going dutch ?

There are some good players in the lower leagues of Europe. It's just a matter of finding them. Didn't Mahrez play for a French 2nd division club? We had Idiakez from a Spanish 2nd division club. So a player Groningen, which is in the Dutch first division shouldn't be too much of a gamble. As Vidal points out our last forays in to the less fashionable clubs of Europe weren't much of a success but I will put my faith in Cocu for this one. Wierik appears to be at a price we can afford anyway.

Cocu has already stated that he already knew him before Derby did make a move to sign him deadline day and Derby have been in talks to sign him on a pre contract agreement

I personally think this would be a good signing, joint best defense in Holland, he's their captain, free transfer, relatively low wage, whats not to like

These types of potential signings is what we should be looking at IMO in different leagues all across Europe instead of Scotland

As Cocu already knew of this player before hand it shows the scouting network at Derby, looking from the outside, to be useless and needs looking at and has been for a long time now

You are saying that Cocu knows the player well, but chose to go for the Leicester chap. Don't know what to make of that.

I reckon Cocu will play Te Whatsit with Bellyache in the centre half positions till B/ache gets banned or injured. Exciting times ahead.

Te Wierek Twitter account:

"It's a dream for me to play football in England and if that chance comes up you have to take it. Groningen also made an excellent offer to me and I am very grateful to them, but I had the option of Derby and I want to grab it with both hands."

Sounds like captaincy and big salary offered. Will Rooney still be with us next season though. I can't see why not, he hardly takes much out of himself in a game so could keep playing for the next 5 years.

Cocu

“I cannot confirm it because there is nothing signed yet. He will be free in the summer and we are having positive conversations with him.

“I know him quite well. He is the type of player I would have liked to see in my team, if that would be possible. We will try to get it done.”

Having signed Shinnie last season on a free transfer who I believe was captain for Aberdeen and now Mike te Wierik, captain of FC Groningen, I'd be very happy if we could fill the squad out with a few more leaders found on a free transfer.

comment by Bushwacker (U2690)
posted 1 hour, 36 minutes ago
Cocu

“I cannot confirm it because there is nothing signed yet. He will be free in the summer and we are having positive conversations with him.

“I know him quite well. He is the type of player I would have liked to see in my team, if that would be possible. We will try to get it done.”
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Sounds ideal for Bristol City.

B*******r, leaders. it's ability we want. Leadership is the stuff that bosses without ability talk about. I'd be happy with people with ability being signed on free transfers, I have yet to be convinced that Shinnie is in that category.

I think that goes hand in hand Spart. They'd be considered as captain as they lead by example ( so their ability at football would come in to it).