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Is he really pissed off?

Another manager pissed off with a January window shocker!

It's all good then. Despite results 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.

I've said in a previous post that Val's time is probably up - it isn't working for him and the team. However, I do like him as a person and I'm sure that he knows things should be better around the club on and off the pitch. To me, Val seems honest in post-match interviews. Some coaches you think "what game have you watched?" but I don't really get that with him. I at least understand his way of thinking even if I don't agree with him. I didn't go last night but I can imagine it being interesting, especially due to the situation we're in, and I bet people saw a man who wants to win. I guess the biggest question I want answered is whether the entire club has an actual realistic and good plan to help him win games? I'm sure what he thinks and says internally vs what he can say publicly is different - after all - it's his name on the job and he'll be the one on the chopping board. Even though I'm in favour of change (throughout!), I hope he turns it around and everything clicks into place. If we are to keep him, he needs support from those above at the club. I want him to be more selfish and put his foot down on incomings and outgoings if they aren't right for his team. I want him to raise standards not only in the team but off the field too. If that happens, will it end the same way as JDT and Eustace? Probably! But at least we can view him as someone in a senior position who tried to do what's right for the club rather than suck the life out of it.

“ phenomenal workmate “ is a quote from a Peterborough fan, I linked it to the quote on their forum

Yep, the culture of do the bare minimum to protect your own position. And yet as much as I dislike him, he's still probably an upgrade on the current fella.

Even if he was given a plan to follow and sent away to do it, i'd still be expecting him to use the club facilities rather than a public gym

I never saw any evidence of a “ phenomenal workmate “ when he was here. In fact the lack of effort was my main criticism of him. Maybe he was struggling with niggling injuries ?

At a rough guess I'd wager the questioning went something like Bayes: Well Val you've been at the Club nearly a year now, what are your thoughts? Vi: Well yes it's been a challenge, we had a big turn over in summer so we're in transition etc etc we've had a lot of bad luck with injuries etc etc we havent had the rub of the green with officials etc etc but there are signs the squad are gelling and everything is coming together etc etc

Mowbray was a perfect fit for our owners. I can’t give him lower praise than that.

Agreed. The fact remains, he has more or less the same record as Coyle and Kean. Can you imagine those two ever hosting a cosy chat with the fans? I can understand his appointment/position isn't anywhere near as divisive as those two, but based on results alone, he should be under far more scrutiny than he is in my opinion.