Sorry thought this was a transfer thread? There is a perfectly good mowbray thread to discuss his credentials of the job

A predictable and a ridiculous response as usual Mrs Mowbray. What on Earth does the size of the town/city have to do with anything? The budget and facilities at Rovers surpasses that of Watford, Sheffield United, Bournemouth, Brighton, Huddersfield, Burnley etc. (When they were in this league) All teams who have had the bollocks and inclination to make forward-thinking decisions and go for promotion. Even Leicester and Southampton were our peers not long since. Each and every one of those improved their management and have spent time in League One not long before a promotion to the Premier League. As for your opening statement - check the Lancs Telegraph.

To be fair to them they have already invested enough money in this squad for a play off push. Sadly the money has been very poorly spent by the manager.

I've not got the numbers to hand, however, I suspect we are beyond mid table for our transfer spend since promotion. However, I have to disagree with your argument. It isn't about having "spent enough" or otherwise. I think it's about the recruitment policy and how you get the best out of your players through organisation and tactics etc. For glowing examples look at Brentford (who Mowbray keeps referring to) and Sheffield United (what Wilder did there and the resources he had before this season). Mowbray has been here for three years now. More than long enough to structure a recruitment department and policy and more than long enough to fashion a playing identity. Sadly, I think he's failed miserably where Brentford and Sheffield United have admirably succeeded and it's now time he was replaced.

Mulgrew!!! Defenders are coming back!!!

I can't see that wage list being accurate, but if I was Lewis Travis or Ryan Nyambe I'd be demanding a 500% wage rise to put me in the mix of the top 10 earners at the club. That is ridiculous!

What astounds me is given the huge job we need to do in the summer - and that's just to stand still - you would have thought the club would have tried to do something towards it, even if it is the more peripheral stuff due to budget constraints. In the summer we will need: A new (and hopefully decent) first choice keeper. A new left back to trace Cunningham. 2 Centre halves to replace Tosin (loan returned) and Mulgrew (if it is devatable if he is any use this season there'll be no doubt next year) Johnson is getting on a bit and not pulling up trees anyhow. Once his legs fully go we have someone making Smallwood look good. From what I've seen this isn't far off. Graham - legs are going can't see him lasting another season. So that's 6 players who need replacing before improvements, upgrades or any outgoing activity. We're really fortunate Downing has turned out so well and can last another season otherwise that's 7 who would need replacing. We're coming to a log jam of a paper thin squad (to mix metaphors) and don't seem to be doing anything to sort it.

This week's "Accrington Observer" column...with a few added extras... Five Star Rovers Offer Owls No Sanctuary Thanks to the city planners of Sheffield over many iterations, the streets around Hillsborough are a warren of one-way systems, traffic lights, tram-only streets and on match-days; coned-off carriageways designed to allow the departing spectators a sporting chance of getting at least half a mile away from the ground without being run over. Experience therefore dictated that last Saturday I would park a little further away from the ground and ensure that I would not get caught up badly in post-match gridlock. I need not have worried. Football supporters the world over travel to games with no certainty of the outcome. That is of course, the joy of sport; on the day, almost anything can and does happen. This isn’t cinema, theatre, ballet or opera – nothing is scripted. choreographed or is “in the can”; here, the actors make it up as they go along. Sport is competitive improvisation. Sometimes, let’s be frank, it’s pretty mundane, but equally, every now and then, you are fortunate enough to be present at one of those “I was there...” moments, memories of which you will carry with you for the rest of your life. Saturday was one of those for sure. Going into the game on the back of a winless run stretching to six games in all competitions, the pre-match mood was subdued, expectations structured, enthusiasm in check. Hillsborough is one of those traditional football grounds, a massive Kop behind one goal, stanchions obscuring your view, four completely different stands (though how the Leppings Lane stand has never been demolished and replaced remains an open wound in English football history). Rovers had a modest, but noisy and exuberant following, little did we know what was about to unfold. A bright start saw Rovers in a kit mash-up resembling a Dundee tribute act, dictating the speed and the pattern of the game. However, an early corner somehow found its way back to Walton in three passes leaving Lenihan, Adarabioyo and Gallagher marooned upfield, believing themselves victims of a practical joke. Rovers soon got into gear though, sharp inter-passing, movement off the ball, pace and no little invention followed. Who are you and what have you done with my Rovers? The opener came from Holtby but was a result of some persistence and invention from Armstrong who was causing mayhem, repeatedly cutting in at pace from the inside-left channel. An early goal up, we’ve been here before of course. Sam Gallagher in his now accustomed wide-right role looked a handful, cutting inside his marker, using his physique but invariably fifteen to twenty yards wide of goal. If only he could have the opportunity to run onto a pass through the middle eh? Nyambe too was immense, a warhorse on the right hand side, playing full-back, midfield and wing simultaneously. The next significant moment came when midfield powerhouse Lewis Travis won a 60/40 midfield challenge that drew a foul from Wednesday’s Massimo Luongo, interpreted by the referee as a red card offence. To the naked eye it was definitely a foul, certainly a yellow, but the red card was a surprise. We have been and will be on the receiving end of some dodgy refereeing decisions, that’s football, so when one goes your way, the imperative is to capitalise and for once, Rovers did just that. “It’s more difficult to play against ten men...” is one of the great football clichés and let’s be honest, Rovers have not always been arch exponents of despatching weakened opposition, so there was some trepidation at this point. Travis picked up the ball outside the area and shaped a lovely shot arcing towards the bottom left-hand corner only for it to hit the inside of the post, rebound off the back of Wednesday keeper Dawson’s head and dribble into the goal. At this point, Rovers felt that the tide was inexorably moving in their direction, but memories of Preston away are not yet expunged. Another football cliché is muttered in the away end; “next goal is going to be important...” Well so it proved, Armstrong and Holtby linking up menacingly once again ensured that the half-time pies, pints and coffees could be enjoyed in a more relaxed frame of mind, wrapped in the comfort of three-nil security blanket. The home fans vocalised their disappointment and large swathes voted with their feet, not returning for the second half. Social media chat then informed us that Rovers had once lost a game at Hillsborough in 1960...by five goals to four; surely not? Garry Monk threw the last remaining dice at half-time making his final two substitutions but the second half continued much where the first had left off. Downing conducting the orchestra, Armstrong and Nyambe troubling the full backs and centre backs with direct running and the defence resolutely solid, albeit under minimal threat from the featherweight Owls’ attack. A corner early on was volleyed home, side-footed by Darragh Lenihan with some aplomb and there we were; over forty minutes to go but no jeopardy at all. What fresh madness is this? Holtby went into full show-boating mode, Rothwell picked up a ridiculously unnecessary yellow and was rightly substituted to prevent the referee having the chance to even up the numbers. By now, the home fans that had remained in the ground were demanding red cards for Rovers players merely for breathing noisily in the general direction of their heroes. The steady trickle for the exits continued and it was at that point even the most jaundiced Rovers fan could start to relax and really enjoy the remaining half-hour, secure in the knowledge that there was no heart for the fight remaining in the opposition. The only remaining unresolved questions; how many more, could Gallagher score from the wing, would Brereton be introduced, is this the time for a Rankin-Costello debut? The answers; one, no – he moved inside to a central role to score...I know, yes and yes. The weight of pass from Rankin-Costello to Gallagher for the fifth was worthy of Stewart Downing himself, there can be no higher praise. Gallagher, made a robust case for being played through the middle by smashing it home with his left foot and that was that. Scoring five goals in a victory doesn’t come around too often, especially away from home. I’m lucky enough to have witnessed two such trips now, albeit more than twenty-three years apart; on an actuarial basis, I might just, possibly, see one more, I really hope so ! *Thanks to Andy Currie @andy_brfc for the "before & after" photos of an emptying Hillsborough

And a thousand miles away, when you look for the results for the team you've supported since being a wee nipper sneaking on the Blackburn End when the gates open because your dad said you were too young to go to the football in the early 70s. And every time the classic blue and white halves are (mainly were) pulled on for kick abouts, strolls on the beach, cycling, walking around new cities, or even just as PJs at the end of the day. The Rovers supporter is not exclusively defined by his or her ability (or inclination) to get to Ewood park on match day. It runs much, much deeper than that. For religion below, substitute 'football'

Please stop taking it out of context. I’m saying that in general they’re (staff) are relaxed about finances. The notion of us not having a pot to piss in is nonsense. Id be asking about my £12m too but then I’m not a multi millionaire. If I looked at a manager who had a mid table budget and a team sat in the mid table with eyes on the top 6 I might, potentially be satisfied?

"11th and relaxed." Righto! Personally I'd be asking what happened to my £12M.

I don't mind the thread taking a temporary detour as there isn't much transfer activity going on (as in none) but I agree that any further discussion on TM and his performance relative to our club's size/expectations should probably go in the Mowbray thread going forward!

Are you a site admin?? Talk of transfers, transfer budgets and recent expenditure ARE clearly linked to this thread. It might not be the Champ Manager, suggesting random players eho take someone's fancy and make-believe stuff that litters the thread, or the hanging on the words of a man who know's a guy at Brockhall stuff (Twitter rumour) - but in all honesty, it all seemed ok to me before Mashed Spuds commented and people use this thread to debate the whole spectrum of transfer-related stuff.

Whereas in the real world, we'd not won in six and are 6 points off the pace. We'd also gone on a longer winless run a matter of weeks before. We won't ever be dusting off the open-top charabanc under him. Sadly, no, nay and never going to happen because he faffs around with the team when all we needed was consistent selections and players in proper positions...he can't help himself and doesn't use the potential at his fingertips. He did it last season too and really should have cottoned on by now.

Absolutely. As has the academy with the likes of Lenihan, Nyambe, Raya, Travis, Buckley, Butterworth, Magloire and JRC who have all played some part in the first team picture.

Mulgrew coming back, despite Dack’s injury set baaaaack. We’re Blackburn Rovers, were on our way back!

That’s for the mods to decide, but nobody likes a grass, so sadly, you’ve failed your audition.

Twelve months ago, we were perfectly poised to have a proper shot at the playoffs. We didn't invest either sensibly or appropriately and pedictably went on one of our trademark dogshit runs. Fast forward 12months, Groundhog Day again - but even worse because we've had one win in seven and can hardly invest without repercussions of FFP sanctions - due to a certain person (who has a thread) tying ourselves in knots with utterly terrible recruitment. We knew back then the basics of what the squad needed - it didn't materialize. We know what is still needed - it absolutely won't materialize again. I call it massive failure - neglectful in fact. Some package it up as consolidation and other cliches like keeping powder dry etc. and are already writing off the season in the make-believe scenario that we will somehow do basic things right, with money we can't spend and have a better shot next season (When three teams who know how to get out of this league , come down with even bigger budgets than the last time they we'd us how it was done). Make no mistake, we will be wasteful again and spend something for the sake of spending, probably on someone who won't be "Up to speed" for a month. At best, we'll get a Jack of all trades, master of none individual (midfielder no doubt) who will do half a job somewhere because he's quiet and easy to manage. We will get the inevitable interview saying our derisory offers for experienced players were laughed off (not with such honesty of course) and how we tried with a number of deals that couldn't get over the line because teams don't want to lose good players when they are in with a chance of promotion...or fighting relegation...or wanting stability...or *insert pathetic excuse here * Oh to simply have a plan and the bollocks to go for it.

He wasn't bad tbh. Looked aight in his few appearances.

I can't remember a single transfer thread in all my time on the forum where someone didn't show up with a week or more to go and prematurely declare that we should 'lock the transfer thread' (rather than just staying out of it if they're not interested). I share your frustration Joe, I really do. And I still don't have faith in Mowbray. But I reckon there will still be one or two incomings, whether underwhelming, overwhelming or simply whelming. Along with a whole bunch of hard luck stories about what we 'tried' to do.

It wasn't. Your rose-tinted specs got the better of you. Genuinely though, I don't value your opinions, they aren't often linked to reality or facts and now you don't seem to be remotely aware of the opinions of others or facts (regardless of people pointing things out to you: whether that be who, where, when, why or how much) - so I think it is for the best that we leave it because I do feel that you must be on the wind up...again. So...transfers? Any hope of a left back?

My source hasn’t being seeing much activity at all, somebody from the French league was in and Curtis was talked about, that’s all Iv been given. Makes me slightly suspicious of these links we are getting but hope they have some substance.

His whole professional career. Now that’s a Rovers man.

Yer, Sky also need to sort their shit out:

Got a message to say we had signed fletcher, my heart sank thinking it was Ashley fletcher, to my relief it was the woman’s team

They don’t run the club properly. The structure, accountability etc etc is wrong. Until that is sorted, it doesnt matter how much money they choose to waste.

Mid table in spending but near bottom in attendances. Venkys have been doing there bit in recent times.

Great old ground but looks sad barely half full. Sheffield's a great football city and both clubs should be in the Premier....Wednesday have been badly managed for decades. Agree about the Leppings Lane stand though. Football with all its riches should have paid for it to be knocked down and renamed

Weren’t we under a transfer embargo during our relegation season? Or was that the season before? Look at the expenditure since we got back into the Champ. They’ve sanctioned two £5m+ signings. They deserve criticism for many reasons but they can’t be faulted for backing Mowbray over the last two seasons.

Bad times. Groundhog Gaz keeping us stable, in the Darwen end watching Robinson go down like a sack of spuds whilst others chanted 'England's number one'. ?‍♂️

Gallagher took a pay cut to come here from 24k a week he was at Southampton

Who votes we send Brereton to Holland

Benno wrong side of his man again. Jesus

I thought Rothwell had a decent game at Sheff Wed. A lot more effective with the ball

Amazing how a freak 5-0 can suddenly change our recruitment priorities! Nothing has changed in our defensive unit, we are just as weak as ever, with one injury away from meltdown. Meanwhile we have plenty of players - including the youth ranks (JRC, Mols) - who haven’t yet been given a chance at right wing before being automatically dismissed in favour of a punt in the transfer market. Why exactly is Mowbray so reluctant to buy defenders, despite his previous pronouncements?

It was your choice to take the thread off topic by making unsubstantiated claims about other supporters regarding the club as tinpot.

this.

Thanks Herbie, always enjoy reading these reports. Well written & with a touch of humour. ?

Agreed, he doesn’t worry me at all

That's more like it ! Good report.

I don’t think it’s as tight as is being painted Joe. Some will go from that list this month and by my reckoning, a third of the budget will be free for reinvestment in the summer when contracts / loan periods end. As I intimated a couple of weeks ago, the club is relaxed and Venkys happy to spend. FFP is the only stumbling block. May end up being pleasantly surprised by the end of the window.

Sorry pal. Decent, probably pace is a weakness but in CM it's not so important. Him and Travis would be great, young vibrant, forward passing, hungry players

Holiday camp

Rankin-Costello only got to give a little cameo last Saturday but he wasn't exactly out of his depth was he? It was so refreshing to see a player looking to go forward and find openings rather than playing the crab football we are so used to. Logically his first start is not far away but will that prove to be the case? Will we chase a winger we maybe do not need? Over to you TM!

Can anyone point to which orbit Tom Lawrence's shot is currently in.

I think unless we are going to sign a player who walks into the team then don’t bother and wait until summer and see where we are. Already we know we are going to need new goalkeepers, new left back, new centre back and likely Graham replacement for next year, are squads big enough to try the youth we have on the fringes and see how they do. We’re gonna need all the money we got for next season.

Lol