Often Partisan

Shotton In

Blues completed their second signing of the summer, bringing in Ryan Shotton from Derby County for an undisclosed fee. The 27-year-old defender played nine games on loan for Blues last season, scoring once and has signed a three year deal at St Andrew’s.

As signings go, this was another that was somewhat expected. Although I think it took Rowett some time to play Shotton in his best position of centre-back it became evident quickly that the Stoke-born defender was one of our best options in the middle, bringing height to a backline that wasn’t the tallest.

It’s good to see Blues get another one across the line; it’s easy to remember what happened last year when we tried to sign a centre-back that had been on loan with Rob Kiernan allegedly going missing halfway through his medical to sign for Rangers. The main stopping block in this deal was Shotton’s former club Derby who held out for the most money they could for a player whose deal ran out in 2017.

Although we’ve not brought in anyone new, I think we’re seeing the influence of Ewan Chester on proceedings. From what I heard last season Rowett was reluctant to commit himself to a transfer unless he was absolutely sure – a wise tactic in a situation with limited finance, but also a tactic that could mean him losing out to being gazumped or similar. Having someone else who can offer a bit of confirmation makes it easier to be decisive and I think it’s no coincidence that since Chester has come in Blues have been able to drag a couple of deals across the line a bit quicker.

While I’m not sure we’ll get anyone else in before the team departs for Marbella on Tuesday, I doubt very much Shotton will be the last permanent transfer that Blues make this summer; I even have a sneaky suspicion we might see Blues lay out more cash to bring in the right player in the right position. Although the money from TTA post-takeover hasn’t come in (and won’t come in) til October, Blues aren’t as short of money as they once were and while they’re not quite shopping in Waitrose yet long gone are the days when they were rooting around the bins outside Lidl.

I will admit I’m quite excited to see who is coming in next. One player I know for sure it won’t be is Tom Bradshaw; while I’m sure there might have been interest in the Walsall striker some time back from what I hear that has cooled and Blues are actively pursuing other targets they feel offer more.

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154 Responses to “Shotton In”

  • Andy Black says:

    Also we have another £800’000 apparently coming from Norwich city of Redman

    • des says:

      I think I worked out it could be nearly double that but very much doubt if it will drop into outr lap till saints pay last instalment!

      KRO

      • jazzzy786 says:

        Its 15% of any money over £3.2m that Norwich receive. So 0.15 x £7.8m which works out just shy of £1.2m. Like you say we’ll get it after they get it. It’ll probably be in installments and not a lump sum.

  • Tony E says:

    Surprised at the Bradshaw situation as he’s scored 20 goals in each of the last two seasons, can we really afford someone who is better, I hope so but am not sure.

  • rhees says:

    Thanks Dan as always
    I’m glad we’ve got a proper cb to partner Morrison think they may well develops a decent partnership.
    Hope we get goal scorer too someone like vokes would be nice.

  • Waycoolblue says:

    Who is better than Bradshaw who is within in our budget? Dan you say Mite have been interest well did we not inquire about him just 5 days ago.

  • zxcv says:

    I think its a case of suck it and see, like I said before he will improve what we had in that position, but also our defence will be greatly helped and improved if we can now get a really decent left back to compliment Shotton, ie some one that doesn`t cause other defenders to have to cover for him as that will make them less effective in their own position.

  • KC says:

    Shotton looks a big,strong lad.Just hope he can do the business as was not convinced during his loan period and thought we looked more settled and stable in the last game of the season at Cardiff with Robinson playing and he’s obviously not the solution.

  • Waycoolblue says:

    I Am Happy with what GR as dune so far good signings not so sure Chester had much to do with them as GR tried and tested them before Chester came in so lets give him some credit for that. Now we need a left back and a striker. Maybe Chester as something up his sleeve who we don’t know about. KRO….SOTV.

  • ChrisG says:

    It’s a good one to get across the line but only if he is to play CB as he had a horrendous time at RB. One position imo that we need sorted is LB, I was critical of Grounds last season as were many others & I really think we need to get someone in who’s better than him & keep him as cover.

    • zxcv says:

      It will certainly help Moro and Shotton if they don`t have to go covering the left back position when Grounds goes on walk about. Yes a really good left back now Gary will help the confidence of all defenders in doing their own jobs. no left back and the whole defence struggles .

  • Pods says:

    Thanks Dan.
    Yes it’s that time of the year when everybody and his dog is mentioned as possible transfer targets.
    I would love to be a fly on the wall and wonder who GR is looking at.
    Two names I put forward are Ricky Lambert and Kyle Lafferty.
    KRO

  • edd77 says:

    Watched Walsall a couple of times last season and I never thought Bradshaw would be a Rowett type player , he’d have been warming the bench behind Donaldson so a move that wouldn’t suit us or Bradshaw 

    • StaffsBlue says:

      If Donaldson is to be our first choice up front again next season, then whoever we bring in, they’ll be unlikely get a fair go. May as well stick with Vaughan in that case.

      • edd77 says:

        That’s true ,I’m hoping he’s got genuine competition this season because for me at times he looked like he’d never score ,he came good again when the play off pressure at gone.

  • Big Al says:

    My brother is a Rangers season ticket holder – he is no fan of Kiernan. I think we dodged a bullet there.

  • David L says:

    Sorry, but underwhelmed by this – and Tesche.

    Shotton hardly shone with us last year and seems to be another makeweight mid table kind of player. Yes possibly better than what we had, but not the obvious rock to build a mean defence around.

    Similarly Tesche. Great 18 months back, but injury and lack of confidence seems to have pushed him back.

    Don’t mind settling for mid table security with 6 games to go – seemingly doing the same with 46 games to go is a bit premature.

    And don’t understand the lack of interest in Bradshaw. Great team ethic, scores goals, runs as hard as the Don but is several years younger. A swap deal would seem to me to be beneficial to both clubs.

    Still, I know I know nowt.

  • Charlie says:

    I hope interest in Bradshaw has not cooled. Talking a figure around £500k, 23 years old and proven goalscorer in league 1, bargain in my opinion. I don’t know who we will get better for that price. Donaldson is great, works hard but does not score enough. We are crying out for a goalscorer, please Mr Rowett KRO

  • Papaulski says:

    I would be extremely surprised if we’re not in for Bradshaw. I think we’ll end up getting him in I really do

  • River says:

    I’ve heard by someone who works at stans that torel coming back could well be on the cards

  • Walker says:

    If rowett does not go for bradshaw who obviously works hard and scores goals then I think he has lost the plot. I am guessing he lives locally and has a family and would jump at the chance to prove what he can do at our level.

    Shotten mmm the jury is out with a full pre season and getting to know morrison better. Id say a bit of a paul marden and martin hicks combination :0)

    • Waycoolblue says:

      Well they beater make it quick because he is 22 on the 5th February that’s just 7 months away and never had any premiership experience if he ant in the first team by then he never will be. And that would be a waste.

  • ROBIN says:

    I wonder if its Wilson as Chester must have had something to do with his loan at Brighton last season ?

    • Hillfield Blues says:

      Good shout.

    • StaffsBlue says:

      Could be both.. Bradshaw and Wilson. Wishful thinking I know, but an interesting thought.

      • Mitchell says:

        Perhaps Staffs GR is having a complete re-think on the striking formation.just a pity that the Vaughan deal was arranged prematurely. Cannot see Don.and Vaughan as the solution. Hope to see a statement on the strikers before they jet off next week as I am sure he would have liked any new one in with them in Spain.On a lighter note,what with the boys away and possibly Dave Mann off to Brixham to sip Pimms outside his caravan-who is looking after the shop here?

        • Dave Mann says:

          Ime at home Mitchell till end of July when Ime off to Italy for a week so all things ok here mate no danger .. The wife’s birthday today and it’s a big one so spending the day together … As for Bradshaw I would like to have him at Blues but where do you play him , up front on his own or behind Donaldson because they won’t play as a two because Rowett won’t have it . KRO

      • David L says:

        Now there’s a front two that could see us win a lot.

        OK maybe we let in a few too, but a 3-2 win is better than a 0-1 loss

  • williammorgan says:

    Perhaps GR is thinking of signing Wilson on loan to January , and buying a better quality striker in that window , rather than buy another striker that we will have to sell on because of lack of cash now , or perhaps Bradshaw in , Wilson till January and then a more expensive striker in the January window . ….kro

  • Hillfield Blues says:

    The two signings so far are different in respect of the fact that they go straight into the side and are permanent signings.Repeat that at left back,left wing and up top and we will definitely be stronger next season.

  • blues mad says:

    Antenucci of Leeds might oust Donaldson and a combina
    Tion of him and Wilson would change our approach to games

  • AF says:

    Are we now going to look fora left back? The weakest link in both the team and the first team squad?

    • almajir says:

      Yeah, I understand we are looking at one now

      • Waycoolblue says:

        If it was up to me I would try and get Sebastien Pocognoli from West Brom he is a very attacking left footed fullback/wingback he wins headers and blocks crosses as a superb cross and also cuts inside.
        Left out because he gets to far forward for Polis’s liking. Not quite ready for the premiership according to Pulis!! I actually think Pulis is wrong on this one and a premiership club that plays attacking football mite take him. He would be extremely good in the championship.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Teshe and Shotton were signings that were perhaps expected by most fans, so they’re not really exciting signings. The next signing will be interesting, it maybe be the one that makes the fans sit up and take notice. Maybe.

  • Royinamillion says:

    Apart from Tesche its the same team that finished up so disappointingly last season so what’s exciting about that?

  • David L says:

    Appreciate this is nothing to do with the current discussion, but as a kit fan, and living away from Brum, any news on a new away kit?

    Personally, if we’re sticking with the red/black/yellow idea, (which I think is good and distinctive) I think the way Belgium had it as their change kit against Hungary the other night (pale blue background, red/yellow/black single central hoop) looked pretty smart.

    Thoughts/info?

  • Bluey says:

    Imho the kinds of signings we`re making will result in mid-table mediocrity next season. Solid but uninspiring. When you compare this with Newcastle getting Dwight Gayle we can see how far behind we are to top clubs.

  • Dave Mann says:

    Them and Derby for me for automatic promotion . KRO

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Rowett’s not stupid, he knows the defence needs strengthening and should sort that. But, we need two things going forward, pace and goals. That’s going to be the difference between a mediocre season and a good one. If he brings in the right attacking players, we could have a good season.

  • StaffsBlue says:

    I can’t see anyone getting near Newcastle this season.

  • mark says:

    well the lads are back at wasthills lets hope GR instills some mental strength into this group or he a gonner. imo the new owners will probably give GR this year to sort himself out…

  • Dave Mann says:

    Finishing above the vile would do me for the coming season no matter who we get in ! KRO

    • StaffsBlue says:

      There’s extra pressure on Blues this season, just because the other lot are in the same division. We have to at least match them… or the twelve toes will become unbearable!

  • mark says:

    hear one for the bluenoses Richard Wright(goalkeeper) has left Man City making zero appearances and earning 4.1 millions in wages his 4 years tenure………p***takers or what

  • Dave Mann says:

    Peanuts to them though mark but gold dust to us .. That’s the way it is and it’s getting wider as the seasons go by and being stuck in the championship is not helping ! KRO

  • Walker says:

    Romaine Sawyers – Brentford (Could have been a good squad player. Tricky and pacey
    Antenucci – Has now gone to italy.

    Id rather have bradshaw perm than wilson til jan. Otherwise we are left short again!! Donaldson has done well for us but I think now is the time we look at other tactics and more quality up front. Natural goalscorers who can score out of nothing.

    oh yeah we also missed out on neymar jr as hes signed a 5 year with barca!! :0(

    Rowett i admire you and what you have done but you need to start making us a top 6. Ifd you go on the basis of football is all about results then now is the time to deliver.

    • almajir says:

      Actually don’t think Bradshaw is good enough, otherwise other teams would be competing for him.

      Sawyers was always going to Brentford.

      • Dave Mann says:

        Like Rashford wasent Good enough for Man Utd and forth Choice striker but now he his ! .. Yeah really . KRO

      • zxcv says:

        He is certainly to big a gamble for Rowett to take, He is someone who could make or break him, as I don`t think he can afford anymore wasted funds. His next two big signings simply have to come off big time ish.

        • zxcv says:

          We cant afford players for the future they simply have to be one`s that replace what we have of don`t bother like someone said may just as well stick Norman Vaughan in .

      • Waycoolblue says:

        20 Goals a season 12 assists 42 heeders won. Season before 21 goals 9 assists 33 heeders won if that ant good enough nothing is.

  • Walker says:

    fletcher has gone to wednesday. Would have been a good one for us.

    Another good striker bites the dust

  • Must have been you Dan .good work.

  • Dave Mann says:

    Messi and Ronaldo are not strikers but goalscorers .. Just thought I would bring that point up again to remind people that there is a difference between a striker and a goalscorer .. Ah contentment at last ! KRO

  • Dave Mann says:

    God knows , you tell me ! KRO .. Especially at St Andrews !

  • Hillfield Blues says:

    Just seen kuszcsak with a man bun.Can’t be avin that,no way.Needs to be removed immediately please.

  • Dave Mann says:

    As long as he keeps the clean sheets who gives a toss ! KRO

  • Dave Mann says:

    Your problem !

  • StaffsBlue says:

    Shotton played his best games last season for Blues at centre-half, but Rowett says he has yet to determine how he will be used. “I don’t want to stand here and say ‘I see him as this or that’, because if one or two of the other players are reading it, you might think that’s pre-defined,” added Rowett.

    Well duh. Players aren’t stupid.. and neither are fans lol.

  • Dave Mann says:

    Some off them are mate ! KRO

  • Richard Granfield says:

    Disappointed that Reece Brown trained with the Development squad, particularly as Wes Harding Josh Cogley and Dominic Bernard trained with the senior squad.

  • Mitchell says:

    By nature I am not overly generous when it comes to money-however I would willingly pay for every english player who played against Iceland to receive a DVD of Wales v. Belgium match. Just make them watch the re-run without a word being spoken.

  • Murph says:

    I wish Christ Coleman was English

  • jazzzy786 says:

    Hal Robson Kanu is a free agent. Looked pretty good for Wales

  • Hillfield Blues says:

    The belief and endeavour of the Welsh was remarkable to watch last night.Statistically on paper they didn’t have a prayer and Rhys Iifans put it brilliantly pre match when he said that football isn’t about a maths test,it’s about a team.Well done to them.

    • David L says:

      With respect, it’s about both.

      If it was just hwyl and team spirit, after they’d gone 1-0 down they’d have been rushing around lumping long balls up into the box and Belgium would have picked them off like they did Hungary.

      No, the great thing was that they believed in what their manager told them. They played possession football, imposed themselves on the game by good passing, intelligent running allied to skill and team spirit. That’s what great managing is all about – to convince the players that your plan makes sense and then give them the drive to deliver it. A maths lesson and a carnival if you like.

      • Hillfield Blues says:

        I would agree with that.Managers can talk numbers and systems all day but unless they have a team with the conviction and drive to carry them out then they are wasting their time.One cannot work without the other.

  • Dave Mann says:

    Leicester , Iceland and Wales are massive examples that money does not always mean success … Premiership won by 10 points ahead of teams that spent tens of millions of pounds , a country without one proffessional club beats a country with more clubs than any other country in the world and a small principality with one ” world class ” player beats a country with propably the best squad of individuals in the world … Management and comradeship along with good organisation and giving 100 per cent is worth more than any amounts of money .. Maybe some of us should take on board that championship clubs spending millions more than us doesent necessarily mean they will beat us or finish above us .. Yes it helps but a manager of quality is worth more than a player of quality .. Just a thought . KRO

  • Technical ability also hillfied .looking at most signings Wenger makes . Barring keeper and centrebacks most of his signings are good in the ..pace .. dribbling…passing ability with either goalscoring skills or defending skills added .unless the team lacks a certain skill like dominance in the box in the air then he sometimes breaks the mould …

    • Hillfield Blues says:

      Agree.And let’s not sell Wales short here.Bale,Ramsey,Williams are all better than their English equivelants in ability and Joe Allen was magnificent last night.Oh,and I’d have Hennessy in goal over that clown all day long.

  • We all love football because dreams can and do come true .England are out . now it is up to our purer English relatives to carry the banner . Get in there Wales . Wish it was England…

  • Kingstanding Maximums says:

    Early days but not inspiring signings, totally need signings up front and not confident of Rowetts instincts of signing strikers, I got a bad feeling we are going into the season with Donaldson as number 1 again, and then anyone who we can beg steal or borrow who will be his sub to bring on for last 10 minutes.

  • Blue Eyed Boy says:

    Your right Dave Mann,under dogs can do it but you hit the nail on the head matey…a manager of quality is required.Sorry but GR isn’Bt that quality however I stand by my original proposal that GR has an experienced Director Of Football to help and guide him to the next levels.
    We should not expect to see a decent quality striker coming in,GR struggles in this department.If money and lack of “seeing the bigger picture” are ths current issues then how about an experienced player like Billy Sharp? Don’t knock it,the guy scored 15 goals in 29 full appearances for Sheffield United last season.We haven’t had that sort of goal ratio player since Bob Latchford!
    Dave,disappointed your not in Brixham the first 2 weeks of August as I’m down there then,my mate Mitchell tells me you do a good B&B!!!! Or is it simply your happy to meet and greet a fellow Bluenose and buy him a drink?

    • Mitchell says:

      Sorry Dave. It’s my fault the good breakfast got out,, Blue Eyed Boy loves that type of thing!

    • Dave Mann says:

      Both mate , a good sleep , good breakfast and then off to be brixham bars for a few beers with a fellow Bluenose sounds good to me .. Pity I won’t be there but have one on me anyway . KRO

  • Mitchell says:

    Staffs earlier comments regarding the Shotton signing.Totally agree that players are not stupid and not to announce that he will be at CH partnering Morrison is quite frankly insulting to us fans.We need a CH,the fans want a CH and to be cautious in admitting that he has been brought in to fill that gap is laughable. GR doesn’t want to upset the players like Robbo or Spector! Give us a break and take a leaf out of Coleman or Ranieri.

  • Dave Mann says:

    Now that’s a thought staffs !!! KRO

  • Dave Mann says:

    Nah me neither , maybe he’s a goalstopper :-) KRO

  • shotton is a centreback and I just hope the politician in GR doesn’t try to convince us otherwise .his size and stats say he hasn’t the movements or agility to be a ballet dancer either . so far so good transfer wise in my eyes . But stand by your conviction Gaz R . AS you ain’t Del boy…….

  • Dave Mann says:

    Should be but you never know with Rowett .. Might think we need another midfielder lol KRO

  • Whatever happened to the 23yo brazilion Wellington da Silva . Top sprinter .dribbler and good passer from arsenal his wing play left or right . deserved better than boltons season ..worth a punt signing do you think …


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