Not saying there was a reason to drop him - but those stats are misleading - as it is only recently that we have had a right back available to cover for him. I would also argue that the reason we lost last night was down to Buckley not being able to score and Lenihan being a plonker - rather than Nyambe being dropped/rested/whatever the latest TM reason is. Stats always need to be taken in context - or there is a risk of doing a Boris 🙂

The whole match revolved around Buckley's missed chance - score and Forest have to come out of their defensive shell (and stop time wasting). I would love to see the stats for other teams in the Championship - but I do get the impression that the first goal is absolutely crucial - it definitely is for Rovers. As many have said, years after being in the job and moulding this team, TM still doesn't have an effective option when we concede first, other than chucking on forwards (which to be honest isn't always effective - as sometimes building in the pressure on the opposition by keeping them penned in can be just as effective rather than going gung ho (which seems to be TM Plan B).

Huge credit to the 10 men - a huge effort. IMO there isn't too much difference between that game and games during our unbeaten run - other than the rub of the green. Second game we would probably have won if Buckley had taken his chance. I think he needs resting - possibly Dolan coming back to fitness will give us a different option. I would play Gallagher and Diaz in the next match. We all know top 2 was a stretch - but still a chance of top 6.

Not really seen enough of Zeefiick to really comment on who is the better wing back. It is a big call from TM - let's hope it is the right one

For the U23s ? (they don't play until 14th - so he will be very lonely tonight)

I would agree that he seemed to grow into the game. It was a game where we missed Gallagher (not often I would say that). His height to get on Giles crosses may have made all the differences. But for all the criticism of TM - Buckley and Lenihan missed some relatively easy chances - either one had gone in and I feel we would have won the game. It was an opportunity lost - however it was only one game - considering we had so many players having to play after only recently joining the club - it isn't surprising that we have lost a little momentum. Also Rothwell isn't anywhere near as effective when playing against a packed defence - as Swansea were after going down to 10. Having said that, I felt he didn't have a good game at all, possibly a hang over of recent events. The positive - Giles - with him providing the ammunition I could see a forward line of Gallagher and Diaz being very effective. Hopefully his crosses will have more success as his team mates get used to his style of play.

It's really a matter of whether we are lucky 🙂

IF we get promoted, he will deserve all the plaudits going - but did Coyle not get Burnley promoted on a shoestring and without the type of backing TM has had ? I will give him some credit, as he has helped rebuild us back into something loosely resembling a football club. However, you could also say the owners have to take some credit for continuing to invest in the Academy (I know that statement won't sit well with some supporters). I think we will have to be honest - if we are celebrating next season getting thrashed by Man City & Liverpool in the Premiership (not a reflection on Rovers, but the reality for a lot of Premiership clubs) - it will be all about the stars aligning and our clubs long suffering fans finally having something to cheer about. Though biased, I think we deserve it after what Kean and his buddies put the club through.

Interesting to view this window - I think people's opinions are somewhat tainted by Bournemouth's parachute payment fueled attempt at promotion. They can obviously only play 11 players - but they now have great strength in depth. Will they be able to get the balance and team spirit though - only time will tell. For us, we have been unlucky with the Markanday injury, otherwise I think it would be viewed as a good window. But for those that criticise the owners - keeping the team together has cost the club millions in potential lost transfer fees for those players towards the end of their contracts.

I presume that is why Giles is coming in ?

Has to be a striker coming in - would be madness to let Butterworth go otherwise.

I suppose our lack of midfield players depends on whether we play 5-2-3 or 5-3-2. Buckley gives us the ability to play either - a role that conceivably Dack could play. That leaves us with only two midfield players to cover - with Travis and Rothwell as starters - Johnson, Davenport and Edun as cover. TBH right throughout the team we are in the lap of the gods - suspensions, injuries at the wrong time could bite hard. Not certain which position worries me most - Striker or Goalkeeper - because the back up for either position appears a significant down grade

FFP ?

Beat me to it - excellent cover for Travis - and right side centre back

I would prefer not to sell Rothwell - as somebody else has said, he is a rare commodity with his ability to run from midfield. In full flow he is like a Rolls Royce gliding over the pitch. In terms of replacement, it is unlikely we will get like for like - however if we get a midfield player with reasonable pace, who doesn't disappear during matches, who can find a team mate on a regular basis, can create and occasionally score - we may well be better off overall. His career at Bournemouth will be interesting - his success this year is very much down to the system we play - as well as an overall improvement in his game. Take him out of that system, with the understanding of his team mates - it will be interesting - and possibly not the success he expects. Having said that, I don't begrudge him his big pay day, he has worked his socks off this season - leaving for a rival does leave an unpleasant taste though. Though a number of attacking players have stepped up this season - IMO a lot of our success is built on the defence - as shown over the last couple of matches.

My worry is that it could all go Pears shaped if Kaminski was out for a while

Yes - his recruitment policy in that area has been previously lacking. He has been lucky with Wharton emerging (though is it luck, or good planning sending him out on loan to get experience?). Either way - let's hope it continues 🙏

The key for me is defence - somehow Mowbray has stumbled on a team formation that defensively works (though I have to give him some credit as he has been pushing 3 at the back for some time). If you don't concede the least you will get is a point. It worked for Howard Kendall all those years ago - let's hope TM can go one better and get us promoted to the top division.

He is the forward equivalent of Tiny Taylor 🙂

If we are to sell to a promotion rival I would want a decent replacement - plus three times the amount they are offering. At the moment the midfield has an excellent balance (when everyone is fit) - so we need someone who can compliment the midfield.

Depending on the quality of the loan, age doesn't necessarily matter. TBH our record in the loan market is quite good - of those this season only Clarkson didn't really work out (Poveda was unfortunate to get injured just when we could see why they brought him in).

Who would be a manager - agree with what you are saying - but it would leave us exposed at set pieces (especially if they have height throughout the team). Also a risk that we don't have an out ball. Added to this debate is Gallaghers poor form the other night - and his historic inability against a big centre half. Not certain how I would play it - though Kehdra does need to realise he isn't a one man team.

Amazing how a few off matches changes peoples perception of Diaz - a few matches ago people were saying they wouldn't sell full stop. Personally I feel every player has a price - but one thing I do like about Diaz - even when not playing at his best he still puts in the effort, still makes the runs and still tries to motivate the team. You have to ask what price team morale ?

Both Gallagher and Diaz need room to operate - neither have great close control (though Diaz is definitely improving) and are definitely best against a stretched defence. Against Hull neither really had the room to operate - I think our tactics may have been found out more than anything. I thought Markanday looked good last night when he had the ball at feet - possibly will add that extra against a packed defence.

IMO that is TMs biggest weak point tactically. The changes this season were either forced on him by personnel or his coaching staff. Last night we ended up with a midfield two of Buckley and Rothwell - against a team fighting for their lives with a home crowd buoyed by the takeove. Only TM would change what had worked so well for a system that left us so exposed.