If you view every single thing that happens in the present, related to history, whether it’s 5/10/20 years, with the idea that “we should’ve been better than this” or “we used to be better than leeds and Brentford” you’ll always come to frustration, even if do agree that it’s true. Concentrating on the present and near future though, for me; it’s hard to agree with how much you and others seem to hate these two signings. Proof will be in the performance pudding of course, but these two seem far more likely to be Harvey Elliott than Mo Barrow (in terms of potential impact) Which is all that matters. Far more confident going into the season with them, than without!

Of course it’s worth taking all “Googled figures” with a pinch of salt.

Looks like 10k a week if we’re covering his entire wages, and I don’t think we will be doing.

They aren’t going to be getting regular game time here because (if we are using our current tactics) the 3 “forward slots” are currently shared between BB, Gally, Dolan, Chapman - with Buckley somewhat available for these roles - and that’s before Mcbride / Butterworth. So, to paraphrase TM thats “15 minute cameos in a squad or go play and start 30+ games” Do the same with midfield and defence, and you’ve Magliore who’s arguably behind Carter and Wharton (who are both behind our main back two) and then Garrett et al who’ve Rothwell / Travis / Davenport / Clarkson / Buckley to dislodge Like Magliore, Wharton, Chapman and Carter last season - I can’t see an issue sending our fringe players out for long periods to get proper football experience. Premier league clubs see the benefit in us doing the same for them, the advantage of professional football experience (even in 3rd / 4th tier) to regular u23s is well known. With Wharton, JRC and Dack returning from injury between now and January - it surely would do Mcbride and Butterworth a lot more good to start and play most of a season as opposed to cameos (albeit against better opposition). I expect us to go for another fullback on loan, so we’re not directly relying on Pike / Cirino as backups, again for me; they’d both massively benefit from cutting their teeth in league 1/2. Finally - I agree, premier league experience is massive and I think we will benefit more from having someone with 10/15 top flight appearances, who’s been involved and around the standards set at that level - as in Poveda, as opposed to Butterworth. Gally in the centre (must be dreaming about that ever happening) with Poveda cutting in right side, Diaz left…. Will be the 1# club in South America before too long 😂

Maybe if it’s “easy” for you to have all the right answers regarding an elite sport, an extremely competitive one at that, why aren’t you working in the game? In reference to the Garret post - Garrett wasn’t in the squad because we’d signed someone arguably more “ready” compared to him. (in Clarkson) It seems obvious to me that the general consensus of the staff here think our top u23 talents are likely to benefit from more game time, especially if they’re not “ready” to make a proper impact at this level. This seems especially more OBVIOUS when premier league teams are sending their own talent that they can’t quite get enough games, down to us, it’s exactly the same process.

Chapman has improved in confidence from his loan too seemingly. I would add (on loans) that our ability to convince the bigger clubs to let us specifically loan us they’re talented youth players is a benefit - my only concerns are the hidden costs and attitude. In terms of the clubs regular insistence that they’re financially limited (more so than normal) and the low expectations played out by the manager in the press; I think this may be partly a ploy to convince players / agents / other teams were not primed for the “milking” because we’ve sold a player for a few million.

That’s the whole point, so they’ve opportunities to go on loan and play regular games as opposed to sitting on the bench grabbing ten minutes a week. If you rate Wharton and Carter like I do, you’d surely be more open to the idea of Garrett and Butterworth following their path of lower league experience? Thats who Clarkson / Poveda replace in our current 18 at the minute. Even if it’s temporary, it’s a huge upgrade.

Left footed, quick, tricky and strong. Could be impressive given more of a first team run out.

I’d say a lot but not most. I’ve always been of the position that our problems stem from the owners so any discussion of recruitment of a new manager seems linked to changes ABOVE Id argue MOST rovers fans probably feel very similar.

I think they do too - however I think this more of an expectation of the captain and senior players, as opposed to them literally taking the initiative.

Yea Mowbray is an actual manager. Cares a lot, puts the time in. Some of his decisions are baffling, but he’s never organising a table tennis comp when we’ve got 2 points in 9 games!

Danny is UNDR the cosh’s patreon interview this week. Some great clips about coyle, including loading his brew with 15 extra sugars! Organising their own meetings for tactics and his fridge full of iron bru.

As mentioned - I think we may be looking better than we thought PURELY down to low expectations. Maybe this is motivation for the team as there is a lot less pressure. We lost a lot of games by 1 goal last season and we’ve managed to pick up points by one goal in three games so far, maybe this has been why set pieces seem far more organised - and defensively Ayalas influence is really professional and calming. Him and Lenny, pure unbeatable in the air last night.

I think a lack of pressure due to low expectations has helped a lot so far.

Also for assembling what can only be described as the hardest working, determined team and with as much “potential to improve” as I can recall of any rovers squad I can remember. To suggest this is all down to abject luck and “despite” the manager but then all issues are his problem? Sounds a lot like moving goalposts.

Also I’ve just had it pointed out to me that Gavin Ward is the ref. Not feeling it tonight lads 😂

I thought that but then thought we’d miss his guile and bite in the middle more than buckley. Also it’s RWB… not RB. Apparently!!

He’s had that “made of glass” tag for sometime but surely the job is for Pike? Maybe we’re well off and Carter’s playing RB with 4 at back.

I think you’re spot on.

That quote wasn’t even in reply to you 47er, the reason he was substituted is he had no impact. Unlike the previous Saturday.

He was playing against two huge centre-backs. Its literally only a week since his enthusiasm and energy caused Swansea so many problems we should’ve score 5. If you’re going to fairly criticise the coaching staff, surely it’s his lack of improvement with the final ball aka shot or cross?

https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/august/Jack-Walker/ another year passes, and the memories mean even more. Thanks again Jack!

Two Rovers players I look fondly back on from 6 free signings, Stokes, Brown, Greer and Feeney all utterly a waste of good money. Throw in Williams as a cash buy and the loans of; Emnes, Hoban and Gallagher Byrne, Hendrie, Samuelson and Joao. How many from 13 good enough for championship level? Graham, Emnes… possibly Gallagher and a fit Hoban? A far better position I think this season, to be selective, take opportunities with top level loans (similar to Tosin / Elliott / HB) and rely on a bucketload of talent (as evidenced again last night vs Everton) coming through the u23s

Excellent in league 1 perhaps?- Mulgrew was a liability as a centreback in the championship imo. Graham was also partially a rover before that - he’d been on loan previously I think. It also highlights the gulf in championship / premier league wages. Which is exactly why some of those players for this seasons free transfer list, won’t move until the very last moment.