Two particular responses to that great post (just the last bit anyway) 1. Plenty on here had big reservations and still talk in the summer included moving on from TM to move up to the next level. 2. it doesn’t matter if you’re a coach etc, posts should focus on why you’d have a different lineup/tactic and what you’d do - as opposed to simply saying he’s lost the plot. What’s the point in that? I mean nobody has even picked up on the fact you can seemingly quote a 3/400 word post these days and reply with simply “that’s rubbish” and it’s acceptable! Anyway that’s enough Sunday wasted. Got an hour back and I’ve wasted it here AGAIN... maybe next time we can talk about Football

Farcical suggests a ridiculous or nonsensical decisions. From your point of view, the lineup might not make sense but is that because the managers “lost the plot” or is because you might not know the whole story - Ie DG injured/fatigued or Downing being ill? Look, end of the day people can post what they want as long as they’re prepared to accept questioning or criticism of said content. I stand by the suggestion that (at the current time) the criticisms of certain players, the manager, signings, tactics etc on are generally overblown - especially in matchthreads. Obviously that doesn’t mean that I’m suggesting the solution is the overtly patronising way of coming on and calling this place “most negative place ever” in some childish “americanistic” tone.

You're correct - and there should be differing viewpoints. My view is these comments are stupid; “To start with no recognised striker and have three on the bench of whom two cost £9million is farcical” “Unbelievable lineup. Methinks TM has lost the plot!  There’s tonnes of references to “tombola” and other simple criticisms. Why can’t I or others point out or react to how stupid they are? If you think TM isn’t studious and thoughtful- ie a team selection is random, (tombola) you’re effectively calling TM clueless if not literally using those words.

You boys fancy having a day off being so precious? The thread after the teamsheet, during the first half particularly is hilarious. It’s the same every week. It’s also ironic (surely you see this too) to spend your time complaining, about people complaining about people complaining.. See what I’ve done is complain about you complaining about people complaining about complaints. Now I’m hungover.

Jay Rod I hope that was an accident you dingle moron. Get well soon Raya, looked a broken nose blood everywhere. As for the rest - I can’t quite believe we’ve held on. I believe we would’ve won if we’d kept 11 men, the game changed second half. Still though after that - what a point.

Yea Rodwell and Mulgrew went off injured. 7 minutes injury time with a defensive midfielder in the net and ten men.

No subs left, two centre backs and keeper enforced changes too.

The inexplicable beast All could and should. 3 championship ready players to go in a change the side for 6m? You are seemingly stuck in the early 2000s Mercer, or oblivious to the amounts paid for average second tier players in 2018. Either way, makes no different to the point I’m making. Any judgements made now are barmy, and the “bloated” cost is a fallacy in the current climate.

To make any lasting say or judgement of his abilities or the signing overall, of a 19 year old attacker before even a league start? On the sole basis that we haven’t spent that much since we Rhodes? Might be inevitable, but doesn’t mean I can’t point out how I disagree with that mentality. I know you haven’t said that by the way. I’m sure you’d agree also that 6m - is actually a bargain in the modern climate. If he has a good run of goals - English too, u21... There’s not many top drawer around.

6/7m likely in installments. If we renegotiate Dack to 30k Pw for 5 years to avert premier league interest (hypothetical) that would cost us about the same. BB is obviously not going to be on the top whack. I think many of the signings of championship forwards over the recent years (including our own JR) for similar amounts to Brereton have included monster wages on top. Isn’t Assombolonga on 50k? Has even scored in the premier league? The price is also not that big in terms of the recent explosion - infact Armstrong’s bargain price puts more pressure on B.B. for me. The price is only a problem imo, if there is an immediate need and expectation for him to step up and change football games. At this moment, Dack, Graham and Armstrong are all in front of him, so no rush for me. If the owners continue this idea of investing that way, in my view it’s only a matter of time before we move up. Signing players for “now” amidst a climate of crazy wages and agents, it’s not cheap.

I’m in agreement but eventually, not before he has even started a league game in his preferred position.

I disagree with both key reasons to criticise the deal so far; Impact and cost. The most bizarre part for me seems, on impact or what he has been expected to deliver thus far - I’m not sure how many other 19 year old strikers we’ve brought in, who’ve turned the old second division on its head in 4/5 cameo appearances. Equally, we might have wanted him to have more impact but “obviously a bad signing”... that’s just insanity (obviously you didn’t say this TR) Im also perplexed by the assumption we’ve put all our “irons in one fire” in terms of cost, since the Raos are unpredictable and TM stated it depends where we are come January but we will act. Also if it’s 7m - a long contract, decent wages, good experience/potential at this level; someone from the division above or a team on the cusp would probably cost 7m over 3 years of a contract in wages alone, I very much doubt B.B. started on 30/40k a week. So - negative/positive sweeping bs aside, It’ll take a lot more facts on the definite initial cost and his wages + a lot longer a prolonged period of innefectual displays before I’m singing from the same hymn sheet @Trinidad Rover

An exciting turn of events isn’t it? To be investing in potential as opposed to searching for premier league loans and/or players that need another chance after being dropped at their old club. Least it is for me. Only thing strange is the reactions of a view here.

The people I’ve spoken too about him said the same - however one person did make the point to me that he still doesn’t look fully fit or strong yet and I agreed on that. I listened to TM’s interview and he said exactly the same. TM doesn’t strike me as someone who would attempt to justify a big signing by playing him when he’s not ready, so I’m quite convinced that game time is going to be the main source of improvement for B.B. Plus imo he’s hardly done “very poorly” that kind of comment is reserved for a Dixon Etuhu’ esq performance coming in for 20 minutes, getting booked, giving a penalty away and then being re subbed. B.b has been ineffective at worst. In terms of other comments, I’ll just unequivocally say that already making these assertions is utterly embarrassing from my point of view; “The new Kevin Davies”, “hope we wiggle out of signing him”, “very poor performance/cameo”, “playing him to lower eventual fee”, “should of spent elsewhere” etc The absolute pearler; “it’s obvious B.B. is a bad buy”.... Ive been critical of Jal down the years for stupid posts but that comment based on what we’ve seen so far from B.B. easily one of the most baffling ever.

Rovers take on the recently relegated Swansea who are managed by Graham Potter. Swansea’s form is average, losing to Dean Smiths Aston Villa the previous Saturday. Winning 4, losing 4 and drawing 5 of their games this season. Swansea have some decent players - notable mentions; Ollie Mcburnie- a Scottish 6 foot 2 centre forward with 4 goals this season. Leroy Fer - a Netherlands central midfielder who has played much of their previous 3 seasons in the prem. Finally - the wingback Martin Olsson, the Swedish international who developed at Ewood! Rovers go into this game on the back of two wins - looking to push further into the playoffs. From my point of view I think a point would be perfect but it’s hard to reign in my excitement with Rovers so I’ll plump for a 2-0 victory with an early goal in each half Pictures/video from last time we met - who can forget how well Josh King did in that game.

I have to say I anticipated a different team sheet but the result shows I know feck all. Subs worked too for me - particularly Rodwell/Conway, the experience counted today for me.

Echo this, I certainly think he’s more suited to a central berth but what a work rate that lad has. Insane innit! Hah. I genuinely can’t believe how quickly we’ve transitioned and if we keep our key players come January and add a couple more who knows how much we can improve. Perhaps Rodwell was a signing that could probably cover any central midfield or defence crisis. Be nice if we can add more depth up top and on the flanks come January.

Took a lot of time to soak today in- I genuinely cannot believe how good Evans currently is playing. I thought the team played well today, but he really did stand out as the premium ball winner- Until Rodwell arrived- it feels almost surreal to see such depth and quality across the pitch. Even Conway’s quality from set pieces came into play despite reservations about his extension. What is the limit for this team?

I think he had his best game for us today - albeit after the worst first touch he could’ve hoped for. Some good touches and passes - if only an inch or two short or wide on the two through balls. More encouraging than the Sheffield United display. Lad is 19 and it’s thrilling we’ve such a luxury option based on his price.

The crossbar (or what was that) was filmed at Brockholes this week

I think his “arse” is a big part of why the lad is such a tricky customer. Ahem... How many number 10’s or creative inside forwards lack physicality? Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure you’re correct about peak physical fitness but he doesn’t half use his weight well at times. Really good balance and technique. Stick a knack for a finish or through ball on that, you’ve a player probably able to play at any level. I wouldn’t write him off personally. With Dack comes the propensity to mess it up via private life. Delicate balancing act because we could turn down offers only to lose in a different way. Hopefully lad sees he is a good season away from being made for life, either with us or elsewhere.

Not really - however it’s hard to see the LT as anything but advertisement and recycled twitter discussions from my point of view so you might understand why I read these articles and the first thing that comes to mind is “and..?”

Broadsheets are newspapers that have in depth reports. This paper is an advertisement driven tabloid. Two very different things, but I’m sure you knew that anyway. I doubt anyone rounding up figures to the 1000 is aiming for statistical accuracy either, and I’m quite sure you also understand that. We do agree though, it’s absolute tedium - doesn’t change the opinion this supposed journo is pilloried for imaginary crimes.

Quite deliberate BB. As I’ve previously stated; At no point does it jump out to me like a broadsheet argument, or educated and researched piece on the “empty stadium debate”. Ironic, that he’s criticised for not using statistics when that’s obvious to anyone familiar with his column. That’s not gleaming something to argue/agree with - read his fecking articles, there fan comments/opinions not in depth research into the rise and fall of our attendance. I don’t recall accusing anyone either? I’m suggesting that a few (you included) seemingly find these articles deliberately offensive, and to me that’s just utter nonsense. We disagree on that point. I’m not sure what else you want me to say BB? Of course “frothing” or the old favourite “trembling” is hyperbole but that’s simply pointing out how ridiculous those angles seem to me.

I think it’s obvious what he inferred by saying “entice folk back to Ewood the club now only have free tickets (impossible)” personally but you gleam what suits your point. For me, it doesn’t take a literary genius to see that he is not specifically saying it’s either current prices or free tickets- it’s sensationalism at worst and just throwaway comment at best. I agree with many that this is another poorly worded or uninteresting article from the Let, however I disagree with this notion that Smith is “ an absolute whopper that just loves attention. He can't write an article without taking a stupid holier than thou stance against other fans.” (sorry Khod, best example I could give, however there are many others) After taking a deeper look into what he is writing, I’ve just come to the conclusion he’s (as you put it) novice/poor writer. To take it to the next level - paint him has a hate figure, an agenda wielder, etc - seems a bit over the top. But alas, we agree on something - people do need something to moan and hate on. It’s good for mental health.