Blackburn Rovers target Marica signs for Schalke

9:42am Friday 29th July 2011 in Football Photograph of the Author By Andy Cryer, Blackburn Rovers reporter

ROMANIAN international Ciprian Marica – a target for Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean – has joined German side Schalke.

The former Stuttgart striker has penned a two-year deal with the Bundesliga club, who reached the Champions League semi-finals last season.

Marica was understood to be just one of a number of attacking options being considered by Rovers.

Comments (32)

9:53am Fri 29 Jul 11

Roverright says...

The expression too little too late comes to mind, losing out on innocuous players yet another bad sign of management and ownership. Cant wait for new season
The expression too little too late comes to mind, losing out on innocuous players yet another bad sign of management and ownership. Cant wait for new season Roverright

10:01am Fri 29 Jul 11

Keep Darwen Green says...

Thats a bit strong, it was only a rumour to say we were interested and now suddenly its bad management and ownership because he signed for a team that was in the champions league. I think you need to have a cofee and chill. We are going to be linked with everyone from all quarters so just ride the waves and enjoy. We have players coming in at last
Thats a bit strong, it was only a rumour to say we were interested and now suddenly its bad management and ownership because he signed for a team that was in the champions league. I think you need to have a cofee and chill. We are going to be linked with everyone from all quarters so just ride the waves and enjoy. We have players coming in at last Keep Darwen Green

10:03am Fri 29 Jul 11

drunken donut says...

Seems like the to55ers at the LET have wasted another back page (they even printed the wrong T.V. listings yesterday). We aren't going to sign a decent player because Venky's and Kean have consistantly lied to the fans about the transfer kitty, they are just pocketing any funds from player sales and trying to fob off the fans with nonentities. I hope that the few people that renew their season tickets make their feelings known to Venky's and keen come the start of the season.
Seems like the to55ers at the LET have wasted another back page (they even printed the wrong T.V. listings yesterday). We aren't going to sign a decent player because Venky's and Kean have consistantly lied to the fans about the transfer kitty, they are just pocketing any funds from player sales and trying to fob off the fans with nonentities. I hope that the few people that renew their season tickets make their feelings known to Venky's and keen come the start of the season. drunken donut

10:04am Fri 29 Jul 11

Woody Riversider says...

Tis true then.

Moving on quickly !

Arte et labore
Tis true then. Moving on quickly ! Arte et labore Woody Riversider

10:10am Fri 29 Jul 11

Russ ov the rovers says...

First Class reporting Mr Cryer nice to see you have your finger on the pulse as usual. Your losing credibility just as fast as the owners pal.
First Class reporting Mr Cryer nice to see you have your finger on the pulse as usual. Your losing credibility just as fast as the owners pal. Russ ov the rovers

10:15am Fri 29 Jul 11

did you smash it? says...

Brilliant reporting by LT as always -
.
8.16am Blackburn interested in striker.
.
9.42am - Striker signs for Shalke

Good work - always at the forefront of what is happening at Comedy Venkys FC
Brilliant reporting by LT as always - . 8.16am Blackburn interested in striker. . 9.42am - Striker signs for Shalke Good work - always at the forefront of what is happening at Comedy Venkys FC did you smash it?

10:22am Fri 29 Jul 11

Ronaldpetercooper says...

I know some people are more patient than others but seriously we are desperately slow in negotiations and signing players up. We are desperate for a bit of quality and need at least 3 or 4 new players but not a lot appears to be happening. Who is responsible for discussing and signing these players because it cant be Kean as he with the players at present. The Signing of the Serb has gone quiet and I hope this is because he needs work permit. Something is sadly wrong and it is no use blaming Andy Cryer as he does not appear to get anywhere with this lot either.
I know some people are more patient than others but seriously we are desperately slow in negotiations and signing players up. We are desperate for a bit of quality and need at least 3 or 4 new players but not a lot appears to be happening. Who is responsible for discussing and signing these players because it cant be Kean as he with the players at present. The Signing of the Serb has gone quiet and I hope this is because he needs work permit. Something is sadly wrong and it is no use blaming Andy Cryer as he does not appear to get anywhere with this lot either. Ronaldpetercooper

10:22am Fri 29 Jul 11

Keep Darwen Green says...

Drunken donut, are you chrissutton? he spells donut like that too. We signed Radosav, or Raca last night, just awaiting work permit which is just a formality because he is an international player. He may be young at 22 but he is a very good player. I'd sooner have him than some on his way down paycheck hunter or someone like chris Eagles or Nigel reo Choker. We need players with hunger and desire, not freeloaders and never beens. We will sign some more quality you will see.
Drunken donut, are you chrissutton? he spells donut like that too. We signed Radosav, or Raca last night, just awaiting work permit which is just a formality because he is an international player. He may be young at 22 but he is a very good player. I'd sooner have him than some on his way down paycheck hunter or someone like chris Eagles or Nigel reo Choker. We need players with hunger and desire, not freeloaders and never beens. We will sign some more quality you will see. Keep Darwen Green

10:23am Fri 29 Jul 11

Brad79 says...

Does this guy just write stories to wind me up?

Useless!
Does this guy just write stories to wind me up? Useless! Brad79

10:35am Fri 29 Jul 11

philldy1 says...

I wish people would stop being so angry. Venkys targeted a decent striker and didn't get him - move on. The LT reported their interest and also reported Schalke also wanted him, spot on. As he was a free agent he could talk to anyone so Venky's would only have known they lost him today as well. LT up to date here
I wish people would stop being so angry. Venkys targeted a decent striker and didn't get him - move on. The LT reported their interest and also reported Schalke also wanted him, spot on. As he was a free agent he could talk to anyone so Venky's would only have known they lost him today as well. LT up to date here philldy1

10:48am Fri 29 Jul 11

ibby128 says...

Yes Cryer you idiot! He signed yesterday!

Get some proper journalists in LT!!!
Yes Cryer you idiot! He signed yesterday! Get some proper journalists in LT!!! ibby128

10:50am Fri 29 Jul 11

mstanden says...

This rumour appeared on the Mirror website last night and so l checked wikipedia to see this guy's pedigree and immediately saw there that he had just signed for Schalke....come on LET,you are supposed to be Pros yet always seem behind the curve on everything.As the local paper shouldn't you have establshed immpecable soucres within the club instead of all the late and wrong stuff which seems to flow out from you.If you are an agent who wants to put out a wildrumour to up the ante on a deal, call the LET (or any tabloid) as they seem to either incredibily gullible or willing to publish any old tosh for the sake of filling a few column inches. Get a grip guys!
This rumour appeared on the Mirror website last night and so l checked wikipedia to see this guy's pedigree and immediately saw there that he had just signed for Schalke....come on LET,you are supposed to be Pros yet always seem behind the curve on everything.As the local paper shouldn't you have establshed immpecable soucres within the club instead of all the late and wrong stuff which seems to flow out from you.If you are an agent who wants to put out a wildrumour to up the ante on a deal, call the LET (or any tabloid) as they seem to either incredibily gullible or willing to publish any old tosh for the sake of filling a few column inches. Get a grip guys! mstanden

10:59am Fri 29 Jul 11

norfolkngood says...

HA HA HA i think it was the embarressing woevers chicken advert that made up marica.s mind who in there right mind would want to join a laughing stock of a club .First it was the prayer room then the hilarious attempts to sign ronaldinio and beckham and now the chicken advert what a joke your club has become .
HA HA HA i think it was the embarressing woevers chicken advert that made up marica.s mind who in there right mind would want to join a laughing stock of a club .First it was the prayer room then the hilarious attempts to sign ronaldinio and beckham and now the chicken advert what a joke your club has become . norfolkngood

11:00am Fri 29 Jul 11

thelincolnshirepoacher says...

I remember the days when we used to flock to Ewood to watch Eamon Rogers, Dick Mulvaney, Stuarte Metcalf, Billy Wilson etc etc, oh happy days, you knew the team week in week out, now you get five new names a day thrown at you !

Who could forget the heading ability of Jim Fryatt, or the shot of Ken Knighton and the goalkeeping of Roger Jones !

I think I need to lie down now, anybody seen my tablets ?
I remember the days when we used to flock to Ewood to watch Eamon Rogers, Dick Mulvaney, Stuarte Metcalf, Billy Wilson etc etc, oh happy days, you knew the team week in week out, now you get five new names a day thrown at you ! Who could forget the heading ability of Jim Fryatt, or the shot of Ken Knighton and the goalkeeping of Roger Jones ! I think I need to lie down now, anybody seen my tablets ? thelincolnshirepoacher

11:05am Fri 29 Jul 11

RTID says...

Does this mean we may get Raul??? Schalke have just signed Marica over us, maybe they'll do us a favour... Come on Salgado, he's got a good season in him at least.
Does this mean we may get Raul??? Schalke have just signed Marica over us, maybe they'll do us a favour... Come on Salgado, he's got a good season in him at least. RTID

11:08am Fri 29 Jul 11

StLedge says...

Back in your box Dingle, your bunch had their 5 minutes and blew it. Jealousy is a bitter friend to keep, move on.
Back in your box Dingle, your bunch had their 5 minutes and blew it. Jealousy is a bitter friend to keep, move on. StLedge

11:26am Fri 29 Jul 11

Mike Costa says...

Mike Costa says:

Indeed lincolnshirepoacher (Siumon Garner?) I remember them all. Ken Knighton was my first Rovers Hero. Not sure what Dick Mulvaney is doing on that liat of greats !
Mike Costa says: Indeed lincolnshirepoacher (Siumon Garner?) I remember them all. Ken Knighton was my first Rovers Hero. Not sure what Dick Mulvaney is doing on that liat of greats ! Mike Costa

11:43am Fri 29 Jul 11

juanbbien says...

Yes and I also remember,Rogers,Mulv
aney,and Wilson in dispute with the rovers individually and wanting away to which the rovers eventually had to agree to,nothing changes,although I now live in inland Spain in a small village (and it's great) I have followed the rovers since 1958 and wish all supporters and the rovers all the best for the season
Yes and I also remember,Rogers,Mulv aney,and Wilson in dispute with the rovers individually and wanting away to which the rovers eventually had to agree to,nothing changes,although I now live in inland Spain in a small village (and it's great) I have followed the rovers since 1958 and wish all supporters and the rovers all the best for the season juanbbien

11:48am Fri 29 Jul 11

The Calm Thinker says...

wow ! so just /// 3 /// replies to the post where Chris hits out at the reports linking him to Arsenal.

yet , almost a couple of dozens here , replying to this no -story !

had this guy even signed, he would ve been taunted for being a free agent. and since this guy has not, it becomes a loss.
wow !!!!

just goes to show what the ones writing here are more bothered about - is it about the playing Captain showing some intent in staying ? or is it about using a no story to foul mouth the Manager / Owner.

nyways ...
wow ! so just /// 3 /// replies to the post where Chris hits out at the reports linking him to Arsenal. yet , almost a couple of dozens here , replying to this no -story ! had this guy even signed, he would ve been taunted for being a free agent. and since this guy has not, it becomes a loss. wow !!!! just goes to show what the ones writing here are more bothered about - is it about the playing Captain showing some intent in staying ? or is it about using a no story to foul mouth the Manager / Owner. nyways ... The Calm Thinker

12:04pm Fri 29 Jul 11

Davebluealbert says...

Well said, The Calm Thinker,

I think some of these idiots would love Rovers to fail just to be proven right.

It's baffling really, if a negative story is printed ("Samba begs Rovers to let him go") then it must be true, but if any of the players say anything positive, it's vicious Venky's propaganda!!

Petrovic should be a top signing, just need a good young striker in before the window closes and we'll be in good shape.

COYB
Well said, The Calm Thinker, I think some of these idiots would love Rovers to fail just to be proven right. It's baffling really, if a negative story is printed ("Samba begs Rovers to let him go") then it must be true, but if any of the players say anything positive, it's vicious Venky's propaganda!! Petrovic should be a top signing, just need a good young striker in before the window closes and we'll be in good shape. COYB Davebluealbert

12:27pm Fri 29 Jul 11

thelincolnshirepoacher says...

Simon Garner (the legendary Lincolnshire Poacher) used to light a woodbine whilst still in the showers, I went to Bradford City one time and Garns was out of the showers and having a fag before they let us out of the ground, his tie was wider than his flares in those days.
Simon Garner (the legendary Lincolnshire Poacher) used to light a woodbine whilst still in the showers, I went to Bradford City one time and Garns was out of the showers and having a fag before they let us out of the ground, his tie was wider than his flares in those days. thelincolnshirepoacher

12:27pm Fri 29 Jul 11

roverinmanchstr says...

But, it's not just this player is it????how many more???
Surely, if you support a team that has been fighting relegation/bottom 6 for the last two seasons you have every right to complain...moreso,wh
en your New Owners boast about a finish in the top 6 of the English Premier League and that they have lots of money to sign players!!!!
No sign of that yet is there????
But, it's not just this player is it????how many more??? Surely, if you support a team that has been fighting relegation/bottom 6 for the last two seasons you have every right to complain...moreso,wh en your New Owners boast about a finish in the top 6 of the English Premier League and that they have lots of money to sign players!!!! No sign of that yet is there???? roverinmanchstr

12:42pm Fri 29 Jul 11

roverinmanchstr says...

repiy to philldy1 see my comment
repiy to philldy1 see my comment roverinmanchstr

1:19pm Fri 29 Jul 11

cedar67 says...

I have a similar memory of Garner. When I was about 7 or 8 my Dad took me to a match (can't think who we were playing). We sat in the old Nuttall Street Stand and after the game we were going into the old '100 Club'. As you can imagine once the whilstle blew for full time we to que to get into the '100 Club' however by the time we got in there, Garner was at the bar drinking a pint of smooth, smoking a fag and eating a pork pie. What a legend.
I have a similar memory of Garner. When I was about 7 or 8 my Dad took me to a match (can't think who we were playing). We sat in the old Nuttall Street Stand and after the game we were going into the old '100 Club'. As you can imagine once the whilstle blew for full time we to que to get into the '100 Club' however by the time we got in there, Garner was at the bar drinking a pint of smooth, smoking a fag and eating a pork pie. What a legend. cedar67

2:25pm Fri 29 Jul 11

ChrisSutton says...

Venkys seem to have this tactic for all signings. Wait until the last minute and try to gazump the other team. Maybe it's a tactic for getting cheaper deals?
.
We did exactly the same with Formica, who was on the verge of signing with Monaco before we flew in to get him.
.
I respect THEIR respect for money (they've allegedly ditched Kentaro because of their extortianate agents fees they were charging), but we've now recieved close to £30m on transfers BEFORE the £5m + they promised each window.
.
Surely at some point you have to accept you have to PAY top money for good targets. Especially strikers.
.
Defoe / Sturridge. Would most likely cost £15m each, but would be worth every penny to us.
.
D.K.O
Venkys seem to have this tactic for all signings. Wait until the last minute and try to gazump the other team. Maybe it's a tactic for getting cheaper deals? . We did exactly the same with Formica, who was on the verge of signing with Monaco before we flew in to get him. . I respect THEIR respect for money (they've allegedly ditched Kentaro because of their extortianate agents fees they were charging), but we've now recieved close to £30m on transfers BEFORE the £5m + they promised each window. . Surely at some point you have to accept you have to PAY top money for good targets. Especially strikers. . Defoe / Sturridge. Would most likely cost £15m each, but would be worth every penny to us. . D.K.O ChrisSutton

2:31pm Fri 29 Jul 11

srvp28 says...

The LT reported our interest, and the other clubs interest, at 8.16 this morning, even though Marica signed for Schalke yesterday! Is it any wonder that some of our fans are getting p***ed off when we're being fobbed off by the club and now the LT are reporting on non-stories. I'm guessing that Andy Dire-Cryer bought a copy of The Mirror on his way to the office this morning and copied their error before checking his facts. Again.
The LT reported our interest, and the other clubs interest, at 8.16 this morning, even though Marica signed for Schalke yesterday! Is it any wonder that some of our fans are getting p***ed off when we're being fobbed off by the club and now the LT are reporting on non-stories. I'm guessing that Andy Dire-Cryer bought a copy of The Mirror on his way to the office this morning and copied their error before checking his facts. Again. srvp28

3:10pm Fri 29 Jul 11

bburnrover says...

Well 22.5 million received for 2 of our best players maybe another 10 still to come if Samba goes at the last minute.
32.5 million plus the promised 30 million from Venkey's great even the thickest of us realise that is 62.5 million and a monkey could buy 4 playes with that. Please send your pet monkeys and biros to Ewood as they just do not know how to negotiate.
Well 22.5 million received for 2 of our best players maybe another 10 still to come if Samba goes at the last minute. 32.5 million plus the promised 30 million from Venkey's great even the thickest of us realise that is 62.5 million and a monkey could buy 4 playes with that. Please send your pet monkeys and biros to Ewood as they just do not know how to negotiate. bburnrover

4:18pm Fri 29 Jul 11

dallarover says...

What a joke - our local paper picks up on a story that's been in the national press for days at 8.16 (hours after he's signed for another club) and then at 9.42 they issue a follow up story that he's signed.

The standard of journalism we have to now put up with from LET is unbelievably poor - absolutely no local insight whatsoever.

Also, healthy transfer budget but we're not linked with anyone other than free transfers or sub 3M players ? Some of these might pay off but we need players who can make the team better now!!!!!
What a joke - our local paper picks up on a story that's been in the national press for days at 8.16 (hours after he's signed for another club) and then at 9.42 they issue a follow up story that he's signed. The standard of journalism we have to now put up with from LET is unbelievably poor - absolutely no local insight whatsoever. Also, healthy transfer budget but we're not linked with anyone other than free transfers or sub 3M players ? Some of these might pay off but we need players who can make the team better now!!!!! dallarover

7:32pm Fri 29 Jul 11

Hovis1945 says...

A bit of reminising on here tonight. I can remember when I was about 8 my Dad taking me to see Rovers, he had just bought me a chocolate bar in Bill Eckersleys shop and Tommy Briggs was walking to the ground. I ran up to him and asked if I could carry his bag, he let me carry it to the players entrance. Players travelled light in those days and even walked to the ground. That's my claim to fame!
A bit of reminising on here tonight. I can remember when I was about 8 my Dad taking me to see Rovers, he had just bought me a chocolate bar in Bill Eckersleys shop and Tommy Briggs was walking to the ground. I ran up to him and asked if I could carry his bag, he let me carry it to the players entrance. Players travelled light in those days and even walked to the ground. That's my claim to fame! Hovis1945

8:08pm Fri 29 Jul 11

stick to football says...

BBC Sport Website indicates Rovers have had a bid for Goodwillie accepted. He is a proven goalscorer in SPL lets hope he can perform in EPL. Now lets have another 2 or 3 in to follow
BBC Sport Website indicates Rovers have had a bid for Goodwillie accepted. He is a proven goalscorer in SPL lets hope he can perform in EPL. Now lets have another 2 or 3 in to follow stick to football

10:17pm Fri 29 Jul 11

Come the Revolution says...

I've seen Bill Eckersley still serving in his shop at 2.20pm & he was out on the field for the kick off at 3pm.
Happy days.
I've seen Bill Eckersley still serving in his shop at 2.20pm & he was out on the field for the kick off at 3pm. Happy days. Come the Revolution

2:07am Sun 31 Jul 11

RoverRog says...

Too many off topic posts.
This is supposed to be about transfers.
If you want to reminis, start a new thread with that title I may join you with tales of Brian Douglas playing against Tom Finney, Nat Lofthouse and Stanley Mathews.
Too many off topic posts. This is supposed to be about transfers. If you want to reminis, start a new thread with that title I may join you with tales of Brian Douglas playing against Tom Finney, Nat Lofthouse and Stanley Mathews. RoverRog

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