I don't doubt your info at all but how is it possible for the focus of their attentions to be changing on a daily basis ? I know the whole process is taking a long time but the names in frame over the last week or so have been changing with the wind. It doesn't seem possible that a rigorous process is being followed if targets are identified, interviewed and dismissed ( or proven unattainable ) in such a short time span - especially if everything needs to go through Pune as we know it does. And all the while, Ainsworth ( a reasonably popular choice amongst the fans ?) is available, willing and able but Venky's don't like him! I am convinced they are waiting for Mowbray's contract to expire before making an appointment.

So they budgeted to pay 2 managers at the same time - Sorry I don't believe that for a minute. I said I don't believe the approach for Deila is a serious one, I didn't say it hadn't happened - they may have enquired but I don't think they will follow it up for the reasons I mentioned - mainly compensation which they will avoid if they possibly can - history suggests this so it is not blind speculation.

I've thought all along that Venky's won't actually want to appoint anyone until Mowbray's contract is up or very near the end - why pay two managers? I don't even believe the Deila approach is serious - we know they don't want to pay compensation so why go into a big battle to prise someone away from another club knowing they will be after as much compensation as possible if we succeed. It will justify the 'we did all we could' narrative I guess.

Ainsworth ?

Not sure what to make of this appointment yet. I had never heard of Gregg Broughton and have only done some quick research but he doesn't get too many mentions in the on-line analysis/discussion of Bodo/Glimt's recent success. They have a DOF/head of sport called Aasmund Bjørkan and he seems to be the main spokesman and gets a lot of the credit. I could fully understand if we approached him Broughton seemed to work with the very young players - as you would expect as he was head of the academy. Jumping from that role to DOF at Rovers is a big leap. Would we ever consider promoting Stuart Jones from his current role at rovers to be DOF? I can't see Knutsen coming to work under someone who was a few steps below him in the pecking order at his previous club. I really hope it goes well.

I think the right hand simply ignores what the left hand is doing. Even though he may be conducting interviews, Waggott has no real clout with Venky's. Suhail won't contribute anything substantial and just reports to Venky's what they want to hear. Venky's talk to agents and other advisors and make their own decisions based on their own agenda. Intentionally dysfunctional.

Exactly. How many rounds of interviews did Waggott go through and how many other candidates were interviewed? He just waltzed in with a nod and a wink from the right people.

This says everything about our owners - no respect for anyone, even people who care for the Rovers and are trying to help. They won't communicate with Rovers Trust - a group who's sole purpose is to ensure that the club ( 'their club' ) has a healthy future. I know that even Steve Waggott sometimes has trouble getting answers from them and Mowbray obviously gave up trying. They don't deserve to be in the privileged position that they are. Don't really care who the new manager is while Venky's are still here. Their behaviour is unforgivable.

It seems strange to me that Ferguson's odds have suddenly shorthened enough to make him favourite for the job at the same time that Rovers have announced that the 'short list' has increased from 5 to 8 and that they may approach some 'in-work' managers on top of that. Surely this points to the fact that we are nowhere near making any final decisions and that anyone interviewed so far has not impressed enough to have their odds shortened to make them an obvious favourite. Doesn't add up at all. I can't see Ferguson's personality and unruly history appealing to Madame V

The 'first round' of interviews will count for nothing if there was no input from India. A bit like the judges vote in the Eurovision Song Contest. Waggott has as much influence and power as Cheston did in 2016. Venky's won't take any notice and will do their own thing, ignoring all previous opinions. Anything could happen.

I am convinced that Venky's were planning to extend Mowbray's contract this summer. He decided to not renew and it probably took them by surprise. No planning will have been in place and we know they work at a snail's pace anyway. Mowbray still has another month on his contract so what's the rush? Venky's (India) had their AGM in mid May so they are probably all on holiday anyway.

Given QPR's similar league position, similar budget, similar FFP worries but a more recent premier league history, a well respected DOF already in place and the 'advantage' of being in London, I wonder why Carvalhal and Farke are not being mentioned at all in connection with the manager's position there ? or any others in England for that matter. If we are led to believe that these two well respected managers have actually applied for the job at Ewood then I would think they would be on other club's radars too and be considering their options- QPR and Burnley for example. Maybe it's all just pie in the sky or wishful thinking from our point of view. Really not confident there is any substance in these stories.

I wish I was as convinced as you are. Remember, Mowbray is still being paid until the end of June - why pay two useless managers at the same time ? Venky's are in no rush.

So the owners of the football club cut communication with the team manager when there was a very real chance of the team making the playoffs - I'm sure that was in the best interests of the club! Did Mowbray do something to upset them or are the just not interested at all. I suspect there was never much contact between the two parties and Venky's were just expecting Mowbray to turn up in the summer and get a new contract. That's probably about as much forward planning as they have ever done.

Not for me. I've got some nice souvenirs

I apply nearly every time Rovers are looking for a manager. In pre Venky days I always got a reply in the post on official Rovers headed paper and signed by Tom Finn, thanking me for my interest but informing me that I didn't have the necessary experience to be considered. I've got 3 or 4 of these letters. I've applied 3 times since Venky's took over and not received the courtesy of a reply. Obviously its only a bit of fun but I think it reflects the reality of the club pre and post Venky's. Where there was once a club that cared about its supporters there is now a gaping void. Venky's out

Venky's will expect Mowbray to complete his contract. Mowbray is happy to pick up 2 months pay ( with everyone talking about how badly done-to he is rather than how badly the team played since January ) Probably get discussed at Venky's next board meeting ( for 5 minutes at the end under 'any other business' )

I don't see why Venky's would have been lining up a new manager in March when we were 3rd or 4th in the table. Venky's like to do contract business face to face in India. Why would Mowbray expect anything different this year - he knew a summer visit was lined up. All he had to do was keep quiet and turn up in Pune to rubber stamp everything. That may still happen. If Mowbray has decided to leave then fair enough but Venky's will be totally unprepaired and this will drag on and on.

I am sure this is the case. Mowbray is still the manager and Venky's will still try and persuade him to stay. It looks very likely that he has made his mind up to leave and a job in Hartlepool may be just what he is looking for but in Venky world Rovers still have a manager until the end of June. What's the rush ?

Any bookies quoting odds on Mowbray as next manager ? Maybe not comsidering he hasn't actually resigned and has a contract for 2 more months.

I think you are overestimating Waggott's interest in the football side of things. If it was up to him he would be looking at value for money - the cheapest option. In any case, I don't think he will have any say whatsoever. Suhail and 'the advisors' will be on the case - probably telling Mowbray to get on a plane to India asap.

If we sign another manager with Middlesbrough connections that would be a scandal - Ewoodgate.

LT:Tony Mowbray is set to leave the club this summer after five years in charge, and despite his contract coming to an end, the Rovers boss says there have been no approaches, or talks, about his future. TM “The contract is running down, I will run the team until they tell me not me.” I'm convinced Venky's will try and persuade him to stay. He may have decided he wants leave but even so, I bet there will be no new appointment any time soon.

I think Mowbray will do the 'honourable' thing and see out his contract until the end of June. 1 more match and he can then go home and twiddle his thumbs for 2 months and get paid for it. If he gets bored, he may just jump on a plane to India!