I think we may see Dack as a false 9 (just based on part of Blackpool match)

Parental issues - this could actually translate to parents wanting some guarantees about playing time. If he was my son - I would want some assurances - as going to the Championship to warm the bench won't help his career. At the end of the day he isnt coming to Rovers because he is a fan - it is about playing time to further his career.

Very divided as what to do with Dack - we now have a number of players that can play his role - including Buckley and Rothwell - my only concern is whether they have the same goal threat as Dack. It was interesting yesterday to see him playing the 2nd part of the match centrally as a "false 9" - in the first half he seemed to drop more into midfield. At the moment - £20m for Dack - with £5m used on a decent centre half - and the rest to keep us within FFP - might make good business (both financially and on the field)

Choice of pre-season friendlies is an interesting one. As some have said - what is better a Premiership team playing their reserves or a local rival putting their heart and soul into a match (some of the tackles today from both teams would have warranted yellow cards at least) In terms of preparation - most teams in the Championship are more hard work and running off the ball than they are finesse - so what is better preparation for a Championship season ? Personally after watching today - I don't feel we are ready - but that is more to do with us not getting in a stronger defender to partner Lenihan prior to the start of the season

Nyambe is still picking up his fitness after ACN - and Bell was injured during pre-season,

Did he not play 90 minutes in mid week ?

Didnt really get pressurised defensively - but thought he looked good in possession. Overall solid performance.

Or maybe he might be thinking - glad the boss is looking after my fitness as I am only recently back from the ACN ?

Pay at the turnstile today - does anyone know how many we have sold so far ?

All depends on his salary. If the loan club are picking up a high % of his wages - all we have done is ensured that he still has 2 years on his contract when he returns from his years loan. Potentially means a minimal outlay - to see whether he improves or not (especially as defenders do tend to reach their peak far later).

It is another opinion - equally, if not more valid, than anyone's opinion on this board. IMO he has actually shown great promise when playing at centre half. There are things he definitely needs to improve on to play the position full time - but I think TM recognises that.

On the positive - I think Johnson (and at times Downing) will help us out defensively this season - defending is as much about the whole team as the 5 at the back. Only time will tell - but getting a taller keeper may help with our vulnerability at corners - as will Johnson.

Interesting that they still gave the green light to the Gallagher deal. But I must admit - even looking it as a business - I would be annoyed that I had invested £7m on a player that hardly ever played. So what is our chance of an experienced defender coming through the door ?

It is funny - didn't read it in the way you did. He mentioned Nyambe played well in the ACN - but also mentions there are parts of his game he needs to improve. You mention playing him out of position to accommodate Bennett - but if his international position is centre half there is obviously more than just TM that feels he do a job there. He talks about getting the right players in - up to 2 (which I think many see as the minimum) - but also promoting youth (how many on here have moaned about us getting in average players that block the route to the first team. More than anything it looks like he is trying to portray a message of - we aren't desperate. I think many fans would disagree - especially in terms of an experienced defender - but I am willing to wait until after the transfer deadline before I start worrying too much.

If the rumours I heard were correct - Reading offered more money !

Not based on some of the comments on here when we was 1-0 down

What was really interesting - at half time I read the forum and thought we must be 3 or 4 nil down - only to find it is only 1-0. It is not beyond the bounds of possibility that TM is trying different formations etc - and there will still be a big focus on fitness. Also - Rangers were always going to be sharper - as they are further into their pre-season. By all means whinge when the season starts - but I am amazed that people get so upset over a pre-season match.

I agree he has to start when the league starts - pre season not too bothered

TBH - I am not surprised as we only have a limited budget - especially for wages. Maybe if we sold more Season Tickets it would be different ?

One of my favourite keepers - on the whole we have been very lucky with goalkeepers

Grey shirts - ask Fergie - our players won't be able to see each other ? Personally - take away the big 10 in the centre and don't actually mind. Novel approach to keep halved shirts.

Blackpool have offered a pittance in comparison to us and Reading. Figures I have heard are a 1/4 of what we are offering and 1/6 of Reading. Plus - a commute of Poulton to Brockhall is far less than Stoke or Liverpool.

Rumour in Blackpool - we have bid to sign Adam - as have Blackpool and Reading. Though wages we are offering is less than Reading will still have a chance as his missus doesn't want to move out of area.

£78 million - no wonder so many question BB signing ?

If we can arrange some form of back stop so Lenihan can pass freely to his team mates - we will have achieved BREXIT before the Torys do ?