under which manager?...

It's truly mind blowing that on 24th January we were stood in 2nd - granted, Bournemouth had a game in hand, but we were 3 points ahead. Barely over a month later and we were clinging onto a playoff spot having just lost to Fulham, with multiple teams below us in the equivalent position - in relation to us - to Bournemouth 5 weeks earlier. We're all(?) in unanimous agreement over Mowbray's responsibility having overseen this complete capitulation, but to see how much damage was done in such a short time is indefensible. 

Led Zeppelin - Going to California

Just now, Harry The Bass said:

I think Nyambe has stalled in the previous two seasons to some extent in key areas, namely failed to cut individual errors out of his game and not build on technical skills like crossing and overlapping. I agree, Bennett has similar percentage of mistakes per appearances but I think its not as simple as a choice because they both have pro’s/con’s for that position.

I think Nyambe is now seen more as a wide central option because he has the more defensive fundamentals and physical stuff.

I know none of this stacks up with the simple “plays his favourites” stuff, but I only go off what I see or have seen. For example, I agree on Bell - he’s always looked to be seconds off the play, even if he has decent technical ability. My priority after replacing Raya and bringing in Tosin, would also be a new FB. 

I remember one match in particular back in November, Nyambe coming on as a sub 2nd half against Rotherham and absolutely roasting his full back every time; beating his man time and time again, great pace and dribbling. Came back from that game with massive hopes for him as the season continued. Admittedly, one could say it was ‘only’ against Rotherham but even so, the attacking signs (his generally most often criticised attribute) were promising.

In fairness, I wouldn’t be entirely surprised if his development somewhat stalled after being dropped from the team for quite a while.

Just now, Harry The Bass said:

I think Tosin and Lenihan could be a real dominating force at the back personally.

Certainly the CB pairing we should be going with (assuming we don’t sign anyone else)

Nyambe should be 1st choice RB, last season around September/October he seemed to be really coming on — then is dropped for some months for some inexplicable reason. If that reason was due to mistakes made (Preston away?), then there’s absolutely no reason for Bennett to start any games until Christmas if that’s the rule we’re going by. I’m only echoing what many many others have said before, but the blind loyalty towards the more ‘experienced’ players, especially after the whole “defenders are coming”, is baffling when, as Mowbray has acknowledged, “they’ve shown they can’t do their jobs”. And this isn’t even taking into account the complete failure of this transfer window in bringing in the aforementioned defenders.

As for LB, that isn’t any better. I’d be tempted to give Hart a run there; Bell’s lack of urgency in all scenarios, especially stopping crosses into the box, is simply not good enough for a Championship defender. Again, it’s been said many times before but that’s because it’s an indisputable fact.

Think I’d rather just play Adarabioyo next to Lenihan as his CB partner than have Mulgrew starting 

Let’s just say I hope that’s not how we’re going to line up against Charlton.

  I’d go:

                     Raya

Nyambe   Lenihan   Rodwell   Bell

                Travis   Reed

  Armstrong   Dack   Bennett

                   Graham

Upon switching to the right against Ipswich, Armstrong became far more effective; that first-time cross for Nuttall’s goal being a great example. Would that cross have been replicated on his left foot on the opposite flank? Whilst Dack’s our player we’re never really gonna be playing with 2 true strikers (unless we went with a midfield diamond or 3 at the back.....), so whilst this is the case I think Armstrong could prove to be an effective winger on the right. 

3-1 Rovers, Travis Dack and Rothwell

40 goals conceded in 25 games, joint-3rd worst defence in the league. Even Bolton have conceded 8 less than us

GET IN!

Huge win coming into this month, one in which we should be targeting maximum points. Absolute joke of a ref but these are the results that potentially determine the courses of seasons.

One great moment was deep in injury time when Reed did a massive fist pump following a great block — passion all over the pitch with this team

Harsh indeed. I might be wrong but I’m sure in the games I’ve seen of him he seems to be one of the more defensively helpful of our attacking players (a good few crunching tackles come to mind as well)

Woohooooo

And the fact that he chose to do it, not only that the ball was still in play, but right in the middle of pitch?! 

Just heard a match of the day commentator say “Lacazette might have been too honest there, if he’d gone down the ref might have given a penalty”. Sums up everything wrong with the game these days

                     Raya

Nyambe Lenihan Mulgrew Bell

             Evans Bennett

    Armstrong Dack Palmer

                 Graham

one we could easily win, 3-1 Rovers

1 minute ago, yellowsubmarine said:

Rotherham leads Ipswich 1-0.

Says a lot when we can’t beat a piss poor Ipswich side

Wasnt at the game today but sounds like another 2 points dropped, need to take your chances in football

I wonder if Mowbray’s ever considered a diamond midfield, that would accommodate Graham and Armstrong both up front, whilst Dack can still play in his favoured position too. Although in that formation you’re relying on width mostly from your full-backs

Every time

How’s Smallwood looked (especially in the latter stages)? I remember a few people saying in pre-season he was looking tired late on

Get in!

understand Mowbray being loyal to last seasons squad, but if we can hold on for a bit then hopefully Palmer especially can have an imp

I’d personally go:

                   Raya

Nyambe Lenihan Mulgrew Bell

     Bennett Smallwood

     Samuel Dack Palmer

               Graham

Or in the event of the dreaded 5 at the back:

                       Raya

    Lenihan Mulgrew Williams

Nyambe Bennett Smallwood Bell

               Dack Palmer

                  Graham

(which to be fair at least has Palmer in his natural position)

Just now, chaddyrovers said:

I can ask why you like sitting in the Darwen end? seem strange to me but hey ho

Sat in the Darwen End for 2 seasons before not renewing last season, and now this season moved to the Blackburn End. Nowt wrong with the Darwen End. Good atmosphere being right next to the away supporters

That’s true yeah. Always used to like the version of the chant we did when Rhodes and Gestede were here

Mowbray is magic, he wears a magic hat,

And when he saw promotion he said “I’m having that”

We used to cheer on Shearer with Hendry at the back

But now we cheer on Mulgrew and super Bradley Dack