On 24/09/2017 at 10:38, blueboy3333 said:

The continued refusal to play him, especially at home, is criminal IMO. It's not like we are an effective attacking force blowing teams away without him. I'd wager half our goals this season have occurred because he's been on the pitch, his 'assists to minutes played' ratio must be the best in the country.

I also don't understand the supposed rationale for not playing him. At home we have hardly been under the cosh this season because teams come to Ewood to defend. Can we really afford to keep our most effective attacker on the bench because he may not protect possession or protect the full back etc?. Are we really that bad everywhere else on the pitch that we can't give a talented young lad the freedom to express himself and have a go at the opposition? If we played him from the start he might blow teams away by half-time and if not the oppo would be so scared of him they'd put 2 men on him and leave space elsewhere. He is a terrific talent who makes things happen.

And whether the oppo have 'tired legs' or not wouldn't make a blind bit of difference. Whether it's the 1st minute or the last Chapman is quicker than the lot of them.

Get him in the team from the start, not when it's too late. He's under pressure every time he comes on because we are normally losing.

 

Normally losing.. I wouldn't call winning half your games so far that.

Bringing pace and energy on against tired legs is, has and will be a tactic employed at all levels, forever. Genuine rationale for it. Why do you think HC has stood out so much in his cameos?

Defending from the front is something the teams we've failed to beat have done masterfully, and whilst I'm convinced that Conway and Bennett can protect our fullbacks (also described today as the "worst" fullbacks ever at Ewood), I'm not sure on HC or Dack.

Whilst this is division 3 BB, you've still got to utilise game management, if we get done at a set piece because HC or anyone else for that matter leaves their man, you need to set up a goal to break even. 

Id start HC for Bennett after Shrewsbury, but I'd also be  aware that Bennett isn't going to change the game from the bench if asked too! It's not quite as "brain dead" of a decision that many rovers fans are making out.

36 minutes ago, Dunnfc said:

Another 2 for Louis Moult tonight. 

You've asked for it now, you gave Jason Lowe some credit...!  

11 minutes ago, JAL said:

By doing so you are limiting your chances of winning. Equally the forwards should be able to defend.

I'm sure sacrificing time spent developing defensive shape for example, for a one touch and shoot warm up/exercises could potentially limit our chances of keeping clean sheets, and therefore winning?

I agree that attackers should defend, and some are brilliant at it - Jordan Rhodes was particularly able front post on defensive corners. 

Just now, JAL said:

 

20 goals is better than none dreams. 

When that time arrives and full back has a one v one situation the cross for me is out, you take him on, beat him and put it in the back of the net.

Then we are all better off !  If I'm coaching youngsters to keep crossing the ball and not finishing it, I'd feel I've failed as a coach.

 

It's different if you put it like that, but still I'd expect them to be working more on passing, tackling, fitness, team shape, positioning, reading the game, set piece positions and keeping a high work rate. Full backs are dynamic positions, I'll grant you that - but the priorities for them in training shouldn't include finishing in my very amateur opinion.

27 minutes ago, Tyrone Shoelaces said:

Lowe had all those things you mention. Unfortunately when it came to footballing ability he didn't have any.

In your humble opinion TS, I think differently. 

7 minutes ago, Stuart said:

I expect you get lost more often that Lowe does on the pitch.

Not really, I just don't need to go any further on this topic, it's very much like the Rhodes one; impossible to get any objectivity.

Hijacking what should be a very positive "King of Ewood" thread on the back of JLs debut just about sums that up.

Just now, Stuart said:

We are now playing in a lower league thanks to Lowe

Lost me at this part, and it highlights the main point I made. 

25 minutes ago, RV Blue said:

Lowe never had good potential and only made it to pro level by sucking up to his coaches (Kinder), absolute fraud of a player.

Err, I think Jason was well established in the first team (2013) when kinder came to manage the academy.

Plus, I don't think many of you have spotted the irony that we are talking about a player in a higher league? It's also ONE GAME.. you'd have to be pretty obsessed with the lad to be searching out comments and quotes so early on. He's moved on, maybe a few of you should?

I always rated Jason as a versatile defensive player, either in front of the back four or as a full back. I'm made up for us signing Smallwood who seems much more adventurous but it's early days and a much lower level.

Jason would've probably been more likely to reach his potential if he hadn't been involved in some of the worst performing, organised and assembled Rovers teams for years. He was probably pushed ahead of his station like Adam Henley, Jake Kean et al, but I felt he had the necessary energy, work rate and mentality to be  a good player. Good luck to him.

7 minutes ago, JacknOry said:

I dont think many of us saying to bed all of them at once and besides - we've signed other youngsters of a similar age for the first team and they will playing a part wont they? So its okay to bed in other teams youngsters but not our own.

Did you read my post? 

7 minutes ago, SkipDonoghue said:

I know some lads will have clauses with regards to new contracts based on 1st team appearances it's 5 starts and 10 substitute appearances at Rovers it's a generic clause which is just standard with young players contracts it doesn't mean though that it's set in concrete if the players agent pushes for renegotiation he is within his and the players right but most agents will wait for the right moment before diving in as it could affect the players progress 

at Everton it's 1 start in the first team and the contract can be renegotiated...so it changes from club to club

It's a bit of an important season to be bedding in so many, I can understand the league experience argument, but you don't get that experience without a chance! Overall, I probably agree and can see why some (including myself) get frustrated seeing us sign Harper, Hart and Downing, when we've already got Tomlinson, Doyle and Wharton. At least Hart is of a decent age and on a permanent transfer.

With Nyambe, Lenihan and Raya still very green, another 2/3 young players in the starting 11, which could be bullied in this league.

3 minutes ago, Shrimper said:

Then you've never met Colchester or Leyton Orient fans 

Don't get me wrong, I "pity" dingles  

1 hour ago, JHRover said:

I'd sooner just never have to play them, ever again. I'd be quite happy in life if I never had to watch Rovers play them for the remainder of my existence such is my hatred for them and the people who organise the fixture.

Holy moley, it's a football game. Much more important things in life, and if you can't take the winding up after the trophies, cup runs, players, European excersions and unbeaten runs we've had over them, what can you take!?

This fixture spices up football, it makes it interesting and for once it's a nice distraction from the league, we are the under dogs and they have a lot more to lose.

Life's too short for hating people for choice of club they support. Mental.

Excitement....! 

44 minutes ago, Stuart said:

Now, now, Biz (who liked the post).

You can't have it both ways.

I thought it was quite funny tbh, Maybe I interpreted it differently because I'm not sure what you're getting at.

Lost me mate sorry! Long day

10 minutes ago, Dunnfc said:

I'd hate to see him line up 451 or 4411 at southend

Why?

Just now, Dreams of 1995 said:

You are becoming as tedious as Chaddy. You are on a constant crusade just waiting to pick up the next figure to hate.

It is a tweet from a young lad made over 5 years ago. Give it a rest will you. All of us have said things we later look back on and regret. The only difference is he put his on social media probably without the realisation someone would scrawl through his entire feed years down the line.

 

Someone has to replace his previous target of abuse  

Get the Smallwood out? 

26 minutes ago, Dunnfc said:

Poor signing. 

He hasn't even kicked a ball. It's one thing to have different expectations, it's another to be completely unreasonable. 

37 minutes ago, rovgers said:

Rotherham reporter's view of Smallwood.

Going off that, I say good signing. Important to see him play though, in a system that works! Positive to see us getting players in positions we require also.

From the brief read, he seems like the type of player who will quickly become some fans new scapegoat! Does the unfashionable things well, wears his heart on his sleeve etc - but doesn't weigh in with goals, assists or pass forward as often.

So will probably be my new favourite player ?

9 minutes ago, Pedro said:

He's got a couple of good years in him. We are League One and it is a very good addition for this level.  I'm pleased with this signing, there's a lot of common sense behind it.

Certainly is! 

I'm assuming we call him Richard?

Just now, Stuart said:

Football 2017 needs its head checking.

Such a shame some fans are now going to demonise the lad. He's shown desire more going forward than anyone since Hoilett and has been messed around for years whilst under contract. Is it any wonder he wants to consider his options before signing up for another 2-3 years with this basket case of a club? There is still uncertainly as to whether Mowbray will see his assurances backed up with funds. If they aren't he could walk. Hardly a great environment for a developing player.

Saying he should potentially take the advice of TM or being not "overly" bothered (in the scheme of things) that he's leaving is not "demonising" and I think that'll be 95% of rovers fans responses.

Bigger problems at hand. I certainly rate Conway, Cairney, Marshall, King and even Kazim Kazim all better at going forward than him since Hoilett also. 

Despite the "Nixon pinch of salt" factor, any sensible accountant would say; cut and run or invest to return part of total investment.

Who's betting they ignore "expert" advice in favour of ignorance again? 

Just now, Leonard Venkhater said:

I meant the scandal aspect really....

I'd put Mahoney in the Hoilett leaving category. I'm actually more sad about losing Jason Lowe than Connor. In a normal scenario though, we wouldn't be discussing losing potential players for nothing as the average!