I don’t think survival was ever touch and go, that’s potentially stretching the truth However I do agree that he’s met the minimum expectations throughout - and that’s basically what we needed, so I’m at least happy to say he has proven capable. Compared to recent “great coaches” like (pains to say) Dyche - nobody could argue that TM has been that good, but this is a key season in his Rovers career. I think, in a few years, probably after he’s left - a lot of Rovers fans will be grateful for his influence in his time!

We haven’t finished signing midfielders yet...

I think Nyambe will go the same way - probably more specialist in a back three

Other than Raya - I don’t think we are weaker than last year really. Conway, Reed, Downing and Rodwell - Reed was the nearest to the first XI and most would agree he’s been replaced by Johnson. Take into account the improvement in a few of our younger lads - keeping hold of Lenihan and Dack; I don’t quite get the worry. You used Brentford as an example of a team more likely (I think it was you) however - how do you think they feel? Selling their top scorer and best defender to finance new players? I think many of them would rather be in our position, not having to move on our best first.

Nope.

Its an expectation that you've embraced above! You've raised it in opposition to what I consider a more realistic appraisal. You can't now just stand aside and say "this is what the club thinks, not me". You've played a stinker there imo! However, there is a caveat. Its whether TM can pull 4 rabbits out of a hat. All I can say at the minute is that I'm not hopeful from what's happened so far and its Brentford who look more likely to secure a playoff place than Rovers. They seem to be hijacking our targets! I can post what I like. You highlighted problems and suggested the manager lives a charmed life. As I said originally - balance is great mate! The fact it’s the club showing that expectation and aspiration means that it’s not my opinion either - the reality is TM and co have done well, even if a few with seriously short memories cannot accept that.

https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/july/here-to-help-rovers-play-off-push/ This isn’t me setting the expectation lads, it’s the club.

Givet’s back (or Butterfield is homeless..)

That’s because most people use both pros and cons to analyse a scenario, and for all the arguments behind lack of defensive recruits - he’s pretty much turned the Rao’s and Coyles mess around to a position where playoffs look like the expectation! Balance is great mate

Agree on the chance of Sheff weds being crapper than us this year!

I personally have to say you’re out on this one bruv! Steve Bruce is a solid Championship manager. Fact he turned round “the worst team we’ve played at Ewood” last season says enough to me to suggest he’s still got it. Newcastle is a different story though. With all the crap going on, I would be surprised to see him keep them up!

I’m not speculating on his exact wage, I know he isn’t in a huge wedge because of the waggott interview about Ben last September. When the fantastic “flex” was born. All been done a thousand times. Its also funny that we’ve “over paid” yet you’ve just given ample reasons for why NFFC wanted 15m the previous January..! I don’t think everything is hunky dory at all either. That’s a classic response to avoid questioning! Just like the classic “oh stop moaning” response! There is no balance in taking everything that “could be/has been/will be” beneficial to our direction, ignoring that in favour of highlighting the potential of Ben B not reaching his potential! Look at the academy FFS. How many other league teams would bite their own fingers off to be given the steady influx of new players we have? Theres definitely lots of room for improvement - most fans would say that (bar Man City perhaps..) but you’re correct we will never agree if you think it’s a complete “shambles”. Donut muncher, Gordon Greer, Wes Brown, a bucket full of premier league loans and 250k for Derrick Williams total business. That is what I’d call “a shambles”.

BBQ at mine on Saturday. “Negative BRFCS” are on the invite list

Hopefully you’re accuracy hasn’t improved

maybe Magloire is this years Travis? Mulgrew nutmegged, who’s picking up the pieces..

You don’t know that’s true, it’s assumption. You don’t know that this summer the budget is worse, or better. 7m might be near to our record, but when last a decent championship fullback from last season just cost 25m, it’s a pointless comparison. The argument you could take that 7m and spread it into wages for key new signings in multiple positions simply ignores the FACT that the best players in this league are probably earning twice our top earner. Thus - this idea that we’ve spunked any hope of improving the team due to a 19 year old last summer is an utter fallacy imo. Not only that it’s boring AF

We arent poor or “slow building” to the extent people criticise, but we aren’t at the top of the chain. We aren’t the only team after a certain calibre that will jump into the current first XI - and the parachute teams / bigger turnover clubs are in front. Its common sense. You can call BB a panic buy if you want, to me it just fits into the logic that we couldn’t attract / afford a player instantly better than Graham, so why not put the funds into someone who might be good enough in a season or two. Whilst keeping running costs down (wages!)

Remember lads, things could still get worse.. (Currently my favourite twitter account btw if it’s one of you running it!)

JHR, when are you going to accept that we aren't in a position to just blow others away in wages and fees? You’ve used the ever cyclical Brereton argument despite the fact it’s been done to death. What part of “lesser established players have lower wages” is difficult to accept on that transfer? Why do you think we could afford the more established wages of BJ and Downing? Simple. No fee. This picking up dross in the last two windows - I don’t personally think Chapman, Rothwell, Armstrong (and even Ben) could ever be fairly described as such. Im sure you don’t either.

Slightly pedantic is my MO The fact remains, despite a few claiming the lad should’ve been involved sooner - he has been blooded, developed and utilised in a way that probably makes him first choice alongside Johnson for next season. Thats something I’m happy about, whoever you want to give the credit to - Tony, DJ, Trav’s attitude. A mixture of many things? Not a simple “thank god Smallwood forced TM’s hand...”!

I was at Bramall lane and I might be imagining this but Travis started that game? Ergo - how did he only break the squad due to a suspension in the same game?

Bradley Johnson an unwanted cast off? Personally don’t think either him or Downing would’ve been short of offers in the championship.

I don’t remember a single person on this website saying Evans contract was a good idea but you carry painting it as if a select few clever lads on here knew best. Oh you mean there’s pro’s and con’s to situations? It’s never simply black and white? Get out of town mate - that’s too sensible for here The shambles? I’m sorry Rev but I disagree. We stayed up, we added quality to squad- yea BB at this point needs to step up but I don’t buy into this constant whinge about transfer business. As for loans. It’s just the business we are in. If you are a professional (use Reed as an example) who wants to improve and play every week - you’re not going to leave your club until you know that door is shut. Other players will wait for the best money. You can call it suicidal if you want, I call it a product of being in the scenario we are in. Read a potential tidbit from above, much on hold till EPL decide squads. Just a reminder for those who can’t remember what a summer shambles looks like;

I agree but at the same time in 2019 - social media is pretty much key, and thus any new story is generally “worthy”!

I think people seem to have missed the caveat of “initially joining the u23s...”