Praise for Blackburn Rovers keeper, but no guarantee

12:00pm Thursday 6th December 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Chris Flanagan, Sports reporter

HENNING Berg hopes Paul Robinson can continue his good form for Blackburn Rovers – but stopped short of guaranteeing that the former England international will remain as the club’s long-term goalkeeper.

Rovers have been linked with a January move for Brad Friedel, having had an enquiry about a loan deal turned down by Tottenham last month, and Robinson’s agent has confirmed his client will seek an Ewood exit if he is replaced as the club’s number one.

The Rovers boss heaped praise on Robinson for his performance in Sunday’s 1-1 derby draw at Burnley, although he stressed that competition for places will always be vital.

Asked if he still saw Robinson as his long-term goalkeeper, Berg said: “At the moment I see him as the first-team goalkeeper.

“He has played every game this season, he played well against Burnley. He has competition from Jake Kean, but at the moment he is ahead of Jake and the way he played on Sunday was very encouraging.

“That there is competition for places in the team is natural. We have that all over the park and that’s the way it should be.”

Robinson is understood to have been eager for clarification about whether Berg intends to keep him as the club’s number one, but the boss insisted that there is no need to discuss the situation with the 33-year-old.

“There is not much to say about it,” Berg said. “I know there was some speculation when the loan window closed but that is what is going to happen on deadline day.

“Agents are different, I don’t know why his agent said that, maybe he wanted a bit more assurance, I don’t know.

“But from our point of view Paul Robinson had a great game against Burnley and he is playing regularly for us.

“He is doing very well now, so from our point of view nothing has changed. He has a contract here and other keepers have contracts at other places.”

Friedel played alongside Berg during his previous spell with Rovers and has now lost his place in Tottenham’s Premier League team to Hugo Lloris, although the American is expected to feature in tonight’s Europa League game against Panathinaikos.

Asked if he would need to inform Robinson of an intention to move for Friedel or any other keeper, Berg said: “We’ve not even gone down that road, like I said Paul Robinson is a goalkeeper for us.

“Paul is the Blackburn goalkeeper, he has played all of the games. Brad is the Tottenham goalkeeper. Nothing changes.

“At the moment Paul is our first-team goalkeeper and is doing well, and we would like it to stay that way.”

But Berg says his thoughts are starting to turn towards the January transfer window, when he would like to add to his squad providing he can find players that improve the team at the right price.

“It’s natural to have a look at the squad and of course if it is possible to strengthen the squad in January then every manager in this league will want to do that, no matter where you are in the league,” he said.

Comments (16)

12:33pm Thu 6 Dec 12

Ripley 7 says...

I'm a big fan of Brad and have had concerns about Robbo's keeping at times but I can't see that switching would be a sensible long-term move
I'm a big fan of Brad and have had concerns about Robbo's keeping at times but I can't see that switching would be a sensible long-term move Ripley 7

12:36pm Thu 6 Dec 12

NealB says...

Centre Backs please!!!! Dann had a decent game against Burnley but lets be honest... He's POOR. If we can recoup most of that 6-8 million we spent on him then SELL SELL SELL.

Centre midfield is still a big problem, a ball winning tenacious midfielder is what we need... Someone similar to Jermain Jones.

Do that and we'll do well.
Centre Backs please!!!! Dann had a decent game against Burnley but lets be honest... He's POOR. If we can recoup most of that 6-8 million we spent on him then SELL SELL SELL. Centre midfield is still a big problem, a ball winning tenacious midfielder is what we need... Someone similar to Jermain Jones. Do that and we'll do well. NealB

12:43pm Thu 6 Dec 12

John Bumhead says...

Paul Robinson is still a Premiership quality goalkeeper and the club should be ensuring that players of his calibre and experience are retained.

On the other hand, utterly useless and pointless players such as Etuhu should be moved on very swiftly in January. I've got no idea what he is good at or what his role is, and it appears neither does he.
Paul Robinson is still a Premiership quality goalkeeper and the club should be ensuring that players of his calibre and experience are retained. On the other hand, utterly useless and pointless players such as Etuhu should be moved on very swiftly in January. I've got no idea what he is good at or what his role is, and it appears neither does he. John Bumhead

12:52pm Thu 6 Dec 12

Iiii1111 says...

Three absolute priority’s for Berg to make for the short term (winter transfer window)…..I’d take Brad over Robinson any day even being 7 years is senior……..Priori
ty number one, someone who can organise the defence because Robbo certainly can’t. Priority number two, a solid reliable central defender able to knit the defence together (Id seriously look to get Nelsen back) Priority number three, a tough tackling midfielder, we’ve more than enough past their sell by date timid midfielders in the squad…………one reason the defence looks exposed and the attack lacks ideas……….a gamble for Venkeys, spend big on a midfielder or you’ll never get the rewards of the EPL TV monies, then oblivion awaits!
Three absolute priority’s for Berg to make for the short term (winter transfer window)…..I’d take Brad over Robinson any day even being 7 years is senior……..Priori ty number one, someone who can organise the defence because Robbo certainly can’t. Priority number two, a solid reliable central defender able to knit the defence together (Id seriously look to get Nelsen back) Priority number three, a tough tackling midfielder, we’ve more than enough past their sell by date timid midfielders in the squad…………one reason the defence looks exposed and the attack lacks ideas……….a gamble for Venkeys, spend big on a midfielder or you’ll never get the rewards of the EPL TV monies, then oblivion awaits! Iiii1111

1:11pm Thu 6 Dec 12

Dukes says...

I would kept Robbo and bring Brad in player and goalkeeping coach.
I would kept Robbo and bring Brad in player and goalkeeping coach. Dukes

1:15pm Thu 6 Dec 12

portolibero says...

I'm a bit disappointed to see robbo treated like this - he's been one of our most loyal and quality players over the last few years. Ok he's carrying a bit of timber but he cares about rovers. He's got 41 caps for England and in the prime of his career. Shouldn't be replacing him with a guy who we sold 4 years ago because he was getting too old !!

agree with centre mid points. in this league you need someone who'll run and stick his foot in. jason lowe is a good passer & tackler but doesnt run with the ball. better than etuhu though.....
I'm a bit disappointed to see robbo treated like this - he's been one of our most loyal and quality players over the last few years. Ok he's carrying a bit of timber but he cares about rovers. He's got 41 caps for England and in the prime of his career. Shouldn't be replacing him with a guy who we sold 4 years ago because he was getting too old !! agree with centre mid points. in this league you need someone who'll run and stick his foot in. jason lowe is a good passer & tackler but doesnt run with the ball. better than etuhu though..... portolibero

1:41pm Thu 6 Dec 12

bluerob says...

Keep Robbo, he is a top quality keeper.
Keep Robbo, he is a top quality keeper. bluerob

3:28pm Thu 6 Dec 12

davemal says...

Dukes says...

I would kept Robbo and bring Brad in player and goalkeeping coach

To have him come in as player and coach was suppose to be the intention according to some of the newsmedia a couple of days ago.
Dukes says... I would kept Robbo and bring Brad in player and goalkeeping coach To have him come in as player and coach was suppose to be the intention according to some of the newsmedia a couple of days ago. davemal

3:31pm Thu 6 Dec 12

MxMave says...

When was the last time you could actually say "Robbo was man of the match today"? Apart from perhaps Sunday (after all this speculation came out), can you actually remember when the last time that was?

Brad had a man of the match performance most games, I can count the amount of poor games he had on one hand.

Recently Robbo has been letting the team down, hes been beat at his near post several times in recent weeks, let in several long range shots and his positioning at times has been awful.
When was the last time you could actually say "Robbo was man of the match today"? Apart from perhaps Sunday (after all this speculation came out), can you actually remember when the last time that was? Brad had a man of the match performance most games, I can count the amount of poor games he had on one hand. Recently Robbo has been letting the team down, hes been beat at his near post several times in recent weeks, let in several long range shots and his positioning at times has been awful. MxMave

4:20pm Thu 6 Dec 12

Sherwoodforest says...

why cant we have both??

surely if Robbo loves the club and the fans so much, he would be up for a fight for the no1 jersey?

might help him get into shape and be able to carry on until he's 41 aswell
why cant we have both?? surely if Robbo loves the club and the fans so much, he would be up for a fight for the no1 jersey? might help him get into shape and be able to carry on until he's 41 aswell Sherwoodforest

4:26pm Thu 6 Dec 12

HitchinRover says...

I was thrilled when we signed Robbo after losing Brad, for me he has always been an amazing shot stopper, though does get caught out of positions sometimes. However recently Robbo has been letting too many goals into the net, now whether that's due to a loss of form or the defence letting the opposition get too many shots in I don't really know. Bit of both perhaps. Whenever I see Brad playing for spurs he looks as good as he did when he left us (which was a sad day!), and he's brilliant at organising the defence. There's no point holding onto a player just because he's been loyal if he isn't performing... however I'm not convinced Robbo falls into this category just yet, see how he is over the next few games till January.
I was thrilled when we signed Robbo after losing Brad, for me he has always been an amazing shot stopper, though does get caught out of positions sometimes. However recently Robbo has been letting too many goals into the net, now whether that's due to a loss of form or the defence letting the opposition get too many shots in I don't really know. Bit of both perhaps. Whenever I see Brad playing for spurs he looks as good as he did when he left us (which was a sad day!), and he's brilliant at organising the defence. There's no point holding onto a player just because he's been loyal if he isn't performing... however I'm not convinced Robbo falls into this category just yet, see how he is over the next few games till January. HitchinRover

5:13pm Thu 6 Dec 12

French Rover says...

Only one focus in the Jan window and that should be on finding a ball-winning skilled and experienced central midfielder. That is a must for Berg in during the Jan transfer window.

Then he can look at other positions, such as a central defender. Someone like Ryan Shawcross would be an ideal type of player for us - someone who can defend at one end and score from set plays at the other.
Only one focus in the Jan window and that should be on finding a ball-winning skilled and experienced central midfielder. That is a must for Berg in during the Jan transfer window. Then he can look at other positions, such as a central defender. Someone like Ryan Shawcross would be an ideal type of player for us - someone who can defend at one end and score from set plays at the other. French Rover

7:14pm Thu 6 Dec 12

Captain Dreckley says...

Henning is looking to January to see if he can bring in players better than the ones we have at the moment. Looking at the majority of Keans signings that shouldn't be too difficult.
Henning is looking to January to see if he can bring in players better than the ones we have at the moment. Looking at the majority of Keans signings that shouldn't be too difficult. Captain Dreckley

7:44pm Thu 6 Dec 12

blueblooded says...

Captain Dreckley wrote:
Henning is looking to January to see if he can bring in players better than the ones we have at the moment. Looking at the majority of Keans signings that shouldn't be too difficult.
You reckon he's going to sign at least six players then?

Certainly need more than a couple!

Murphy, Etuhu, Gomes, Goodwillie, Dunn, Hanley, Pederson, the Portuguese signings.. Plenty to offload and think of the wages it would free up. I wonder if the Fulham duo had clauses for non-performance penalty clauses in those fat two years deals? Wishful thinking maybe.

The only one I'd keep hold of our of that lot would be Nunes.. Though I'd love to see Ribeiro given a shot as well as Jake Kean.
[quote][p][bold]Captain Dreckley[/bold] wrote: Henning is looking to January to see if he can bring in players better than the ones we have at the moment. Looking at the majority of Keans signings that shouldn't be too difficult.[/p][/quote]You reckon he's going to sign at least six players then? Certainly need more than a couple! Murphy, Etuhu, Gomes, Goodwillie, Dunn, Hanley, Pederson, the Portuguese signings.. Plenty to offload and think of the wages it would free up. I wonder if the Fulham duo had clauses for non-performance penalty clauses in those fat two years deals? Wishful thinking maybe. The only one I'd keep hold of our of that lot would be Nunes.. Though I'd love to see Ribeiro given a shot as well as Jake Kean. blueblooded

9:04pm Thu 6 Dec 12

MatthewCA says...

blueblooded wrote:
Captain Dreckley wrote: Henning is looking to January to see if he can bring in players better than the ones we have at the moment. Looking at the majority of Keans signings that shouldn't be too difficult.
You reckon he's going to sign at least six players then? Certainly need more than a couple! Murphy, Etuhu, Gomes, Goodwillie, Dunn, Hanley, Pederson, the Portuguese signings.. Plenty to offload and think of the wages it would free up. I wonder if the Fulham duo had clauses for non-performance penalty clauses in those fat two years deals? Wishful thinking maybe. The only one I'd keep hold of our of that lot would be Nunes.. Though I'd love to see Ribeiro given a shot as well as Jake Kean.
5 players should move out in this JAN window. Orr did a good job , he did not wait to get kicked. Hope Goodwillie and few midfeild players will get ready with agents.

After Orr reached in Ispitch, they are safe...............l
ol.

Player coach should not play in this championship league, so Robbo will be safe. keep all those players for FA cup. so they should win all the game to get playing time. Kean did a mistake to loose in capital cup with MK Dons. Otherwise all the bench players get more time in ground to prove there worth.
[quote][p][bold]blueblooded[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Captain Dreckley[/bold] wrote: Henning is looking to January to see if he can bring in players better than the ones we have at the moment. Looking at the majority of Keans signings that shouldn't be too difficult.[/p][/quote]You reckon he's going to sign at least six players then? Certainly need more than a couple! Murphy, Etuhu, Gomes, Goodwillie, Dunn, Hanley, Pederson, the Portuguese signings.. Plenty to offload and think of the wages it would free up. I wonder if the Fulham duo had clauses for non-performance penalty clauses in those fat two years deals? Wishful thinking maybe. The only one I'd keep hold of our of that lot would be Nunes.. Though I'd love to see Ribeiro given a shot as well as Jake Kean.[/p][/quote]5 players should move out in this JAN window. Orr did a good job , he did not wait to get kicked. Hope Goodwillie and few midfeild players will get ready with agents. After Orr reached in Ispitch, they are safe...............l ol. Player coach should not play in this championship league, so Robbo will be safe. keep all those players for FA cup. so they should win all the game to get playing time. Kean did a mistake to loose in capital cup with MK Dons. Otherwise all the bench players get more time in ground to prove there worth. MatthewCA

7:21am Fri 7 Dec 12

MikeD says...

portolibero wrote:
I'm a bit disappointed to see robbo treated like this - he's been one of our most loyal and quality players over the last few years. Ok he's carrying a bit of timber but he cares about rovers. He's got 41 caps for England and in the prime of his career. Shouldn't be replacing him with a guy who we sold 4 years ago because he was getting too old !!

agree with centre mid points. in this league you need someone who'll run and stick his foot in. jason lowe is a good passer & tackler but doesnt run with the ball. better than etuhu though.....
Oh well, if he's been a loyal player we should just let him carry on playing until he decides he's had enough, eh? It's a nice sentiment, but unfortunately it's a results business, not a group love-in. Robinson is a decent enough keeper, and he'll probably get a job elsewhere without problems, but we've had defensive troubles for a long time (yes even before we got rid of Samba) and a lot of the credit for that goes to Robinson. His responsibility is not just to stop shots (and let's be honest, he has his weaknesses there too) but also to organise the defence in front of him. And he is not very good at that. Bunn was a far better keeper, but Coco let him go. I'm not sure Brad is the answer, but we desperately need a new keeper, and Berg (who was a world-class defender if you remember) has spotted this quite quickly and it looks like he will move to fix it in January. Sad for Robbo, but the best thing for Rovers.
[quote][p][bold]portolibero[/bold] wrote: I'm a bit disappointed to see robbo treated like this - he's been one of our most loyal and quality players over the last few years. Ok he's carrying a bit of timber but he cares about rovers. He's got 41 caps for England and in the prime of his career. Shouldn't be replacing him with a guy who we sold 4 years ago because he was getting too old !! agree with centre mid points. in this league you need someone who'll run and stick his foot in. jason lowe is a good passer & tackler but doesnt run with the ball. better than etuhu though.....[/p][/quote]Oh well, if he's been a loyal player we should just let him carry on playing until he decides he's had enough, eh? It's a nice sentiment, but unfortunately it's a results business, not a group love-in. Robinson is a decent enough keeper, and he'll probably get a job elsewhere without problems, but we've had defensive troubles for a long time (yes even before we got rid of Samba) and a lot of the credit for that goes to Robinson. His responsibility is not just to stop shots (and let's be honest, he has his weaknesses there too) but also to organise the defence in front of him. And he is not very good at that. Bunn was a far better keeper, but Coco let him go. I'm not sure Brad is the answer, but we desperately need a new keeper, and Berg (who was a world-class defender if you remember) has spotted this quite quickly and it looks like he will move to fix it in January. Sad for Robbo, but the best thing for Rovers. MikeD

Comments are closed on this article.

click2find

Get Adobe Flash player
About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree