Please log in or register. Registered visitors get fewer ads.
Skuse Deal Done Claims as Doyle Linked
Sunday, 5th May 2013 14:07

Bristol City skipper Cole Skuse has agreed to join the Blues on a three-year deal this summer, according to reports in a number of today’s tabloids. The 27-year-old, who is out of contract, has been a rumoured Town close season target for several weeks.

Midfielder Skuse, who has also played in defence, has spent his entire career with his hometown club, having made his debut in the 2004/05 season.

The Robins' Player of the Year in 2009/10, he has made a total of 245 starts and 62 sub appearances, scoring nine goals.

Speaking earlier this week, Bristol City boss Sean O’Driscoll admitted that his relegated club would struggle to hold on to their captain: "He's available on a free transfer. I'd love him to stay, but that decision may have already been made. He's a good lad and we've sat down and chatted about things."

Elsewhere, Mick McCarthy is said to be interested in bringing Wolves striker Kevin Doyle to Portman Road.

Republic of Ireland international Doyle, 29, has another year left on his contract at Molineux but seems likely to move on now that the Midlanders' relegation to League One has been confirmed.

McCarthy signed the former Cork City man from Reading when manager at Wolves for a reported £6.5 million in the summer of 2009. Since then he has scored 30 goals in 131 starts and 17 sub appearances.

The Blues boss is a fan of Doyle but earlier this week played down suggestions that he'd return to his old club for summer signings, although McCarthy would be keen to sign loanee Richard Stearman on a permanent basis if a deal can be done.

"They’ve got good players but that doesn’t mean to say I’m going to go tripping back there to sign them," he said.

"And who’s to know what they’re going to cost and what wages they’re on anyway. I’m not thinking that’s my fishing ground at all, not whatsoever.”

Stearman, meanwhile, has tweeted his goodbyes to all at Portman Road: "Would just like to thank everyone connected with ITFC, loved every minute of my time there, which was made so easy by everyone connected with the club.

"So glad we succeeded in our goal of staying up, massive achievement from where started. Thanks again for your support, enjoy your summer."


Photo: Action Images



Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.



Daleyitfc added 14:31 - May 5
Why do we need another midfield player who doesn't score goals?
We've already got plenty of those.
0

Stato added 14:33 - May 5
agree daley, and another forward who can't score either
0

arc added 14:34 - May 5
Holding midfielder to replace N'Daw?
0

Marcus added 14:37 - May 5
Replacement for N'Daw?

0

Keaneish added 14:37 - May 5
I'd hardly say we have plenty Daley! In fact, I'd say we have 2 central midfielders on our books at the moment so I welcome a solid championship midfielder who can lead.

Hardly my first choice at all but not a bad signing.

Be surprised if we went for Doyle. Too similar to Chopra for me.
0

JWM added 14:38 - May 5
Exactly arc a holding Midfielder to replace N'Daw. I see the moaning has already started!
0

simoitfc added 14:42 - May 5
Mick will get the best out of him don't worry,I've seen a fair bit of him last few seasons he's very similar to hyam
0

AYACCA added 14:42 - May 5
MM kept town up, he knows what he's doing.
0

runningout added 14:49 - May 5
Skuse is a lot better than what we have at the mo
0

canveyblue added 14:59 - May 5
Let the Magic Man sign who he wants. We have faith in him, he kept us up, let him get on with it. And whoever he signs lets support them whatever we think of them. Look at how well we have done in the few months he has been here when we are all pulling in the same direction. COYB.
0

Kentish_Tractor added 15:00 - May 5
Here's how I see it:

Pros:
He's a free transfer
He's a leader (possible captain material)
N'Daw is off looking for a new club and Skuse will be a good replacement
Will add steel to our midfield, especially away from home.
Can play instead of Hyam if he gets injured.
Can work with and help nuture hyam into a better player.
He will be OUR player (not a loan).

Cons:
We already have Hyam.
He's not an attack minded player / wont score / wont contribute enough going forward.

My verdict:
Pros outweigh cons for a free transfer, if not a starter then great cover, but hope it wont push Hyam out of the team too much. Hope he signs.
0

algarvefan added 15:04 - May 5
Let the rumours begin....it is summer after all ..........
0

WhoisJimmyJuan added 15:08 - May 5
No skuses if we don't sign him
0

PimsNumber1 added 15:13 - May 5
doyle is nothing like chopra

doyle is a "short2 target man , good at laying balls off and holding the ball up and did used to get a fair few goals but for some reason has lost his goal scoring ability

cost wolves 6.5 mill and a year or so ago arsenal were rumoured to be close to bidding 10 mill for him

because of all this and wages I cant see us affording him
0

tearle1974 added 15:35 - May 5
Mick knows who he wants, I would be happy to have Stearman, Johnson for our defence. Then Skuse in midfield with Judge too. Be very happy with Doyle as he can score goals. Mick would work well with the Wolves players that he knows there strengths.

How about??

Loach
Stearman, Chambers, Smith Cresswell
Edwards Judge Hyam Skuse
Doyle Nouble

At least it is a start??
0

walberswick added 15:47 - May 5
hope he enjoys all the charity and empty shops in Tavern and Westgate Street
0

TimmyH added 16:06 - May 5
mmm...ok if he's on a free transfer then can't see the problem, but will he bring that much different from Tabb and Hyam? ...should be interested to see in the coming days if Martin has had a new contract, personally don't feel he will and then it's a MUST to get a creative wide man in.
0

Ryanblue4life added 16:24 - May 5
Skuse could be a good leader in the middle that Hyam and others could learn a little off.

But Doyle is not what we want, he doesn't score goals. Why would we pay high wage for a player no better than what we've already got. Works hard runs about abit but doesn't put the ball in the back of the net...

Skuse yes
Doyle no
0

Keaneish added 16:27 - May 5
Agree to disagree with you on that one Pimsnumber1. I'd argue Chopra is great at holding the ball up and bringing others into play. Maybe in a slightly different fashion though.

Really hope if we get Skuse we're in the market for a young centre mid like Forshaw too.

Dream list for me would be:

Stearman
Westwood
Kisnorbo
Judge
Forshaw
Murphy
Tomlin
McCann

Sounds like Tabb and Skuse are done deals.

With Taylor coming back that's a solid squad!
0

Blue041273 added 16:40 - May 5
Although this is all paper talk, there is a player (Drury) to be replaced. Skuse could well be the man . As for Doyle, if true, he could be a good signing, but I am drooling over a McGoldrick, Nouble, Murphy combination next season and wouldn't lose any sleep if this one turned out to be wishful thinking. I suspect that signing Murphy is the real objective and that the mention of Doyle is just a side show geared to achieving that objective. We shall see!
0

ManningtreeBlue99 added 16:43 - May 5
Daryl Murphy and Kevin Doyle.
Daryl Murphy: 324 apps - 87 goals
Kevin Doyle: 376 apps - 107 goals
We already know Daryl Murphy wants to join permanently, so if we can buy him there should be no need for Kevin Doyle, they are very similar players.
0

blue_moon09 added 16:59 - May 5
"according to reports" why not just wait until the club officially announces signings? zzzzzzz
0

StowTractorBoy added 17:03 - May 5
In my opinion Skuse is ready to either replace N'Daw or play right back where he has spent much of his career. He is 6' 1 and a leader. Can't see where we can go wrong on this one as he is free and Bristol City surely are that not high wage payers, so should not cost a furtune in that direction. O'Drisscoll clearly rates him so for me its a no brainer and lets be honest Mick has not got much wrong since his tenure.
0

BillBlue added 17:09 - May 5
Forget it folks, its all a rumour. Remember when MM signs someone it is a 'done' deal before we hear about it, signed, sealed and delivered and that is the way I like it!
0

ShropshireBluenago09 added 17:19 - May 5
Good solid championship player, whose experience will help alongside Hyam. I still think we will need one more excellent midfielder - Drury and N'Daw must be replaced.
We also need 2 wide men or attacking players - IMO - and to be honest i would raid Peterboro, not Wolves. Posh players have looked very good since Xmas - Tomlin or Gayle. Would also raid Yeovil for their young Irish striker, Paddy Madden.
0


You need to login in order to post your comments

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls

About Us Contact Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Cookies Advertising
© TWTD 1995-2024