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Doncaster's Friend Linked
Doncaster's Friend Linked
Wednesday, 25th Jul 2012 13:56

Town are again being linked with Doncaster defender George Friend, who was reportedly a Blues target a year ago. Middlesbrough have had a fee accepted for the 24-year-old and a deal is expected to go through in the next couple of days. However, Rovers boss Dean Saunders believes other clubs could still move for Friend with Nottingham Forest - now managed by ex-Doncaster boss Sean O'Driscoll - said to be amongst them.

Saunders said: “George is a good man, he has a great attitude and he's a great athlete. I'll be disappointed to see him go.

“But we have to cut our cloth accordingly and we've agreed a fee with Middlesbrough, although I'm still expecting more interest from other clubs.”

Friend plays at left-back and centre-half — where Town could be looking for reinforcements should reported interest in Aaron Cresswell or Damien Delaney be firmed up — as well as in midfield and started his career with Exeter, during which time he had spells on loan with Tiverton Town and Team Bath.

Having become Exeter’s youngest-ever captain and helped the Grecians back into the Football League, the Barnstaple-born defender moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers at the end of the August 2008 transfer window for an initial fee of £350,000.

Loan spells at Millwall, Southend, Scunthorpe and Exeter followed as Friend managed only six starts and two sub appearances in two years with the Midlands club. In the summer of 2010, the 6ft 1in tall defender joined Doncaster on a two-year deal, extending his terms by a further season last year.

Photo: Action Images


Photo: Action Images



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SuperReuser added 14:02 - Jul 25
This is not good news with regards to the Cresswell situation.... why are we looking at a left back? I can only think of one reason....
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village_blue added 14:04 - Jul 25
Funny how George Friend is being linked to us again just as soon as Aston Villa are linked with Cresswell, coincidence I think not, looks to me Cressie is on his way out of Portman Road. What a shame.
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optimus_ryan21 added 14:05 - Jul 25
Mainly used as a CB i believe, would be a good addition to the backline. I would hope if Cresswell does move on then PJ will look for a dedicated Left back though and not another 'centre half whose equally adept out wide'!
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bluey420 added 14:12 - Jul 25
Why is everyone assuming Cresswell is moving to Villa 1: villa have made no offer 2: the club will not sell for 3.5m 3: Ipswich value Cresswell at 6m 4: villa never going too offer that: George Friend is a decent young defender can play Left CB n LB: finally remember 90% of all TWTD Linked stories never happen or have much truth too them: Paul Jewell is due too speak bout Cresswell, Delaney, Davies, Heskey n much more later don't assume you know what's happening till you hear something concrete
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buryblue77 added 14:19 - Jul 25
So who is it then? No good just saying Donny's mate!
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ITFCforlife added 14:20 - Jul 25
Football Friend
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jas0999 added 14:21 - Jul 25
Nowhere near as good as Cresswell. However, would provide much needed competition at CB, where we still look light of options - especially if Delaney leaves. But, Doncaster were as bad, if not worse than us defensively last year ... could do better I think.
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Morgan added 14:22 - Jul 25
Delaney out to Forrest - Friend in from Donacster regardless of the Cresswell situation. Essential if he goes, still need him if he stays.
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DanLyles added 14:22 - Jul 25
I've read that Friend (can't help but think of Jay from the inbetweeners) was a poor left back but when he moved into the centre of defence became Donny's best player. They shipped alot of goals last season but he must have done something right to win player of the year awards. Apparently he reads the game well and from what Saunders said about his attitude and athleticism he would be a good addition. It's not that uncommon for a very good individual defender to end up in a poor defensive unit
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SMS added 14:27 - Jul 25
Delaney is off to Forest, therefore we need a DLC- simples . The glass is half full lads!! COYB
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bluedart added 14:27 - Jul 25
Its all Rumours!!!!!!

Villa have signed Lowton for left back. None of these transfers will happen!!!
Its all rubbish. Its all smoke, I bet the next official announcement will be we have signed someone and Jewell will add "no-one has bid for any of our players".
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JewellintheTown added 14:39 - Jul 25
@bluedart - isnt Lowton a right back?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18740890
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keebs_itfc added 14:42 - Jul 25
I seem to remember McAuley was relegated with Leicester and he turned out to be a good player. This lad shouldn't be dismissed because he was a Doncaster player.
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Blue_Poison added 14:45 - Jul 25
Agree with @bluey420 @bluedart.
Why does everyone keep panicking when ever something is mentioned?
It is all press related speculation! There is obviously nothing interesting going on at the moment for the papers to report on so lets make stuff up!
@SuperReuser & @village_blue I can think of a different reason and no it is not coincidence, We are being linked with a player who's club have probably not had even a text message from us because another club have probably sent an email enquiring about one of our players.
Do you all seriously believe every last little thing that you read? Just because it is here does NOT make it true!
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bluearmy78 added 14:46 - Jul 25
Yep, Lowton is a RB
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irishtim added 14:58 - Jul 25
How good is this guy? Dont know much about him. We seem to be clutching at straws at the moment. Think i read somwhere last week that pj said our squad was small & threadbare. Then we seem to be reading about supposed departures. Would love if the club would let us know what is acutally fact or fiction.
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runningout added 15:54 - Jul 25
George Friend is a decent player and would be constructive signing should we lose defenders or not.. those in frantic mode need to mellow.. if these mentioned signings go, so be it : )
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Michael11 added 15:56 - Jul 25
For a start Matt Lowton is a right back not left back and George Friend is more of a centre back than left back so if this is anything to read in to it could be that Delaney's off to Notts Forest?
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StowTractorBoy added 16:08 - Jul 25
George Friend is an excellent player and was Doncasters player of the year last season. He would be a very useful addition being able to play left back as well as centre back. Even if Cresswell stays and I think he will we need good cover in all areas and this signing will help. I do feel however he will be Forest bound to link up again with O'Driscoll.
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strikalite added 16:52 - Jul 25
Friend come here? Don't make me laugh, he'll go to Forest or Boro...as for Cressy, the price is £6m Villa, now go away..
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Langdon_Blue added 17:08 - Jul 25
Jas, if only Lambert judged a defensive player based on how his team performed on goals conceded last season....if he did he wouldn't be at all interested in Creswell.
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casanovacrow added 17:16 - Jul 25
Would be an upgrade from Delaney on what I think would be less wages.
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dizzle added 17:45 - Jul 25
Unlikely to come to us over borough but is a top player. Very bright Chap, met him through a friend who knows him well. Got A levels rather than going full time at 16 but still managed to get to a premiership club within a couple of years of turning pro. Interestingly, he also runs an organic food company that supply football clubs with meals for their trainings centres and on matchdays!
Sadly, too highly rated for our current budget I fear.
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chepstowblue added 17:51 - Jul 25
This guy was appalling on the last day of the season against us,sometimes these stories really disturb me !
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Talbs77 added 20:44 - Jul 25
I think this is unlikely as Boro in driving seat and think Forest will come up the rails.
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