Totally agree - I think things are improving on the football side - but the commercial and day to day running seems to show lack of imagination and drive (though it is easy to criticise from the outside). I think when the current financial issues are fully in the open - we may find out how poor management of the club is (if it is down to the change in tax laws - that has been talked about for a while - so should have been planned). Ultimately the impression given is that the regular financial input from the owners covers up lack of drive elsewhere (e.g commercial side).

Depends on perspective - should they be applauded for putting in millions into the club each year - meaning we financially punch above our income. Or should they be lambasted for creating the poorly run club we appear to be today (i.e. a mess of their making) ? As much as I feel we could be run so much better, they definitely started the demise of the club - I still appreciate the money they provide each year (and I'm amazed they continue to do so).

And Ronaldinho 😁

I still have bitter memories of our previous manager that lost out on goal difference leaving for better things (though his would have been automatic promotion). Granted it was a club he had huge affinity for - and he didn't do too bad in his first stint with them. But we never really recovered until Jack took over. Though JDT made some mistakes this season - he represents our best chance - and I wonder what would happen if he leaves. But, as with Howard Kendall, there is always a risk that a club that offers a better future than Rovers will come along.

Dack is an interesting one - I thought he gave the ball away far too often - and to be honest at times didn't realise he was on the pitch. However - he is the one player on the pitch who would have been able to sniff out a chance (though few were created after he came on).

I do ponder how much is down to lack of a striker - as we aren't making and missing loads of clear cut chances. But I do think it is fine margins - we seem to be making the wrong decisions far too often in the final third - is this down to a decent striker to stretch the opposition ? It isn't just about them scoring goals - but intelligent running off the ball to create space for other players - though past his best Vardy is the perfect example of this. I really hope that JDT is here next season - you can see what he is trying to do - and with a bit more luck with injuries and better assistance with recruitment we would have made top 6 this season (of course still can). Though we do need a couple of decent players (minimum) to bolster the first team - I do think we could be well equipped next season if JDT is still here. We have a number of players like Wharton that will only benefit from their experience this season.

Sky will be desperate for us to win today - will make it one of the best finishes for that final play off berth for quite a while.

Two decisions stand out for me - Corks challenge which really should have been a red or second yellow (as he should have already been booked). Barnes hand ball in the penalty area was as clear cut as you get. We really aren't getting the rub of the green at the moment.

Plus sell on %, and performance related clauses. He is contracted for a while yet - so all becomes a question of how much teams want him. A big gamble - but how many regret not buying Bellingham when they had the chance.

Totally agree with this - providing they can both keep their heads - having two scrappers in midfield might be better anyway.

Last time we got into play offs was on the final match (if I remember correctly). Let's hope it is the same this season

That was a really horrible day

Surely if we are to make the as unpleasant as possible - you sell as much beer as possible with only one toilet 🤣

The next 9 - hopefully 12 matches will show whether we are back on the map. Even if we don't get promoted - the play offs would underline the progress this season.

I think you are being a little harsh - I just don't think he has a goal scorers instinct (like Dack).

So you don't think it was a second yellow - even when Carter got booked for similar foul ?

The referee sunk us - every 50/50 and even 60/40 went there way. What was even worse was the lack of a second yellow - and then Carter gets yellow for similar foul

Why is the ref not wearing a striped shirt ?

Worked until City scored. I just hope JDT was watching. Getting beat by City is no shame - but there was a few pointers to how to play Burnley in that game. Granted we don't have a Haaland - but 1-0 will do for me.

Healthy position is debatable - losing Rothwell, Lenihan and Nyambe - with a lob sided squad that he had really failed to address in the years he was with us.

Always of the opinion that going down to 10 men so late in the game isn't necessarily a huge disadvantage in their position - especially when they were going gung ho for an equaliser.

Carroll's height and physical presence worries me - he never really realised his potential - but on his day, with the right service - he can be difficult to mark. For certain our full backs will have to work hard to stop crosses into the box.

Overall deserved to lose - but yet another Championship match decided by turning points - had Jagielka played Gallagher would have been able to out sprint him when put through, if the referee had spotted a very clear hand ball we would have gone in 2-1 at half time (appreciate they should have had a penalty, but they scrored shortly after anyway), if the referee had yellow carded them for persistent fouling some of our moves might not have broken down like they did. Of course you can flip that around, and say Stoke could have scored rather than hitting the bar, Pears soap hands would have dropped to one of their players rather than ours Overall I think we had too many players a little off the pace last night - and this against a Stoke side obviously in a bit of a purple patch of form. Also, I think O'Neill had analysed our tactics - and to be honest part of the reason for the loss was losing the tactical battle

I don't think he has ever played as well - but every time he has looked like becoming a regular first team player he has got injured.

April is going to be a monster month - 8 fixtures, two of which are local derbies (possibly 9 if we get to FA Cup Semis). Can't see us keep up the intensity of the last few matches. We are definitely going to need some luck on the injury front.