Peter O ‘Rourke on X

[vaya]

My understanding the player will receive his normal pay from his parent club. A loan fee is negotiated between clubs taking a few factors into account plus the frequency the fee might be paid, either by one off payment or installments. The parent club invoices the loaning club at agreed intervals. As you may be aware the payment of loan fees have been tightened up so that clubs pay up in good time. This was why we fell foul of the new rules a year ago when we received that suspended sanction from the EFL when our payment to Brighton went outside the 21 or 28 days (can't remember which and can't remember the player. Not Taylor Richards)

Super Todd Millar

What a player!!

You can understand why I forgot! (Probably the reason we 'forgot' to pay the invoice)

Now there was a player with pace...but nothing else!

Pace and hair.

[BillyStubbsTears]

Todd Miller.

Now on loan at Billericay in Tier 7.

We berate Schofield but Christ, he was living off the scraps left at the bottom of a bag of batter bits.

[Butchers Red]

Back to Matty Craig - surely with the recent and rapid emergence of Bergvall at Tottenham, whose almost 4 years younger, he has no realistic career path left at Spurs so a permanent move to a Lge 1 ( or even 2 ) club surely his best bet now in terms of progression and maximizing his earning power?

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Back to Matty Craig - surely with the recent and rapid emergence of Bergvall at Tottenham, whose almost 4 years younger, he has no realistic career path left at Spurs so a permanent move to a Lge 1 ( or even 2 ) club surely his best bet now in terms of progression and maximizing his earning power?

You would think that's a more likely career path for Craig. His next choice of a permanent home will be important. He doesn't strike me as a money first young player so he might be more prepared to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond. We've seen quite a few ex Prem youngsters drop down before rising back up  to a good level, with some making it all the back to the Prem.

It's a different ball game once they lose that security of being on the books of a big club and they have to work hard to make a name for themselves.

IF, he was to return to us, then you'd think he'd be looking to lay a marker down where he might secure a permanent home and, depending how it goes, put himself in the shop window to have as many choices as possible come the summer (assuming nobody steps in with an attractive permanent bid this month). So, is he and Spurs, in any rush to make their minds up this month?

[Juddy]

Matty Craig Mansfield on loan it’s a pity that will have to look at someone else

[ForsolongaRover]

Signed to provide competition. Per Nigel Clough: “It’ll be good to strengthen in that area, bearing in mind all the games we have in the second half of the season. The one position we haven’t got competition for is Louis Reed and Matthew provides us with that.”

It rather puts DRFC in perspective where you assume he’d have been straight into our team. So, he meant more to us than we did to him, but I suppose it puts the focus very much on GM’s managerial ability to solidify the midfield.

[mpc123]

Possibly not his decision, more likely Spurs thoughts on his progression being a league up

[ncRover]

Craig is 22 in a few months and has spent years at a big 6 premier league club.
He has to be at the point where he fancies himself to be better than Louis Reed, a player who has spent his whole career at L1/2 level.

His twin brother is also a regular at L1 Reading so he’ll want to keep up with him!

[PDX_Rover]

Mansfield it was. b*llocks.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Signed to provide competition. Per Nigel Clough: “It’ll be good to strengthen in that area, bearing in mind all the games we have in the second half of the season. The one position we haven’t got competition for is Louis Reed and Matthew provides us with that.”

It rather puts DRFC in perspective where you assume he’d have been straight into our team. So, he meant more to us than we did to him, but I suppose it puts the focus very much on GM’s managerial ability to solidify the midfield.

Well a manager is hardly going to say he'll walk into the team but Clough genuinely wants that competition and Spurs will hope Craig relishes the challenge and forces his way in. Even if Craig doesn't make it at Prem Level, he's contracted to 2026 so they'll hope they'll get a return on their development of him.

[Ian Nimmo]

Signed to provide competition. Per Nigel Clough: “It’ll be good to strengthen in that area, bearing in mind all the games we have in the second half of the season. The one position we haven’t got competition for is Louis Reed and Matthew provides us with that.”

It rather puts DRFC in perspective where you assume he’d have been straight into our team. So, he meant more to us than we did to him, but I suppose it puts the focus very much on GM’s managerial ability to solidify the midfield.

Well a manager is hardly going to say he'll walk into the team but Clough genuinely wants that competition and Spurs
will hope Craig relishes the challenge and forces his way in. Even if Craig doesn't make it at Prem Level, he's contracted to 2026 so they'll hope they'll get a return on their development of him.

This is the crucial point, spurs will want to reach the end of his contract date with him playing at the top level which he his capable. Time is of the essence to determine if he can be a prospect for the top level with them, or maximise any return when released, so minimum expectation must be L1 this season and championship football next season.

[ncRover]

The statement signing? I was certain he would join given two proviso, that with  already a lot of options in midfield that the budget could allow it and that Spurs would want him guaranteed a starting place.
Hard to think now of a player who we'd sign, maybe we sign no-one and have to go with what Grant has made long term plans for?

We shouldn’t be in this position at all.
If he’s desperate and can loan or sell 1 or 2 he’s changed his mind on then Sam Clucas could be an option. Really good player.
Previously been based in S.Yorks/East Mids and has a clause in his Oldham contract that he can go on a free if an EFL club shows interest. Mansfield were looking at him but went with Craig instead.

[roversdude]

Well Grant always says they have lists of options. Bear in mind the Craig story was never from the club so he may never have been a target

[DonnyBazR0ver]

It's McCanns press day today so it will be interesting to hear what he has to say.

I'm wondering whether A N Other midfield player was a genuine target or only became so when he was alerted about Craig's availability?

I suspect he'll play it with a straight bat and say he's happy with what he has but they're always looking to improve should the right players come available.

For what it's worth, I think he's got the backing to do business without having to get others out. He did say he wants the squad to be stronger at the end of the window. I don't think Flemming was a blow to that objective. He'll give the impression he's in no rush to sign anyone else and buy some time.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

It's McCanns press day today so it will be interesting to hear what he has to say.

I'm wondering whether A N Other midfield player was a genuine target or only became so when he was alerted about Craig's availability?

I suspect he'll play it with a straight bat and say he's happy with what he has but they're always looking to improve should the right players come available.

For what it's worth, I think he's got the backing to do business without having to get others out. He did say he wants the squad to be stronger at the end of the window. He'll give the impression he's in no rush to sign anyone else and buy some time.

What better response than to say he was never on our radar and our options in that area are already more than capable?
Grant may have the backing as in squad finances but didn't Silent majority write a while ago that it was nearing the limit?
If so then some players did/do have to leave,  obviously,  if Grant wants to strengthen midfield

Yes, maybe.

Well there's always good housekeeping to be done but he'll be able to get em in before moving others on if he wants.

[IDM]

The statement signing? I was certain he would join given two proviso, that with  already a lot of options in midfield that the budget could allow it and that Spurs would want him guaranteed a starting place.
Hard to think now of a player who we'd sign, maybe we sign no-one and have to go with what Grant has made long term plans for?

We don’t offer loanees a guaranteed starting place, and rightly so IMHO..

[EasyforDennis]

It's McCanns press day today so it will be interesting to hear what he has to say.

I'm wondering whether A N Other midfield player was a genuine target or only became so when he was alerted about Craig's availability?

I suspect he'll play it with a straight bat and say he's happy with what he has but they're always looking to improve should the right players come available.

For what it's worth, I think he's got the backing to do business without having to get others out. He did say he wants the squad to be stronger at the end of the window. He'll give the impression he's in no rush to sign anyone else and buy some time.

What better response than to say he was never on our radar and our options in that area are already more than capable?
Grant may have the backing as in squad finances but didn't Silent majority write a while ago that it was nearing the limit?
If so then some players did/do have to leave,  obviously,  if Grant wants to strengthen midfield

Yes, maybe.

Well there's always good housekeeping to be done but he'll be able to get em in before moving others on if he wants.

From midfield  who, Westbrooke, Close,  contracted to 2026, Broadbent who money was paid for, Bailey who's played more minutes than anyone else? Maybe Kelly return from his season long loan ala Fleming? Is that possible?
What happens if a player signs and then the player expected to leave decides not to, taking the club beyond spending limits?
Of course Craig may never have been a target,  but if not surely it would've been best stamped all over immediately by Grant saying he doesn't need another midfield option

But what if Grant thinks he does need another midfield option but it wasn't Craig?

[DonnyBazR0ver]

McCann speaks.

https://youtu.be/HuH8EK7_EU4?si=9ey3tcSrxOc8R1ej

Can't help thinking his slight irritation was of his own making. But that's football and we move on.

[mushRTID]

McCann speaks.

https://youtu.be/HuH8EK7_EU4?si=9ey3tcSrxOc8R1ej

Can't help thinking his slight irritation was of his own making. But that's football and we move on.

Interesting to hear him say a couple of the senior players have been told 'where they stand' and he admits the squad needs trimming.

That surely means a number of Jones, Faulkner, Westbrooke, Close.

Maybe Anderson if he's eyeing up a Cb and Wood is nearly back.

Maybe Lawlor if he's eyeing up a keeper.

[Nudga]

Grant has a lot of scope for moving players on or out on loan, as mentioned above.

Faulkner
Jones
Westbrooke
Close
Emmanuel (I like him but we don't need 3 right backs)

With the signings of Street and Ennis then  maybe Sbarra, Hurst or Gibson out on loan.
My feeling would be Sbarra,  it's just not working out for some reason.
Personally I'd like Gibson to go out on loan. He's had more chances than most and had about 3 or 4 good games. Maybe a loan out could get his confidence back?

Patrick Kelly could also be sent back, not done too bad but we need more than what he brings to really go for it.

That's a good junk of budget right there, add in a bit of the cup run money and it's a decent pot.

Problem is actually moving players on but I find it a big positive that GM has come out and said that he needs to trim the squad as it's a big hindrance to him this season. 
I get it as he was hamstrung with long term injuries last season but the medical team have had a huge impact this season so we don't need a squad that big.

Most of the players don't look like they are enjoying their football at the moment.  I know Grant says that they can play with freedom but that freedom is being strangled because most know they will get subbed at 60 minutes.
I can imagine it's mentally tough to truly express yourself in those circumstances so some might be playing it safe?

Anyway, very interesting month ahead but this is Grants 4th transfer window so he should be now getting a squad in his mould.

[Padge_DRFC]

I bet our wage bill is huge compared to even when Wellens was in charge. The squad is so bloated it's ridiculous and a lot being wasted too.

[GazLaz]

I bet our wage bill is huge compared to even when Wellens was in charge. The squad is so bloated it's ridiculous and a lot being wasted too.

I agree. No real thought gone into squad building (although the club will think otherwise I’m sure). These things aren’t easy, and it’s not Fantasy Manager, I know that, but not sure we are getting value. The key is to be spending (for eg) £3m/ season and be getting the results of a £3.5m team. That’s not happening is it.

Any real strategic, sustainable planning went out of the window when the plan evolved into “get a manager that’s a level above L2 and spends loads”.

[dickos1]

Well Grant always says they have lists of options. Bear in mind the Craig story was never from the club so he may never have been a target

On reflection this yes is  bang on point,  not directly verbally from anyone, but there is no room in the budget (silent majority wrote a while ago that the budget was close to it's  limit) but someone wanted to give the impression we could somehow have got him, cue talk at the MTO of trying really hard to get a "statement signing " but it just failed at the last minute, job done

How do you know Ennis isn’t the signing McCann spoke about the other week? I’m pretty sure it will be, he said it’s been ongoing for a few months.
Ennis will of had suitors higher up the Uranus but he’s signed for us, hence why it’s a statement signing

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I think if we read the article again, it might make more sense now.

https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/grant-mccann-issues-transfer-update-as-doncaster-rovers-look-to-seal-statement-signing-4925066

As I said to GazLaz 'Statement signing' is a term people will assume different things. As I did, my first incling was it must be a permanent signing. .

In this instance, maybe a statement signing for us as a club fending off interest from higher clubs.

So, maybe a statement signing but not a marquee signing of a 'name' like Billy etc.

[Chris Black come back]

McCann has reiterated again the aim is basically to have a 22 man first team squad, with outside this some senior youth lads who are progressing towards that 22 first team squad. There were some injuries to places where the first and second choice was injured eg left back hence Fleming. A 22 man first team squad with competition for every position, seems right.

There is another issue which is how he uses that squad, both in terms of a tactical set up, and also frankly players on good wages like Close and Westbrooke who clearly he doesn’t see as competing for the centre midfield spots given how rarely they make squad let alone feature. If it is a 22 man first team squad then it needs to be 22 players who can actually play otherwise we are spending huge sums on nothing really.

[Alan Southstand]

Agreed cbcb. Whatever the thoughts were when Close & Westbrooke were re-signed have surely now been altered. That’s just one discussion point on how things have panned out, so far, this season. I wrote weeks ago about “can’t wait for January” and part of that was for GM to hopefully have a bit of a ‘reset’ on where we were heading. Our momentum curve has took a bit of a nosedive over the last few weeks and that has coincided with a lot of our rivals heaping more pressure on that battle for a top 3 position.

I honestly think GM has had a bit of a blind spot with his midfield so far and this next couple of weeks will hopefully see a new quality addition to the ranks. Street and Ennis look like they will certainly add to what we currently have up top but the midfield is still missing that X factor,  imho. Fingers and toes are crossed.

[roversdude]

Ennis looks more of a statement signing than Craig the more I look at this

[Metalmicky]

Could it be that one of our current squad is moving on in January - we seem to have an abundance of front players.... or maybe I'm thinking too much about it.

[Cramby10]

Could it be that one of our current squad is moving on in January - we seem to have an abundance of front players.... or maybe I'm thinking too much about it.

I would say it’s nailed on. In fact it sounds like more than one. He said in his interview that he wants to get back to a squad of 20 outfield players. So quite a bit of shuffling about may be required.