Taking the positives and moving on. Iceman and Ennis link up perfectly to become the new SAS. Markanday finds his perfect crossing boots to bang them in from the wing and our new goalkeeper grabs his chance and can’t be replaced. Anything i missed? 🤔

It seems clear as the egg on Aynsley Pears' face after his howlers at the weekend that Jon Dahl Tomasson is not a happy bunny at Rovers His interviews openly mocking his boss, his jokes about the new team bus, his transparent annoyance at the transfer dealings over the summer, and worst, his stark statements about the lack of ambition at the club, all point to one conclusion and outcome This is not the job, or project for want of a better word, that he signed up for, and although he probably won't resign and is likely to reluctantly stick around, his heart's not really in it and he would leave at the earliest opportunity. So, where does that leave the long suffering Rovers fans? Tomasson is popular and will be hard to replace but who do fans want as the next Rovers boss? Does the club look abroad again or closer to home where there aren't that many obvious candidates at the moment. FWIW I haven't a clue on who might come in next but (sensible) suggestions please. Mr Waggott is waiting with notebook in hand.

telalovic is a desperation signing because greg could`nt find anyone else,he might turn out to be extremely good but it`s still a desperate and hopeful move on his part

So what rating would people give the summer window out of 10, of course allowing for the limited exposure to the 4 foreign signings? I think in net, that makes sense in regards to the model, albeit Pears shouldnt be first choice. Player sold, player with decent credentials brought in. Defensively, I think we are short. We only have 3 full backs so not only are we light, but we reduce/remove any scope to move Rankin Costello. At centre back, we needed experience, we signed a highly rated loanee, hopefully he will do well but he isnt what we need. So not good there. In midfield, Tronstad gives us experience albeit a slow start. Buckley leaving means we have 3 main options and Garrett pushing. We have gone from being strong there to looking thin again, needlessly. In attacking midfield, Sigurdsson and Moran are exciting additions. We have lost our top scorer from this area though, a blow people underestimate. We also lack a quick winger and behind them 2, Szmodics and Hedges, minimal quality. Up top, we have made a couple of gambles, needs must. The lad today is hopefully an uncut gem although will need to adapt having been playing in the German 4th league. Ennis I like the look of but no use sat on a physio bed. I think the calls were for experience, Tomasson kept mentioning it, and Broughton kept mentioning it, he said we have to maintain the average age and that we cant bring in 21 year olds to replace the likes of Ayala and Dack. Well, we did, so thats a failing that is out of Broughton's control 3 or 4 out of 10 for me.

So now the transfer window has drawn to a close, what do people think our strongest 11 is? It’ll be impossible to know with much certainty right now with so many players we’ve never seen play GK: Wahlstedt / Pears Full Backs: Rankin-Costello / Brittain / Pickering Centre Backs: Hyam / Carter / Wharton / Hill Centre Midfield: Travis / Tronstad / Wharton / Garret Front 3/4: Szmodics / Sigurdsson / Ennis / Gallagher / Leonard / Telalovic / Hedges / Dolan / Moran / Markanday I’m hoping to see the below but a lot depends on how good these new lads actually are, and whether we will ever push JRC forward with little full back depth, as I prefer 3 in the middle: Wahlstedt Brittain - Carter - Hyam - Pickering JRC - Travis - Wharton Moran - Szmodics - Sigurdsson If JRC remains right back then: Wahlstedt JRC - Carter - Hyam - Pickering Travis - Wharton Moran - Szmodics - Sigurdsson Any ST

To those who carp about the standards ... I'm 60 this year and the football heroes from my youth are now old men, and frankly dying all too regularly. If you could magically transport the likes of Keith Newton, Leighton James and Martin Peters forward to the modern game, how would they cope ? They'd love the protection from the referees, love the state of the playing surfaces that's for sure. Would they be a yard too slow, two yards ? I grant you, with a couple of years strength and conditioning and modern diets, they may well be competitive ... What we do know is that they were great players who stood out among their peers at the time ... My point is we can only judge players and teams on the basis of their peers. The Lionesses are European Champions, have lost once in 38 matches under the present manager, whilst conceding only 15 goals in the process, and on Sunday, will be in a World Cup final. In women's football they are an outstanding team, and all England fans should be backing them to the hilt ...

I just wondered what everyone's thoughts on the Saudi Pro League are? In a time when we're suffering from a cost of living crisis and ordinary people are struggling to put food on the table - we have veterans of the 'working man's game' earning absolute obscene amounts of money. Jordan Henderson will be earning £69 for every minute of every day whether he's awake or asleep. Cristiano Ronaldo will be earning £326 per minute (£3.3m per week). Presumably this is completely unsustainable and just the mega rich (most likely rich through questionable means) throwing money around like it's going out of fashion. Players like Jordan Henderson are comfortable abandoning his beliefs when offered £700k a week. Who can blame him? I've said for years that one day a big name player will retire at a very young age as it's like they've won the lottery. You only need a certain personality that isn't really interested in football to earn a lot of money at a young age for this to happen. Most of these players going to Saudi are players past their best getting one last pay day. But it won't be long before a big name youngster makes the move, pockets a huge amount of cash and then retires in his mid-20s. David Bentley retired at the age of 29 - you wonder if he'd have made the money early in his career in the Saudi League whether he'd have quit earlier. I'm not a particular fan of the Premier League and how money has completely taken over it (and made it uncompetitive for most) - but I just think the Saudi League is further ruining football. I for one won't be paying any attention to it. Player wages are killing the game and until clubs start to control them (Rovers last accounts showed we paid 147% of our turnover on wages - this wouldn't happen in the real world) it'll just get worse. I also watch Rugby League and the salary cap has at least made it more competitive in general - but you've still only had 3 grand final winners in 17 years - so I'm not even sure that is the answer. FFP hasn't helped at all in football either. The days of a Jack Walker coming in and taking his local club to glory are also long gone. No actual supporter can afford the sums of money these Saudi owners can put on. All the extra money is just going towards making the players richer and richer. I certainly don't love the game as much as I did when my dad first took me as a kid in the 90s. It's also hard when taking my son to a 2/3 empty stadium watching a team that struggles to compete. He'd have loved going during the peak days of the 90s/00's. I started writing this topic at 9:05am and I've made £8.40 in that time. Ronaldo has earned more than £6,500. Top 10 earners in Saudi Pro League: https://www.givemesport.com/the-10-highest-paid-players-in-the-saudi-league-next-season-ft-ronaldo-benzema-firmino/#jordan-henderson---al-ettifaq

Ok so I was kept awake last night rattling my brain on the ownership of our club. Anyone know whom the previous owner where before Jack? and how far back can you go No google!

Personally I've long thought the expectations of Rovers fans to be very demanding and that its time to get real in terms of what our turnover is now, what our player wages are, and where we should actually finish in the league. Nothing ever seems to change on that front though, irrelevant arguments about us winning the league 30 years ago etc seem to be persist. Anyway, just to emphasise the point further (and because I'm clearly a bit sad!), I decided to look through the most recent accounts for all clubs on Companies House, which were for the 2021/22 season where we finished 8th under Mowbray. Couldn't find Derby's as they were going into administration so were a right mess. But otherwise I hope the below demonstrates what Mowbray was up against back then and what JDT is massively up again this season (given Venkys cut our wage bill quite a bit over the summer). Our wages were mid-table in 2021/22, this season they're very likely solidly bottom half. 1. Fulham £90.4m 2. Bournemouth £61.4m 3. Notts Forest £58.6m 4. Stoke £47.9m 5. West Brom £42.4m 6. Sheff Utd £42.1m 7. Birmingham City £31.1m 8. Middlesbrough £28.4m 9. QPR £27.6m 10. Swansea £27.6m 11. Reading £25.3m 12. Preston £24.6m 13. Rovers £24.4m 14. Bristol City £23.8m 15. Millwall £22.3m 16. Cardiff £22.2m 17. Huddersfield £20.3m 18. Luton £17.8m 19. Coventry £15.7m 20. Barnsley £13.1m 21. Hull City £12.7m 22. Blackpool £11.6m 23. Peterborough £9.1m

I was watching some highlights of yesterday's Carabao Cup matches and this particular bit stuck out at me. One or two mentioned Aasgaard earlier in the transfer window, but I assume it wasn't based on his penalty-taking!

He's signed and is finally announced. Welcome Leopold, may you be as great as big Brad was. Now for the debate, Leo or Pears?

I know, I know, it has only been one match. But this messageboard is so often inundated with total negativity that I thought it might be time to enjoy a little bit of optimism. We're off to a great start. We've got a young squad that a lot will be envious of. We play a brand of football that is genuinely really enjoyable to watch. 1 down. 45 to go. This will almost certainly age badly, but let's just take a moment to embrace the positivity. A couple of more signings and there could be reason to hope for - and maybe even expect - a good season.

Each season the excellent Loft For Words site contacts fans of Championship clubs for their views on what is about to unfold and I’ve written mine about Rovers for 3 or 4 seasons now. My words are below but it’s definitely worth reading the whole section on LFW for some terrific insight… LOFT FOR WORDS WEBSITE Local Knowledge — Ian Herbert @Ian Herbert brfcs.com “Much like my A Level studies, the ultimately, surprisingly good outcome belied the difficulties, lack of beauty and inspiration en-route. “JDT entered Ewood with the first team squad looking somewhat sparse following departures of key players on free transfers and prospects looked bleak. Somehow he fashioned a team that accumulated enough points to consistently threaten to break into the play-offs but in a nod to his predecessor, failure was once again snatched from the jaws of victory in the run-in, leaving Rovers fans to rue what was possibly the best chance since relegation to return to the top table. Being objective for a second, Rovers finishing seventh, missing out on the play-offs purely on goal difference was a demonstration of footballing alchemy. JDT clearly has a style of play that he wishes to deploy; a passing game, tidy, lots of movement - but for large parts of last season it seemed like shooting had been ruled out as a legitimate way to score. It’s possibly telling that our goal difference at season’s end was -2 (minus two..!). “After 46 games, Rovers netted just 52 goals - only Preston (satisfyingly for us) scored fewer in the top half. The biggest win of the season was 3-0. We scored four just once and that on the last day of the season, but in mitigation, we also conceded three in that game. The points were accumulated haphazardly, in odd runs of form, but without ever truly convincing the discerning spectator (i.e. me) that this team was the real thing. The most enjoyable football came in the cup competitions. Spirited away wins at West Ham (albeit on penalties) in the Carabao and a quite fabulous victory over Leicester (live on a BBC sub-channel) in the FA version, were possibly the best performances of the season. Two deep cup runs were a pleasant and welcome surprise after the frequent capitulations under Mowbray in the cups. “In order to support Blackburn Rovers these days, the informed follower must be proficient in Indian tax law, psychology and body language. All of these skills have been necessary in order to interpret just what on earth is going on right now. In a nutshell, it appears that the (somewhat sparse) budget that was agreed at the end of last season has been further reduced to accommodate new Indian tax laws aimed at disincentivising external investments. The scenario seems to be that Venky’s aren’t keen on paying the additional tax to send the same amount of money to Ewood and so the ripple effect is that JDT apparently threatened to walk, as he felt he had been misled; asked as he was to repeat last season’s alchemy, but with even fewer resources than last season. From his perspective, it’s understandable that he feels betrayed and equally, it’s his reputation that’s on the line. If (as seems inevitable) Rovers struggle to match last season’s efforts, his prospects of using Rovers as a springboard to a bigger job will be impacted…adversely. The verdict after 12 months is that he has done well with what he had, but the reward for that is to be asked to more with less…which coincidentally is spookily similar to my annual performance reviews… “The director of football, Gregg Broughton, promised “three in before the end of June” and in fairness delivered three new signings on time. Ennis from Plymouth Argyle on a free, Tronstad from Vitesse Arnhem on a free and Sigurdsson on loan from CSKA Moscow (using the Ukraine invasion rule). The problem is, Ennis has been criticised publicly by Tomasson for his apparent lack of fitness, Sigurdsson is now out with injury for at least a couple of months and the Indian government has decided to increase its domestic tax take. The strategy now seems to be to hope that someone bids a silly amount for one of our expendable players (Kaminski & Travis are the leading candidates), someone bids a silly amount for David Raya at Brentford (Rovers have a sell-on clause) or that all the players agree to a 98% pay cut. The expectation is that a couple of last-minute loans will be brought in before the window “slams shut” but all the Championship clubs without parachutes will be trying to pull off the same trick. This is high-stakes poker, as Ayala, Dack and Diaz have departed, Morton went back to Liverpool and so the challenge facing JDT is to replace that talent pool with no fees being paid. Tough gig. “I too am something of a pessimist when it comes to Rovers predictions. I think of it as a coping mechanism…if I predict 24th, any finishing spot higher than that is therefore a plus. Last season I was deeply concerned and it all turned out to be fine. This year I am once again deeply concerned but with more justification I feel. We struggled to score last season and the guy who contributed 14 precious goals is now developing his Spanish language skills and teaching locals “Sweet Caroline” in downtown Villarreal. Does any aspirant Championship side really want to go into the new season with a reliance on Sam Gallagher to have to score 22 to plug the Diaz gap ? Hopes were high for Sigurdsson but his injury track record is now increasingly becoming public domain with troubling consequences. As for Ennis, it now appears he was signed injured and is only now starting to train seriously. If we sell Kaminski that places a heavy burden on Pears, who has blown hot and cold in his time at Ewood. “It’s not a stretch to see Rovers conceivably conceding more and scoring fewer than last season - well, not for me anyhow. In that event, remaining in the top half may well be a challenge too far. If JDT walks, that turmoil could tip us into surprise relegation candidates. I’ll go JDT to stay long enough to see us finish 15th.”

It’s that time again where we polish the crystal ball, look into the tea leaves and read our palms in an attempt to predict what is about to unfold. Please just post your predictions…I will collate them & post some analysis on here in due course…posts that don’t comply with this will be hidden, simply to make my job of collating easier 😉 PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING IN REPLIES BELOW:- 1. Who will win this year’s Championship ? 2. Who will claim runners-up spot ? 3. Who will finish rock bottom in the Championship ? 4. Where will Rovers finish this season in the league ? 5. How many league goals will Rovers score this season ? 6. Who will win the BRFCS POTY ? (using the ratings provided in the match centre after each game. Our first winner in 2022 was Scott Wharton and last season’s winner was Joe Rankin-Costello FYI) Good luck…the thread will be locked when the transfer window closes 👍🏻⚪️🔵

Hello I’m an Ipswich Town fan who writes a blog about the EFL. I’ve written a predictions/preview article ahead of the Championship season. It’s quite long winded so I’ve split it into two parts. How do you feel about the team's prospects this season? I found Blackburn quite difficult to place because I think there were some indications that given another year, JDT could get the team into the playoffs but the stuff about the finances is a bit of a concern. If you enjoy, I’d really appreciate any subscriptions to the blog – it’s free! Most of the articles are deep dives into individual clubs rather than pieces like this but I like to mix things up from time to time. Cheers 2023-24 Championship Predictions: 1st-12th (substack.com) 2023-24 Championship Predictions: 13th-24th (substack.com)

Does anyone else think RoversTV needs more content or perhaps an overhaul? The interviews are great between the presenter and the team but you get the same regurgitated content in the local papers and online so it doesn't feel like you're getting extra content. Other clubs are showing friendlies, lots of pre-season content - whether serious or fun. I saw during the season other clubs do pre-game and post game chat, yet we have a few interviews and no friendly highlights whatsoever. Even during the season the highlight package is just a replay of the entire game. I used to quite enjoy the 10-15 minute extended highlights of each game which showed a bit more action than the goals shown on TV. It would be great if you could watch pre-season games, academy games, or even archived games from many years ago. I'm sure other fans have a lot more ideas too. Do you subscribe and what are your thoughts?

Could be intertwined with the transfer thread but I know people enjoy the gossip side of things no matter how unsubstantiated, so thought I would do a seperate thread. With half of our business to go likely to be loans potentially after the season has begun, and with the squad/manager away for the next week, as well as other teams, the current squad is likely the choice we will have to start the season, having been here for pre season. What do people think is our best side going into it, and how do people think Tomasson will likely go? Kaminski Rankin Costello Carter Hyam Pickering Tronstad Wharton Hedges Szmodics Sigurdsson Ennis That would be mine, a Batth type, right winger and of course striker would ideally come into that 11 sooner rather than later, but I would personally suggest thats unlikely in the next 3 or 4 weeks. I think Pears, Travis and Gallagher will start over Kaminski, Wharton and Ennis though unfortunately. Just a hunch, hope im wrong.

Well we're nearly there folks,another Season of the famous 'Owd Blue 'n' White as our 150th Birthday edges closer and closer. What are your honest expectations after last Seasons exciting but ultimately fruitless campaign...is there any realistic scope for improvement as our two main Strikers were allowed to walk into the Sunset for sweet FA?. Barring a major aquisition soon Im afraid to say we have been failed once again by our much derided (and rightly so) Owners,where is the ambition from them for a concerted promotion push,where/what is their expectation and belief in what we have here at Ewood?.One fear for me remains and that is for every Season we stay in this league it becomes harder and harder to get promotion.It appears we are gambling on un -knowns and rough Academy Diamonds. Hope Im wrong but my opinion is we are going to regress as the quality lost up front will prove to be a huge hammer blow.A mid-table finish is on the cards for me personally and that will be a bitter pill to swallow. Be honest,will regression be acceptable to you?...you reap what you sow.

Exciting times ahead maybe. Congratulations to the Egg for getting this one over the line. How long before sparks comes along to tell us he's shit?

Hi everyone, First post here, so I thought I would introduce myself. My name is George and I come from a longline of Blackburn rovers fans as well as being one myself!. I am also a student at RGS Guildford, I am looking for some help regarding an essay I am writing on 'How identification as a Blackburn rovers fan has changed for the local Muslim Community since the 21st centuary' . I have been struggling to connect with the local Muslim community in Blackburn in order to listen to their views. This is a particularly personal issue for me as my family is from Blackburn (Bedford Street, Mill Hill) and I come from a longline of Rovers fans. My grandad (may he rest in peace) was the most passionate Blackburn fan I knew. My final conversation with him was about the club and Blackburn beating Sheffield United 3-1. My father has been following the Rovers since 1974 and I am following in his footsteps, attending games whenever possible. I am interested in how the changing demographics (Blackburn has now 2nd largest Muslim population, % ) has impacted fan identity. I have attached a Microsoft forms ( I really hope it works!!!). Which is a questionnaire for Muslim Blackburn fans, please fill out if it applies to you or do share it to relevant people. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=rjlL6kwO6EaVXFYqjuJ3PBYuItLAwUpKnAaWCxqMUMtUNEI4MVBWQjBRWEVFQlYzWEtBUFFDUEVHNS4u If anyone is interested in this topic or has any relevant information, please send me an email --> george.aspden05@outlook.com. I am on a very tight deadline so I would really appreciate some quick responses. I hope you are all having a nice evening, George Aspden

I was just stood here idly pioneering this one. From the last twenty of years, what has been the individual performance in a match by a rovers player I've liked best Funnily enough the last thirteen years didn't figure in my considerations. There was one stand-out performance that I really loved, but first two honourable mentions. Friedel in the cup final, the man was just a wall that day. Secondly hakan Suker against Fulham, the man was just different gravy, a centre forward masterclass. But the one I've liked best... Was mcateer playing at turf moor. Good lord, he was bloody everywhere that day. Just immense. There'll be a ton that I've missed, so interested to hear what others think.

I think the best keeper we've ever had deserves a thread of his own. Absolutely won us the League Cup with his superhuman abilities as well as many more games. Undisputable that he was the best around for a good couple of years.

Which former Rover’s do you think would make the best line up for our current formation and tactics?: I think I’d go for: Friedel Emerton Berg Henchoz Le Saux Sherwood Tugay Duff Dunn Jansen Shearer

After discussing on our most recent podcast. Part 2 of the End of Season Report, I'd like to know your opinions to this. Episode 2 https://www.brfcs.com/magazine/podcasts/4000-holes-the-'what-now-'-show-big-old-end-of-season-review-ep-2/27 Feature starts at the 22:02 mark From the profound to the ridiculous all opinions welcomed. Would you change the price of season tickets? Ban Goal music? Introduce a zip line off the Jack Walker Stand? Make the Finch Bakery hut a permanent fixture? Resign Bradley Dack? Whatever you think, let us know. For our musings check out the most recent 4000 Holes Podcast! Episode 1 https://www.brfcs.com/magazine/podcasts/4000-holes-the-'what-now-'-show-big-old-end-of-season-review-ep-1/26

Just a question i ask myself every season end. Will VENKYs ever sell us? Will this nightmare ever end ? Will there ever be respite to this continuous suffering ? are we just the perfect broiler chicken cooked every season to perfection of missing the playoff so convincingly.