contributor 1879Rovers gives us his thoughts on a signing that has certainly had a mixed reaction.
What are his strengths and weaknesses?
Firstly, I have to say how surprised I am to see him signing for Leeds especially with his history with Neil Warnock.
The abuse he received when we played at Elland Road in February also surprises me that Diouf would also want to join.
When he first signed for Rovers, there were very similar views to those of Leeds fans (they have probably been the same wherever he has gone).
The fans were split. Some saw him as a great signing whilst others could not look past his troubled past. Whilst I find some of the stuff he had done disgusting, I recognised the talent he has.
Once we saw what we had on the pitch, he quickly changed the views of many fans. I know we were struggling at the foot of the championship but he looked a class above most players on the pitch and that included the opposition. Cast your mind back to our visit in February. He ran the game that day for Rovers.
He supplied a great number of chances for players and I honestly still feel had we kept Billy Sharp we would not have been relegated.
His commitment was there and after initially joining us on a short-term deal, he always stated he wanted to stay to try and help Rovers avoid relegation. Sometimes it is just words but he did sign a contract to keep him at the Keepmoat at least until the end of the season.
His biggest weakness is obviously his temperament. He did manage to keep it under check for most of his time with us. Probably his worst moment was at Elland Road.
He did not keep his nose completely clean whilst he was with us and he was arrested in April on suspicion of violent disorder for an altercation in a Manchester nightclub - He was eventually cleared.
Rovers boss Dean Saunders and the players all said what a joy he was to have around whilst at the club, it was only when he left in the summer, when Saunders said, he was very difficult to manage. It is sure to be a rollercoaster with him and Warnock.
He picked up six bookings for Rovers in 23 games and I think most of them were just down to frustration.
What is his preferred position and is he versatile?
He can play in a number of positions. He played out wide, up front and in the hole for Rovers, so he definitely has plenty of versatility. He scored six times for us, which in a poor team and not playing as an out and out striker was a decent return.
If you could describe Diouf in three words, what would they be?
Unpredictable, match winner.
What I am really trying to say in that is, he is obviously a loose cannon and you are always waiting for something to happen. At the same time, he can prove a match winner with his skill. At championship level he is a quality signing and in a decent team he could do really well.
I am looking forward to seeing what happens as I am sure are most football fans.
Independent view from Donny
posted on 12/8/12
I said to that moaning ninny H yesterday that this guy has spent MOST of his career at the highest level! He is used to the big stage and playing against the countrys best.
posted on 12/8/12
Fully agree - let's get behind the lad bcuz he has the talent to make a difference.The public absolutely adored Alex Higgins but if you have ever read his autobiography then u would wonder why ?
Reality is, people respect genius & talent & altho Diouf is no genius the boy can certainly play & of that there can be no doubt.
Can't wait to see all the new shirts in the kop with DIOUF written on the back !!
posted on 12/8/12
He's not even as bad as people think.
He's only got 5 red cards in over 400 games. His last red card was 2011 I think. In a game where the ref sent off 3 players.
Brown has more. Austin has 3 in 90 odd games.
He has his own charity set up to help kids where he is from. Most people that have met him says he's good lad.
He just Seems to get wind up easy and he does silly things from time to time.
posted on 12/8/12
Until takeover goes through it's a smart move by Warnock and if he feels he can manage him then surely worth the risk.
Way to look at it is. He is a resource that is costing us next to nothing, but could provide the flair and quality that we are missing after Snodgrass's departure. Diouf playing as either forward or on right wing provides a nice balance to side in front of a more solid defence and midfield than previous seasons.
posted on 12/8/12
and if he's on a limited contract and noone wants to take him on because he's trouble, it's in his interest now to keep himself in check for this season and maybe earn himself a better contract for next.
Reckon him and Austin could be the making of us this year.
we might just have turned the corner, takeover or no takeover.
posted on 12/8/12
jaz....no mate we want this t/o...without doubt...
posted on 12/8/12
"Who's Shirt Am I Wearing Bruv?".
Well, like it or not, he's wearing ours, those that don't like it should get over themselves, because he'll wear it until the boss man or himselfe says otherwise, and it could be good for us!..
posted on 12/8/12
Well, like it or not, he's wearing ours, those that don't like it should get over themselves, because he'll wear it until the boss man or himselfe says otherwise, and it could be good for us!..
___________________________
Agree.
posted on 12/8/12
Absolutely Harj, I'm as desperate as anyone to see the back of Bates!
But I have a curious feeling about Diouf, and let's face it, he is a Premiership-quality player. He's also the first who will be wound up by opposition players - so it will be a real test of self-discipline for him.
Austin and Diouf - wow - it's going to be an interesting season! I like the Varney-McCormack partnership that seems to be forming too. Two intelligent players. Luciano better pull his finger out!
posted on 12/8/12
He's not even as bad as people think.
He's only got 5 red cards in over 400 games. His last red card was 2011 I think. In a game where the ref sent off 3 players.
Brown has more. Austin has 3 in 90 odd games.
He has his own charity set up to help kids where he is from. Most people that have met him says he's good lad.
He just Seems to get wind up easy and he does silly things from time to time.
meme - keep posting like this, it's readable.
He's one of ours now.