Thursday, September 27, 2012

Derek Riordan Joins Gas

Ladies and gents, this could be one of the best signings Bristol Rovers have made in a long time and it completes our attacking recruitment for the week. How ironic that both our new signings join on the same day after 2 weeks of waiting!
Derek Riordan will take squad number 27

Our second new addition is a big name, certainly in Scottish football, and is a recognised goalscorer. Former Hibernian and Celtic star Derek Riordan has joined the club on an initial 3 month contract to resurrect his flailing career. It's not his footballing ability (which can't be questioned) that has caused him to remain a free agent after leaving Hibs, it's his off the field issues. Following an incident in a Scottish club in May, Riordan was accused of making homophobic comments and injuring someone whilst being asked to leave. He pleaded not guilty but must attend a trial which begins on October 9.

It's for this recent situation that Scottish clubs have refrained from offering him a contract, despite his undoubted goalscoring knack. He has trained with Ian Holloway's Blackpool and League One side MK Dons over the summer and has now linked up with fellow Scot Mark McGhee, who was a big influence in attracting DR to the club. He's not only renowned for his finishing but for his set-piece ability too. We all know that's something we desperately require.

Yes, there is an element of risk with this signing but he is precisely the sort of player we need - in fact, he's a lot better and more experienced than any player I expected us to be able to bring in. Along with Tom Eaves who has joined on loan from Bolton, we now have a quota of strikers who bring all the qualities you could possibly want; strength, power, positional awareness, height and, above all else, goalscoring instinct. I've gone from feeling like we have a depleted forward line this morning to thinking we have the perfect mix of just about everything. I'm delighted with the business we've concluded today, hats off to MM and Nick Higgs.

What do you think Gasheads, are you happy with the two new boys? Have your say in the comment box below.

Bring on Exeter on Saturday where both players are expected to be a part of the squad... Up the Gas!

2 comments:

  1. I'm looking forward to seeing if these boys can deliver the goals, I think it's about judging DR on the pitch that counts though I hope he doesn't repeat off-field antics while in Bristol. We shall see! UTG

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  2. I have mixed feelings about this. He may prove to be a quality acquisition on the pitch, and that would be great. But if he is convicted in the meantime of being a homophobic thug then he can jog on.

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