Best Value for Money Rover

Vital Blackburn's most recent poll asked, "Who's been the best value for money signing this season?" The majority feel Christopher Samba.

This was a very interesting poll for me and showed me, when I looked at all the signings in front of me (for what they cost and what we've got) that we've had value for money from most, and as such maybe some of the people should have gained a higher proportion of the vote?

As it is the £400,000 paid to Hertha Berlin for Samba in January is viewed as the best value for money purchase with 43% of the vote. The amount, pocket change for even the poorest of Premiership clubs (not that I'm suggesting we are by ANY means that, as we aren't!) has seen us get an absolutely brilliant defender that has slotted in like a seasoned veteran alongside Ryan Nelsen. The Wall really is one of the Premiership's most talented young defenders. And to think Sparky didn't intend to play him much this season, if at all!

The £2.5 million paid for Benni McCarthy was nothing before a ball had even been kicked, as we signed a PROVEN world-class footballer at a price that wouldn't have even got some players of similar qualities boots let alone the player to fill them! 23% saw him as the next best value for money signing. His goals cost about £100,000 a pop, worth EVERY penny especially when you take into account how much more these could be worth in the long run.

Next came Stephen Warnock with 13%, he looks an absolute steel for me at £1.5 million and I'll stick my neck out, is already in my running to be the Player of the Season next season and will be right in with a shout of an England re-call, if Steve McClaren opens his eyes! This saw Warnock just edge out Andre Ooijer, who gained 12%. The Dutch International looked out of his depth when he first arrived but his true quality shone through in the end. Until the Wall came along we missed Ooijer a great deal.

The £3 million paid for Jason Roberts has looked a lot of money, and in terms of value for this amount he hasn't been good for it, and his 0% of the vote shows this. While I agree with this, had injuries not hampered so much of his season I am certain he would have been much, much higher up the scale. Next season will see the best of Roberts, as we started seeing in the latter months of the 06-07 season.

So in summary
B Berner (nominal) - 6%
J Brown (Free) - 0%
D Dunn (£2.2m) - 0%
S Henchoz (Free) - 0%
F Jeffers (Free) - 2%
B McCarthy (£2.5m) - 23%
S Nonda (loan) - 1%
A Ooijer (£2m) - 12%
J Roberts (£3m) - 0%
C Samba (£400,000) - 43%
S Warnock (£1.5m) - 13%

So another season has ended, don't expect too much transfer activity during the summer but Sparky will look to strengthen here and there if he can with more bargains and steels, so the current poll, suggested by MikeyGamst is asking, "Which area of the field do Rovers need to strengthen most by the start of next season?"

As for what you think, cast your vote and why not have your say on the latest polls findings…


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