25 minutes ago, 47er said:

Modelled himself on Evans as per instructions! Not the same player at all.

But if TM is as good as you think why are we in the shit? After all, he's improved the squad so much---2 points out of 15 is it?

That £12M well spent?

5 out of 15 i think. Are we "in the shit" or just not happy about not being in playoff places?

12m - again if TM himself actively chose those players he should be seriously questioned

2 minutes ago, K-Hod said:

Whilst Mowbray definitely deserves credit for selecting Travis in the first team, do you think he is the same all action midfielder he was when he broke into the team, or do you think he now plays more conservatively?

If the answer is the latter, do you think that is because of instructions from the manager?

Travis doesn't exist in a vacuum - it is extremely likely that opposing managers are more aware of his ability now. That said, ALL midfielders are encouraged to retain posession regardless of manager. Consequence is conservatism unfortunately. If Travis was playing Dack's role then perhaps he would be told to take more risks.

9 hours ago, Sparks Rover said:

I think the point of balance should be him outing Bennett, Del, etc when they cost us goals...I've never heard him name these lads and they make a goal costing mistake every game virtually. 

For some reason he has his favourite gang and Rothwell doesn't seem to be in it.

Agreed to a point but he has publicly stated that Bennett "isn't the best footballer" and that Mulgrew was slow and forced us to play deeper.

Not quite the same but do wonder if he is often being quoted after being asked "the fans want to know why Joe isn't starting?" (for example)

Finally watched highlights v Forest and Rothwell hit awesome passes in the buildup to both goals.

That should be mentioned by TM as a point of balance to the Brentford guy comment.

Disclaimer: not a big Rothwell fan myself and have been a staunch TM supporter but ffs...

14 minutes ago, Gavlar Somerset Rover! said:

See in another latest interview he has said there won’t be many changes for tomorrow’s game. Mowbray logic - make 4-7 changes per match for 5 league games in a row, then keep a very similar lineup for a Cup game.

Edit: here’s the interview: https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18135929.mowbray-outlines-rovers-selection-plans-fa-cup-tie/

So if i am an opposing manager/player then i now to give Downing a "little tap" on his knee  ??

Just now, Husky said:

The game sucks.

Tell us more about your "quality time" ?

Champagne, schnapps and lingerie ???

Thank feck i chose to give in to the wife and "spend some quality time together" than watch. I would have heard about it for fing years...

Scary thought - BB right, AA Up front and Rothwell left ??

BB to play and prove us all wrong ??

(Yes i have been drinking but would be so happy if he came good ?)

2 hours ago, J*B said:

You’ve seen the latest accounts, right? 

In the crazy world of accounting it might be disadvantagous (spelling) to do so - especially if our "end of year" is March

39 minutes ago, tomphil said:

That's true but it's also completely leaving out the wasted money that should have been put to better use under this manager. There are no lengths you won't go to to twist it in his favour by the looks of it.

He's done some good stuff but on this one he/they have stuffed up badly - fact

The way it's now being used by some to justify keeping him IN the job is almost political in its spin.  Alistar Campbell would be proud.

For me that is the deciding factor. Gallagher i think is a TM signing and, imo, not a total waste of money though needs to get goals.

BB i suspect is not a TM signing.

If both are TM signings (ie they were on his "want/must" list) then he should probably be dismissed.

2 hours ago, tomphil said:

What did we learn from Danny Murphy, Peter Whittingham etc and now Johnson?

For every Downing there are 5 of the other types who really are not worth the extra wages you have to pay.

It's leaders we lack and defenders who can man mark not old heads.

I assumed people would understand that i am not advocating "last PayDay" merchants as the qualities, including leadership, tend to come from experience. Thinking more age 27-28 "run through walls" types that at least have learnt how to shut out games somewhat

A few older, wiser, experienced players are a good thing - i like to think that we at least learnt that much from last season...

31 minutes ago, OnePhilT said:

Is anybody else a bit Tony-bipolar?

Good description ?

Like him for the most part but non performances against shit teams is annoying.

10 minutes ago, DE. said:

In my dreams maybe, but in reality I'm resigned to the fact Evans will be here until he retires. I genuinely don't ever remember hearing of a single club even being interested in him. 

Just now, Wegerleswiggle said:

I would be more than happy for Evans to stay. We have looked shite without him and Travis together. I think he is so underestimated by many fans. 

Agree with both comments but can't think of anyone else (as said, maybe Lenihan) who would be worth anything. At a stretch - Williams for 1m to a top L1 / lower championship team?

1 minute ago, Bbrovers2288 said:

Nah there won’t be a big signing January, couple of loans

I think the majority are expecting sales - problem is who is worth anything?

11 minutes ago, 47er said:

Yes it is!

And a very bad one.

Not my words that you quote. Please edit

My money is on Evans leaving if cash is needed - Lenihan if we absolutely have to bring in a läger sum (though i'm not sure if anyone would pay a big chunk for him tbh)

39 minutes ago, Harry The Bass said:

This is just a list of all negatives hence why some might think it’s a view that lacks any objectivity.

Im sure it would be tedious to hear someone constantly harping on about the positives; the turnaround from relegation to back into a position to push for the playoffs, the huge improvement in team spirit, the development of key young players, the investment in the sports analysis stuff, the work in the u23s, the improvement of scouting potential in Europe, the short term direction of the club being turned round from backwards / downward is ultimately all at TMs feet.

He has made many mistakes along the way but it’s not “an opinion” to say he has done a very good job for rovers in less than 3 years. Could’ve / should’ve done better? Well tbf I’m sure 99% of football fans would think that about nearly all their managers.

Very good post.

4 hours ago, Mr. E said:

From Venkys perspective though it is hard to understand, surely they will make more money if we are back in the Premiership? Even if they have to choose a manager that is a bit more annoying (for them) to work with, surely from a business standpoint that is worth the hassle for getting back to the Premiership? They are losing millions every year on us, from what I understand. Are they happy to be in the Championship forever? If so, then it makes sense for them to keep Mowbray. But if not, if they want more profit from this club and want to be in the Premiership - surely there is absolutely no sense or reason in believing that Mowbray can somehow deliver that?

Put Kean, Berg, Appleton, Lambert and Coyle together with Bowyer (feels bad including him but it reinforces the point):

Have Venkys ever chosen a manager who would indicate that they see an imminent return to the prem as essential? 

I should in all fairness add that i am not entirely dissatisfied with TM. Annoyed with certain non-performances but realistic that we aren't top 2 material.

I firmly believe that certain signings are decided by others (particularly BB). If BB and SG were loans/homegrown then i would say TM was doing pretty well overall.

That 12m plus decent wages for others is a game changer IF he had his hands free regarding signings...

21 minutes ago, lraC said:

I do agree, yet we more than matched Preston for a while in that game, beat Bristol City away, took a point at Swansea and beat both Sheffield Wednesday and Brentford at home. At least two of those sides will make the play offs though. 

Actually the only time i have seen us "bully" the opposition was Bristol C - was it the hotel "bonding" that created a different mentality?? (Away from their respective comfort zones for a day or two) ?

Just now, lraC said:

When I look at other teams in the division, who are likely to make the play offs, I begin to think in theory we should have a chance. Obviously only 4 will make it and if we assume that Leeds and WBA will take the top two spots, then 4 from Fulham, Brentford, Sheff Weds, Preston, Forest, Bristol City, Swansea and Cardiff, should take those spots. I have always thought that a team good enough to be promoted, is one that stands out and plays exciting football, but don't see that from most of these play off contenders. In theory, that should therefore mean we have a chance, yet in reality, we are going nowhere near. 

I would say that we are too weak physically - we don't win battles but we can outplay the opposition on occasion. Whenever i look at other teams i think "this lot look fitter and tougher than us" ?

Just now, Mashed Potatoes said:

What I meant by the restraints of FFP was the suggestion elsewhere on this board that next year losses must be limited to about £4m. At the moment before transfers I think operating losses are in the region of £8m so either the club makes a significant profit on transfers to cover the operating loss or makes large cuts to costs and brings in next to no new players. That, coupled with the toxic reputation of the owners, would I suspect deter the better prospective managers from wanting to join us.

I think the owners don't actually want a top manager who would be more demanding and vocal about what is needed whilst costing a bit more.

13 minutes ago, Cherry Blue said:

Just as Ossydave says the in/out Mowbray is 50/50 with the fan base. But what do the Venky club advisors think, assuming they exist?

I'm on the "out side" based on his weak managerial techniques including poor player enthusiasm, out of position players, failure to pick right team with available squad, wasted transfer budget and, if he's losing relationship with fans (based on the 50/50), he's probably losing the dressing room. I'd praise him for getting us back up but that's about it.

If we can see this, Venky club advisors can see this too. The club has a big problem.

He's struggling and because of his nature he will not step aside, even though he did once say he would. The man loves football but he's not at Championship managerial level. The problem may be he will not go and the club cannot afford to sack him.

I would say that TM is very much at championship level but us fans are starting to want/expect promotion material.

The last 3 games have raised the dressing room question but the 6 before that took it away. He is lauded/castised for keeping a happy squad but is now questioned on it. Frankly - the players were shit yesterday. No manager can account for that many abysmal passes/touches/decisions. First 15 we showed how to play - then panic set in. Sure i can buy the argument that the manager is ultimately responsible but it has to be a reasonable judgement. 

Looking at the team, player for player, we are not good enough. If TM is solely responsible for the decision to buy BB and SG then i agree that tough questions need to be asked.