Derby County won’t regret failing to sign Omar Bogle in January – but Doncaster Rovers’ John Marquis may not endure the same problems.
As Wigan Athletic fans may tell you, a prolific purple patch in League Two does not necessarily guarantee success in the Championship. The Latics had genuine hopes of survival when they swooped for Grimsby Town hotshot Omar Bogle, also linked with Derby County according to the Derby Telegraph, in January. However, after just one goal in his last ten games, Wigan look doomed to relegation.
Although, based on his remarkable form this season, Norwich City and Barnsley, and any other Championship team looking for a bargain, should still take a risk on John Marquis. HITC sources told us that the Championship duo, as well as League One leaders Sheffield United, are interested in signing a striker who has scored more goals in 2016/17 than in each of his last three seasons altogether.
With 26 strikes in 39 League Two fixtures, Marquis is the primary reason why Doncaster Rovers are six points clear at the top of the table and nailed on for a return to the third tier.
The Lewisham-born goal machine has finally found his golden touch at the age of 24 and is certainly deserving of a second chance in the Championship after being loaned around the lower leagues by Millwall until completing a permanent move to Doncaster in the summer.
However, both Norwich City and Barnsley have hardly struggled for goals this season, netting 65 and 57 respectively. The Canaries, in particular, owe their failure to make the top six to their shaky defence. At the other end, Cameron Jerome and Nelson Oliveira means they aren’t short of firepower.
If there’s one team crying out for an in-form centre-forward, however, it’s Derby County.
David Nugent and Matej Vydra may have shown glimpses of form since Gary Rowett replaced Steve McClaren (playing them in their natural position has helped). However, with nine-goal Darren Bent, the club’s second highest goalscorer, out of contract at the end of the season they could do with reinforcements in attack.
And though the struggles endured by Bogle, who the Derby Telegraph claim was eyed up by The Rams in January, may cast a doubt in Derby minds, the size and shape of the goals don’t change depending on the league. Therefore, Marquis’ clinical finishing could serve him well.
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