https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Forbes_(footballer) Could this be him ?

I think we used to get school uniform from Johnny Forbes - I seem to remember some pictures in the shop of JF in Rovers strip? Also remember getting a free key ring every time you bought something

Me too

I don't agree with this, I think being a Rovers fan might make a real difference. Many 'jobbing' managers who go from club to club may be happy to work in the void that Venky's have generated at our club. The Mowbray/Waggott/Venus trinity has ensconced itself into a position of power on long contracts. This benefits them and not the club. I am sure many potential future managers would fancy an easy life on a long contract with no pressure from the owners. A couple of trips to India now and again should keep them happy. Of all our recent managers, only Lambert was decent enough not to play that game. I would hope that a Rovers fan as manager would insist on changes behind the scenes for the good of the club. Board members with the club at heart, a chief exec that understands football and the local community. Daily contact with the owners to ensure quick decisions. More contact with the fans. Run the club properly and not like a Sunday pub team where the manager is not accountable to anyone else. I am sure things would not change immediately, but a true Rovers fan constantly prodding the owners to do the right thing may help. I am not sure if Ainsworth is the right man or not but I'd like to think his allegiance to the club and his local roots would be a big plus. All hypothetical as Waggott will never sack Mowbray and risk his own job. We may even swap places with Wycombe at the end of the season before anything happens!!

Philip, Apart from providing cash ( which increases the debt ) what other actions make them model owners ? They don't attend matches. They don't communicate with the fans. They waste the manager's time by making him fly to India mid-season. They don't seem to show any interest at all. Seriously, why do you think they are now model owners ?

exemplary adjective/ ɪɡˈzem·plə·ri/ extremely good of its type, so that it might serve as a model for others: I don't see any other club owners aspiring to the Venky model. I wonder why ?

Or VLL files for bankruptcy.

The £175m is loaned to Rovers interest free by VLL but I am sure a large chunk of it is provided to VLL by a 'Bank facility' with the Bank of India. At some point that will need to be repaid. Maybe Venky's (India) are covering the interest on this loan but surely it can't go on forever. At some point BOI will call it in.

What made you move to Canada? surely there is nothing better than a Rovers victory followed by home made hot pot and a few pints in Royal Arms

True because Venky's only remember they own Rovers when it comes up at the AGM every 12 months.

Well said that man. Your second paragraph perfectly sums up the club's predicament. Of course, results on the pitch and the choice of manager are important to all Rovers' fans but the club itself and it's heritage are paramount. I understand that some people may consider my posts as waffle because I usually comment on the owners, not the football, but that to me is the most important issue at the moment. Something has to change at some point. Fan pressure can have an affect but after 10 years I think fatigue has set in for most people. One thing is for sure, we will still be here when Venky's have gone. I hope we still have a club to support.

We are in Limbo while Venky's are here. Relegation is a real danger. The debts grow and grow. A lot of people have their heads in the sand.

I don't drink any more, on the other hand i don't drink any less!

Come on! He is responsible for the team he puts out. The buck stops with the manager. End of. You said it yourself - "Mowbary is ultimately accountable". I think you are defending the indefensible.

I wish they still had the Radio Lancs phone in. I need to let off steam

Sell the club to someone who knows what they are doing and understands what it means to the fans.

Unfortunately I do! Already dreading Monday

He won't walk, Waggott won't sack him and it will be about a month before the three stooges in Pune even know the score. Stuck with him for a while yet whatever happens tomorrow

I caught a bit of Mowbray's interview on Radio Lancs tonight. Did he really say "I don't mind losing football matches but you have to lose the right way" ?

We are 6 points above 22nd and 5 above 21st - both teams have a game in hand. Long season ahead.

Would the 7 STAY voters like another go ?

2 points from 5 winnable games. Can't see him walking though.

When you say 'ambition at Rovers' who are you referring to ? I am sure Mowbray is ambitious to succeed, I am sure the players would love to win promotion. If the owners have any real ambition for the club they need to show it. I don't believe they have any interest at all. They pay the bills out of their pocket money but if they were truly ambitious they would get the club organised with a proper board and build it up from the foundations. The way they run the club shows zero ambition.

Exactly right. I am worried about results on the pitch but it pales into insignificance compared with worries about the future of the club itself. As people have pointed out elsewhere, look at the passion and integrity shown by owners of Stanley, Burnley and Preston compared to our lot!

Mike Garlick and Alistair Campbell probably