Scotland » Transfers

The Good Doctor Deuchar headed to America?

Ian Rose — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:44:30 +0000

Just as Kenny Dalglish’s boy Paul returns from a stint in the MLS, another Scot may well be headed back over the pond, and this time it’s one I like a lot more. Kenny “The Good Doctor” Deuchar is reportedly considering a move from relegation-bound Gretna to last year’s MLS second-bottom side, Real Salt Lake. At least in America, he can be guaranteed of survival in the top flight. The move would not only ensure that Kenny receives his paycheck on time, but would also allow him to work part-time as a doctor. That’s right – for those not familiar with Kenny Duechar, the man is actually a practicing doctor. He’s also a pretty impressive goalscorer, netting two against Rangers this weekend. Considering how badly he wants to move on from Gretna, and the fact that he could practice medicine in a local medical center, Duechar will be keen on this. And so should Real be – he’s a great talent and a great guy overall. I hate to see him leave the SPL, but he’d be leaving the SPL just as surely if he stayed with Gretna, and I always love to see Scots getting out to other leagues. Good luck Kenny – I hope it happens for you.

Dalglish to Killie … No, not that one

Ian Rose — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:43:11 +0000

Kilmarnock, currently eleventh in the SPL and nine points above Gretna, has decided to look all the way to America to sign their newest Scottish striker, and have agreed terms with Paul Dalglish. Kenny’s boy Paul, no longer much of a boy at 30, is making the move from repeat MLS Cup champions Houston Dynamo, where he was best known for his Man of the Match performance in the club’s first Cup win two years back. In Scotland, of course, and in Britain as a whole, he remains best known as Kenny Dalglish’s son, and for his habit of never playing for a single side for more than two seasons. Killie will be his thirteenth British club, and his fourth in the SPL.

Personally, I have to say I’m not sure what Killie expect out of Dalglish. Two things are obvious about Killie right now – first, they desperately need a reliable striker, and second, no matter how badly they play, they are probably staying up at least another season. If the relegation side wasn’t playing so much like a relegation side, there would be more worries, but Gretna are headed down. Since their place leaves little to play for beyond survival, and Gretna’s play makes survival all but certain, I’m not sure what is gained from a short-term investment in an over-the-hill striker with injury problems and a spotty record at best.

To be frank, as much as I like Killie coach Jim Jeffries, the longest-serving active manager in the league, I think Dalglish the elder would have been a better move. Losing to everyone but Gretna, when Gretna looks this poor, is little consolation for a side that should be mid-table, a side with one of the best keepers in Scotland in Alan Combe, and a side which made significant profit on the sale of Steven Naismith to Rangers.

Maybe they’re thinking that when St. Mirren brought in Andy Dorman, a British-born player signed from an American team, they went on a nice little run in both the league and the Scottish Cup. Maybe they can do the same … problem is, Dorman is about five years younger than Dalglish, and scored about a dozen more goals for his MLS side. Name recognition aside, this one baffles me.

Where Will Robson Go?

Ian Rose — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:44:13 +0000

In the latest of my transfer posts doomed to be outdated in the two seconds it takes for WordPress to post it:

WHERE WILL BARRY ROBSON GO?

The Dundee United captain and 1-time Scotland midfielder is the biggest domestic fish in the transfer barrel this January, and offers from Burnley and Nottingham Forest have already been denied, to the tune of around 800k quid. Celtic is certainly interested, but with their other signings lately, one has to wonder if they’re willing to pay the sort of cash (probably in the region of 1.5 million) that United chair Eddie Thompson wants for Robson. And do they really need another midfielder at Celtic Park?

Personally, I can’t see a player of Robson’s ability wanting to go from captain at third-ranked United to bench-warmer at Celtic. If he is sincere about his wishes to make George Burley’s Scotland roster this year, he needs regular, reliable playing time. So, who can both afford Robson and promise him a starting spot?

Newcastle is a possibility, though the links with the Toon have been tenuous and unreliable. As much as I’d love to see Robson stay in Scotland, the openings in the Old Firm are few right now, particularly at his position, and it seems more than likely he’ll be headed south within a week. Newcastle would certainly be a jump up for him, playing on a Premiership side, but I’ve seen Barry play, and I do believe he’s up to it, if the new Toon boss is willing to bet on him.