I had no idea that his contract offer was public knowledge? What constitutes a “competitive offer” btw? Do you mean in relation to this division? We can’t offer players the same as anyone on parachute payments. Also RN has 6 months left and has been in discussions for over a year, and AA had 12 months despite (according to TM) being offered a “very generous” deal? Who have we sold with 18 left?

Different coach to one who I spoke to yesterday, suggested that Nyambe had “chucked it in” Friday after training with no issue all week. When I heard the same TM quotes, I also got the impression he was careful about what he said but made no effort to hide what had happened.

“Allowing him to reach the stage of his contract” is a phrase I’ve heard loads recently that makes no sense. The player has to sign the contract. If they’re being advised to keep their options open, how is it the club or manager “allowing” this?

The way in which everyone is connected either by people they know or work with, or in the blink of an eye on social media - I think it’s better to leave names out, of anyone who offers me the odd snippet of what’s going on at Ewood. Or it may be the last! I also take some things with a pinch of salt, because (as you know) most things on players are “subjective” and there is a large grey area.

For a time though, and perhaps even now - players got into academy’s because they had physical attributes like height and strength, which are harder to teach and develop than short passing. Look how many players get released for height then end up with a decent career - Tarkowski from us for one example.

As if I’m going to publicly put a name on here of someone who works in football! I also agreed with that assertion, to an extent - compared to the Nyambe who initially got into the team, he has improved massively however his technical ability is nowhere near someone like Rothwell or Buckley. Physically though, he is probably the strongest in the squad, one of the fastest and probably nearly the fittest. Might also explain why he has regular hamstring pulls, because he plays at full throttle. I would say we missed Pickering just as much at the weekend, but no doubt that would be spun into some “pivot” rather than how much I actually rate both our current fullbacks.

Quote? If not, you seem to know exactly how players think? How do you manage that? I would be gutted if RN leaves but in no way similar to Shearer or Duff. The difference you’ve also ignored is we’re seemingly replaced him before him leaving - isn’t that even worth a mention? Or is it only problems we discuss these days? To quote a coach (who has an A license and a stunning CV, including working for Rovers) who I know “RN is an animal but technically he is limited, I’m surprised he’s made it this far”

@Revidge Blue @JHRover Despite the constant “searching” for mismanagement and randomised criticism, have either of you considered that Nyambe et al; want to leave? The discussions have been going on for the last 18 months too, so I’m not sure either of you understand the complexity- and would rather just speculate that these players have been ignored and offered pittance at the last minute. Why do their advisors get a free pass? Have we forgot what agents did to this club? Even the richest club in the world is potentially losing the most expensive talent in the world for nothing come June.

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/statistik/endendevertraege If this doesn’t link try this; https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/2021/04/out-of-contract-in-2022-best-free-agents-available-on-a-bosman Scary how many players are on short terms across the leagues.

What’s the betting the worst thing happens? JRC and the lad from Drogheda already written off and might as well “let go”?(quote; Sparks) I only want to add that I disagree to both these sweeping criticisms and “we’d never seen anything of” most people we’ve signed, so that as an argument against this Dutch international, to me is just weak.

Key part of thriving is being “the main man” which is impossible if you’re perennially injured and / or playing second fiddle. I still think there is time to improve. Overall, agree on the BB differences part but purposely provoking people? Give me a break pal - it’s not worth my time, and I’m surprised pointing out, that the idea; “negativity” is sometimes detrimental, is so upsetting to you and a few others!

This discourse to me seems like a proper overreaction to “As for BB - those who said he was “hopeless” contributed to his lack of confidence, in my opinion of course.” Did you notice the part in bold? The initial discussion was about SG having a new contract. Hence quotation of “hopeless”. My view on this is we should give him time, Gallagher I mean. There will be some who won’t and that’s up to them, and BB was an example of that freedom. Any away or home stick / abuse was never more than a minority but it did exist. Similarly with online / social media, most patient, a small amount prepared to question his validity as footballer within a blink of an eye. There’s countless examples a thread away. To try and turn this into a “Blaming the fans” or “what is your definition of abuse?” topic, beside the point. I only suggested some opinions had a knock on impact of confidence, why is that so insulting to people, not just you RF? The last thing id say on a topic out of thread, BB (like many players) is a confidence player. It is no coincidence his finishing has improved immeasurably due to the love of Chile fans, the opportunity to play in those international competitions and the cumulative effect of playing consistently and scoring goals. Hence why it’s easy to surmise the fella had a confidence issue when he signed for “big money”. Perhaps Gallagher has a similar issue related to constant niggling injuries?

Wow some of those comments seem ridiculous, I don’t watch enough of bUnla to know much but I thought he was held in much higher esteem. I did think they’ve been very poor transfer wise bar Cornet. Their squad is “Ewd as”

Id say a minority of groans - similarly with social media (as you know Facebook / Twitter) but I’m sure they resonated - as his performances showed, when offered a small chance at the time. There seems to be a large amount of prickly / overreacting to suggestion of some impact with this. We’ve all seen the impact the love from Chile has had - not to mention, lining up with world superstars. I only recall he was a record “tribunal” fee but at his current age he is surely 30/40 probably more if you really want him!

Again - if simply suggesting certain comments and reactions impacted his performance is “blaming fans”…! Ridiculous, not what anyone said. 7m a lot at the time? I don’t know which time you’re talking about? For us a lot, but no reason to write someone off after half a dozen fleeting appearances. He justified his own purchase in the end, hence why certain players are signed for potential. I expected more but I didn’t get a chance to fully see him compete for 12/18 months due to appearances. I don’t think anyone even got close to mentioning what the expectation was - this entire tangent all came from one sentence about certain comments / reactions not helping his (and Sam Gallagher’s) confidence - why this is such a touchy subject is beyond me. Comparison with someone who made the Liverpool first team at 20? Bit different, considering he’d probably cost any team in a position to buy him, at least twice what BB cost.

The way I go on?… or “people”? I merely remarked the fans may have not helped his confidence like Gally? I didn’t realise suggesting the potential similarities of a scenario calling Gallagher “hopeless” is potentially similar to what happened to Ben, would end up winding you and others up so much? Also - the “terrorised every week” is taking a (what id recall as honest/legitimate issue) scenario of a minority being over the top in their criticisms and making it far worse, and turning it into some ridiculous level of vociferous, vitriolic hatred… nobody suggested that. Perhaps it’s embarrassing for certain fans? That a player they thought was a (to quote @jal ) a “dud” before he had even started a game, is now probably* the hottest property in the league? Im not sure, I’m just summating why you and others would get so upset about someone mentioning the potential impact of the fans negative comments and shouts within the stadium may have an impact on a players confidence. Hardly the first time it’s happened at Ewood, or in football, or in any sport for that matter.

How is suggesting certain comments and reactions impacted a player; ”blaming the fans” Also, your experience ain’t fact RF.

I remember people behind you and me shouting the odds at him, first season, after a substitute appearance. Audible gasps, “7 million?” Also, players do read that stuff - especially the younger players, so it would take more than just “TM never said it” for me to believe that the comments here, on Twitter, on FB, didn’t have some impact. Each to their own assertion.

We’ve already taken the chance, 5 million of them. I don’t think we could argue that letting him go for nothing is a good idea. As for BB - those who said he was “hopeless” contributed to his lack of confidence, in my opinion of course. To expect a 19 year old to light up the team, in a new position, with fleeting appearances - was a ridiculous expectation. Confidence doesn’t change a players technical ability, but it will impact decision making. Fill Gally with confidence by playing him in a more a suitable role… throw in some luck with injuries and a few goals…. Could easily be as much as an asset as Ben is now, and as Armstrong before.

This reminds me of a discussion I had with a famous BRFCSer who’s seemingly given up… Referring to the Charlton game as TM “giving away a trophy”… Whilst I disagree, it’s a fair comment - perhaps I see it as a bigger achievement because of “what could’ve happened” if this club had stayed at that level for another 3 seasons….!

Not sure I agree with that, and if you ask a lot of the posters here (go see the BB thread 12 months ago) you’ll see words to the effect of “can’t trap a bag of sand”, “is he even a footballer?” “Have we signed a dud…” We haven’t got anywhere near the value for him yet, I think we’d agree on that - but perhaps a more confident Gallagher, with a run of games without injury; might be more of an asset.

People said the exact thing about a guy who just scored 20 goals in 23 appearances. They also said the same thing before he’d had a consistent run of games. They also said the same when he was playing out of position. Perhaps it’s better to be open minded about what SG can achieve if he’s given a fair crack, in his best position, in hope that he won’t be picking up any more niggling injuries.

The Oldham game was one of the worst away games I’ve ever experienced, October of that season - particularly bad memories of Bennett rounding the keeper and missing an open net and Byrne (for them) having an absolute cracker. I probably would’ve taken a new manager at that point, however I was concerned about the overhaul of the squad, and giving the manager at least a few months (this was in October) to gel them together. After this, we didn’t lose a game till February and comfortably finished the season in the automatic spots. Each to their own, but to me, the idea that this is “limping to automatic promotion” is about as ridiculous as it gets. It’s a contradiction, an oxymoron. In hindsight to suggest anyone else would’ve achieved it? Again, completely goes in the face of reality. Go watch Sheffield Wednesday with their big budget in league one, watch “Sunderland till I die”… there are so many examples of this being far more difficult than we made it look. As for this season - whilst I agree on your scale, I’d say the culmination of his “journey” has brought a better opportunity for anyone who picks up the reigns next. Compared to the Blackburn Rovers TM inherited, this version is complete overhaul.

Each to their own, for me, life is too short to stop doing things you love, and even though I agree that covid passes are pointless (you can simply report any result without even taking a test), it seems another way of excluding yourself from anything you’ve previously enjoyed.

HNY Tommy! Been a top signing