Rovers had a top budget last summer in order to strengthen the squad but were unable to mount a serious assault on the top positions. Hovering dangerously close to the relegation places in the winter, Mark McGhee came in to stabilise and instil a more confident looking Gas team. As a result we finished comfortably mid-table and were unbeaten at the Mem under his stewardship, securing 7-1 and 5-1 wins in the process.
 |
| Higgs and McGhee |
With McGhee in charge for his first pre-season with the club, hopes are high that a more enjoyable campaign will proceed, aided by 'up to 6' new signings over the coming weeks. All areas of the pitch have been identified for improvement, except for in goal, so now our Glaswegian supremo has returned from holiday, business can begin. We've been linked with new loan bids for centre backs Cian Bolger and Tom Parkes, whilst rumours also suggest we have an interest in midfielder Ross Draper of Macclesfield. We've had bids for James Constable publicly rejected earlier this month and have now moved on to other targets, so our attack is another area McGhee is keen to strengthen.
On top of the importance of making new signings, McGhee has today come out fighting in his view on Mustapha Carayol and a potential move. He shares an understanding with Muzzy as to how his head will have been turned with the speculation regarding a Championship move - that potentially sparked his Twitter remarks over the weekend - but has reiterated that the club have a 'good story' to sell to him with the new stadium on the horizon and the ambitious plans of the chairman. His hope is that such optimism around the club will entice him to sign a new deal and commit his long-term future to the club. That would help to put Rovers in a better position to command a large fee for his services should a club desire his signature. Whatever happens McGhee will be hoping the situation can be sorted soon so he can prepare for life with or without Muzzy.
The votes so far make for interesting reading regarding how Gasheads see his situation following the suggestive tweets he posted last weekend. Of the 35 votes so far on the poll to the right of the page, 15 supporters have changed their mind on whether they want Muzzy to stay following his comments. 16 say it's not changed their views whilst 4 are undecided. There's a day left to vote so if you haven't already done so state your stance on it all. Will Rovers accept an offer that meets his valuation or will they gamble on the Gambian signing a new deal to strengthen their hand?
I'd still take the money and reinvest in the squad as I don't think his heart will be in it if he's denied his move. For that reason I can't see him extending his current deal either. One thing I am confident about though is that Mark McGhee will do what's best for the football club.
I'm excited to see what business we do over the coming days both in and out, with pre-season just around the corner on July 5th. It's all going to kick-off now McGhee has returned from his holiday in Spain, so keep your eyes peeled right here.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Leave your thoughts...