ANDY CRYER COLUMN: Replacing Leon is worth a gamble (From Lancashire Telegraph)
When news happens, text LT and your photos and videos to 80360. Or contact us by email or phone.
ANDY CRYER COLUMN: Replacing Leon is worth a gamble
10:11am Thursday 2nd August 2012 in Sport
By Andy Cryer, Blackburn Rovers reporter
BLACKBURN Rovers are walking a tightrope at the moment as their Champ-ionship fortunes hang in the balance.
Most of us were of the opinion the squad still needed strengthen-ing before Leon Best’s shocking knee injury – now everyone knows urgent work in the market is needed.
Shebby Singh is right when he says there is no panic as the hunt for the ‘Best replacement’ begins but there certainly will be if one isn’t found before the trip to Ipswich.
Nuno Gomes can lead the line but, having been signed to play in a withdrawn role, the addition of a presence in attack is now crucial for Rovers to get off to a flying start.
There is no point in just rushing out and signing anyone. Rovers have done that far too often over the past two years, leaving them with a host of players draining the wage bill in the reserves.
Ambition is also great, with efforts to sign Jordan Rhodes applaudable. It is crucial they know when to give up though.
If Huddersfield aren’t going to sell, or if the player doesn’t want to come, then move on quickly and target the next one.
We are also going to learn a lot about how serious Venky’s really are in their promises to do what is needed to get the club back into their Premier League. After all, it is their fault – and Steve Kean’s – that we are there in the first place.
They have already refused to sack the manager most Rovers fans don’t want in the hot seat, now they have to give him the best possible ammunition to try and prove us all wrong.
This is their problem. A striker equal or better than Leon Best will cost big money, having already paid £3million for the former Newcastle man.
I know people will point to the money brought in for sales over the past two years and say that should be spent on incomings.
It appears Venky’s are ready to spend on a striker – if their efforts to land Rhodes are anything to go by – but, with a large financial black hole after relegation, big wages and big transfer fees are a gamble.
The annual accounts are certainly going to make for an interesting read. Having lost circa £30million in revenue – taking parachute payments into account – how they plan to run the club without losses is uncertain.
Supporters understandably want them to take the gamble. It seems the owners are ready to do that too – after more bold promises. All that does is pile the pressure onto Kean and Venky’s to finally get it right after 18 months of failure.
That needs to start with a couple of strikers, a defender and a central midfielder.
Comments(44)
AndyW
says...
10:22am Thu 2 Aug 12
idlewally
says...
10:25am Thu 2 Aug 12
thommovat
says...
10:26am Thu 2 Aug 12
Ta!
fitz808
says...
10:30am Thu 2 Aug 12
idlewally wrote:not sure about fomica as part of a two in midfeld
what about a right mid - formica murphy would be a decent cm pairing
Road Runner Road Runner
says...
10:40am Thu 2 Aug 12
Sick to the back teeth at reading this type of headline whilst over on the other page we read of those being shown the door.
Utter chaos whilst these people prance around cracking on all is well !
I'll always retain my hope for BRFC as I always have had, but these shysters have done a job on me all things BRFC.
Arte et labore
Nurseman
says...
10:42am Thu 2 Aug 12
Panic buying NO, but
URGENT ACTION NEEDED....YES!!
Nurseman
says...
10:46am Thu 2 Aug 12
They do not panic because they do not seem bothered about us or the club
French Rover
says...
10:59am Thu 2 Aug 12
We are just two weeks away from our first game at Ipswich and I really don't think anyone at the club has any idea what team to put out....very strange time to be a Rovers fan indeed.....even monsieur positive here in France is worried now.
Bunn
Henley
Hanley
Orr
Lowe
Vukevic/Formica
Murphy
Nunes
Gomes
Rochina
With Leon Best up front instead of Rochina that may have been a half decent side - but now looks very lightweight.
Two strikers, one defender (and if Peds goes one midfielder needed also). Counting down now...
French Rover
says...
11:01am Thu 2 Aug 12
French Rover wrote:darn it - missed Givet out...he would make the line-up for sure:
Good words Andy and common sense - hope the Shebmeister is listening and working on sorting out the mess now.
We are just two weeks away from our first game at Ipswich and I really don't think anyone at the club has any idea what team to put out....very strange time to be a Rovers fan indeed.....even monsieur positive here in France is worried now.
Bunn
Henley
Hanley
Orr
Lowe
Vukevic/Formica
Murphy
Nunes
Gomes
Rochina
With Leon Best up front instead of Rochina that may have been a half decent side - but now looks very lightweight.
Two strikers, one defender (and if Peds goes one midfielder needed also). Counting down now...
Bunn
Henley
Hanley
Givet
Orr
Lowe
Vukevic/Formica
Murphy
Nunes
Gomes
Rochina
that looks better....
Harwoodstblue
says...
11:15am Thu 2 Aug 12
French Rover wrote:That team looks quite good FR. I'm worried though if anyone gets injured/suspended. The squad looks very lightweight so who do we put in then ?.......Like last season, anyone playing anywhere ? Kids having to do a mans job ? I'm not optimistic things are any better than last season and time is running out..........They did have a month "being confused " though.
French Rover wrote:darn it - missed Givet out...he would make the line-up for sure:
Good words Andy and common sense - hope the Shebmeister is listening and working on sorting out the mess now.
We are just two weeks away from our first game at Ipswich and I really don't think anyone at the club has any idea what team to put out....very strange time to be a Rovers fan indeed.....even monsieur positive here in France is worried now.
Bunn
Henley
Hanley
Orr
Lowe
Vukevic/Formica
Murphy
Nunes
Gomes
Rochina
With Leon Best up front instead of Rochina that may have been a half decent side - but now looks very lightweight.
Two strikers, one defender (and if Peds goes one midfielder needed also). Counting down now...
Bunn
Henley
Hanley
Givet
Orr
Lowe
Vukevic/Formica
Murphy
Nunes
Gomes
Rochina
that looks better....
Morst The 88th Min Heartbreaker of Dingles!
says...
11:17am Thu 2 Aug 12
Road Runner Road Runner wrote:Er.....
Pantomime season !
Sick to the back teeth at reading this type of headline whilst over on the other page we read of those being shown the door.
Utter chaos whilst these people prance around cracking on all is well !
I'll always retain my hope for BRFC as I always have had, but these shysters have done a job on me all things BRFC.
Arte et labore
Er....
Er.....
.
Oh forget it Woody m8.
.
Mind you - Impressed with French Rover actually having any idea which players we still have as I have given up! Serious lack of interest sneaking in - can't remember when I felt like this before in August.
.
34th....
French Rover
says...
11:22am Thu 2 Aug 12
Morst The 88th Min Heartbreaker of Dingles! wrote:I know what you mean Mr. Morst...it is all very confusing. But that team is half decent and if we do 'add' a striker or two and a defender (or we keep one of the Dann/Olsson/NZonzi trio which is unlikely) then the squad amy still be ok despite Kean.
Road Runner Road Runner wrote:Er.....
Pantomime season !
Sick to the back teeth at reading this type of headline whilst over on the other page we read of those being shown the door.
Utter chaos whilst these people prance around cracking on all is well !
I'll always retain my hope for BRFC as I always have had, but these shysters have done a job on me all things BRFC.
Arte et labore
Er....
Er.....
.
Oh forget it Woody m8.
.
Mind you - Impressed with French Rover actually having any idea which players we still have as I have given up! Serious lack of interest sneaking in - can't remember when I felt like this before in August.
.
34th....
And BTW - when are you going to email me...? Woody has my address which I told him he could share with you...
benal13
says...
11:31am Thu 2 Aug 12
French Rover wrote:were have you left dunn french rover in the PIE SHOP????
French Rover wrote:darn it - missed Givet out...he would make the line-up for sure:
Good words Andy and common sense - hope the Shebmeister is listening and working on sorting out the mess now.
We are just two weeks away from our first game at Ipswich and I really don't think anyone at the club has any idea what team to put out....very strange time to be a Rovers fan indeed.....even monsieur positive here in France is worried now.
Bunn
Henley
Hanley
Orr
Lowe
Vukevic/Formica
Murphy
Nunes
Gomes
Rochina
With Leon Best up front instead of Rochina that may have been a half decent side - but now looks very lightweight.
Two strikers, one defender (and if Peds goes one midfielder needed also). Counting down now...
Bunn
Henley
Hanley
Givet
Orr
Lowe
Vukevic/Formica
Murphy
Nunes
Gomes
Rochina
that looks better....
MatthewCA
says...
11:32am Thu 2 Aug 12
I bet on Rochina, he got good pace in attack as a striker than goodwillie. It is just a matter of time, tomorrow pair Gomes, Goodwille,Rochina,Sl
ew in the friendly match and see the fitness. By the end of the season Best will be ready to play in the top fight. When we look more than 35 players in the club, I feel we are in great position to fight in this league.
Kean In, Game On
Roverstildeath
says...
11:54am Thu 2 Aug 12
bburnrover
says...
12:06pm Thu 2 Aug 12
Keen O to Get Kean Out
says...
12:20pm Thu 2 Aug 12
ossyrover1
says...
12:21pm Thu 2 Aug 12
MatthewCA wrote:i see the troll is back
Surely we need a good striker with experience to replace Best and with a long term agenda too, it seems J.Rhodes is a good young player in the pool with a Ewood standards. For him also is the good chance to play with some greats like Gomes and Murphy to get noticed in the world of football.
I bet on Rochina, he got good pace in attack as a striker than goodwillie. It is just a matter of time, tomorrow pair Gomes, Goodwille,Rochina,Sl
ew in the friendly match and see the fitness. By the end of the season Best will be ready to play in the top fight. When we look more than 35 players in the club, I feel we are in great position to fight in this league.
Kean In, Game On
A Darener
says...
12:39pm Thu 2 Aug 12
bburnrover wrote:We can LOOK at all the decent players we like, but it's buying them we need and there is NO chance of that.
The encouraging thing for me is since Shebby arrived we have started looking at decent players and the lad at Huddersfield with 40 goals to his name looks likely to be a gem in a good side.I also think Murphy and Best are excellent aquisitions and if they do as Andy Cryer wishes and buy/loan 4 more players we should be in a position to fire off Kean and appoint someone who knows something about tatics and football .I believe most fans know more than Kean so it wont be to difficult to get a motivated team and a motivated crowd to roar the lads and the new manager on to promotion next season.
It will be a last second dash before the Ipswich game to grab anybody daft enough to come!
1rover
says...
12:41pm Thu 2 Aug 12
Keen O to Get Kean Out
says...
12:42pm Thu 2 Aug 12
MatthewCA wrote:wot team have you been watching or what have you been drinking ,, Good Willy -- not good enuf to lace burnley players boots
Surely we need a good striker with experience to replace Best and with a long term agenda too, it seems J.Rhodes is a good young player in the pool with a Ewood standards. For him also is the good chance to play with some greats like Gomes and Murphy to get noticed in the world of football. I bet on Rochina, he got good pace in attack as a striker than goodwillie. It is just a matter of time, tomorrow pair Gomes, Goodwille,Rochina,Sl ew in the friendly match and see the fitness. By the end of the season Best will be ready to play in the top fight. When we look more than 35 players in the club, I feel we are in great position to fight in this league. Kean In, Game On
givet82
says...
12:48pm Thu 2 Aug 12
French Rover wrote:good team fr, i'm thinking Dann, Dunn and marcus olsson will start though, Keans yes men. Maybe Martin Olssen aswell if knowone comes in for him. Also can't be any harm to get RSQ on loan surely:)
Good words Andy and common sense - hope the Shebmeister is listening and working on sorting out the mess now.
We are just two weeks away from our first game at Ipswich and I really don't think anyone at the club has any idea what team to put out....very strange time to be a Rovers fan indeed.....even monsieur positive here in France is worried now.
Bunn
Henley
Hanley
Orr
Lowe
Vukevic/Formica
Murphy
Nunes
Gomes
Rochina
With Leon Best up front instead of Rochina that may have been a half decent side - but now looks very lightweight.
Two strikers, one defender (and if Peds goes one midfielder needed also). Counting down now...
Roverstildeath
says...
12:51pm Thu 2 Aug 12
jogalot
says...
12:58pm Thu 2 Aug 12
givet82
says...
1:11pm Thu 2 Aug 12
Lancs - pensioner
says...
1:13pm Thu 2 Aug 12
MatthewCA wrote:tosser!
Surely we need a good striker with experience to replace Best and with a long term agenda too, it seems J.Rhodes is a good young player in the pool with a Ewood standards. For him also is the good chance to play with some greats like Gomes and Murphy to get noticed in the world of football.
I bet on Rochina, he got good pace in attack as a striker than goodwillie. It is just a matter of time, tomorrow pair Gomes, Goodwille,Rochina,Sl
ew in the friendly match and see the fitness. By the end of the season Best will be ready to play in the top fight. When we look more than 35 players in the club, I feel we are in great position to fight in this league.
Kean In, Game On
jack01
says...
1:34pm Thu 2 Aug 12
Dan11
says...
1:41pm Thu 2 Aug 12
-
When is Shebby and all of the Venkys cronies and hangers on, going to realise the only solution is to sack Kean.
-
A number of Rovers players are being sold off the back of poor seasons, however, an incompetent manager who has just woefully under performed is given a free pass.
-
why is Kean beyond any sane judgment?
FannyTickler
says...
1:56pm Thu 2 Aug 12
benal13
says...
2:02pm Thu 2 Aug 12
FannyTickler wrote:i was going to give you a thumbs down, then i thought no, i dont know where its been
kean in.
ronnie clayton
says...
2:09pm Thu 2 Aug 12
1riversider
says...
2:45pm Thu 2 Aug 12
As for the balance sheet Andy, when it does come out, what odds on the AGM being held in India to avoid any awkward questions being asked by us remaining minority shareholders?
WALTER MITTY AND THE THREE STOOGES OUT
SHYSTERS GET OUT OF OUR CLUB
dallydally
says...
3:15pm Thu 2 Aug 12
French Rover
says...
3:31pm Thu 2 Aug 12
benal13 wrote:he was only on his fifth pie so I hadn't the heart to tell him he was in my team and spoil his day...
French Rover wrote:were have you left dunn french rover in the PIE SHOP????
French Rover wrote:darn it - missed Givet out...he would make the line-up for sure:
Good words Andy and common sense - hope the Shebmeister is listening and working on sorting out the mess now.
We are just two weeks away from our first game at Ipswich and I really don't think anyone at the club has any idea what team to put out....very strange time to be a Rovers fan indeed.....even monsieur positive here in France is worried now.
Bunn
Henley
Hanley
Orr
Lowe
Vukevic/Formica
Murphy
Nunes
Gomes
Rochina
With Leon Best up front instead of Rochina that may have been a half decent side - but now looks very lightweight.
Two strikers, one defender (and if Peds goes one midfielder needed also). Counting down now...
Bunn
Henley
Hanley
Givet
Orr
Lowe
Vukevic/Formica
Murphy
Nunes
Gomes
Rochina
that looks better....
I actually like Dunny though he has been a good Rover but had some bad injuries at the wrong times...and yes I like him even though he appeared to back Kean at one point - but we all have to do things we don't agree with sometimes..
MxMave
says...
3:37pm Thu 2 Aug 12
benal13
says...
4:13pm Thu 2 Aug 12
French Rover wrote:each to there own FR but to me its a bit like: biting the hand that feeds you :with dunn comments!!!!!!!!!
benal13 wrote:he was only on his fifth pie so I hadn't the heart to tell him he was in my team and spoil his day...
French Rover wrote:were have you left dunn french rover in the PIE SHOP????
French Rover wrote:darn it - missed Givet out...he would make the line-up for sure:
Good words Andy and common sense - hope the Shebmeister is listening and working on sorting out the mess now.
We are just two weeks away from our first game at Ipswich and I really don't think anyone at the club has any idea what team to put out....very strange time to be a Rovers fan indeed.....even monsieur positive here in France is worried now.
Bunn
Henley
Hanley
Orr
Lowe
Vukevic/Formica
Murphy
Nunes
Gomes
Rochina
With Leon Best up front instead of Rochina that may have been a half decent side - but now looks very lightweight.
Two strikers, one defender (and if Peds goes one midfielder needed also). Counting down now...
Bunn
Henley
Hanley
Givet
Orr
Lowe
Vukevic/Formica
Murphy
Nunes
Gomes
Rochina
that looks better....
I actually like Dunny though he has been a good Rover but had some bad injuries at the wrong times...and yes I like him even though he appeared to back Kean at one point - but we all have to do things we don't agree with sometimes..
French Rover
says...
4:26pm Thu 2 Aug 12
Morst The 88th Min Heartbreaker of Dingles!
says...
4:42pm Thu 2 Aug 12
French Rover wrote:Howdy FR - I would settle for avoiding relegation until Kean is gone! Can't see us top 2 which is where we need to be before the parachutes run out.
Morst The 88th Min Heartbreaker of Dingles! wrote:I know what you mean Mr. Morst...it is all very confusing. But that team is half decent and if we do 'add' a striker or two and a defender (or we keep one of the Dann/Olsson/NZonzi trio which is unlikely) then the squad amy still be ok despite Kean.
Road Runner Road Runner wrote:Er.....
Pantomime season !
Sick to the back teeth at reading this type of headline whilst over on the other page we read of those being shown the door.
Utter chaos whilst these people prance around cracking on all is well !
I'll always retain my hope for BRFC as I always have had, but these shysters have done a job on me all things BRFC.
Arte et labore
Er....
Er.....
.
Oh forget it Woody m8.
.
Mind you - Impressed with French Rover actually having any idea which players we still have as I have given up! Serious lack of interest sneaking in - can't remember when I felt like this before in August.
.
34th....
And BTW - when are you going to email me...? Woody has my address which I told him he could share with you...
.
Yes your email arrived this mornign from the Woodmiester and I shall be in touch at the weekend. Don't think we will be able to get down again this year with work being busy but you never know!
benal13
says...
4:45pm Thu 2 Aug 12
French Rover wrote:smart ****
or the pie that feeds you....?
peely
says...
11:12pm Thu 2 Aug 12
Absolute shambles and the whole gang of 'em down at Ewood are in on it,or should I say on it ,the gravy train I mean !
fitz808
says...
8:01am Fri 3 Aug 12
MxMave wrote:cloud cockoo land or venkys payroll? my guess is neither, as cloud cuckoo land doesn't exist and he has been critical of the venky's regime on a number of occasions. in this very article he clearly states his belief that kean and venkys are solely to blame for relegation. as a reporter for the LT, a great deal of his job is reliant on speaking with rovers' staff, so he can't alienate himself completely. i think he's done about as much as can be expected.
Cryer is either living in cloud cookoo land or is on the venkys payroll. How can he believe the promises fof Venkys after the constant lies? Does he really think we'll land Rhodes? We wont even make a bid, its all bull spun to give the impression that Venkys are spending, did you watch the last few seasons? We will convienetly run out of time as we have done in every other window. What has best done to deserve such a rep? He was forced out by cisse, another player Venkys threw at the LET to pacify the stupid gullible rovers fans last year. How can cryer say oh nuno gomez upfront will lead the line, in all probability he will be another dire signing since nobody else wanted him and hes been on loan in recent years. Finally, every comment he makes in reference to kean is 'most' fans dont want him in the hotseat, please andy, give me the name of ONE fan who wants kean? Everyone != most.
does he really think we can land rhodes? well, by stating that you have to get it done quickly or decide to move on, he is at least undecided as to whether it would be possible.
best? well it would be purely subjective, but i think he's not a terrible signing for a championship club
cryer on gomes leading the line? he clearly states that gomes was bought as a support striker and that we would need to add to the striking ranks. only time will tell whether he will prove to be a worthwhile signing.
most fans / all fans. i doubt there are too many who would staunchly back kean, so you may be right... but is it that important for cryer to state it in this article. you can bet that if he said all, somone else would comment to say that 'all' was in appropriate. so it seems nonsenical to quibble about that.
other than that, an excellent post - 8/10 and a silver star...
bburnrover
says...
8:43am Fri 3 Aug 12
I have a feeling Sam hates Kean wonder why he gave him a job though? It's all Sam's fault,
fitz808
says...
8:53am Fri 3 Aug 12
bburnrover wrote:it wont be disruptive unless there is a bid, and i think it's too big a risk for a club to put X million quid on the table just to be mischevious. they could be genuinely inerested in bringing him to the club though, for sure.
Apparently BFS is after J Rhodes as well is he doing it on purpose to disrupt Kean?
I have a feeling Sam hates Kean wonder why he gave him a job though? It's all Sam's fault,
i still think it would take an extraordinary bid for Town to let him go none the less. from what they have offered to pay carroll, you'd think the hammers could bid significant;y more than we could.
...do clubs never learn...?

Roy Race says...
10:19am Thu 2 Aug 12
.
Shebby wake up!