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26 yrs old. Never been prolific, not even in Scotland. Sounds about right. Is this from a reliable source?

Do they actually write anything themselves these days? Not a good time to be a Comms Officer.

Sounds bad but I really hope ourselves and QPR lose so that our game at Loftus Road goes ahead on 14th. Booked flights and hotels from Belfast as a Christmas present for what will be my 4 y/o son’s first ever game, not realising it may be rearranged for FA cup.

that was a rumour from last January too wasn't it?

Why would we even want Championship experience when we did our best in the summer to make sure we got rid of the majority of it from our squad? With the wages we supposedly pay the only Championship experience we're getting are reserves from mid-table teams or broken down has-beens well past their expiry date. Hasn't exactly worked out so far.

Apparently Elie Youan is going to be next through the door. Hibs forward. Not sure how I feel about that one at all

Difference is - this is a manage who is not performing and therefore doesn't have the leverage to throw a strop.

But "of course" we were prepared coming into the transfer window. With a plan to get most of our business done by the Hull game, whats happened?! I dont get why we need an experienced Championship striker. I feel like that will leave us with sub par plodders like Lyndon Dykes.

Is he really pissed off? Edit: Or will he conveniently forget what he said about wanting signings in early and bat on regardless? I dont know of course, but my money would be on the latter.

Another manager pissed off with a January window shocker!

It's all good then. Despite results and his history at former Clubs we actually have a genius of a manager and fifteen wins out of the last 21 incoming to sneak into the play offs. Phew, thank goodness for that, for a moment there I thought we were in trouble!

We should've had at least two more signings by now. Nicko saying on X we're 'Trying to find an experienced striker ... and more'. Trying...

They are probably furthest along, if it means anything, neither was selected for the U21s earlier this week) or some other more leftfield options Doherty hasn't yet had his debut, but has been a regular on the bench the past few weeks. the winger was also not selected for the U21s in midweek Lucas Houghton is a right back/wing back, who whilst not being particularly close under normal circumstances may get a chance due to injuries Harvey Higgins turns 17 next week, so they may throw him on the bench to try to persuade him to sign a pro deal Zak Stritch is a fairly big, athletic lad, which is Ismael's type, versatile midfielder/winger Frank Vare & Isaac Dunn (both central midfielders) have both been on the first team bench in the past (Dunn just returned from injury) If we hadn't just brought in another left footed centre back on loan, I would have also suggested Max Davies

Ismael has hinted at another acedemy debut in his press conference. My guess is either Powell or Joseph, not sure there are any more that are close currently here?

Club propaganda piece https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2026/january/09/an-enjoyable-evening-with-val-rien-isma-l/ Rovers were delighted to host ‘An Evening with Valérien Ismaël’ in the Red Rose Suite at Ewood Park, as part of the club’s ongoing 150th anniversary celebrations. The event brought together supporters and Business Club members for an enjoyable and relaxed evening, complete with a two-course buffet. The Rovers Head Coach provided an engaging and fascinating insight into both his playing and managerial career, speaking openly and honestly throughout the night. A brilliantly insightful interview on stage was followed by an open-floor fans Q&A, with no questions off limits. Ismaël discussed the season so far, his hopes for the January transfer window, his aims for the second half of the campaign, as well as his family life, footballing philosophy and much, much more. The evening offered a unique opportunity for supporters to gain a deeper understanding of the head coach’s approach, assessment and ambitions, and was warmly received by everyone in attendance. The club would like to thank all those who joined us at Ewood Park for making it a thoroughly enjoyable occasion.

Deadline passed, * it is possible that a player could have already been signed and registered, but not yet announced because they are still doing photos/social media nonsense etc (I am not claiming this is likely)

Correct

Whilst I understand that players are generally registered before they are officially announced, so it is still technically possible that players have been signed in time to play in this weekends game, that possibility is now looking increasingly unlikely With that in mind Toth Atcheson O'Riordan Cashin Miller/TGH Montgomery Garrett/TGH De Neve/Powell Henriksson Dlamini Joseph Subs Pears/Michalski Pratt Miller/Garret/TGH De Neve/Powell Doherty Tyjon (seeing as he was on the bench the other day) Baradji (assume they will still want to give him a few minutes) 2 of McLoughlin, Tronstad, Cantwell, Ohashi, Pickering, Ribeiro

Is that the deadline passed now? Any signings we make now can't play against Hull?

Fair point but with strikers Id rather have them generally in the right areas where they can cause the most damage. All crying over spilt milk now though, hindsight will show us whether it was a good move to let him go at that price or not.

Maybe it’s just me but I expect players in the Blue and White to be chasing down lost causes.

The Kubas - The First Cut Is The Deepest

Nor did I Truth is, we only saw him start circa 10 games for Rovers, and most of those were as a teenager over 2 years ago. He has only played 13 less games for Peterborough than in his entire time at Rovers, almost exclusively as a starter, so I would be inclined to think they have seen a better selection of what he offers Edit - In fact, just under 60% of his total minutes at first team level in his career to date have been played for Peterborough this season (1243 minutes for Rovers, 1638 minutes for Peterborough)

This is normal across the country with all sport athletes. They are all experts in their bodies and how to train and many do it to have a change of scenery, the social side and to not be at work 24/7. At a gym near me, lots of Southampton footballers, Hampshire cricketers were always there. I once trained next to Iwan Thomas and then he won an Olympic medal. People talk about gaining that 1% to be the best. I like to think I was that 1% to Iwan Thomas. I inspired and contributed by reminding him not to eat crap and train daily - or he'll become like me.

I didnt notice any lack of effort, I thought his movement was very good and he didn't waste his energy in the wrong areas or chasing lost causes. If I had any criticism of him here it would have been that his finishing wasn't clinical enough but I thought that would come with more game time.