Who's For The Chop?

[Louise]

Levein Looks To Window Of Opportunity

Craig Levein says he will have to let players go if he is to be able to bring in new faces when the transfer window opens once again this weekend.

Although Championship clubs can continue to buy and sell from the beginning of the season until the end of the following March, Premiership sides are often unwilling to off-load players without having the ability to bring in replacements.

But all that changes on New Year's Day when the transfer window opens once again for what looks set to be a furious 31 days of activity.

And Levein is keen to set his long-term plans for the club in motion as he attempts to build a squad for the future.

He said: "Of course we are looking to bring people in. The whole thing needs to change round and we are here to build something. The up and down nature of the club over the last two or three years is something that we want to do away with. We want to try and build but to do that will take time.

"We are under now illusions - we have got a tough task here. But we know in the meantime we have got to still get results. This is what we have been saying all along.

"We haven't been able to do anything with regard to bringing people in or suchlike yet, but we are working very hard behind the scenes to improve the squad and bring down the average age to correct the balance.

"If we can we will do something with that regard over the next few weeks. That is our intention. The budget is spent and that was the situation when I arrived here.

"But we didn't envisage losing Matt Elliott to injury when we arrived here, and on top of that Ian Walker and Jason Wilcox have long term injuries. Now we have got Danny Tiatto who is out for a while with a fractured cheekbone and Keith Gillespie will miss the next three games through suspension.

"What we have to do is try and generate some money by moving one or two players out which will enable us to bring some in. I think that's what we desperately need just now."

http://www.lcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsD...~607014,00.html

So, who's on the way out then..? Any guesses?

[Scow]

Difficult to say, they're all crap.

One of the reasons Dublin rejected a move to Coventry because he was waiting for a Premiership club to offer him a deal. He's been playing generally well for us at the back, and one of the smaller Premiership teams may want to take him on. Wishful thinking though.

Same could apply to Keown too, who can still play at the top level. Portsmouth were interested once, although Redkanpp has left now. So that means Southampton could be interested?

Maybe some poor Championship or Lower League team may fancy Benjamin on loan?

Nathan Blake was wanted by Sunderland at the start of the season, so you never know...

I can't really think of anyone else. <_<

[Little Nicky]

Benji's out for definate! i reckon he might try and see who'll come in for Scowcroft, others likely are ones already metioned that people in the prem might like the look of i.e Keown, Dabizas or even a blind lower league club - Heath

[davieG]

Benji's out for definate! i reckon he might try and see who'll come in for Scowcroft, others likely are ones already metioned that people in the prem might like the look of i.e Keown, Dabizas or even a blind lower league club - Heath

50377[/snapback]

The only chance we have with Benji, because of his high wage is a loan deal. I'm not sure even that helps much as we would more than likely still have to pay the bulk of it ourselves. Don't hold your breath with that idea.

As it would have to involve premier clubs, otherwise CL would have already moved some on it's really down to Dublin, Scowcroft, Dabizas, Gillespie and Blake being the only options.

[Little Nicky]

I can't really see anyone 'snapping up' blake or gillespie though, their records in recent years do not say a lot about them being top quality footballers, and as for Trev, he knows he's off at the end of the season, whether he chooses to leave now or sponge off of us for the rest of the season will be something I'll be watching, can't see him cutting away from his ludicrous contract just yet really, I was just being optimistic for once over this festive period

[davieG]

I can't really see anyone 'snapping up' blake or gillespie though, their records in recent years do not say a lot about them being top quality footballers, and as for Trev, he knows he's off at the end of the season, whether he chooses to leave now or sponge off of us for the rest of the season will be something I'll be watching, can't see him cutting away from his ludicrous contract just yet really, I was just being optimistic for once over this festive period 

50382[/snapback]

You're right, I think our optimism is our last resort, having seen the players perform this season we would all be amazed to find anyone wanting any of them.

Our hope is that someone out there is desperate enough to want to take the likes of Dublin, Scowcroft, Dabizas, Gillespie, Keown and Blake off our hands most are only on short term contracts and their wages would be affordable for any premier club.

[Highland]

Every player is available at the right price IMO not just the obvious ones.Don't be surprised to see someone like Williams go at least he'll command a fee,you can't give some of them away.

[breadandcheese]

We are in a situation where even if a club came in for one of our players, the players could turn round and stay.

Take Scowcroft for example. He is on massive wages, and not only that, probably has a massive loyalty bonus waiting for him on the expiration of his contract. Therefore, unless we are prepared to pay that bonus to him on a move away from us in January, he is better off staying with us until his contract runs out. There is no danger that he will not get a contract with a new club when his current contract expires, so that will not be a factor in his mind.

All i'm saying is that we may well be a tad over optimistic to think that some of our players may move on. To move them on, we may well have to pay them. In which case, we would not free up much money to bring in many, if any, new players.

[Cat Burger]

but we are working very hard behind the scenes to improve the squad and bring down the average age to correct the balance

What by playing people who are old and clearly useless like Gemmill and Makin?? hmmmm

While we are not expected to be doing well, isn't that the perfect time to blood youngsters such as Stearman, Dawson and Wright?? by fielding at least one of those players per game surely we will be gaining more than we can lose???

[davieG]

Well according to GTFox on the Fox site this is what is happening:

The following are on their way according to rumours at the Press Association.

Keown to Southampton

Scowcroft to Norwich

Dabizas to WBA

Connelly to Birmingham

but the only significant fee will be generated by the transfer of Matt Heath and that several Prem clubs are interested.

All sounds resonably until you get to the Heath part.

[Guest Daniel]

Well according to GTFox on the Fox site this is what is happening:

The following are on their way according to rumours at the Press Association.

Keown to Southampton

Scowcroft to Norwich

Dabizas to WBA

Connelly to Birmingham

but the only significant fee will be generated by the transfer of Matt Heath and that several Prem clubs are interested.

All sounds resonably until you get to the Heath part. 

50432[/snapback]

I would miss Keown, the rest wouldn't bother me.

[Bert]

Well according to GTFox on the Fox site this is what is happening:

The following are on their way according to rumours at the Press Association.

Keown to Southampton

Scowcroft to Norwich

Dabizas to WBA

Connelly to Birmingham

but the only significant fee will be generated by the transfer of Matt Heath and that several Prem clubs are interested.

All sounds resonably until you get to the Heath part.    

50432[/snapback]

I would miss Keown, the rest wouldn't bother me.

50433[/snapback]

Connolly can't even score 5 goals in the fizzy so why would Brum be interested in him?? and if they sign Robbie Blake, which is looking likely Brum won't need any more strikers. IMO if Trev leaves he will come back to haunt us. I can just see it now.

[dan_84]

i think benjamin will join Hull. and sign a 10 year contract worth 30,000 a week

[SilverFox]

Well according to GTFox on the Fox site this is what is happening:

The following are on their way according to rumours at the Press Association.

Keown to Southampton

Scowcroft to Norwich

Dabizas to WBA

Connelly to Birmingham

but the only significant fee will be generated by the transfer of Matt Heath and that several Prem clubs are interested.

All sounds resonably until you get to the Heath part. 

50432[/snapback]

Can't see how Connolly has earned a move to the prem. Very good player, but not a good goalscorer. Would miss Keown, but Slowcroft and Dabizas are free to leave. Don't think I would even be too bothered if sticks goes!

[Guest Daniel]

I'd be glad if Heath left, what i've seen so far has been awful, how he can be classed as good i will never know.

[davieG]

Well according to GTFox on the Fox site this is what is happening:

The following are on their way according to rumours at the Press Association.

Keown to Southampton

Scowcroft to Norwich

Dabizas to WBA

Connelly to Birmingham

but the only significant fee will be generated by the transfer of Matt Heath and that several Prem clubs are interested.

All sounds resonably until you get to the Heath part. 

50432[/snapback]

Can't see how Connolly has earned a move to the prem. Very good player, but not a good goalscorer. Would miss Keown, but Slowcroft and Dabizas are free to leave. Don't think I would even be too bothered if sticks goes!

50440[/snapback]

Maybe Bruce sees him as an attacking midfielder/winger and a back up striker. They could probably get him for the 1/2 mill we paid and his wages would be minimal compared to other Brum players. Just gives him a cheap option to strengthen his squad.

But I'm sure it's mostly rubbish anyway But a good talking point or two

[SilverFox]

Well according to GTFox on the Fox site this is what is happening:

The following are on their way according to rumours at the Press Association.

Keown to Southampton

Scowcroft to Norwich

Dabizas to WBA

Connelly to Birmingham

but the only significant fee will be generated by the transfer of Matt Heath and that several Prem clubs are interested.

All sounds resonably until you get to the Heath part.    

50432[/snapback]

Can't see how Connolly has earned a move to the prem. Very good player, but not a good goalscorer. Would miss Keown, but Slowcroft and Dabizas are free to leave. Don't think I would even be too bothered if sticks goes!

50440[/snapback]

Maybe Bruce sees him as an attacking midfielder/winger and a back up striker. They could probably get him for the 1/2 mill we paid and his wages would be minimal compared to other Brum players. Just gives him a cheap option to strengthen his squad.

But I'm sure it's mostly rubbish anyway But a good talking point or two

50444[/snapback]

I can see Keown going to Southampton, he'd be a good player to have around to strengthen a defense. Would be sad to see him go because he is a good defender, but on the other hand he is not exactly the future of the club.

I'm torn, because although we need new players I feel that Keown is handy to have in the little relegation battle that we seem to have talked ourselves into. Not too bothered as I have said about the others, just hope we don't leave ourselves short at the back.

Conners, although not scoring much is a must I feel. We need all the hard working players we can get.

[Scow]

I did mention Keown to Southampton.

I think the Heath rumour is there for a bit of comedy really - Not many Championship sides would want him, never mind Premiership sides.

I think Scowcroft to Palace is more likely - Scowcroft is a big Ipswich fan, so he's unlikely to go Norwich, their deadliest rivals.

Dabizas to WBA would be funny, but not out of the question with that joker Robson in charge.

[davieG]

From the People

FOOTBALL: CANARIES GO FOR SCO

Jan 2 2005

By Neil Moxley

NORWICH City have lodged a £500,000 bid with Leicester City for striker James Scowcroft.

The Canaries are in dire need of a big forward to replace crocked Mathias Svensson.

Nigel WorthingtonÕs initial enquiry for the striker was knocked back during the summer by Micky Adams.

But as Scowcroft has just six monthsÕ left on his contract there is now every chance that the Norfolk side will receive a transfer window boost.

If Scowcroft leaves then Leicester will need to go shopping themselves.

After shunting Nathan Blake to Leeds United, the Foxes have also decided to pay up the contract of former England Under-21 international Trevor Benjamin.

The striker has been out on loan at Northampton.

[MADLEVEIN]

From the People

FOOTBALL: CANARIES GO FOR SCO

Jan 2 2005

By Neil Moxley

NORWICH City have lodged a £500,000 bid with Leicester City for striker James Scowcroft.

The Canaries are in dire need of a big forward to replace crocked Mathias Svensson.

Nigel WorthingtonÕs initial enquiry for the striker was knocked back during the summer by Micky Adams.

But as Scowcroft has just six monthsÕ left on his contract there is now every chance that the Norfolk side will receive a transfer window boost.

If Scowcroft leaves then Leicester will need to go shopping themselves.

After shunting Nathan Blake to Leeds United, the Foxes have also decided to pay up the contract of former England Under-21 international Trevor Benjamin.

The striker has been out on loan at Northampton.

51020[/snapback]

well, bye bye scowy 500,000 in the bank cannot be sniffed at.

you never know if levein has stuck to playing the knackered old players to get a point across to the board that he needs to strengthen the team,

if he stuck the youngsters in and we turned things around the current board would love the fact that it would be achieved without spending any money.

maybury will come in, and it looks like de-vries will follow....heres to the new year!

[PompeyFox]

Norwich have upped their offer to £600,000

[Anish]

Hope the Scowy rumour is true! £500,000 would be a massive boost for us, as would his wages.

[MON]

Hope the Scowy rumour is true! £500,000 would be a massive boost for us, as would his wages.

51023[/snapback]

and loyalty clause.

I would be dissapointed to see Keown and Connoly go though. They can't be on massive wages as well.

But if we can get maybe 1-1.5 million for Connoly that will be superb.

[Anish]

But if we can get maybe 1-1.5 million for Connoly that will be superb. 

51036[/snapback]

Nobody in their right mind would pay £1-1.5m on a striker that has scored just 3 goals in 20+ games.

[MON]

But if we can get maybe 1-1.5 million for Connoly that will be superb. 

51036[/snapback]

Nobody in their right mind would pay £1-1.5m on a striker that has scored just 3 goals in 20+ games.

51038[/snapback]

But how much is that to do with the style of play we have, and Connoly being Unlucky. He's his the post about ten times!!!