Friday, March 29, 2013

Ward Reiterates Desire To Sign O'Toole On Permanent Deal

When facing the local press yesterday, John Ward confirmed his interest in signing John-Joe O'Toole on a permanent deal this summer. He explained that, like Gasheads, he would love to see the midfielder join us at the end of the season but conceded nothing could be decided yet as he is still under contract at Colchester United.

His impressive Rovers performances won't have gone unnoticed elsewhere and his future may be decided by whichever clubs are willing to meet Colchester's asking price for him. You'd hope, given the integral part he has played in our dramatic upturn in form, that Nick Higgs would be willing to pay a transfer fee for the influential Irishman. When you factor in that in a couple of years we will be preparing to move in to the UWE Stadium debt free, an investment in a quality player like O'Toole will be overwhelmingly worth it. As far as finances go it isn't a case of speculating to accumulate. Higgs has categorically stated we will be debt free upon moving to the UWE, so spending a fee on a player who has the potential to become a club hero and orchestrate a serious promotion push next season is a no-brainer, surely?

Of course, if a bid does get accepted the final decision would come down to O'Toole. Prior to his loan extension at the end of January the fear was that he would want to move to a bigger club. This was something he expressed before playing for us but fortunately he changed his mind having experienced what being a Rovers player is all about. He revelled in the responsibility on his shoulders and the fact Ward allowed him to play freely in the middle of midfield. The other crucial factor would have been the tremendous support that he and the team have received. I got the impression he hadn't expected to experience this at the Mem and that he was pleasantly shocked to discover that Gasheads are as passionate as football fans come. His delight away at Rotherham when his name was chanted repeatedly at the full-time whistle was clear for all to see and he knows for sure that he is adored here. I'm hoping that may be enough to persuade him to commit to us. He knows he will enjoy his football and with the UWE Stadium in mind, he won't be oblivious to the fact we are a club with a bright future.

It will be touch and go because he may receive offers from elsewhere, but I'm hopeful that our strong desire to keep him will be enough to win his signature. He won't be badly paid here so finances shouldn't be the sticking point. It will come down to whether our appreciation of him will outweigh the possible contract offers he gets from clubs at League One level.

Get your chequebook out early Mr Higgs, we must sign John-Joe! Your manager wants him to help us push on next season and that has to be an investment worth making.

2 comments:

  1. I agree with Nathan. Kohn-Joe should be signed to the Gas if it is at all possible. His full-blooded performances have been a major factor in our climb back up the table from oblivion.

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  2. John-Joe's interview on Radio Bristol last night was luke warm to say the least. Whilst he didn't rule out a move to the Gas, he made it clear he wants to play at the highest level he can. We shall have to wait and see, keeping everything crossed.

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