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Who will he Buy? Part Five

By: Richard Hubbert
Date: 10/06/2003

WE now take yet another look at some possible transfer targets for Town player-manager Paul Groves, especially given that we have a 100% record of predicting who the Town boss will move for after Tony Crane was named as a potential target in an earlier article.

Martin Rowlands
Martin Rowlands

The Facts
Attacking midfielder who made 149 appearances for Brentford before he was released in the summer. Brentford are his only club, but he was close to a move to QPR in March after falling out of favour at Griffin Park, where he had a number of on-the-field disciplinary problems.

Is a move likely?
Rowlands is very highly rated and in the past has been linked with moves to higher division clubs. But there does seem to be a question mark hanging over his temperament which may make Groves cautious in signing the player, but his tigerish style, similar to that of Michael Keane’s, could attract the Town management. Rowlands would undoubtedly be interested in staying in Division Two.
Likeliness Rating: 2

Adrian Moses
Adrian Moses

The Facts
Former Barnsley and Huddersfield man who was given the chop by Huddersfield because of their crippling debts. A good header of the ball, Moses can play anywhere across the defence, but tends to prefer playing at right back or centre back. Quite an experienced pro who at the age of 28, still has plenty to play for.

Is a move likely?
Would seem quite an astute signing if Groves was interested. Town need players who can play in a variety of position and Moses certainly can do that. A move would be more likely if John McDermott left the club, but even if not, Town could consider him as a possible buy. Moses is based in Yorkshire and therefore a move to Town would be geographically viable - if terms could be agreed.
Likeliness Rating: 2

Omar Riza
Omar Riza

The Facts
23-year-old striker who scored 17 goals in the third division for Cambridge United last season after previous loan arrangements with the U’s and Barnet. Former West Ham youth player, Riza never really got into the first team at Upton Park, but has shown to be a promising forward with blistering pace and an eye for goal. Rejected a new contract and Cambridge and is now looking for pastures new.

Is a move likely?
Sounds quite a decent forward who is obviously available and wanting to better himself in a higher league. Whether he would fancy a move north to Town is questionable, but he certainly seems and attainable player.
Likeliness Rating: 2

Steve Jenkins
Steve Jenkins

The Facts
Welsh international defender who after only sealing a move to his homeland in February has been shown the door by ex Town boss Lennie Lawrence at Cardiff. Commanding defender who can play in central defence or at full back. Spent most of his career at Huddersfield, where they paid £275,000 for his services in 1995.

Is a move likely?
Jenkins is still hoping to be offered a deal at Cardiff, if their budget allows it. However, like all players, he will want some security and if a deal was on the table, he would have to consider it. Once again, his capture would depend on the future of McDermott, but also his willingness to move away from his homeland yet again.
Likeliness Rating: 3

Lee Mills
Lee Mills

The Facts
Experienced striker who tends to score goals wherever he goes. Has moved clubs quite a bit over the past few years - playing for Bradford, Port Vale, Wolves, Manchester City, Portsmouth and Coventry. Last season he played for Town’s relegation rivals, Stoke City where he scored a few crucial goals for them. Soon to turn 33, however, and Mills is not getting much younger.

Is a move likely?
Groves is likely to strengthen his attacking options in one way or another, and Mills would not be a bad signing. The one problem with him though is wages and his fitness - having experienced one or two injury problems in the last few years. He was also involved in a car accident in March, which although was not life threatening, did keep him out of Stoke’s run in at the end of the season.
Likeliness Rating: 4


Ratings

5 Distinct possibility of signing
4 Depends on wages and willingness to move
3 Might need lots of persuasion to sign any contract
2 May be willing to move, but will Town be interested?
1 Long shot


Latest Transfer News:

  • Released Portsmouth forward Luke Nightingale (previously mentioned in "who will he buy?") is hoping that Second Division rivals Swindon Town will give him the opportunity to impress ex-Town assistant boss Andy King.
  • Ian Cox, the ex Bournemouth and Burnley defender has signed for Gillingham.
  • Reported Mariners target Darren Wrack, who of course played for Town in the late 1990s, has put an end to rumours of an exit by signing a two year deal with Walsall.
  • Another "freebie", Mark Venus of Ipswich Town, who was mentioned as a possible buy on the Fishy message board, is attracting interest from Cambridge United.



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