There’s worrying whisperings all over the place, and it’s uncertain how reliable they are. The old ‘Commons and Tyson to Bolton’ discussions are happening on the messageboards, with one person suggesting from the ever-reliable ‘source’ that even given the lure of Premiership football, Commons never wants to work for Megson again. Tyson is thought to be more ambivalent. Just rumours, though – I’m not endorsing them per say.
When I think about it, it might not just be journalistic laziness on the part of the papers – Megson’s Forest sides seldom didn’t include Commons or Tyson when they were available, but that doesn’t really follow the logic that they’re therefore both top flight standard players. Although perhaps Meggo is preparing for the inevitable relegation he inflicts upon Bolton!
There are other rumours doing the rounds about Neil Lennon and the current vacancy at Hibs. Not helped by this rather poor effort in the Sunday Mirror (thanks, Michael!). It’s the old “Lenny has fallen out with Smoulds ‘cos he’s hardly been in the side since his family problems” nonsense again, although with linking him to the managerial post at Hibernian.
Now, since his disappearing act, we’ve enjoyed great performances from Clingan, Cohen and McGugan – I’m sure a man of Neil’s experience wouldn’t be expecting to, having missed a chunk of training, just waltz back into the side. As a suspension kicks in, Lenny finds himself in the side – and I thought he had a decent game too – I’m not convinced at this whole rift thing that people seem so keen to construct.
The other thing that Smoulds made mention to in his post-match interview, that if he really was in such a rebellious mood – it would seem strange that he’s been applying himself solidly in training, putting effort into reserve games, and generally – let’s face it – acting like a professional footballer should act, in working hard to earn his place back in the team.
I can’t say for sure whether or not he’s applied for a managerial job at Hibernian. I imagine coaching and management is pretty high on Lenny’s future plans, and if opportunities arose then I wouldn’t necessarily begrudge him taking an interest. I’d be disappointed to lose him before the end of the season though, he’s not only a valuable commodity in himself, but invaluable in the experience he can pass on to our younger midfielders.
To return to the original rumours, given Agogo’s involvement in the African Nations in January/February – needless to say I am saying that selling Tyson would be a monumental mistake. If the rumoured offers of £2.5m are true, then that’s a very good price, but that’s worth nothing if we can’t acquire a suitable replacement – which has proven difficult in the extreme.
Filed under: News
To add fuel to the “players on the move” fire, I heard at Saturday’s match, from “someone in the know” is that we’ve already signed Leon Best. Now you heard it here first…or not, as the case may be!
Personally I dont believe owt until I actually see them run out in the Garibaldi but all this rumour-mongering improves an incredibly boring time of year for me.
And, my NY resolution is to stop typing “in inverted commas!”
Happy Christmas to all fellow Reds fans!
I don’t think there are any players I’d like to see sold in the window, including Grant Holt who I think you have been a bit hard on lately!
I’d like to think that Commons will see the season out and get his beloved Forest promoted. If not he can leave for nothing and negotiate himself a great deal elsewhere. One factor that I think will make a difference is thathe is going to become a father in February, so I doubt very much that he would want the upheaval of a move right now.
If I were CC, I’d be tempted to send Dobie out on loan to see if he can still cut it – with a callback clause in case we get injuries. I think a couple of new faces won’t do any harm but preferably not Neill Danns – he didnt want to come here so we don’t want him.
I also note from the OS that academy left back Joe Heath has been given a first team squad number. Perhaps an indication that Lockwood may not be fit?
As always at this time of the year, we at Forest start getting excited about players coming and going. History tells us to prepare to be underwhelmed but at least we can have some fun in trying to guess the outcome!
Maybe I am alone in thinking £2.5 million for Tyson is great business, particularly if you take into account the fact he has been almost constantly injured for 18 months. However, I would only sell if we replaced him properly. Grant Holt is another hotly tipped to be on his way but again he would need to be replaced. I was a little surprised Dobie wasn’t on the bench on Saturday following his performance against Fester last week and maybe that is an indication that his time with the Reds is almost up.
I really can’t see us selling Kris Commons in January – I have no doubt he could have left last summer if he wished and so I don’t see why there would be a change of heart now.
In terms of incoming players, Best, Danns, McGoldrick et al are always trotted out so I suppose it wouldn’t be a surprise if any of these arrived. According to the papers on Saturday, Edwards of Luton has attracted interest from clubs higher up the leagues so that one would appear unlikely.
I notice that Swansea are picking up Kiegan Parker of Blackpool on the cheap following his off the field antics. He has always seemed a good player to me, a little bit in the Jack Lester mould, and I wouldn’t be upset if we tried to get him at the last minute