First time I have watched a full Burnley match - what a bunch of thugs, talk about dark arts. Elliott did very well in patches - definitely didn't look out of place.

Part of me is happy that they are sticking to a wage structure. But a larger part of me is annoyed that we have wasted so much money in previous seasons on Gallagher and Brereton (in truth we paid at least double what we should have), contracts for players like Downing and then not playing him - and in truth not selling players at the most opportune time. In balance though - I do think they have been unlucky with Covid - as any long term plans will have been blown by the financial impact of the last 18 months

It is good news - but we need Brereton, Rothwell and Nyambe to follow Carter's lead.

I was being kind when I said average - (based on results so far that is). Swansea 1pt Millwall 2pt Forest 0pt

7 points away from relegation. Taking nothing away from the effort the team are putting in - we have beaten 2 average teams, and got out of jail with our only shot on target in the other. Having said that, confidence is a huge thing in football - just need a bit of luck at the weekend.

For me it adds up to our lack of finances. TBH if I was manager I would probably have to follow a similar path - having to play a bit of brinkmanship to get in the best players for the money we have available.

Did we not sign Downing after the deadline - or have the rules changed ?

The asset we had at the end of it was Wharton ready for the first team.

Reid (even if miss-used), Armstrong, Antonson (bit mixed, but scored some important goals) - also immediately spring to mind.

For those questioning the loan market- one example where it worked to our advantage, Tosin came in, allowing us to loan out Wharton. The following season he would have been a first team regular - but for injury. Good loans can give our players more time to develop. Equally they can fill gaps that would have seen us being forced into paying over the top fees - e.g. last seasons centre half crisis. TBH - Mowbrays record in the loan market isn't bad.

I thought we were allowed only three subs - Butterworth, Chapman and Carter - when did Davenport come on ?

Sounds same for both teams tbh. They bringing us to their level or us to them 🙂

Hope we have a 40% sell on fee 🙂

How does Brexit impact transfers from Europe (just a thought)

Depends on the quality of player being brought in - another Tosin or Harwood-Bellis, yes please - Branthwaite, no thank you.

It's all smoke and mirrors to put Newcastle off the scent from ours and Southampton's cunning plan 😉

My feelings post Swansea win summed up how I feel at the moment - not 3 points towards a promotion push, but three points to avoid relegation.

How long after selling Ings did it take them to get Armstrong in. Negotiating with a player when they are getting a pay rise and going up a division must be far easier than going the opposite way !

Even pre-Venkys we had a annoying habit of being beaten by teams on paper we should beat. What annoyed me was yet again we had an opposition manager pushing his troops on - while TM stands on the sidelines with his hands in his pockets.

This could be part of the Armstrong sweetener ie. Saints pay up his contract so he can accept lower salary at Rovers ?

I could put together a video of Armstrong goals that would make Saints fans feel they have got an absolute bargain 😁

I must admit - I would keep him if that is all we could get - but do you think we could get more ? It would be interesting to know how his salary compares - can't imagine he is one of the big wage earners.

Can't disagree with that too much - difficult decision is whether to play Lenihan or not. Would agree from the perspective of helping out a young defence - but leaves us exposed if he gets injured. Buckley is another one I would possibly rest - but then there isn't much to replace him with.

I don't think there is a better midfield player in the league running with the ball at his feet - the guy is like a rolls royce when running from deep. However, as with Saturday, his contribution is limited by inconsistent passing and lack of end product. Even with only a year of his contract left - has to be worth around a couple of million.

Interesting that he did a reverse Shearer - starting at Newcastle, spell at Rovers, then down to Southampton. All the best Adam - could a greedy so and so at times - but also scored some of the best goals scored for Rovers since Shearer.