DavidMailsTightPerm

Second half I don't remember feeling overly concerned - it wasn't like they were creating chance after chance. First half after we scored - they had some reasonable chances - but at least it gave Raya a chance to shine on Telly ? I know we are getting some stick for sitting back after we scored - but this happens time and time again for most teams. How many times have Rovers been under the cosh - the opposition scores and then suddenly we look a different team as they sit back. There were some interesting tactical changes during the match - interesting to see Palmer playing further forward with Dack seeming to drop more into centre midfield at times during the second half.

Just our luck that when he scored 5 - the guy from Bolton scored 5 on the same Saturday.

At the start of the season I had intended to put a bet on Rovers getting promoted and Burnley relegated. A long shot on Rovers - but I always felt Burnley would be at risk due to the extra commitments of Europe. However - now they have been knocked out I expect them to pick up enough points to avoid relegation.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Rothwell start in the next match instead of Armstrong - especially as we are away from home. IMO you can see what TM is trying to do - while showing some loyalty to the players that got promoted, and also retaining the same work ethic - he is acquiring midfield players that are more suited to possession football and slowly introducing them to the first team.

Was impressed with Reed - the ease with which he covered ground was in stark contrast to the more ponderous Smallwood.

Was funny how Graham was continually pushed in the back but got little from the referee - however Grealish goes down easily a gets a free kick - who would have thought it

In truth it doesn't - if our goal had been given they wouldn't have had the play to be denied a penalty.

Goals change matches - the unbelievable giving of a free kick that led to their equaliser - plus Armstrong missing a one on one with the keeper set the tone. But all in all - we just didn't put it together today - can't put my finger on it. May be on my own - but didn't think they were 4-1 better. Special mention for Smallwood - not certain how he keeps being picked - hopefully a reshuffle after the break.

In truth that shows how good a window we have had - TM is now in a position where he can mix things up and rest players and still put out a strong team (especially midfield and forward areas)

Totally agree = plus some of the new signings are a bit of an unknown quantity at the moment whereas Dack is guaranteed quality.

What is wrong with Brereton ? There must be a reason why a Premiership club hasn't taken a punt on him - £6m isn't that much for a Premiership club. Looking at the highlights (which can be deceiving) he looks like he has pace, strength and dribbling ability - combined with the pace of Armstrong our somewhat slow team will start to look a lot quicker.

Rodwell fits the profile of most of TMs signings - players that have had dips in form but have previously shown they are good players. Only issue with Rodwell is that his poor form has been over a number of seasons. It's a gamble - but as we can't buy the finished article any more - one that may be worth taking.

Any team in this division would be better with Dack - but it is poor defending that has let us down tonight which Dack couldn't have really helped with.

The sad thing is - there are some clubs in this division who will be able to offer silly money at Xmas to help guarantee promotion. Let's hope we are in the top 6 mix come Christmas to help ward off any potential suitors.

So am I - he isn't on the bench?

This ref from Dingle country ?

Can you imagine this 're Maddison 1. Now that window has shut Premiership clubs know which players they will loan out. Peterborough bring in loan player in Maddison position. 2. Rovers agree loan to buy (with contractually pre-agreed fee) - and pick up all his salary. 3. January - Rovers complete purchase. Don't think there is a good or bad time to buy - but the worst thing to do would be to buy the wrong player. Now the window has shut clubs will be in a better position to decide which players they will keep or loan out. TBH I would imagine the horse trading will continue unabated until end of August - with loan to buy being the way around the new window.

One of the potential issues with Rovers keeping their targets largely under wraps - is that teams wanting to make other teams aware of a players availability can leak Rovers supposed interest. Very quickly the rumour spreads to the extent no one knows where it came from. Hopefully wrong - but £4m on Freedman seems a little rich - especially when we have more pressing needs elsewhere. Transfer deadline day - let the madness begin. But everyone remember - no melt down if we don't sign anyone today - there is still the loan window ?

Later in the season it would be - but sounded like a very hot day - and still working up to full fitness.

TBH we didn't really take our chances last season - and it wasn't like we let in a well worked goal for them to draw level. At the end, sounded like we were dead on our feet - which affected decision making. Disappointing to be so near to 3 points - but would have taken a draw at the start - so still a good result.

Would it not be daft to publically say they were top of our list if we are trying to get both for reasonable fees. I am sure both players and their agents know whether Mowbray is interested irrespective of what he says in the paper. Both players are risks - one is injury prone while the other has never quite made it in the Championship. I like both - but totally agree if he is refusing to pay daft money for either.

When are Season Tickets being issued ?

TBH it is only pre-season - losing today doesn't mean we will necessarily get relegated, just in the same way winning against Everton meant we will get promoted. Did anyone play well today ?

Semi final of World Cup !

However if we play three at the back we don't necessarily need wingers - but similar to England three number 10 type players to play behind a lone forward.