Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Zebs To Cheltenham?

Zebroski in action at Oxford
Rumours forming today suggest Chris Zebroski has attracted a new offer from Cheltenham Town and should complete a move to Whaddon Road this afternoon.

Whilst this won't come as a shock or disappointment to Rovers fans it is surprising that Zebs has landed a side that were unfortunate to miss out on promotion to League One last year. It's a shared belief that he lacks the quality to be a part of a promotion winning team, thus why we're happy to let him leave, so it's interesting that the Rubies are set to snap him up.

Their boss, Mark Yates, has been a long-time admirer of Zebs and tried to sign him during the January transfer window, only to be rebuffed by Mark McGhee who wanted to have enough time to assess each member of his squad. In McGhee's first game in charge of Rovers back in January we travelled to Whaddon Road and played superbly to register an impressive 2-0 win - with Zebs scoring the first that day and performing very well. That must have stuck in the minds of Cheltenham's management and they now look set to sign the player on a 2 year deal.

Despite his 100% effort and determination to the Rovers cause he won't be missed for what he contributed on the pitch. McGhee has made no secret of his desire to 'freshen things' up front this summer and this news gives him scope to land another forward to battle with David Clarkson, Matt Harrold and Eliot Richards for a starting place. Most Rovers fans hope a pacey striker is signed on and that could be the type of player we go for in time to start the season in 2 weeks time against Ipswich. There'll be few forwards who fit this criteria, of Mark McGhee quality, who are still out of contract so paying a transfer fee looks likely. We made bids for Oxford's James Constable earlier in the summer and a deal may be resurrected but it's not known whether he remains MM's first choice.

Fabian Broghammer should be signed by Thursday to replace Muzzy (who has not yet completed his move to Middlesbrough) and the hopes are that a further two players will join the side before the season starts. It was confirmed yesterday that the club are looking to draft in another goalkeeper to compete with Conor Gough and the injured Scott Bevan so it'll be interesting to see whether one comes in permanently or on loan. Millwall's Steve Mildenhall has had his name bandied about amongst Rovers fans as a potential target although this has not been confirmed.

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