Thompson leaves Blackburn

Lemlin

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=355673&cc=5739

Wigan manager Paul Jewell has offered a career lifeline to David Thompson and Neil Mellor in a double transfer gamble.

Midfielder Thompson has signed a deal until the end of the season after being released from a contract at Blackburn that was due to expire in the summer.

Liverpool striker Neil Mellor has signed on loan for the rest of the campaign, both moves with a view to a permanent transfer.

However, the short-term nature of the two signings is representative of the fact the duo have been plagued with serious injury problems.

Thompson was out for nine months from late 2003 with a knee ligament problem, with his return in August 2004 lasting a mere 17 minutes as he broke two bones in a foot.

That led to another three months on the sidelines, but due to the injury failing to heal properly, he was forced to undergo surgery at the end of last season.

Thompson's woes did not end there, though, as complications with his knee arose while on a pre-season tour to Germany, leading to a visit to renowned specialist Hans-Muller Wohlfahrt.

Although a strengthening programme followed, Thompson made just eight appearances this season for Rovers, including three starts.

As for Mellor, the 23-year-old required surgery early last year on both knees to cure tendonitis, with his last first-team appearance a year ago as a late substitute in the shock FA Cup third-round replay defeat at Burnley.

Jewell, though, is unperturbed, with both passing medicals and going straight into the squad for Saturday's trip to Middlesbrough.

'David is a terrific signing for us. He has shown a real hunger to be involved with the Wigan project,' said Jewell.

'He's a talented lad who can play in a number of positions and he also has an eye for goal.

'I only believe in bringing players in who add something new to our squad, and in signing David we have done that.

'With Neil, he will bring us a new dimension, and add competition to the squad which we need at the present time.

'Neil is a good young striker who is looking for a chance to prove himself again at this level. He is strong, skilful and with an eye for goal.

'I'm delighted to have both on board.'

Rovers boss Mark Hughes appreciates Thompson's desire to pursue his career elsewhere, with the Welshman stating: 'It has been difficult for David.

'He has had a lot of injuries and he was coming to the end of his contract here.

'We have a lot of options in midfield and it was a case of looking at the balance of the squad and seeing what we need for next year.'

Thompson's versatility means he can play anywhere across midfield, while Mellor's arrival comes at a time when Wigan have Henri Camara on African Nations' Cup duty with Senegal and David Connolly out with a hamstring injury.

That's now Jansen, Flitcroft (to Sheffield United) and Thompson that Hughes has shipped out. All three were part of Souness' team so it looks like Hughes wants to bring in his own players. I'm sad to see all three go but they haven't been contributing to the team.

It'll be interesting to see what Hughes has planned to strengthen the squad. He's shrewd in the transfer market and I think he could be freeing up funds for wages and transfers.

Triton

The most interesting part is that Hughes seems to be strengthening his rivals. I couldn't see Wenger giveing Chelsea and Man Utd players so I'm not sure why Thompson and Jansen have been allowed to leave for Wigan and Bolton.

Lemlin

Big game this weekend. Hopefully Rovers can win but its all teed up for Shearer to break the record against his old club.

What do Liverpool supporters think of Mellor leaving? The one goal I remember him scoring was the winner against Arsenal last year.

KdjaCL

Triton wrote:

The most interesting part is that Hughes seems to be strengthening his rivals. I couldn't see Wenger giveing Chelsea and Man Utd players so I'm not sure why Thompson and Jansen have been allowed to leave for Wigan and Bolton.

Not really its a gamble for Wigan and Bolton, wigan getting the more secure gamble as Thompson is a ball winner so even if off form can still get the ball. Jansen only needs to score 5 goals to be a success really, after all the crap he has had he deserves a few games. Both good players but BBurn can afford to let them go.


Kdjac

Guy:Incognito

Lemlin wrote:

Big game this weekend. Hopefully Rovers can win but its all teed up for Shearer to break the record against his old club.

What do Liverpool supporters think of Mellor leaving? The one goal I remember him scoring was the winner against Arsenal last year.

He scored a VERY important goal in the game V Olympiakos which everyone seems to forget because of Steven "what a hit son" Gerrard. He set that goal up aswell with a nice cushion header.

Lemlin

KdjaC wrote:

Not really its a gamble for Wigan and Bolton, wigan getting the more secure gamble as Thompson is a ball winner so even if off form can still get the ball. Jansen only needs to score 5 goals to be a success really, after all the crap he has had he deserves a few games. Both good players but BBurn can afford to let them go.


Kdjac

I'm still hoping Hughes is going to pull something out from up his sleeve in the next few days. Last year, we got Mokoena and Nelsen in the January transfer window, another player of Nelsen's quality would be particularly nice.

The Blackburn defence are doing well of late though, even if Gray can be a tad dodgy on the left. I'd love to see a new partner for Bellamy or right-sided midfielder.

Davei141

What do Liverpool supporters think of Mellor leaving? The one goal I remember him scoring was the winner against Arsenal last year.

I personally cant wait to see what hes like with a run of games in the premiership, hope he bangs them in left, right and centre.

Lemlin

Well Thompson has scored on his debut for Wigan. Fair play to him.

KdjaCL

So did mellor, bet Jewell is unstoppable at Fm06.


kdjac

Guy:Incognito

From what I saw of Mellor on MOTD he did really well, set up the first goal , layed it out wide well to the crosser for the second and scored a good poachers goal at the end (the type of player I feel Liverpool need). Hopefully he'll get a few goals and convince Rafa to give him at least half a season next season.

Lemlin

Stekelly wrote:

From what I saw of Mellor on MOTD he did really well, set up the first goal , layed it out wide well to the crosser for the second and scored a good poachers goal at the end (the type of player I feel Liverpool need). Hopefully he'll get a few goals and convince Rafa to give him at least half a season next season.

I'd say he'll move permenantly.

Vikings

On loan until the end of the season.