'We tried'.... Can't compete with Oxford though and their massive crowds and we've only sold 30 million quids worth of players.

If STs don’t matter why did we have our highest crowds for a decade in the ‘Taking Back Ewood’ era? We were a mid table side yet had crowds comparable or higher than those in the 90s. 20,000 ST holders is why creating that base.

on the keersmaeker to oxford story,if true,it `s a great signing by them, if other clubs are investing in shrewd signings and we ar`nt matching them,the inevitable happens and we`ll be in the bottom three most of the season

Let's be honest, Dolan had a great finish to the season but I can't think of another player that I scream more at the telly about. He has been so frustrating in possession and with the final ball. Eustace had a chance to coach that out of him without great success. Dolan needs someone to put an arm on his shoulder. Eustace will do that. But he is building a team of old players and favorites. Not a long term strategy but good enough to keep him in a job for the moment.

Yeah but what's the population of Bolton? Funny how that's only become an issue worth mentioning now that their crowds are comfortably outstripping ours.

He’s saying exactly what he’s been told to say by Pasha and if he doesn’t he won’t have a job. Just like the rest of them.

he definately was talking *****,he`s done nothing but talk ***** since he arrived here

For big games in the run in, of course, but won’t be the case week to week as you just aren’t getting enough walk-ons at up to 30 quid a ticket to have decent gates every week even if the side is doing well - it’s why STs are so important as it’s a guaranteed attendance for every game, so the higher the initial base the better. Bolton are a prime example of that, stuck in the third division but c20,000 there for every run of the mill game. Why? 15,000 ST holders.

I’m going out on a limb here but Gestede might well have been talking shite when he said it was going to be an exciting summer.

sheff wed players still not been payed,if this goes on all the players will be eligable to walk away from the contracts and negotiate with other clubs,surely,as we are "skint" we should be watching this situation closely,though the state of it,i doubt we are even aware whats going on in sheffield

Ambitious clubs invest.

Apparently, even Oxford are chucking £3.5m at players now. We are being left behind under this regime.

Don’t see why it wouldn’t be him…chance to play in champ likely to be living in or near London and a stepping stone (if he’s good enough) for a bigger move

It looks like him

Blackburn make bid for Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho Who remembers this? I do....and also remember thinking what on earth is going on. Some of these actual BBC quotes are, well, bonkers. Knew then we were doomed...... And Desai added: "The impression is I've never watched a football match. I've not watched in a stadium but I have been watching the World Cup in India. "I have watched hundreds of cricket matches but not live - it's all on TV. To say I don't have any knowledge would be wrong. I am a good listener. "The fans have to trust us and give us some time and you will see for yourself that we are sincere people, very passionate about the football team and football club and our fans. We will not let you down." Desai also told Sky Sports News that they were looking at a couple of other players. "We're thinking of getting Damien Duff back," she said.

At the end of the day, gates will be determined by success or lack of it on the pitch, regardless of how many have bought season tickets. Having a debate about ticket prices may while away a few hours but we won’t know if we are getting value for money until the season starts.

Losing out on targets to the mighty Oxford now 😂 Venky's are the gift that just keeps on giving.

There are FIFA ones but he’s too old for those.

rovers fans were confident it was maradona in the fernhurst,eating a ploughmans with a pint of thwaites smooth😅 don`t think oxford is high on keersmaekers wish list,he`ll be aiming higher than that imo

Oxford fans are confident it's him.

looks like a random bloke in an oxford park to me🙂

Yeh that looks like him. Let's get the popcorn ready when Travis is sold and replaced with Liverpools 5th choice kid on loan.

It’s still on track to be then, aye. Pre meet is tonight, which I unfortunately can’t make, but other forum members will be there, I imagine.

One to strike off the list.

I think there are either UEFA or FIFA guidelines on compensation, but they are pretty minimal