I trust you've seen him more than I have so will i'll take your word for it but 9 goals in the Swedish league last season doesn't make me feel like he'd be exceptional in this league. At this point, i'll take what we can get because they aren't exactly queueing up to sign for us.

Not convinced we should be spending anything like 3 million on Bermancevic. Rather see that spent on someone familiar with this league.

If we don't get 3 points on Saturday or lose even, I think that will really push things on with transfers. There will be some keen eyes on how the likes of Carter, Hedges, and Pickering perform (if they play). If Carter looks out of his depth, Hedges looks ineffective and Pickering gets murdered... I can see some signings getting sorted quick sharp.

I think we should be starting Markanday. We need him to have a decent season for us and get him going as quickly as possible so it feels like he can fill the void Khadra has left. Having some faith in him and giving him regular minutes will only help his confidence. Even if he doesn't do much in the first few games, just stick with him and hope he can find his feet to be a potential match winner for us. At the risk of sounding like i'm making excuses for our lack of transfer activity (I'm not), I think this is one exception where you can say it's like a new signing for us.

The biggest issue with signing Van Hecke is that his performances which led to him being called up by the Netherlands u21's, will not have gone unnoticed by clubs in his homeland. A club like Feyenoord would likely be interested. If there is the smallest chance we might be able to get him, one positive that may sway him could be how loved he is here. If we signed him and made no other permanent signings I'd probably consider this window a success.

quite funny actually, although he doesn't seem aware of what it takes to actually get sacked by Venkys. After all, Mowbray still wasn't even sacked after another dreadful post crimbo meltdown.

Bowler looks like he caused Everton some problems yesterday....

Sort of suprised Rovers haven't moved for Hirst at Leicester, considering only a year left on his contract there. 15 goals in league and cup on loan at Portsmouth, 4 assists, only 23.

Sorry got my stats mixed up. 3 mill could be about right but do think it could be more a deal rising to 3 if it comes off. Just my opinion.

They won't get 3 mill for Bowler.

Yes please.

Would imagine he would ask and the club would ask him to not report on it as to scupper the deal.

For what it's worth I've heard conflicting reports on Steve. One from a person who worked higher in the ticket sales team who said he was apparently difficult to work for who then subsequently decided to leave and get paid more at a smaller club. In contrast, I've also heard from people who frequent the executive boxes that he's personable guy who tells it straight. I recall being told how scathing he was when describing one of Adam Armstrong's performances after a game, along with a few others, apparently he talks like any other football fan and didn't hold back with the expletives. I suppose as a supporter, when you're seeing your best players leave for no income and witness little being spent on the team, it's natural to point the finger at those at board room level. I guess we shouldn't make assumptions about those we don't know and what we don't know. What I've read here is extremely encouraging, hopefully the rest of the transfer window backs that up.

Probably the most insightful stuff I've read about the inner workings of Rovers for well over 10 years. Much appreciated.

What we might have going for us here is his friendship with Brittain and various other players at Rovers too... Maybe he'll just want to enjoy his football with his mates, not have to travel too far and stay close to family?

Sure I read we had a bid accepted for Styles in January for the same fee that we offered for Dembele. Since then he's performed well against England and that will obviously inflate his price. Shame we couldn't have got that one done back then.

I just want JPVH + Helik and our defence is absolutely sorted. Would be feeling very confident with that and a fit Ayala/Wharton/Cater. Plenty of nous, height and aggression, would be horrible to play against.

and full internationals and playoff players. One of which has just started and beaten England twice.

Looks like transfers are really under wraps and we didn't hear about this one till it was already done and dusted. Fair play. Next...

By all accounts they were a bunch of tw*ts regarding his loan here so I'd stay well clear.

Genuinely one of the weirdest transfers I've come across. I get the feeling he must have a better move lined up in a years time, hence why he only wants a year at Wigan and didn't want 3 years at Rovers. Either way, if he doesn't want to be here then we shouldn't want him or waste time on him, the biggest disappointment is not getting a penny for him. His agent sounds like a complete tit and is taking risks with his career. Bollocks to him.

If we're talking peanuts for Szmodics (500k or less) then I wouldn't be against seeing how he performs for us with more quality around him. His figures in league 1 suggested he was far too good for that standard. Anything over half a mill looks a bit more risky.

Midfielder... British/Foreign?

It does sound like from your description of how Brittain played is the same as how my Dad and I described Styles performance, was everywhere, gave us the run around, looked a quality little player.

Maybe a tad unfair. They were in the playoffs last year but lost their manager where it seems it all fell apart for them. Those 3 are certainly the best of what they've got and have achieved more in this league than us since we've been relegated.