This season is unpredictable as we are going to have so many young players in key roles. Based on what we've seen I think they may be a slight improvement on last year's squad in terms of attacking but slightly weaker in terms of defence. Wheels could come off defensively and we end up in a relegation scrap. Or we could acclimatise well and make mid table again. If we could sign a quality left back and centre back I would be much more optimistic.

I don't think it's nailed on but we would stand a much better chance. I could just about stomach not signing a CB as we do have promising young players who can play there (Magloire, Wharton, Carter, Nyambe), as well as two pros one of whom is pretty good at this level (Lenihan). However any injuries to Lenihan would be catastrophic hence why we need more senior players. Left back however is a clearly huge problem. Bell can have the odd good game, but is defensively very suspect, plus he gets injured frequently. If that happens then what? JRC at left back? Williams there? Rothwell (!!!) there. Scratching around could Davenport do a job? But these are questions you shouldn't have to ask.

To be honest the most impactful loss we had imo was Cunningham. Armstrong made up for Dack, and our midfield did okay without Evans. But our defence was shocking.

It's crazy that £20m for Callum Wilson is a steal. But you're right.

If it was up to me I would go Kaminski Nyambe. Lenihan. Wharton. Bell. Travis. Holtby. Evans. JRC. Armstrong. Dolan. I think Mowbray will probably pick something similar but with Johnson ahead of Evans, and Brereton ahead of Dolan.

I'd keep giving Evans game time too. Rarely fit but when he is he has looked good the last couple of years.

Hey I don't mind signing more top quality players if we can, but I don't think we will. Just saying if we can't let's go for it with the youngsters.

A general point - our academy players have all looked the part when they play with a few rough edges. We need to double down on them. I'd take finishing 10th again with them getting a season under their belt over finishing 8th with a bunch of journeymen and loans. If we bring in an experienced CB and LB and just let everyone else have a go that's fine by me. Edit - aligned to this I can't see us signing any players who are going to be genuine top six quality out of the gate. So I can't really see the risk in the above approach.

Only real downer of pre season has been Travis. He's been consistently excellent since breaking through so it's a bit odd. Maybe waiting to turn it on again?

Did create a couple at Doncaster to be fair. Seems a poor return on a player to get such little all-round game for him. JRC for example offers so much more in that position. Edit - doh talking about Brereton here.

Yes Dolan would actually give their full back a lot to think about. Won't know what hit him.

He's never going to be a box player. He's an inside forward who can dribble a bit and that's about it.

Is Lenihan out? Also think Johnson will definitely play given he has started all recent friendlies.

Been watching since about the 25th minute and have to say we've looked threatening on attack and solid defensively. Really impressed with Fishers distribution and how calm we are playing out the back. Kiss of death to say that I am sure.

I would definitely be happy if Hanley came back. Not perfect but a very good defender at this level and a leader. That said there is absolutely nothing I have seen on this thread that suggests he is coming back unless I missed something.

This is just so disturbing. Why why why why why? We have Travis, Evans, Johnson, Davenport and recently Holtby all playing that holding role and to be honest quite a few of them can do it quite well. Utterly bizarre to be going in for another one.

Whoops! Right you are.

Can't see Carter being dropped as he did pretty well against Doncaster. Williams won't make the team. Reckon Gally and Brereton will swap over. Apart from that I think you're spot on. That defence will get smashed.

Why on earth would they pay £2m to loan a player when they are out of the Champions League? Madness.

I would go for this also. But he and his agent are likely to know it's all talk, but it may get a reaction.

I don't really think this is "modern football" - its perfectly reasonable and logical that he would want to play at the highest level possible. If you were in his shoes (putting loyalty to Rovers to one side) I am sure you would feel the same way.

As true in all of life as in football!

From the tiny amount I've seen Dolan I don't think this will be a problem. Rothwell is inherantly quite a dangerous player to his own side. He run across the pitch a lot, runs from very deep and central, plays quite risky balls, is quite head down. As a result he seems at risk of losing the ball in dodgy areas that turn into instant counter attacks, and indeed does so. Dolan looks much more a proper out and out attacking winger who plays wide and forward. So he's much less likely to be carrying the ball in those vulnerable parts of the pitch, so can in turn be left to be more adventurous. I hope anyway.

I've read the quotes now https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18686733.blackburn-rovers-boss-hails-surprise-impact-tyrhys-dolan/?fbclid=IwAR1xmYak98XBxi-AO1yblWlnJhG3u1TRDZMbk_jnZqOYzz-5neYsSprER8c Reading that it seems very likely Mowbray will give him considerable game time. There is the comment about "if Gallagher was available" but everything else points to Mowbray looking forward to playing him.

He looks very very good. I can't see the point in not playing him. Make sure he gets some minutes. If it goes tits up take him off. Far more players are ruined by not playing than playing too early. And frankly he promises to be better than what we have.