I think its easy to box off McLoughlin as an experienced defender and liken him to Batth as a result as he is his direct replacement but he doesnt appear to be of the exact same profile. Batth was a brilliant Championship old fashioned defender. A leader, wins everything in the air, and an excellent out and out defender. Obviously not very quick and nothing special on the ball, so you have to play to his strengths. If so, he will play a big part in getting clean sheets, and he did that. McLoughlin obviously will give us the balance of being left footed, and he seems a bit more likely to be comfortable on the ball if we need him to bring it out. Maybe more similar in style to Hyam, who is decent on the ball, a good defender but not necessarily a really commanding one. McLoughlin filled in competently at left back at Hull (you would never even consider Batth to play at full back at any point in his career) but struggled to often nail down a regular centre back slot at Hull. Happy to put the mix up for the goal down to him never having played with his new team mates before.

I certainly wouldnt be opposed to another midfielder. Buckley needs to go and it made no sense to renew the contract of Forshaw. Aside from seemingly becoming a glorified cheerleader, good around the place etc. Tavares has been our most significant summer signing so we really need him to provide proper competition for the main 2, if they stay, that is for sure. Baker did that as you mention.

I dont think he fits into this team, when he comes in for Ohashi we suffer both because he is a big downgrade but also he isnt the type of striker to just slip into our current team, he is totally different. If it meant selling him to both upgrade and get someone that fits the style better, then by all means sell.

If there are 10 penalties there, then give 'em! Why pick and choose? If someone drags you down in the penalty its a pen full stop. Only way to end these offences.

Absolutely, she was dragged down to the floor by a defender in the penalty box. What else could it be? The issue is that these offences too often aren't punished.

That was a pen. The fact it's not given in different circumstances doesn't alter it, for me. It's the calmest, most sure "that's a pen" call I've ever made from my sofa.

Every week there is a new low! Venkys Out

I just think you're desperate for another CM. We fell apart when Tronstad and Travis got injured last year - we need to lighten their load. Montgomery / Forshaw / Buckley can come off the bench and spell them for 10-15 minutes, but I wouldn't want to start any of them in a meaningful match. We need two guys like Baker who can start a midweek match without a second thought from the manager - hopefully Tavares is one of them.

Might as well sell him in that case.

Ohashi and Gueye are a massive upgrade on what came before them. You'd have to spend a pretty penny bringing in a better replacement (assuming you didn't strike lucky on the continent again). What they both struggled with last year was receiving quality delivery - that's where I think our paltry war chest should be spent.

That’s like questioning the reality of being a Rover 🤣

I know he’s frustrating and at times as clumsy as they come but I just love the guy!

Must admit that left me saddened after the superb send off our fans gave him in his final home game against WBA. Sadly, I suppose you can never know someone well enough.

Another striker doesn't need to come in as a third choice. Every signing we make should be better than what we have already and this window we haven't done that. Keep on that way and we're forever downgrading and it will only lead to relegation.

3 out the last 4 euros semi finals we've scored a last minute winner. To quote Alex Ferguson 'bloody hell football '

Maybe the ref was as sick of the Italian diving as the rest of us?

Those bits aren't important, they're the usual bullshit we get every Transfer Window.

A few takeaways from the game IMO. The opposition weren’t great. Brittain is an important player for us. None of the other RBs who played came close. Hedges was better than his reputation. Ohashi is a born finisher. Tyjon has class..want to see more of him. Not convinced by Mc Loughlin.. he’s no Danny Barth. Wharton looks the better LCB. Michalski looks better than Pears. Toth still first choice keeper.

Haha this is brilliant. Hope they release some highlights.

I always used to think that if you’re going to give a penalty so late in the game it’s got to be a real penalty because you’re effectively deciding the game.

Sadly, Jason Lowe was first choice not 3rd or 5th.

Exactly. The refs has to give 10 a game if that one is a pen. And very controversial to give at that moment. As a Dane it gives me flashbacks to another time England got a dodgy late penalty in a euros semi final. 😆 🤯

Its lunch break at Blackburn College early 90's and as I pass the Vulcan Pub never say die by Sabbath is blasting out through the Doors.Was never a Metal Head but some fantastic Songs by that group. R.I.P. Prince of Darkness.