appears to be an ambitious appointment by Forest

Frank Fielding was down having talks at Brentford a couple of weeks ago.

Preston fans don't seem to think Bauer is automatic choice but are gloating over the fact they got him: "We’re expecting Bauer to really challenge Jordan Storey straight away, as he fits the bill as a partner for Ben Davies. As for Blackburn, it’s nice to know that not only did we dominate them on the pitch last season, but now off the pitch too with a deal for one of their top targets." https://www.deepdaledigest.com/news/tony-mowbray-reacts-to-patrick-bauer-snubbing-blackburn-for-preston/ They also seem pleased they missed out on Armstrong "How did Armstrong fare last season? Featuring mostly as a left-sided winger, Armstrong notched just five goals and three assists in 44 Championship games. That’s not exactly a great return for an allegedly exciting attacker, and North End maybe won’t feel too gutted about missing out." https://www.deepdaledigest.com/news/how-have-prestons-club-record-targets-fared-since-2018-failure/

I seem to remember that Mowbray gave strong indications at the consultation meting that he had lost interest in Bauer - obviously not the case in the end.

Hanley had a good final season for us but the year before he was pretty awful. He hasn't played regularly for a while so not really able to judge his recent form. Definitely some boxes not ticked - could go either way if he came back. Would Mowbray be able to offer him a guaranteed starting place or would he also be a squad filler?

Dack was a league 1 player - didn't turn out too badly!

According to philipl all sell on clauses have been cashed in. Not doubting it but not seen any evidence as yet.

I am not convinced Dack is as tempting to other clubs as he appears to be. A lot of baggage and some obvious dips in form. Can't see him going to the prem. Good news for us as I don't think we will get offers over 8 million which may well be turned down. If we did sell for £8 million I don't think any of it would go on team strengthening.

I thought he made pies.

That's interesting. It's the first I've heard of it. How much did the whole operation raise ? Is it referenced in the annual accounts and did it count as income with respect to FFP ? Was it during the period we were reportedly taking out short term loans against season ticket sales ?

What do you mean by this? Do you mean he agreed to cancel existing sell on clauses in return for cash settlements?

I'm not concerned that Bauer has gone to another club. I'm sure he is a decent player but don't think he is a world beater. What does bother me is that Mowbray has said on more than one occasion that his agent was asking £40K - 50K per week and this was a stumbling block. The fact that he has signed for Preston makes these claims look like total nonsense and therefore makes me suspect Mowbray's honesty - the one quality I had most admired in him up to this point.

I seem to remember he gave away a penalty with a needless handball.

Most owners turn up to matches and talk to the manger daily. Most owners don't live in India. Most owners are actually interested. I can't believe you are trying to make out Rovers is run like other clubs.

Charlton message boards also mention Preston, Wigan, Reading and QPR as possible clubs interested in Bauer. I reckon we could match the wages at all those clubs but maybe he likes life in London. Just become a father too so he may feel settled down there. Rangers also mentioned. Not sure if they could go higher on wages ? Has Mowbray got the persuasive powers required?

Exactly what I was thinking. If you have a budget surely you can adjust the wage / transfer fee ratio based on the merits of the players involved. What Mowbray is saying is that we could have had 2 two of his original targets, who may have gone straight into the team, on higher wages. We ended up with 1 player on lower wages who made no impact. Total spend was the same either way. It's a strange argument.

Frank Fielding (mentioned on these pages as a possible target) in talks with Brentford.

The Owners are as supportive as ever. They are very nice, humble, honest people, who would like us to be successful Wow - they sound really enthusiastic! Are they desperate for Rovers to succeed? determined to gain promotion? committed to the cause ? I'd like England to win the cricket world cup but if they don't I'll have a cup of tea and not worry in the slightest. I feel that Venky's have the same attitude when it comes to Rovers.

From the article: 'Rovers continue to work under a benefactor model, heavily reliant upon recruitment from the Rao family' Are we signing Balaji ?

In terms or organisation and readiness we are light-years behind! You correctly identify the reason.

Just because he isnt saying anything doesnt mean we havent got anything to spare waste. Lets judge him by his actions in the market first.

And what about the season after that and then the next one.... Rovers' whole future is depressing as hell.

Blackburn Outsiders

This is the point. The owners have the potential, the money and the opportunity to do everything within their means to make Rovers a success but they do very little. Why do they bother?

Maybe, but I am just suggesting some inventive thinking and actually taking an interest. One meeting a year with the manager and paying the bills does not fulfil their obligations. We are just not set up to succeed.