gretschgas
Andy Monkhouse Signs! Jul 21, 2014 11:17:58 GMT via mobile RoverDrive likes this
Post by gretschgas on Jul 21, 2014 11:17:58 GMT
Very happy with this signing and would have been if we were in league 2 as well. I'm surprised that he not only dropped down a league but that he also re located quite a distance.
A few more left now and we will be ready for the conference. Hopefully more good news this week and more or less a full squad by the Coventry game or is that asking for too much?..
dinsdale
Andy Monkhouse Signs! Jul 21, 2014 11:20:31 GMT via mobile
Post by dinsdale on Jul 21, 2014 11:20:31 GMT
The most easy to predict signing of the year !! Welcome to the club , go get us promotion !!
lympstonegas
Post by lympstonegas on Jul 21, 2014 11:28:42 GMT
Jul 21, 2014 11:20:31 GMT dinsdale said:
Really ... And yet we were being told it was Louis Carey on here yesterday by those in the so called know !!!!
meader
Post by meader on Jul 21, 2014 11:29:26 GMT
Hopefully this is a good signing and possibily what we want in the conference. With the season getting ever closer, things are taking shape. Roll on August 9th i say!
I just wonder.....will the club change their Sky package so we see BT Sports in the Bars?
Andy Monkhouse Signs! Jul 21, 2014 11:31:29 GMT via mobile lympstonegas likes this
Jul 21, 2014 11:28:42 GMT lympstonegas said:
I said it was him based on the following research. Journos said it was a winger and was experienced league player. That ruled out 1 of the 2 teams DC has contacts at. I googled Hartlepools released players, he was 33 and a winger so was easy.
Last Edit: Jul 21, 2014 11:31:45 GMT by dinsdale
Ras (account now held by Hugo)
Andy Monkhouse Signs! Jul 21, 2014 12:17:32 GMT via mobile RoverDrive, Tilly's Thighs, and 1 more like this
Post by Ras (account now held by Hugo) on Jul 21, 2014 12:17:32 GMT
Pretty good signing I reckon. Feel a bit more relaxed about it all now but obvs need some more.
Post by Cantankerous Gas on Jul 21, 2014 12:51:50 GMT
Always concerns me a little when a footballer's family is at the other end of the Country....
New boy Andy Monkhouse says a desire to be part of a promotion-winning side was behind his decision to temporarily sacrifice a settled family life after completing a deal to join Bristol Rovers.
Monkhouse, 33, this morning signed a one-year deal to become Rovers boss Darrell Clarke's sixth signing of the summer in a move that will see the former Hartlepool United man spending a lot of time away from his Leeds-based wife and two children.
"I feel lucky and privileged to be here because there are still a lot of players looking for work with only a few weeks until the start of the season," Monkhouse said.
"It was a wrench to leave Hartlepool after seven years and I will have to see less of my wife and two kids whilst I am here, so, it goes without saying, that I wouldn't have moved down South for any club.
"Coming to Bristol Rovers was an opportunity that was too good to turn down though, and I didn't need a lot of persuading after speaking to Darrell on the phone last week.
"I want to be part of a promotion-winning team, so, with all that in mind, it was a bit of a no-brainer. I'm happy to be here and I can't wait to get started.
"It's hard to be away from your family for long spells, but I am willing to do it and I am hoping to look back at the end of the season and say that it was all worth it."
Monkhouse, who can also play up front, brings a significant amount of Football League experience to Clarke's squad following a career that has taken in over 400 senior games since coming through the youth ranks at Rotherham United.
"I started as an out-and-out left winger, but I have played in several different positions in the last few seasons," said Monkhouse, who has a career tally of 67 goals.
"I've played all across midfield and up front as well. I'll play wherever I'm needed and the starting point for me is to try my best and give 100 per cent every time I put my boots on.
"I've been running around the streets and training in the gym on my own since I was released by Hartlepool at the end of the season, so it might take me a couple of weeks to get up to speed.
"I'm 33 years old, but I feel like a player who is 15 years younger than that. There is a little bit of nerves inside me mixed with excitement and I can't wait to get started."
Clarke has yet to confirm whether Monkhouse will be involved in the pre-season friendly at Yeovil Town tomorrow night (Tuesday) – but the wideman is sure to be one of the first names on the teamsheet when Rovers begin their quest to return to the Football League at the first time of asking against Grimsby Town on August 9.
www.bristolpost.co.uk/New-boy-Andy-Monkhouse-prepared-make-sacrifices/story-21667220-detail/story.html#Rig0xbiqLuTOeKqD.99
Centenary Gas
Post by Centenary Gas on Jul 21, 2014 12:52:17 GMT
Very well spoken in his Gasplayer interview.
Again I'll say it, great that we have a team of 100%ers this time around.
Finnish Gas
Post by Finnish Gas on Jul 21, 2014 12:53:05 GMT
Darrell Clarke says signing Andy Monkhouse is 'a real coup' for Bristol Rovers
By JamesMcNamara | Posted: July 21, 2014
Bristol Rovers boss Darrell Clarke has labelled the signing of Andy Monkhouse as 'a real coup' after completing a deal to bring him to the Memorial Stadium this morning.
Monkhouse, 33, became Clarke's sixth signing of the summer by penning a one-year deal after parting ways with Hartlepool United at the end of last season.
Clarke said: "Andy is a player with a vast amount of league experience and is still hungry to be successful.
"I think the reasons behind Hartlepool's decision to release him were down to finances more than anything else and bringing him here is a real coup for us.
Andy is a very versatile player who will offer us a very decent attacking option and that he can play in a variety of positions is important when we will be working off a squad of 18 or 19 senior professionals.
"He's 33, but there is not an ounce of fat on the lad and he is somebody I have always rated very highly. He's a very fit lad and a model professional who takes good care of himself and I'm delighted to get someone of his calibre on board."
Monkhouse, who can play anywhere across midfield as well as up front, arrives with over 400 senior Football League appearances to his name, and Clarke added: "It was important for me to add a couple of experienced players to the group over the summer and Andy fits the bill perfectly.
"We can't go head long into a very competitive Conference thinking we can be successful with a squad of kids. There is an expectation at this football club and the likes of Andy, Lee Mansell, Mark McChrystal and Steve Mildenhall are needed if we are to deal with that."
Read more: www.bristolpost.co.uk/Darrell-Clarke-says-signing-Andy-Monkhouse-real/story-21667341-detail/story.html
Andy Monkhouse prepared to make sacrifices to grasp chance of success at Bristol Rovers
"It won't be easy," Monkhouse added. "Every club aims to be promoted at the start of the season and it will be no different here.
"Rovers are a massive club in the context of the Conference, but it is what it is and it is up to us as players and staff to get our heads around that quickly. It (promotion) will be difficult, but it is doable."
Read more: www.bristolpost.co.uk/New-boy-Andy-Monkhouse-prepared-make-sacrifices/story-21667220-detail/story.html
Former Hartlepool United midfielder signs for Bristol Rovers
by Richard Mennear
Published on the 21 July
FORMER Hartlepool United midfielder Andy Monkhouse has today signed for Bristol Rovers.
The 33-year-old, released from Pools in the summer, has teamed up with Darrell Clarke at Rovers - the former Pools midfielder who is manager at the Conference Premier side.
Clarke told his club's website: "I am delighted to bring in an experienced player such as Andy.
"Andy is a creative player who can score a goal or two and he's had a very successful, career to date.
"The pleasing thing is that he wanted to come here for the right reasons and his experience will be invaluable to us."
Monkhouse, looking to help Rovers get back in the Football League after relegation last season, added: "I have spoken to Darrell a few times and, to be honest, he didn't have to say too much to me because it didn't take long to agree terms to join a club the size of Bristol Rovers.
"I'm happy to be here and can't wait to get started.
"I've played against Rovers a few times over the years and I know what it's like playing at the Memorial Stadium as an away player.
"I'm coming here with a fresh approach and hope we have a successful season and that we can get back into the Football League."
Monkhouse joined Pools from Swindon Town in January 2007 after spending a couple of months on loan at Victoria Park before then-boss Danny Wilson made it a permanent move for the Yorkshireman.
The versatile forward had appeared in 42 matches for Pools this season, the majority of which came on the left-hand side of midfield, scoring six times for Cooper's side which made him joint second-top scorer.
In total Leeds-born Monkhouse played 331 times for Pools, scoring 52 goals and helped the club win automatic promotion to League One in the 2006-07 campaign.
Popular with the fans, he always boasted a good goal return during his spell at Pools, which he will be hoping to continue at his new club.
www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-utd/former-hartlepool-united-midfielder-signs-for-bristol-rovers-1-6740842
Post by gashead79 on Jul 21, 2014 12:53:10 GMT
Can somebody do one of those dream team formation thingies? Just so I can visualize where were at in terms of contracted players.
Back 4 speaks for itself I guess.
kingswoodpolak
Post by kingswoodpolak on Jul 21, 2014 13:01:20 GMT
Jul 21, 2014 8:25:08 GMT @gashead79 said:
Same birthdate as me. This HAS to be a portent of good things to come. Tbh I think he is a decent signing at this level and he has a good record with discipline, injuries and in being a clubman.
Could he be a possible Captain ?
Jul 21, 2014 12:52:17 GMT Centenary Gas said:
Exaclty. This is so, so important and often gets overlooked.
A team of average players will always outshine and outperform a team of more able players who aren't up to it and lack the desire to win.
Desire plays such a huge part in any sporting activity - often the team (or individual in some other sports) who wants it more can cause an upset against those of a higher stature; it's the reason there are always upsets in the FA Cup.
It looks as though Darrell is putting together a side who want to play for the shirt and - not only will that be incredibly pleasing to see after the last 7 years or so of utter dross - but it is also likely to yield more positive results IMO.
Last Edit: Jul 21, 2014 13:07:24 GMT by RoverDrive
bidefordgas
Post by bidefordgas on Jul 21, 2014 13:08:26 GMT
Excellent signing at this level.
People on here were asking for big names and let's all be honest, we could not have expected any bigger names than Monkhouse and Mansell.
Fair play to DC and NH I say.
How many senior professionals does that give us now? As if DC is expecting to be "working off a squad of 18 or 19 senior professionals" we should be able to work out how many more signings we can expect (obviously if Smith leaves - which you'd expect him to - that will be one more as well).
Jul 21, 2014 12:53:10 GMT @gashead79 said:
Starting XI against Grimsby?
Jul 21, 2014 9:24:59 GMT Jon the Stripe said:
I fookin love that un Jon.
I never thought I'd be saying this but I am starting to get a little enthused now.
markczgas
Post by markczgas on Jul 21, 2014 13:13:44 GMT
Jul 21, 2014 13:08:26 GMT bidefordgas said:
Are you predicting promotion then ?
Gas Go Marching In
Andy Monkhouse Signs! Jul 21, 2014 13:17:23 GMT via mobile Jon the Stripe likes this
Post by Gas Go Marching In on Jul 21, 2014 13:17:23 GMT
Yep, well done NH for allowing DC to sign a few freebies after all the players that have been let go and half a million from Lambert. Hats off to you.
I think Clarke deserves praise though as he seems to be making some decent enough signings on limited resources.
Last Edit: Jul 22, 2014 11:00:08 GMT by Gas Go Marching In
kernowtoteend
Post by kernowtoteend on Jul 21, 2014 13:39:01 GMT
It now appears that a team with a real possibility of getting promotion is being put together. Now we need us, the Supporters, to get behind the team. I am not yet excited, but at least it is now worth the cost of coming up from Kernow...........
harleyjakerich
Post by harleyjakerich on Jul 21, 2014 13:41:58 GMT
Of the 6 signings - Darrell has worked with 3 previously. Managers throughout the land sign players that they have worked with before. It's common practice, i'd go as far as saying the majority do.
Then keep in mind the trialists, 12 or so that haven't worked with DC before.
But of course, dins, DC only has contacts at two clubs... 3/18 that we know have been looked at by Clarke are ones he'd worked with before.