Iron expecting Sheffield Wednesday to bid for Rob Jones
SCUNTHORPE United are expecting Sheffield Wednesday to make an offer for out-of-favour defender Rob Jones this summer.
The giant centre-back spent the final seven weeks of the season on loan at the League One club and impressed at Hillsborough.
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FLYING: Rob Jones (right), on loan from the Iron, has impressed during his time at Sheffield Wednesday.
He is believed to be on a list of nine players Owls boss Gary Megson is attempting to sign before the start of the next campaign.
Iron manager Alan Knill told the Telegraph he is unaware of any contact between the two clubs – but believes a bid is forthcoming.
"He's done really well there, so I would expect some interest," said Knill.
"The indication is that they are quite happy with him, so I would expect us to have some sort of communication with Sheffield Wednesday.
"Whether we'll be asking for a fee for him I'm not sure, that's not really my shout."
Chairman Steve Wharton was yesterday unavailable for comment on the subject.
But it's almost certain United will look to recoup some of the initial £350,000 they paid Scottish Premier League side Hibernian to bring Jones south of the border two years ago.
He has shown in glimpses the sort of form that prompted former Scunthorpe manager Nigel Adkins to make him the club's record signing, but has struggled for consistency and regular game time as a result of a catalogue of minor injuries.
Owls boss Megson says the signing of the one-time Grimsby defender, and Wolves centre-back Danny Batth, was the reason his side avoided being sucked into a relegation battle this term.
"I do believe that if we had not brought Rob Jones and Danny Batth in, we'd have been seriously flirting with relegation," he admitted.
"Before they came in, we were averaging three goals against us per game."
With Michael Nelson, Paul Reid, Michael Raynes and Niall Canavan also at Glanford Park, the Iron already have plenty of defensive cover.
Knill would also no doubt love the opportunity to move on one of United's highest earners.
"Selling Rob Jones would free up a bit of cash, but at the same time, he's a good player," said the 46-year-old.
"But when you come down from the Championship you have to bring the budget down."
4 Comments
by 1500club, Lincs
Sunday, May 15 2011, 4:13PM
“Back next season mate - it's to do with contracts.”
by Mr Motivator, Goole
Saturday, May 14 2011, 7:00PM
“Good news, nowhere near 350k though! If AK says he doesn't know if we'll ask for a fee, then 50k or less is the reality.
1500 --- where have you been on bru?”
by Andytheowl, Halifax
Saturday, May 14 2011, 6:37PM
“Danny Batth was on loan from Wolves not Preston!!!!!!”
by 1500club, Lincs
Saturday, May 14 2011, 10:11AM
“Good news - up there with Forte leaving..more so if we recoup other 350k.
What a shame that we cant afford to offer Mirfin a deal - Nelson apart the rest are not good enough IMHO.
Odd how a well run, successful club is seemingly the skintest business in the World? We'll sell every asset we have this summer - including OConnor as soon as anyone bids and still be 'shopping at the corner shop', as the saying goes.
Call me old fashioned but after the riches, OPORTUNITIES and silverwear thrown at us over the last six years we would have a medicrum of cash to sign the best centreback (Mirfin) we have had in years...but no, it seems not.
Up the Iron!”