Big Sam: Blackburn Rovers had to sell Derbyshire (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Big Sam: Blackburn Rovers had to sell Derbyshire
8:57am Monday 6th July 2009 in
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- By Chris Flanagan » Sports reporter
SAM Allardyce has insisted that Blackburn Rovers would have been making a mistake by keeping Matt Derbyshire – because he wanted to leave just as much as Roque Santa Cruz.
While many Rovers fans were glad to finally see an end to the Santa Cruz saga when the wantaway Paraguayan was sold to Manchester City, Derbyshire’s departure was met with more widespread disappointment.
The 23-year-old had started his career with non-league side Great Harwood before progressing through the Rovers youth team ranks and displaying the ability to score goals in the Premier League – even if he was unable to hold down a starting place.
Although Rovers still have David Dunn and Blackburn-raised Scot Paul Gallagher in their ranks, it is a rarity these days for a local lad and boyhood fan to play for a top flight side.
But it is understood that, in the days before Derbyshire’s exit to Olympiakos for around £3m, the striker made it clear to Rovers that he wanted to move to Greece rather than remain at Ewood.
Derbyshire initally moved on loan in January, finding both his feet and the net in Piraeus, and Allardyce has stressed the importance of having players who are only focused on Rovers.
“I thought it was a terrific piece of business from our point of view,” said Big Sam.
“But at the end of the day it was triggered by Matt Derbyshire not wanting to stay at Blackburn Rovers any more.
“He was just as determined to leave the football club as Roque was, so at the end of the day you take the money and where you can get someone who does want to play for Blackburn Rovers.”
Some have suggested that Santa Cruz should have been sold in January, with the Paraguayan suffering from injuries for the rest of the season, but Allardyce said: “We managed to overcome the bids we had for him in January, which was particularly important.
“I know that he didn’t play a major part, but the times he was on the field after January he did have an influence in the results we got at that time.
“And every point was precious.”
Comments(12)
jeppo
says...
11:07am Mon 6 Jul 09
eddie the eagle
says...
12:09pm Mon 6 Jul 09
Coach Taylor
says...
12:53pm Mon 6 Jul 09
The Artful Labourer
says...
1:31pm Mon 6 Jul 09
Raf_of_the_Rovers
says...
1:50pm Mon 6 Jul 09
Me senses something underneith the surface...whether it be a bust up or Big Sam did'nt take a like to him...says alot as he was shipped out during a time we were'nt exactly flush with strikers and in the midst of a relegation battle. BS is right, we only need people who as I like to think of it 'willing to fight for the blue and white'.
Is a shame as Derbs has got the potential to be a good striker - hope we have a sell on clause/first option if he's successful out there.
Whatever it maybe he a local lad and hope he does us and himself proud.
Raf_of_the_Rovers
says...
1:51pm Mon 6 Jul 09
Me senses something underneith the surface...whether it be a bust up or Big Sam did'nt take a like to him...says alot as he was shipped out during a time we were'nt exactly flush with strikers and in the midst of a relegation battle. BS is right, we only need people who as I like to think of it 'willing to fight for the blue and white'.
Is a shame as Derbs has got the potential to be a good striker - hope we have a sell on clause/first option if he's successful out there.
Whatever it maybe he a local lad and hope he does us and himself proud.
jeppo
says...
2:46pm Mon 6 Jul 09
MJ Rover
says...
3:45pm Mon 6 Jul 09
As far as I am concerned there is no conspiracy or behind-the-scenes fallout. It's just a guy who wants to play more football (and in nicer weather too!). Good luck to him.
hasslem hasslem
says...
4:51pm Mon 6 Jul 09
jeppo wrote:is that the same logic as some bloke from huddersfield that came on here a couple of weeks ago and ridiculed someone for saying we should be interested in the horsey dutchman.
eddie...I know! I like to think of myself as the champion of logic and common sense. I realise that this is the wrong forum for that though!! lol
jeppo
says...
6:18pm Mon 6 Jul 09
Ent1y
says...
7:08pm Mon 6 Jul 09
Its a shame with him being a local lad and the only striker/player who could run at people and take them on.. please dont start telling me robbo has pace and can do the same. I have a funny feeling we might live to regret this one.
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Flylife says...
10:26am Mon 6 Jul 09