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Benni: I want to finish my career at Blackburn Rovers
10:15am Friday 9th May 2008
Comments (44)
BENNI McCarthy has revealed he wants to finish his career at Blackburn Rovers.
And he has warned strike partners Roque Santa Cruz and Jason Roberts that they'll have a fight on their hands next season as he bids to reclaim his forward role.
The 30-year-old ended speculation over his future last month when he signed a new three-year deal at Ewood Park tying him to the club until 2011.
And he admitted he would be happy to stay with Rovers until he hangs up his shooting boots.
He said: "I would easily (finish my career at Rovers), that's why I signed my new deal. I can see myself probably finishing my football here.
"There's a really nice atmosphere, it's a great family team and everyone is really nice here.
"No matter who you are, I can't see why you wouldn't want to finish your career here.
"You only have to look at Tugay and Brad Friedel. That's the examples I'm trying to follow."
The South African set the Premier League alight in his debut season after completing a £2.5 million move from Porto in 2006, scoring 24 goals, 18 in the league.
But following an unsettling summer last year, when he was linked with a move to Chelsea, coupled with the arrival of Santa Cruz, McCarthy has endured a disappointing season by his own high standards.
Although he has been in and out of the Rovers side, he has still managed 11 goals.
And he was confident in the next campaign that he could recapture his early form and prolific goalscoring touch.
He added: "Robbo and Roque's going to see a new player next season because I'll be back to my old self.
"There are no more distractions. I'll be coming back and enjoying every single day of the new season."
Your Say YourLancashire Telegraph
Michael, Darwen says...
10:43am Fri 9 May 08
Santa and Benni to be our strike partnership for next season bye bye Roberts
ossy rover, ossy says...
10:52am Fri 9 May 08
keep the faith
Si Lowe, Manchester says...
10:52am Fri 9 May 08
He can start to prove himself by scoring the winner on Sunday which sends us up to 6th! Hammers will beat the villa so it is all up to us, and as a bonus we get the chance to send rovers b team (brum) down!
Jinkyjase, Preston says...
10:53am Fri 9 May 08
"....I can see myself probably finishing my football here."
What commitment! You might fool some of the people some of the time, but not me.
Robbie, Manchester says...
11:20am Fri 9 May 08
same has to be said about peds he has had a bad season so hopefully he can get back on form next year and again he will be like a new player for us.
Nelson back fully fit after his problem, reid with a full pre season behind him, and vogal getting better and will be all the better for a pre season with the team and euro 2008.
will all be like new players..
jeppo, yorks says...
11:21am Fri 9 May 08
TC, Blackburn says...
11:26am Fri 9 May 08
I for one will reserve any 'well said benni's' for him until he begins to repay the faith and commitment shown by the fans, manager and club.
There is no question mark over his ability but there is over his work rate for the team. Our current form is partly down to Roque and Roberts defending from the front and the obvious goals they score.
I dont buy into the 'he doesnt need to work hard if he scores goals'.In this league we need more than just a technically gifted player, we need work rate and team work.
Woody Riversider, Blackburn says...
11:51am Fri 9 May 08
1.DO YOU THINK HE HAS TAKEN THE P*SS?
2.SERIOUS & CONSTRUCTIVE REPLYS ONLY!!
Thanks
roveringrove, stockport says...
12:23pm Fri 9 May 08
Robbie, Manchester says...
12:27pm Fri 9 May 08
Woody Riversider wrote:yeh i do think he was. i think he well and truely spat his dummy and was being all moody to get a move
I just want to ask a question here of the doubters regarding BMc? 1.DO YOU THINK HE HAS TAKEN THE P*SS? 2.SERIOUS & CONSTRUCTIVE REPLYS ONLY!! Thanks
Anthony, Blackburn says...
12:30pm Fri 9 May 08
Ains, Rover down South says...
12:34pm Fri 9 May 08
The future is bright, the future is crown paints...
TC, Blackburn says...
12:35pm Fri 9 May 08
Woody Riversider wrote:I personally do think he has Woody.
I just want to ask a question here of the doubters regarding BMc? 1.DO YOU THINK HE HAS TAKEN THE P*SS? 2.SERIOUS & CONSTRUCTIVE REPLYS ONLY!! Thanks
I have no objection to any of our first team squad 'bettering' themselves at a top club. But to go through a whole season and his 'head not being right'doesnt quite add up to me.
All players have barron periods, loss of form etc but surely the rumours wouldnt effect your form for an entire campaign?
He came to this club despite interest from a number of bigger clubs. It was rumoured that the season before we signed him that West Ham had agreed a 10 million fee for his services but he wanted to be here instead and sacrificed a year of hell on the bench at porto.
im not surprised that Rovers have given him a new contract because the guy is class, but ive been bemused by his actions. He hasnt once spat his dummy out about not being a regular in the first 11, but i would have assumed a plyer of his talent would not have put up with not being a regular starter
Its all a bit strange to me.
Whats your take on it?
Neil, Rishton says...
12:38pm Fri 9 May 08
Rover, Blackburn says...
1:04pm Fri 9 May 08
roveringrove wrote:Spot on,great reply for me is this one,and i hope someone changes that fecking oh so Corny name of Roverthemoon whoever thought of that one should be shot on the centre spot at the first home game of the season..lol
Never mind the debate about Benni\'s class or Jason\'s lack it! Celebrate the best news of the season...according to club website we are getting rid of the worst club shop in Britain and will soon be able to get some decent Rovers stuff to share with our families in forthcoming Christmasses and birthdays. This is a genuine success story of the season, if it actually happens!!
ossy rover, ossy says...
1:22pm Fri 9 May 08
the result of it is though benni's effectiveness was nullified, the season he knocked in goals regularly he played on the shoulder of the last man, he was caught offside a number of times and that was frustrating in its own right but it did mean he was in the danger area.
this season he played deeper that effectiveness dissappeared, and not only that he had times were he lost the ball in positions that put us under pressure.
the last few weeks we have seen roque play the deeper role with JR and he seems more comfortable with it than benni, but more importantly it doesnt seem to have effected roquie's goal threat.
maybe this is in hughsies thinking for next season.
we can only summise and debate amongst ourselves about benni's form and general attitude, was it second season syndrome?, or is it that roque and benni cant play together?, or is it that some think he's just a lazy b'stard?.
personally as ive said many a time i think benni has class, and if we were to release him and let him go to any of the teams who are presently around us in the league, including the mags or spurs it would have been a disaster.
keep the faith
Mark H, says...
1:28pm Fri 9 May 08
Woody Riversider, Blackburn says...
1:42pm Fri 9 May 08
TC wrote:TC my attempts at replying are proving fruitless at the moment. This page keeps on crashing!!
Woody Riversider wrote: I just want to ask a question here of the doubters regarding BMc? 1.DO YOU THINK HE HAS TAKEN THE P*SS? 2.SERIOUS & CONSTRUCTIVE REPLYS ONLY!! ThanksI personally do think he has Woody. I have no objection to any of our first team squad 'bettering' themselves at a top club. But to go through a whole season and his 'head not being right'doesnt quite add up to me. All players have barron periods, loss of form etc but surely the rumours wouldnt effect your form for an entire campaign? He came to this club despite interest from a number of bigger clubs. It was rumoured that the season before we signed him that West Ham had agreed a 10 million fee for his services but he wanted to be here instead and sacrificed a year of hell on the bench at porto. im not surprised that Rovers have given him a new contract because the guy is class, but ive been bemused by his actions. He hasnt once spat his dummy out about not being a regular in the first 11, but i would have assumed a plyer of his talent would not have put up with not being a regular starter Its all a bit strange to me. Whats your take on it?
Twice I've wrote replys to your quiz but to no avail. I will get back to you on this.
Be warned I have lots to say!! :)
TC, Blackburn says...
2:14pm Fri 9 May 08
TC, Blackburn says...
2:40pm Fri 9 May 08
England will have an additional club in next season's Uefa Cup after topping Europe's fair play rankings.
The place will be awarded to the best-behaved Premier League team that does not qualify for European competition next term.
Manchester City are the side who would qualify in the current Premier League fair play standings.
City, whose final game is at Middlesbrough on Sunday, qualified for the Uefa Cup on the same basis in 2003.
Sven-Goran Eriksson's side currently stand fifth in the fair play table, behind Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool - who are all already guaranteed a place in continental competition.
This means City, with only a single league game remaining, stand on the brink of an unexpected European spot.
Fair play my ****!
ossy rover, ossy says...
2:46pm Fri 9 May 08
never mind we will just have to go out and have a good win on sunday.
keep the faith
Burnley Taxpayer, Burnley says...
2:48pm Fri 9 May 08
Johnnyboy, Beautiful Blackburn says...
3:10pm Fri 9 May 08
Woody Riversider wrote:Hes exploiting the hearts and minds of the supporters, as for us elder fans the only eploitation Benni has to do is that on the pitch improved workrate and goals has to be Benis target, talk just wont do.
I just want to ask a question here of the doubters regarding BMc? 1.DO YOU THINK HE HAS TAKEN THE P*SS? 2.SERIOUS & CONSTRUCTIVE REPLYS ONLY!! Thanks
As somebody as said, actions speak louder than words especially when it comes to football.
Arte et labore
stickler, says...
3:43pm Fri 9 May 08
Thats because he wouldnt get in any of the top 6 clubs squads.
jeppo, yorks says...
3:44pm Fri 9 May 08
Woody Riversider, Blackburn says...
3:53pm Fri 9 May 08
TC wrote:Firstly I have say I was under no illusions concerning BMc on his arrival simply because he was honest in his desires.I truly believe BMc arrived here with his own spec & conditions.(which as proved to be the case)One of them for sure would have been Champs Lg Football. At this point I'm quite sure MH would have granted BMc this request but with his own conditions ie 'YOU CAN LEAVE BUT IT WILL BE AT THE VALUE WE(BRFC) SET'
Woody Riversider wrote: I just want to ask a question here of the doubters regarding BMc? 1.DO YOU THINK HE HAS TAKEN THE P*SS? 2.SERIOUS & CONSTRUCTIVE REPLYS ONLY!! ThanksI personally do think he has Woody. I have no objection to any of our first team squad \'bettering\' themselves at a top club. But to go through a whole season and his \'head not being right\'doesnt quite add up to me. All players have barron periods, loss of form etc but surely the rumours wouldnt effect your form for an entire campaign? He came to this club despite interest from a number of bigger clubs. It was rumoured that the season before we signed him that West Ham had agreed a 10 million fee for his services but he wanted to be here instead and sacrificed a year of hell on the bench at porto. im not surprised that Rovers have given him a new contract because the guy is class, but ive been bemused by his actions. He hasnt once spat his dummy out about not being a regular in the first 11, but i would have assumed a plyer of his talent would not have put up with not being a regular starter Its all a bit strange to me. Whats your take on it?
Or something along those lines?
So off we set into the season with BMc(much to prove in the Prem) coasting his way through-goals galore & obvious talents!!
Alas BRFC didn't reach the goals of BMc thus sparking the rumours for his imminent departure(which now looks purely down to himself engineering a move) Quite rightly MH woudn't advocate this considering himself & his coaching staff had overseen a twenty goal a season striker(one of the best in the business you could say?) for 3.5mil. A snip!!
We have to remember here that honesty is still very much at the fore in BMc's case. The only problem now for BMc is that he his the only one attempting a transfer away. Obviously he wants to fulfil his dreams(again!!) by playing at a higher level & he has just scored 20 goals so there should be no problems?
WRONG BMc!! For me he as totally mis-judged the situation:ie there are no takers!
He also said a couple of things that as a BRFC supporter hurt to be quite frank but this gave me a little more insight into BMc.
He his now in a real dilemma
1 NO TAKERS
2 MH keeping stum on a move away
3 BRFC supporters tearing there hair out!!
Again,honesty is still at the fore only for BMc it's all backfired!!
Begin the new season 'oh-oh I've f**ked up & the ball feels like a lead wieght' He will now be absolutly gutted on all fronts.His own doing you might say?
Pro or not,loads of $'s or not this doesn't cushion a fall from grace. BMc is now on his a**s. MH as stood dignified & quiet & will now really put is managerial skills to the test by coaching this absolute football talent back to his best.From the 07/08 season to the present time MH has coached 11 goals from him,dropped him,unused sub to signing a new contract. Now for some-one to get that from a guy who is on his arse is by no mean feet.
My point to this is this.
If BMc had been taking the p**s can you really tell me that MH would have stood by & let it happen?
TALENT COMES AT A COST IN ANY WALK OF LIFE & BMc IS WORTH WAITING FOR.
For me he his a man of convictions,which sometimes blow up in his face but when he says what he says in the interview I truly believe him. Barring injury & bans BMc will deliver next season & for the remainder he his here.He has put his hands up & without outrightly saying it 'I FU**ED UP NOW WATCH ME GO'
I for one want BMc to go down as one of BRFC's great strikers.
Obviously this is only my opinion & not set in stone but to have talent at Ewood Park such as BMc I'm prepared to make an exception.
PS sorry if it's long.....
jonesy, blackburn says...
4:02pm Fri 9 May 08
Jinkyjase, Preston says...
4:15pm Fri 9 May 08
jeppo wrote:Jeppo, I don't want to READ about Benni McCarthy I want to SEE performances and commitment. This season I've seen neither. If you want an example of how a player at our club should conduct himself then don't go anywhere near Benni McCarthy.
jinkyjase....so what is it that you WOULD like to read about benni?? Poor lad's just trying to be positive mate, and whilst I might be a fool some of the time, I'm seeing this stuff from benni as a bit of an apology for some of the stuff he's said/not done in the course of the season. Benni is quality, but he owes us a good season, and he knows it!!
Anyway, I can't wait to be at the **** Baron's relegation party Sunday, gonna be great!
amir, says...
4:32pm Fri 9 May 08
quote
tugay
TC, Blackburn says...
4:32pm Fri 9 May 08
I hope your right, Hughes has stood by his side and not really got involved in the media circus that Benny has created. Maybe Hughes has stood back and thought 'no problem tout yourself, ive got roque, roberts, derbyshire who will score goals for me'.
Hughes genuinely beleives that most strikers will score goals in his team because of the amount of crosses we deliver into dangerous areas. He also knew that if a bid of 10 million came in for him we would benefit from a bigger transfer budget.
If i was hughes i would be showing him the door but he has obviously called benny's bluff by letting him get on with it.
As a result of the way Hughes has handled the situation Benny like you say doesnt have many options left. I think he realsises just how good he has it at Ewood and hopefully 07/08 will see him return to his best.
Valleyboy, says...
4:37pm Fri 9 May 08
Jamie, Blackburn says...
4:59pm Fri 9 May 08
Since then, there have been distractions but Mark Hughes is a very capable man manager and has put a lot of faith in Benni - if Hughes thought his attitude was wrong, he would be out of the door in a flash.
If Benni can recapture the form of last season, and Roque can carry forward his record from this season, Rovers will be pushing for a 4th place spot - no joke.
mike, says...
5:57pm Fri 9 May 08
Burnley Taxpayer wrote:You Gypsie's pay taxes? don't make me laugh.
Surely playing for Blackburn Rovers would finish anyone's career?
In regards to McCarthy, if he does score 20+ next season, and then Chelsea come in for him afterwards in the summer, Does anyone honestly believe he will then say he wants to finish his career with us?
Woody Riversider, Blackburn says...
7:22pm Fri 9 May 08
TC wrote:You know TC when we(all) discuss this situation concerning BMc can you tell me of any other Industry that would tolerate that? Or more to the point could they afford it?
Woody, i dont think you could have put it any other way. I hope your right, Hughes has stood by his side and not really got involved in the media circus that Benny has created. Maybe Hughes has stood back and thought 'no problem tout yourself, ive got roque, roberts, derbyshire who will score goals for me'. Hughes genuinely beleives that most strikers will score goals in his team because of the amount of crosses we deliver into dangerous areas. He also knew that if a bid of 10 million came in for him we would benefit from a bigger transfer budget. If i was hughes i would be showing him the door but he has obviously called benny's bluff by letting him get on with it. As a result of the way Hughes has handled the situation Benny like you say doesnt have many options left. I think he realsises just how good he has it at Ewood and hopefully 07/08 will see him return to his best.
I aint defending him to any hilt I just believe his talent is worth waiting for(not at any cost mind,but MH will sort that out if it arose)
Your right MH as let him get on with it,making his mistakes. No beter way for BMc to realise what he has rather than what he wishes he had?
BMc has the capabilities to fire us to the fringes of the top four. He's made a statement & as I say I believe him.
Some one a while back was p***ed at BMc for not acknowledging the applause when coming off.
My take on it was that HE never felt he deserved the applause.
What had he done to deserve applause?
I'm here to be corrected in the next few years on this with BMc....no problem.
As I said at the beginning 'the world of football' dont we just love it!!
Arte et labore (c'mon Bennie play for that crest) & you will be worshipped thats all we ask.
Thanks!!
Woody Riversider, Blackburn says...
7:39pm Fri 9 May 08
mike wrote:I know we can never say never Mike but I somehow doubt it will happen. He aint getting any younger for the top four. They go for young guns.
Burnley Taxpayer wrote: Surely playing for Blackburn Rovers would finish anyone's career?You Gypsie's pay taxes? don't make me laugh. In regards to McCarthy, if he does score 20+ next season, and then Chelsea come in for him afterwards in the summer, Does anyone honestly believe he will then say he wants to finish his career with us?
I feel he has reached his limit in relation to the top four & realised that he as just as good a chance under MH(if not BRFC which I doubt)) to reach some final goals in his career & help BRFC to firmly establish itself in the higher reaches of the Prem while all the while it gives MH & possibly make things a whole lot easier,the chance to find replacements & hopefully bring them through under the likes of BMc(not the lazy parts though!!) Better the devil you know maybe?
Martin, USA says...
8:27pm Fri 9 May 08
Fast-forward a few months and here we are with Benni now saying he's happy to stay here for the rest of his career. I for one am delighted to hear him say that. Give the guy a break. You pan him for saying he wants to better himself and now you pan him for stating some loyalty.
I for one would be more worried if our players were coming out saying how happy they were to be playing for a mid-table team.
Ex-Pat, 2000 Miles Away says...
11:36pm Fri 9 May 08
Jamie, wrexham says...
1:54am Sat 10 May 08
Valleyboy wrote:I think your being harsh there, unfortunatly though your 100% right. I didnt want to say it but Benni's a waste of space. People giving it the old "Roberts will lose his place when Benni comes good" your dreaming, the guys legs have gone. Ask Roque who he'd rather his strike partner be.
Stroll on Benni. Yeah you had a good first season then you showed your loyalty by saying you were gonna nob off to a Cahmpions League etc etc. This season you were pants no effort no committment, too many fancy flicks and dicking around rather than playing the simple ball first time. You have now realised that you are a bag of crap and you've **** the fans off so you want to endear yourself to them again. Well for me you can do one. Theirs no I in team but theres a u in c**t.
Lets be fair even when Beni was banging them in he looked pretty lazy but no-one cared cos he was scoring, in the summer he had lost a yard of pace and that killed him cos he wasnt exactly Chris Ronaldo to start with. Id say sell but we'd get nothing for him if we get an offer over £4m tho we shud sell sell sell.
simon garner, blackburn says...
3:45am Sat 10 May 08
sad catcher, says...
7:21am Sat 10 May 08
Saddo's for sure!!!
There is more to life than Benni McCarthy, so do yourself a favour, Get a life!!!
Matthew, South Africa says...
8:37am Sat 10 May 08
Still Have my faith with Matt Derbyshire.
mike, says...
10:07am Sat 10 May 08
sad catcher wrote:Its even sadder that people get up at 7am on saturday morning to come onto this website. ecpecially seeing as their is no game on today....
i think its sad that people get in after a night out and come on this website ha ha ha. Saddo's for sure!!! There is more to life than Benni McCarthy, so do yourself a favour, Get a life!!!
trev, manchester says...
1:49pm Sat 10 May 08
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Monkey, Jungle says...
10:22am Fri 9 May 08
You may not of had a good season, but i have faith in you, we have seen what you can do.
Go and prove all those idiots wrong!
Keep the Benni!