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I don't think people being forced out of long standing jobs then having a snipe back is in anyway toxic it's just normal human behavior. In fact branding them toxic is pretty pathetic to be honest when not knowing the ins and outs. The number of ex employees and players having a snipe and those who previously spoke out before they left more than hints it's they who were leaving a toxic situation behind. A toxic do as we say/take what we offer or leave environment that has clearly been created since Rudy Gestede set foot in the building. You can blame who you want for that but there are ways of dealing with things and there are ways you don't, all this is on his watch now he's the owners latest poodle so with that comes accountability. So it's all on him.

Thought that Gordon found another gear last night shooting on sight which was promising

That's because the majority of people they have to deal with / bullshit actually are quite stupid. They're still sitting comfortably at the moment because the consequences of their high risk strategy are yet to unfold. As I said the other week - Rudy has had it incredibly easy in his 12 months in this high responsibility position so far because thanks to players already here (Brittain, Dolan, Travis, Hyam, Tronstad), a manager already here (Eustace) and players Eustace insisted we recruited (Batth, Weimann) business took care of itself last season with a better than expected 7th place. Rudy and his chums have recklessly and comprehensively dismantled all that this last 6 months, and over the next 6 months the results will become clear. Unfortunately we have owners and a large chunk of fans who are quite content to plod along in mid-table/bottom half, and even scrape survival and finish 21st every year with little more than a shrug of the shoulders, so provided Ismael has enough about him to achieve that the circus will continue under the current setup. At a normal club a bottom half or relegation battle this season would not be tolerated after finishing 7th last season and heads would roll, but here we all know it isn't about results or performance it is about who you know and whether you are prepared to 'play the game' the way the owners and their stooge require. Things will only get heated if our Championship status is coming under increasing threat. I think Rudy might struggle to bullshit his way out of that one with comfy in-house interviews masquerading as communication.

I completely agree. They're not the problem at all. We've seen it countless times in the past with those running the club being scapegoats - Shaw, Agnew, Waggot. The list goes on. Did anything improve when any of those left? Of course not. Just like nothing would change if Gestede left. I don't blame them at all for the transfer window, I blame the owners entirely. What are you supposed to do when you're given one of the lowest budgets and wage structures in the league. I actually think they did a pretty good with the players they brought in and were hamstrung with the players who left due to our wage structure. And, as for those long standing staff that were asked to leave, you only have to see the bitter posts they've made on social media since to illustrate the kind of characters they are. Toxic.

He was smart in answering - edged towards stating next season is when we will see the benefits of all of this ultimately buying themselves a season of transition and then judge on next season

Looking at squads, I think Spain are by far the best around. Then England are firmly in the chasing pack with Brazil, France and to a lesser extent, Germany.

The Kinks - Where Have All The Good Times Gone

ALL of them are the problem....ALL willing accomplices to the 'project' that is destroying this Club on ALL levels.

I thought Rogers was outstanding.

Ismael was purposely selected for the impending clear out they knew exactly what was on the horizon as long as the bids came in as expected. That's why he is here so of course he's always on board with it they could sell the entire squad and he'd nod along as long as some sort of replacements were brought in so he actually has something to work with.

Again, on the pitch matters are secondary here. Nobody cares. Why add another wage to the budget when you don't have to?

There is a different feel to Tuchel, seems to know the men for the job and we do have a good varied selection to choose from now. So not looking for the best players but the right players

Bellingham can change a game though a must for me. Thought they were very organised a d systematic last night against a better 'non contender' Just have to do it against the big teams. Madueke was brilliant last night, must be nice to watch a player like him week in week out

Am I right in saying there’s no excuses for Ismael not to do well. He’s said this team is better than last season

I would be amazed if it did, he hasn't had one training session at Rovers yet Pressing triggers are hugely important to Ismael, which are difficult (if not impossible) to teach in a day or 2 Cameo off the bench for Gudjohnsen this weekend, and integrate him properly over the next week, rather than "hanging him out to dry" (like Henriksson on his debut)

Always interesting in these circumstances where big names like Saka and Bellingham have been out - do they come straight back in when fit or do Morgan Rodgers and Maduke keep their place? Tells you a lot about the manager. I think every manager we have had in the last 30 years would go back to the big names. I reckon Tuchel might be different. Good in Anderson and Wharton we have two technical central midfielders coming through. Havent had one since Carrick (apart from the odd appearance by the likes of Harry Winks who was nowhere good enough) and its really shown. The big gap england has imo compared to other top nations is we just never have that clever dominating hub player like Kroos, Xavi, Pirlo etc. Not saying either will be as good, but at least we have some options in that area rather than playing two physical players like we were with Henderson, Connor Gallagher and Phillips. Rice is such a good foil for a technical player too, covers all the ground and gets forward. Bellingham is a bit of an issue for me - hes the quintessential big name, but doesn't seem to work at all with Kane, and has had few good games for England. Would we have played so well with him in? Personally I doubt it.

So it was a complete and utter waste of time asking that question then wasn’t it. You don’t necessarily qualify as a fan just by following a Facebook page or a Twitter account. The issue is the club have made putting out surveys on these platforms their entire “engagement” strategy and are dodging all the recommend and mandated forums for fans to ask meaningful questions of ownership and senior management. The questions “selected” weren’t even close to middle of the road.

Well Gudjonen exciting - first real positive of the season. I think that goal will propel him straight into the starting lineup. Id revise my team to Toth Alebiouso. Carter. Wharton. Riberio Tronstad. Cantwell Ohashi. Morishita. Hedges Gudjonsen If Carter is fit, Cantwell can play deeper, and Gudjonsen and Morishita follow through on their promise then it might actually be a decent team. Lots of ifs! But at least something to stimulate a bit of hope.

Saw the highlights this morning, looks like we played very well. I think we've got some very good players, but compared to the very top nations, I think we're slightly behind them. I really rate Guehi, but I would agree that Konsa, whilst a very good player, isn't world class. We've got real depth in some positions, but not as much in others, so it would take us over-achieving and having a favourable draw to go the distance at the next World Cup. But, that's absolutely achievable and can be done.

Damian Rice - The Animals Were Gone

The most interesting thing from the video I think was that Ismael is totally on board with the clear out. He said we have four central defenders, which is enough. He included Miller, who he said is thee perfect modern centre back (has he ever played more than a couple of games in a 2?) and even when questioned on the injuries of Wharton and Carter still thought we had enough. I would think most people would disagree with him but if it goes wrong it is on him now and if he claims he is happy with that and the squad I will judge him on what he does with it. I would have initially given him more leeway and understanding but not now. I'm not surprised Rudy allowed and answered the question on the training ground atmosphere as I think he wants to get ahead of it and quash the rumours but I was surprised he went into specifics like denying the arm covering thing. Of course it is just an in house puff piece but I thought those two things were interesting.

@Herbie6590 Many thanks for your help. @USABlue Let me know what you think pal.

C’mon, no-one should answer that, it’s like saying which of your kids you prefer! Like it or not, the views prevalent on here are not held by the majority of Rovers fans: the Facebook crowd are at the other end of the spectrum and the majority are neither, but they are all Rovers fans. Following live commentary on an Indian court case can hardly be described as mainstream. The questions were always going to be middle of the road.

And why is left-back a concern. Livramento Lewis-skelly and Lewis hall have all been excellent options at left-back over the last year

I think we've got the best options we've had in years