I'm starting to get excited. At full strength (if Brereton is genuinely nearly sorted), we'll look like this: Raya Nyambe Lenihan Mulgrew Bell Bennett Evans Rothwell Dack Armstrong Brereton Bench: Leutwiler, Travis, Williams, Rodwell, Palmer, Graham, Samuel. Also Davenport, Smallwood, Nuttall and others.

I'm still optimistic it's a gamble that's worth BUT make no mistake, we should have made something of a 'marquee' signing before this. This is the kind of signing that should've come on deadline day after all other business was sorted. That doesn't mean I think it's a poor signing, just that it's badly timed. Imo, a decent-money striker signing (say, £4m plus) will turn the Rodwell signing into a more positive looking one.

Current NXT reminds me of that brief transition period between Attitude Era and Ruthless Aggression Era, where the storylines made complete sense, characters had reasons for their actions, and the wrestlers were talented as hell. Guererro, Angle, Jericho, Malenko, Benoit, Taker, Kane and a bunch of others forming a solid midcard under the stars of Rock, Stone Cold. Not firgetting the tag team scene being st it's peak with the Dudleys, Hardys, E&C, APA. Everything done for a reason.

As if we lost Dack, perhaps.

Certainly cause a lorra tears..

Not sure what that's based on aside from Sunderland fans saying he refused to play. Reading around, it looks increasingly like Sunderland shoved him in reserves to get rid of him because of a contract error THEY made. Hoping he would kick up a fuss, but he didn't. There's an article in the loan thread where he says he last played regularly under Big Sam, and has been available to play ever since, but forSunderlands treatment of him. He also talked (about 2 years ago or so) about being a centre half, but being forced to play in a 'safer' midfield position at Everton, and being played there ever since. He goes into a little depth in listing what he perceives as his attributes for being in defense too. He has clearly not moved here for the money (he's been on PL money for yonks), and the one-year deal he's accepted implies he's motivated by the chance to play and is willing to prove himself. Starting to think TM has played a blinder tbh...

The Rodwell deal makes more sense to me if the aim is to reinvent him as a cb, perhaps the heir to Mulgrew. He's been cb before, he's got the height, frame, strength, a composed passer, not scared of a tackle and it's a less mobile position.

Fair point and well made

PM'd you. I think it's a valid point personally. It's very rare we focus on their worst moments even during derby games, yet they chant about Jack's death within 5 minutes of their biggest game in 50 years.

RIP Jimmy Mac. Rest assured we Rovers won't torture your memory like Burnley fans do to Jack Walker.

Gordon, surely?

I honestly think Mowbray is simply determined to get him. If so, I hope its because he's worth it and not to save face.

Well he can't be the same or previous...

Tbf, I genuinely liked Formica at the time. And I thought I heard that Petrovic made something of himself. May be wrong

Formica and Petrovic both had resale value at the time, surely? Thought thwy were like 22/23.

I think we may be trying to negotiate whether it's option or obligation, as well as the amount. Eg: A £6m obligation may suit Forest rather than a £10m option.

So he excites you in other ways? Dack will be devastated!

Think of £8m instead. Cole and Rhodes.

Could be the next Gazza though: Dack

Ambrose returned to WWE this week and he's RIPPED! If his charisma is engineered into a more serious, dangerous lunatic character (rather than the gentle comedy one he was becoming) he could really hit the big time.

We've noticed, mate

I'd change it just slightly: Raya Nyambe Lenihan Mulgrew Bell Bennett Smallwood Palmer Dack Rothwell Armstrong That sits a bit better imo. I like the idea of giving Armstrong his chance up front. Would also mean Graham could be an effective option from the bench to change the game (which is how i think he could be used at his age). I might even put Evans in Smallwood's place, as he's played well in the first 2 Championship games.

The thought popped into my head too.

Wonder if this is experimental to some extent? Strong team, but it seems like they've been told to be ruthless. Either that or they just are being ruthless, bodes well.

Remember we were beaten by 'It's only Bury' last season with a similar squad. 4-1 at half time is fantastic regardless imo.