Neal

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.

If they can somehow manage to do a deal with Barnsley for Brittain for a decent fee then they should really be going back for Styles and Helik. Both internationals and out of contract next season. Just get it done, they're there for the taking.

Realistically any deal around 15 mill will be done, finding some sort of middle ground will just take time. It wouldn't surprise me to see it be late in the market with no time to reinvest and the money get swallowed never to be seen again. I've made my peace with this scenario and if I could, would bet good money on it.

I'm surprised you actually still consider Brereton as a Rovers player tbh. I know he's not gone anywhere yet but In my view, he's already gone. There's no way he can stay to lose him on another free.

Who's saying I'm unhappy? I'd be more positive to see this get done because we desperately need players.

Precisely. Why haven't Sheff United tried to resign him if he's supposed to be so good?