Update on striker search

[Jonathan]

Direct quote from O'Driscoll in The Free Press regarding the Billy Sharp situation:

\"We are still hopeful but I'd like to know one way or another as soon as possible.

We want a quality striker and, if we are not going to spend the money on Billy, we need to spend it elsehwere.\"

That sounds more encouraging to me. The article suggests that the bid for Sharp was well above the reported £600k and closer to seven figures. It's good to hear that we are determined to bring in a quality striker and that we are looking at other options in the event that we don't get Sharp (who must remain first choice until that door opens or closes). It's also good to hear that we recognise the need to move as quickly as possible, which may back up the talk of a move for Joe Garner (if indeed there was any substance to that rumour).

The article also reveals that Wilson and Hayter are close to signing, and that Tom Kennedy is on holiday and will make his decision on his return.

Now lets hope we get that confirmation on Oster for starters...

[DonnyNoel]

Still all quiet on Sam Hird then?

[BillyStubbsTears]

DonnyNoel wrote:

Still all quiet on Sam Hird then?

Just given me a title for a book. \"All Quiet in the Western Stand\"

[VikingJames]

I don't think Sam Hird is out of contract is he?

I know it's been debated elsewhere but I'm pretty sure he hasn't been mentioned as one that has been offered a deal, and he certainly hasn't been released, so he must have a year left?

[DonnyNoel]

Odd.

I just trawled back through DROS and found this article which is the one I've always quoted for Sam's deal having expired.

http://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10329~1333175,00.html

I also scrolled through last summers news to see if he signed a new extension and couldn't find one....

Edit - this article suggests he's under contract then.

http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/free-press-sport/Rovers-reshuffle-.6278447.jp

Good news if true.

[FuzzyDuck]

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Hird?wasRedirected=true

Wiki - font of all truth and knowledge! Says Hird's contract is up in 2010.

Christmas maybe?

[Jonathan]

We can only assume he must have signed a new deal that was never reported on DROS, strange that they would fail to report something like that.

Hopefully the same has happened with John Oster and he has signed a new 2 year deal, while Billy Sharp has become our record signing and Jason Shackell has turned his back on Barnsley to sign for us in a deal that saw him stay there for less time than Darren Roberts did at Rovers (if anyone remembers him!)

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Dashed home in the hope of seeing DROS adorned with 'Oster committs to 2 more seasons' alas, let's hope this bit of good news is confirmed in the next 24 hrs.

Whilst scouring the various websites for snippetts of available talent I notice Hameur Bouazza has been released by Blackpool. I always thought he was a bit of a handful and a very good player. Thoughts ?

[Lesonthewest]

I honestly believe the signing of Oster would or will be pivotal for next season, think Jonathon mentioned in an earlier thread he would be a player we could build a team around, & I agree. In fact he would be club captain for me.

[CusworthRovers]

I'm not into this big Oster love in.......and before I start, I would like to add I am chuffed to bits that he has signed and think he's a much needed addition to the quality we have. I think he improved immensely once he was stuck in the centre of midfield.

Just a couple of observations from me:

When he was away from the middle he was far less consistently impactive and very much world beater one day and egg beater the next game.

Best player in the team?.....not for me.

Build a team around?......not for me


The best player and one to build the team around for next season is still very much Brian Stock, for me. Now I'm not sure how, and that's where Sean comes in, but we need a system that incorporates Stock pulling the strings and Messers Woods, Coppinger, Hayter and Oster complimenting this with their exceptional talents. Then we have to add to that a possible much needed disciplined central role to act as a foil for all this total football.
Whilst one would suggest a suitable candidate in Wilson, we could utilise what we have to back up the Wilson role.

[Barmby Rover]

I agree Cussy, a very good player, I will be pleased if he signs. If he doesn't is it a tragedy? I don't know. Copps would be a greater loss, as would Woods and Stock, but it is a brilliant addition to a mixture that works. Wilson thrown in as a Montgomery type player and our midfield can cause problems for a lot of defences in this division. That is why Billy looked so good last year, and why he should think carefully about where he plays.

[RobTheRover]

Woods over Oster?  Give over.

[RoversAlias]

Woods is not better or more influential than Oster. He is a decent member of our first choice midfield but he is the one I would be least bothered with if he left.

[VikingJames]

Oster makes us tick in midfield. Woods, although a very good player, is a different sort of player and doesn't have that effect.

[Lesonthewest]

CusworthRovers wrote:

I'm not into this big Oster love in.......and before I start, I would like to add I am chuffed to bits that he has signed and think he's a much needed addition to the quality we have. I think he improved immensely once he was stuck in the centre of midfield.

Just a couple of observations from me:

When he was away from the middle he was far less consistently impactive and very much world beater one day and egg beater the next game.

Best player in the team?.....not for me.

Build a team around?......not for me


The best player and one to build the team around for next season is still very much Brian Stock, for me. Now I'm not sure how, and that's where Sean comes in, but we need a system that incorporates Stock pulling the strings and Messers Woods, Coppinger, Hayter and Oster complimenting this with their exceptional talents. Then we have to add to that a possible much needed disciplined central role to act as a foil for all this total football.
Whilst one would suggest a suitable candidate in Wilson, we could utilise what we have to back up the Wilson role.

But surely we can build a team around both Stock AND Oster Cusworth. Players of Osters calibre don't come round for a club our size too often. He offers so much to the team, aside from his experience & time at the top level, he is so so intelligent on the ball, & brilliant at spotting an opening. If we lost him I believe we would find him near impossible to replace, especially with the price we could afford. Stock, Woods, Coppinger & Oster for our midfield next season? yes please!

[jw2]

Oster should not be made captain.
a captain is a good role model and sorry buy john doesnt have a great off the field record does he?


Also if we were offered half a million for mr woods i would bite there hands off.    :dry:

[Colin C No.3]

Don't want teach anyone to suck eggs but...
this site gives you reports from all UK newspapers, football forums & other related websites, www.newsnow.co.uk

Hope it helps those who weren't aware of the site moniter close season 'events'.

[CusworthRovers]

Lesonthewest wrote:

CusworthRovers wrote:

I'm not into this big Oster love in.......and before I start, I would like to add I am chuffed to bits that he has signed and think he's a much needed addition to the quality we have. I think he improved immensely once he was stuck in the centre of midfield.

Just a couple of observations from me:

When he was away from the middle he was far less consistently impactive and very much world beater one day and egg beater the next game.

Best player in the team?.....not for me.

Build a team around?......not for me


The best player and one to build the team around for next season is still very much Brian Stock, for me. Now I'm not sure how, and that's where Sean comes in, but we need a system that incorporates Stock pulling the strings and Messers Woods, Coppinger, Hayter and Oster complimenting this with their exceptional talents. Then we have to add to that a possible much needed disciplined central role to act as a foil for all this total football.
Whilst one would suggest a suitable candidate in Wilson, we could utilise what we have to back up the Wilson role.

But surely we can build a team around both Stock AND Oster Cusworth. Players of Osters calibre don't come round for a club our size too often. He offers so much to the team, aside from his experience & time at the top level, he is so so intelligent on the ball, & brilliant at spotting an opening. If we lost him I believe we would find him near impossible to replace, especially with the price we could afford. Stock, Woods, Coppinger & Oster for our midfield next season? yes please!

Hopefully Sean can build that team around Stock and Oster, but Sean (as we all know) as a safety streak in him. Of those 4 that we both speak of as a mouthwatering midfield, it just lacks that disciplined no nonsense, no thrills, kill space, close down type player ala Wilson or Gillett.

Perhaps, Stock can hold in front of the back 4, dictate, orchestrate, protect with Oster in front of him and Copps/Woods as outside halfs, rather than wingers. Sounds good.

What is pleasing is that, other than Stock and Wilson, we have very versatile players in Copps, Woods, Oster, Deano and Hayter who can play any role in the midfield area. In short, we have very good cover in the middle. If I was Mr Picky, I would love a Wellens type in there or Nicky Bailey

[mushRTID]

I said this last summer and it didnt quite work out but......im expecting more from Deano this year. Dont think we have seen anywhere near what he has to offer us.