Ryan Giles will become a cult hero at Ewood IMO...a fantastic signing and I hope it's on a temp to perm basis and not just a loan.

He can play anywhere down the left, has a great engine, a free-kick specialist, can pick a pass and has a wand of a left foot.

2 hours ago, JHRover said:

I don't think there is any money unless certain strict criteria are met. I also believe that Mowbray's power and influence have been reduced over the last 12-18 months in terms of flexibility on players - previously he had the ability to bring in established experienced players, often ones he had encountered previously, whereas recently they have been younger players with seemingly no link to him. We have seen fees paid out in the last few windows on Pickering, Edun, Markandy - but these fees are generally only very small and all are done with high confidence that the outlay will be covered quickly.

All in all not a bad way to do business as ideally all transfers would grow in value but it places severe limitations on what can be done. It is clear there has been a shift in policy.

I think Mowbray says a lot but a lot of it turns out to be grossly exaggerated or simply doesn't happen. I don't really blame him for that as there are so many components and cogs turning that him saying one thing one week and then a short time later things have changed.

The days of him getting multi-millions to invest in a Gallagher, Brereton or Armstrong seem to have gone, replaced by a focus on loans and a few hundred grand deals here and there.

In my view that change sits directly with the inability of Mowbray to head off to India and sit around a table with the head honchos,  losing his direct line to them and instead having to deal through Pasha who by most accounts is a Balaji man.

Mowbray himself has admitted that communications have changed and that they have been difficult at times.

No coicidence that the only 3 managers to last under Venkys - Kean, Bowyer and Mowbray - early on in their times jumped on a plane to Pune - it not only secures their position but also is the best, perhaps only, way of getting approval on significant backing. Back in the days of Kean we thought it bizarre that he would put himself through that difficult journey several times a year and wondered why it was so important to keep them sweet in Pune. I think we can see now why he did that.

I agree with all of that and the change in policy is extremely sensible as far as the club is concerned.....it's about value for money now and future potential re-sale value, with emphasis on youth.

It may not satisfy everyone, who still expect us to be making multimillion pound signings still but those days have gone for now. Who knows, in the future they could well return.

But to quote Souness of old, "we have to wee with the willy we've got" (and that was under Walker Trust)!

We won the PL once and so did Leicester in more recent times......both had complete togetherness and a solid spine through the team.

As do we currently........just saying like!

2 minutes ago, jim mk2 said:

Sooner or later, some of our key players are going to get injured or suspended and we just don't have the back-up to replace them

Those criticising Parker are missing the point; Bournemouth have so many good players they will go up regardless

We'll see in the fullness of time, just as they did at Dean Court a few weeks ago when Van Hecke's header nearly burst the net!

I'm confident and relatively happy with our window....would've like a couple more in key positions but am realistic.

I think we'll do it come May, despite all!

11 minutes ago, glen9mullan said:

On the whole ins,

Markanday, nice signing, injury a bummer but nice to have him through door.

Zeefuik - Solid first team player, offers options and genuine cover/competition at right back

Giles - 9 assist already this season, with Pickering and Edun injuries, great bit of business

Hedges - Cheap, cheerful, low risk low cost.

Brown - Development squad

 

Outs

Clarkson - couldn't get in team

Butterworth - just not happened for him

Carter - will come back better player.

Chapman - shouldn't of got new deal, wasted valuable funds in doing so

Mcbride - not near first team

Key players have stayed

We are slightly stronger if everyone was fit.

My Concern, Bournemouth have probably catapulted themselves into certainties for 2nd place. They've signed some real quality, Cantwell in particular is an oustanding player.

Other clubs in and around us, also signed some decent players.

That gap to 7th is a massive plus, and we may just need it, given injuries and expected suspensions.

Bournemouth have shit themselves IMO, don't forget you can only play eleven!

If I was to have a punt on Rovers or Bournemouth for second, with 'our togetherness' and players returning from injury, I'd back us all day long over and above a bunch of maverick mercenaries managed by Scott Parker.

7 minutes ago, Gavlar Somerset Rover! said:

I can’t be the only one thinking that even if Rothwell had gone they’d have still buggered up bringing a replacement in.

We’re fighting to be a premier league team on the pitch yet we’re a non league outfit off it.

Why? genuine question and I'm extremely 'au fait' with the past 10 year history in general.

I'd like to know what brings you to that conclusion now in 2022 because I just don't see it.....perhaps I'm missing something?

Please enlighten me in detail what you see that I clearly don't ...... (the same question applies to anyone else of like mind)

I'd really like to know in order to consider others' perspectives in the here and now.

For the avoidance of doubt, I won't personally be getting embroiled in a debate but I am intrigued.

Thanks.

David Goodwillie has confirmed his signing for Rovers!

Raith Rovers.....gotcha!😂

6 minutes ago, Craigman said:

Not sure the owners want us to get promoted. Signing 3-4 players today was needed. At the moment we have 0. 

Who over and above those we've already signed, lost nobody and without standing in the way of our developing youngsters?

Would you have signed 3-4 temporarily, permanent, on what terms and for how many years? How much in transfer fees?

11 minutes ago, Tom said:

Cantwell announced at Bournemouth so that’s 5 today, they are giving it a good go

They’re going to be gutted when they miss out on promotion 

It'll be fun when the cunts come to Ewood on 30th April with all to play for!!!

6 minutes ago, Wing Wizard Windy Miller said:

You appear to be on somewhat of a high horse.  What has contributing to Swansea's coffers got to do with anything? 

I'm guessing this mystery striker has failed to materialise and it's the fans' fault?

 

Neither, but you know my point.

I ain't gonna fall out with you pal, hopefully you'll be backing the cause between now and May with your wallet.

1 minute ago, Exiled_Rover said:

I know they're untried, untested Academy players that you're asking to step into the middle of a promotion race.

I didn't say that though did I?!....but said their character was sufficient if they were asked to do so short term.

What would you do sign some no marks for 3 years (loans are filled out) that will subsequently stand in these  lads way in future?

This year, the potential for promotion is a bonus that nobody saw coming, the plan was for next year.

I defy any bugger to tell me that they fancied us to be second in the league come February!...let those that got us here have the opportunity to see the season out.

We should all be pouring in to Ewood, sorry but other than price for certain games, there's NO excuse not to. (IMO)

3 minutes ago, AdamRochina said:

lack of ambition , lack of planning and forward thinking,  pathetic from rovers

You'll be there punching your weight at Swansea and Forest next week Adam will you?....you know paying your dough to the cause?

I'm sorry but if your answer is no on either count, then you're a hypocrite.

If not, I apologise and I stand corrected but you'll get my general point!

21 minutes ago, Exiled_Rover said:

We were light in CM even if Rothwell changes his attitude.

Mowbray evidently doesn't fancy Davenport and Johnson isn't good enough. Unless ANOTHER Academy project makes the step up to save him (like Wharton) then we're going to really struggle in the long run. 

Know much about Jake Garrett or Adam Wharton, to name but 2?

17 minutes ago, jim mk2 said:

Dembele signing for the Cherries has confirmed my view that we'll be fighting for a top 6 place and not the top 2.

Could well see Bournemouth catching Fulham from here

Well, we as Rovers fans need to come out from hiding behind the sofa, (those that have been doing), get on Ewood or away from home and be our 12th Man!.....Bournemouth will NEVER have that opportunity!.......fill Ewood!

Swansea away, 5.30pm kick off (thanks to Sky) but it's imperative that there are as many Rovers fans at Vetch Field (or what ever the fuck it's called these days?!) on Saturday.

February is one hell of a tough month and we all need to galvanise as one and get behind this brave bunch of young lads in the cause of the both the red rose, BRFC and do our utmost to see us back where we belong....Bournemouth, QPR, who the fuck are ya?!

I'll be in Swansea with my pals as normal, (another long day) I really hope that a couple of thousand of you at least, join us in South Wales.....

COYB!!!

WE ARE The Rovers!!!

2 minutes ago, neophox said:

Frustrated by today....sorry....

Accepted.

Wait while 10.55pm! 😉

6 minutes ago, simongarnerisgod said:

said it before,bournemouth`s big problem is their manager

Aye, does Scott Parker think the rules are about to change to 20 a-side?

If we get second spot, Bournemouth are fucked!!

COYB!!!!

3 minutes ago, Vilesinner said:

We have 4 excellent CBs..

I would like us to sign an old experienced Gk though. 

Clearly not many have had the pleasure of seeing our 6'4" sixteen year old centre back, Ash Phillips in action?.....he'd step up to the first team mark next week, given the opportunity to do so and would excel. He's exceptional but just one of a wealth of young talent that will come through in the next 2/5 years and are good enough. 

4 minutes ago, Miller11 said:

Well let’s hope they get over it quickly and leave Mowbray to get on with the job he is doing.

Their famous pride has cost them a quarter of a billion quid and all of us a decade of misery and embarrassment. They can swallow it for once.

I think you need to re-read what I wrote in full Duncan (perhaps it was mis-interpreted or badly written) but I agree with you wholeheartedly mate!

11 minutes ago, pomster said:

So the owners aren’t happy with Mowbray and co? Interesting 😄

No! (as in an incorrect statement)......we're second in the League, why would anyone wish to derail that?!

3 minutes ago, Tormund said:

Looks really unhappy!

He's saying "I've told the missus, who needs fucking Sandbanks when you've got Blackpool. She didn't know that 'Arry didn't live there anymore!........soz Gaffer and the lads, I've been a dick, now let's crack on and get The Rovers up!"

3 minutes ago, simongarnerisgod said:

he is`nt a winger is he🙄

Can play in any left sided position, front, mid or back.

Has a fantastic record for assists in Championship and has been shunned in favour of the foreign influx at Molineux...a great player btw (from a mate who hales from The Black Country, is a Rover and knows his stuff)

Prepare to welcome Ryan Giles to the Blackburn Rovers family! 😉💪