Though we deserved the win - we did get the rub of the green at key times (something that has been missing of late). Things I took from game - Dolan - overall OK match, but it his movement off the ball that makes so much difference to the team. Buckley - did the hard graft better than I thought he could, but passing was wayward at times. For the first time I can actually see a player that may be able to hold down a midfield spot. Dack - may have scored, but still off the pace (though improved on recent displays). JRC - created a dilemma on who to play right back. Though personally would still have Nyambe - we do look better on the ball with JRC. Was noticeable that we seemed to revert to early season running off the ball - and getting more players in the box. Just maybe - Armstrong's greed with the ball is having a detrimental effect on team pattern (ie why bother running into box when you know Armstrong will just shoot anyway). Though there was times when Armstrong pace on the break was missed. Still think we need a change in manager - but a win was very welcome - and credit to him for getting it right (of sorts)

Its the modern way - never admit you were wrong - blame everyone else. You see it everywhere at the moment - Trump and Boris are good examples - big up the few success and sweep under the carpet numerous disasters. TM has now changed tact by bigging up the player he said a few months ago wasn't quite ready for the Premiership - now he needs a positive to show the owners and the media - Armstrong is being given as an example of TM's good work.

I disagree with your first paragraph - but would say for both players when they have generally poor performances these are occasionally covered up by their goal scoring. With BB - it will be his eventual position - but I think part of the reason he has done so well holding the ball up is because he is invariably against a physically smaller right back. Not certain how well he would currently do against a more physical centre half.

Totally agree - Watford had a front three that would scare most defences - and yet we left our defence totally isolated at times. TBH I felt sorry for our young centre halves - who did fairly well in one on one situations - but messed up some more basic defending. TM needs to look at successful managers - like Simeone or Mourinho. It does reaffirm the belief that TM has taken us as far as he can.

Time for Tony to do the decent thing

It might be being done to help meet FFP regulations. My concern is that this is a one off thing - once sold - BRFC assets are permanently reduced, with no real wriggle room.

Or Bolton or Portsmouth ? I was just pointing out that we aren't self sufficient - we are no longer a Premiership club - and don't have a large fan base. Realistically - unless there are some genuine Rovers fans out there with very deep pockets - who would finance us ? This isn't pro or anti-Venky - just the reality of our current situation (brought on by our current owners).

Being realistic - without external financial support - we would lose it anyway.

I wouldn't say he looks great until he can learn how to beat the first man when crossing into the box.

I actually think we might win - every time TM is under pressure he seems to pull a rabbit out of the hat to take the heat off. Though to be honest - a win really shouldn't take the heat off - as top 6 is now an almost impossible dream (barring a run we have never seen under TM). TM himself said top 6 was minimum for this squad.

For the accountants out there - if we got planning permission would it help the club appear more solvent (I.e against even more loans) - I presume the clubs assets would increase in value (even if the land wasn't sold) ?

Thanks for this - I just wondered whether it would be possible to sell off some land and maintain a top class academy. Based on this - I would agree compromises would be needed.

A quick question for people in the know - how large is the Brockhall complex - is there any existing land not actually used - would it be possible to sell off part of the land and consolidate to a smaller foot print while keeping a state of the art academy - how much would the sale potentially generate ?

They should have asked him how our stats looked in 2021 - I would guarantee they are skewed by those first few weeks of the season.

No - dressing room is clearly sign posted at most grounds.

I think we are. The loan players we got in were all sounded out by clubs vying for promotion - which one of them wouldn't take Elliott. I am sure any of these clubs would take Armstrong, Dack, Nyambe, Travis, Kaminski off our hands. Personally I think players like Rothwell would also attract interest - depends whether you think his inconsistency is down to him or the manager.

The bit you missed - The fact that we aren't improving in terms of league position leaves only one conclusion - that we need to change manager to take that leap from mid-table under achievers to promotion candidates. Player for player I would say our team is now better than it was when he joined. The fact that some players aren't consistent or achieving their potential is (IMO) partly down to the manager. To get that we need to change the manager.

I actually think the team is improving (on a player by player basis) - and you have to give credit to TM for that. The fact that we aren't improving in terms of league position leaves only one conclusion - that we need to change manager to take that leap from mid-table under achievers to promotion candidates.

Bennett actually worked First half - but not to have Nyambe on the bench was criminal (unless he has spat his dummy out)

First half tactically not too bad - second half abysmal, just too slow to react to their changes. TM has to go before the good work he has done is lost by what is a season of massive under achievement.

TBH - Barnsley play 3 at back - so at least he has tried to address our issues playing against that formation. Just not certain on personnel

So Nyambe is fit - just not picked?

There are some aspects that do ring true - but it really just comes across as excuses from a manager under pressure.

Watching the match I was amazed - this was a local derby and yet TM sat emotionless for much of what I saw. If players look at the touchline and see TM chewing gum - looking like a bulldog sucking a wasp - how are they going to be motivated ? Part of TM's job is to set them up tactically and to motivate them - on Friday he failed miserably in both aspects.

Reminds me of the final days of Souness - strange selections, players out of position, lack of desire, tactically out done.