few questions for the money lads; How much of the the previous 2 seasons losses been on funds / wages / costs of our academy? Would the sanctions come in season 4 of the division? Ie 22/23? As it takes three seasons to work out losses?

That’s a fair enough opinion, one I disagree with. I guess when I add up all scenarios in my head, I’m not convinced the best option as of now, is a change. Summer is the re-evaluation time for me.

Another positive of the TM era - we seem to be developing a replacement too, someone I think many of us would appreciate giving a chance.

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.

Reality is though - could a another manager spent the Brereton and Gally money better? Nothing is easy in football but your top two signings price wise will often define your long term aims. Currently, neither look equipped to fire us beyond what Dack and co could muster. Without Dack, we look adrift. I’d even go as far as saying that our dressing room will suffer because it lacks his personality - and thus, I’d suggest the next month is the hardest transfer window to date for TM

One thing I would like to throw into this debate is our injuries this season have played a part. That’s not subjective - it’s fact. The way we spent money to counter this and our squad development is another thing all together. The pertinent point missing for me from many summaries of TM - last two games we’ve been forced to call on our squad. That’s not his fault but the depth is his responsibility!

That’s with 5 arguably first team players out; Dack, Evans, Cunningham, Tosin, and Nyambe. Still not a bad team - although I hope Tosin is back and I hope Bennett isn’t CM

Only if you’re part of the “cut your nose off to spite your own face” brigade!

Travis has come from the youth team, and established himself by becoming much more solid, less likely to foul, savvy in possession, better reader of the game and he now is one of the first on the team sheet. Nothing subjective about that and many people, notably himself and the coaching staff should take pride in what he’s achieved so far. Utterly befuddling to even consider his development as anything but positive so far, but agenda wielding and spin are the everyday tactic for the modern condescending “know it all” football fan, who would’ve had Trav in the England squad by now..! Anyone considered they have got used to what he is very good at, thus find it easy to spot criticise little errors or decisions? Or perhaps comparing his play against better opposition than u23s? Or perhaps looked at the difference he has in partnership with other midfielders eg Evans, Johnson, Smallwood etc?

Is this what you meant? Gave me a migraine trying to work it out. Either way, we’ll said good sir.

I do share some concerns with lineups, however this is especially unfair off the back of the Wigan game which incurred at least 2 enforced changes, two 30+ year old lads playing 90 minutes and a whole host of under performers! Equally the changes back for the Wigan game from Bristol - was arguably our best XI minus Adarabioyo. I think this season is again showing we perform our best when all of the top players are available. Losing Adarabioyo for the Christmas games and then Dack for the season, was always going to cause a huge issue. Similar to losing Lenihan for 8 weeks already this season!

It’s very difficult to tell which is his stronger foot. He can pass first time with both, generally successfully even with his back or side to the receiver. His control is fairly mesmerising at times. That alone makes him a very technical prospect, combined with his ability to get his head up, find spaces behind and between the lines. He simply lacks experience and physicality, and as Paul points out - it’s not difficult to see why he may be plucked from our midst sooner rather than later.

I can assure you the only froth I’ve had today was atop a “bit of the bubbly”. Each to their own, I’ve outgrown the need to speculate or read it personally.

Why does it have to be one or the other? Sounds like fishing response if you ask me, especially since you’re on about Brereton. Weird “flex” mate.

I personally hope the club keeps the brightest prospects at Ewood so we can fully supervise their development, especially if they’re on the fringes of the first team squad.

It’s not as if I haven’t pointed out many times that rumours and conspiracy theories are irritating AF to me is it? You going senile or something Like I said, it’s the sort of stuff we’d hear in the pub that start with “my auntie works for X” etc. If you’re applying it to the Tosin rumour - someone might have to explain how a loan can benefit the player financially when it’s generally club to club in terms of %of contract paid + clauses and/or loan fee. Certainly an agent can kick up a fuss to get someone out of a deal if they aren’t happy but; If it’s an issue where City want him to come back and play for them, I could understand why Rovers might not be able to play him - however it seems ridiculous that the most expensively assembled squad in the world would take that option? Unless they’ve issues with FFP? Or English players for Champions league? Perhaps @chaddyrovers can ask @stubrennanMEN on twitter? Do us all a favour and put minds at rest.

Agreed - the lack of technique is stark at times, notable mentions for Nyambe, Williams, Armstrong and Bell, combined with Lenihan seemingly more “dodgy” without the two footed quick thinking Tosin around. However Buckley showed glimpses of exceptional passing - particularly the clipped ball over to Gallagher and other through balls in the channels. Buckley did make a few mistakes though, taking too long on the ball or other decision making aspects I think will get better. Certainly has the technique and the feet to contribute in some way, probably not wide left!

Needless chopping and changing? Im not privy to team matters from within (I’m seemingly one of the only ones judging by a few recent posts!) but wouldn’t you say at least 3 are enforced? Possibly four? Dack, Evans, Graham and Downing? Equally a rather poor showing from Rothwell, and a few tired legs around during the lacklustre Wigan performance?

Are you taking the piss k-mod? Maybe have a day off BRFCS full stop.

You can make your own mind up.

No shit, Sherlock! Unless people have a reputable source / link, they should save it for the pub.

Maybe you crave “ITK” 2+2 stuff, I’d prefer actual reports personally.

John Buckley... if we can find a position (possibly next to Travis) I think we may have someone with the range of passing not seen at Ewood since the days of the Turk.. Over to you Tony.

We’ve lost not only a key prerequisite of our style but also a talismanic presence in the dressing room. Big hit. Easy I understand why I and others are gutted and anticipate a struggle from here on out!

ACL - more like I See Hell! Typical luck really to end the 2010-20 decade, there is more chance we will see promotion than him another game this season!