising!

[ForsolongaRover]

https://thedeck.news/doncaster-rovers-set-to-sign-premier-league-midfielder/

Another source. Doesn't mean its not true.
If we wait until its official he might have already been in the squad a month.

This one lost me when it claimed Ben Close can be a physical presence in midfield.

Yes, that was a very informed comment - even his fans could never claim that!

[Alan Southstand]

For those who havn’t checked out the Rumours section,I also spotted this on the West Ham site:

U21 NI International. 6ft tall.

This from the West Ham site:

Having impressed last season, the plaudits for Kelly’s efforts have continued this term.  Watching any of Kelly’s performances this season and what he is about. He runs. And runs. And then finds the energy to somehow run some more. He covers every blade of grass with effortless ease, whether supporting his mates in attack or protecting his defence.

[ncRover]

For those who havn’t checked out the Rumours section,I also spotted this on the West Ham site:

U21 NI International. 6ft tall.

This from the West Ham site:

Having impressed last season, the plaudits for Kelly’s efforts have continued this term.  Watching any of Kelly’s performances this season and what he is about. He runs. And runs. And then finds the energy to somehow run some more. He covers every blade of grass with effortless ease, whether supporting his mates in attack or protecting his defence.

I just read a match report from the FA youth cup final it said

“Outstanding in the middle of the park. Tenacious worker who tracked back brilliantly."

Sounds like a box to box type more than a Craig -type playmaker

Btw Alan it seems I was wrong about the midfield… I wonder if McCann has lost patience waiting for Close?

[Dutch Uncle]

He’s a Northern Ireland U21 player so if he gets in the first team squad we could end up having postponements if we have 2 others selected at an international weekends. On a brighter note me and him have the same birthday, but I’m slightly older

I was thinking that as well. TSL may be with England U21, and maybe Yeboah, who was born in Italy of Ghanaian descent so possibly qualifies for either, might also attract attention if he does well.

[Alan Southstand]

On Close, GM has said because he’s missed the pre-season,he’s still probably 2-3 weeks away from being near possible selection to the squad.

[Draytonian III]

Before he joined West Ham Utd, he played for Coleraine in the Irish Premiership, who at the time were managed by Oran Kearney, his brother in law is now the manager of that team

[Michael Shaw]

Personally, I think Grant was disappointed with the number of injuries that impacted last season and I suspect he won't tolerate it this season. Hence, he has concentrated on fitness in pre-season. Miller is as good as gone and Close may be pushed aside. This lad has the potential to replace Close so I can see the logic. We can only wait and see if it happens.

[A9]

It’s been announced

[StocksArmy]

Standard of training and the competitiveness at CP must be frightening. We are going to have players who would start in most League 2 teams not even make the matchday squad.

[jmt23]

Don’t understand the knockers for Ben Close, in my eyes he is one of, if not the best midfielders in this league when fit - certainly the best at this club.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Don’t understand the knockers for Ben Close, in my eyes he is one of, if not the best midfielders in this league when fit - certainly the best at this club.

Maybe so but can't blame GM for adding at bit more insurance with Close still a few weeks away, and with a record of injury absences, Clifton only just back with 30 mins under his belt.

With games coming thick and fast, including cup games, it would be a tall order for both Bailey and Broadbent to shoulder all the midfield burden. Thought Flint might be a good back up but GM knows best.

[Alan Southstand]

Excellent piece of business from Grant, in my view, despite a fe.w questioning why would we need any more midfielders. The answer was, of course, we didn’t have a like for like replacement for Craig. He added so much to our midfield once he’d settled alongside Bailey and I’m sure this lad will be of a similar stamp.

The only question mark left, for me, is the keeper position. We’ll have to see how that goes, but now Hull have signed another keeper, I’d be having a serious conversation with them over TLT.

[DearneValleyRover]

Don’t understand the knockers for Ben Close, in my eyes he is one of, if not the best midfielders in this league when fit - certainly the best at this club.

The answer is in what you wrote, when fit!

[RoversInSpain]

Crikey, it’s obvious, rarely fit, rarely contributes.
Will this season be different, not started too well has it?
So come on Ben, let’s see you on full throttle…
Medical team seems to be right on it, so support is there. Team isn’t sh*T so it’s an easy come in, no excuses any more….

[Buzzberry]

Saw this lad play when he was at Coleraine and thought he was a player then. Totally different player to Craig but I think come the end of the season fans would choose Kelly over Craig. Time will tell

[Michael Shaw]

https://www.whufc.com/news/patrick-kelly-joins-doncaster-rovers-loan

Official on West Ham site. Welcome Patrick.

[StocksArmy]

GM has also said Miller will be replaced.

[BobG]

Crikey. They really do mean it don't they...?


BobG