And I think that's why we have started with those two as often as we have as well, because our shape defensively is better. I thought we were a bit too passive in letting them enjoy so much uncontested possession from the start, but we grew into the game in both halves and had taken over by the time Dennis received his marching orders. I'm glad we manage to contain their two aces upfront in the way that we did and avoid defeat. Hopefully we can go on a run now, with key players returning as well.

I liked that he looked hungry, and as professionals they can dish it out. Just fear that he might be a bit of a rotten egg if things don't go his way. A bit harsh that red card but the first foul was really poor against a former Rover.

The low press definitely comes from Eustace.

Would've been offers for him in January if he's that highly regarded. Maybe he's asking for more than he's worth and that makes him more difficult to offload? I don't think he should start in a team aspiring to be in the top half of the table, he's way too inconsistent and is a bit of an odd one. Defensively he's a big team player with his workrate, offensively he holds onto the ball, dribbles and loses possession and chooses to finish himself instead of finding teammates more often than not. When he's on his game we're often also having a good game so in that sense he's instrumental.

Looked to me that Dennis had a pretty bad attitude when he came one. Complaining and gesticulating to his teammates. Anyone that was there that can confirm? Only saw the bits that was caught on camera.

Yes and no. I think with more bodies forward and a higher collective press, he would more often be in situations where he's at his (presumably) best. But I have to say his set piece delivieres are pretty bad, and he's very inconsistent on the ball and hesitant in the final third. If he could simplify his plays a little bit and contribute more goals and assists, then we have a player on our hands. Could learn a trick or two from Dack about playing in the hole in my opinion. Poor referee today.

They'll probably release a video soon is my guess.

Seems to be a type of manager that's better suited to a squad with 'mediocre' players. He has seemingly failed once he has a stronger, better ball-playing, squad than before but I think our current squad and how Eustace has set us up is a perfect foundation for Ismael to work from. We all want intensity and a hard-working team, and we certainly know the current squad's limitations, but if we can keep going from now until the end of the season we have a chance of making the play-offs. I'd say based on our contract situation and how long it takes us to do deals, that we would struggle to muster anything remotely close to PL standard in the odd case that we gain promotion. Let's try and enjoy this ride eh?

Time to renew some contracts and make sure they are committed to the cause and not just to their own futures. Ismael is a 6.5/10 appointment for me. I like that he says he won't come in and change much, just support what we already have. I hope he doesn't listen to Lowe when selecting his first starting eleven but watches a bit of video and makes his own mind up. He demands hard work from his players and that's what he'll get, so good luck to im and us. The best scenario before January was some solid investment eary doors into the squad and Eustace staying.

Change of employment application should normally take less time than a totally new application, no?

JDT was stats driven so shoot when in the right positions; just around the penalty spot. That's how he coached more goals into Szmodics. Problem was/is getting there.

Sure is. I was mostly trying to clear up that Ricky had written WBA, when Ismael's previous employer was Watford.

Watford less than a year ago.

I'd give him 2 + 1 year option.

Eustace's style isn't too exciting so if it's more of the same with Ismael then most fans should be happy with the appointment.

I was underwhelmed when Eustace signed a year ago. I'm less so now with the prospect of Ismael joining, to be honest. Still not confident he's much of an upgrade on Eustace, but don't think he's much of a downgrade either - and we're short-staffed and need a head coach in so welcome/willkommen/accueillir to you, Valerien.

But both are in agreement that Ismael is the frontrunner. Standard Jackson stuff this, he rarely posts anything first but often confirms or debunks stuff that is already out there.

"Will go a proper breakdown/opinion on whoever gets the gig. Amongst the better options of those linked, I would say though." EJ on X Careful what you wish for 🙂

Beat you to it, Chadster 😉 So Ismael first choice it seems, if not him then someone from left field perhaps.

https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/24958327.blackburn-rovers-manager-latest-new-favourite-emerges/

https://x.com/_ElliottJackson/status/1893992655832666174

The release clause should be a reflection of his (relatively low) salary.

That's pretty good then 😉 He can join Arsenal after he has kept us up in the Premier League next season.

We've had our last two managers walk out of the club, and the one before they let his contract just run out without proper communications (seemingly) after five years. We have continually underinvested in the squad and are this season's over-achievers, so I am not all too sure that the jobs is _THAT_ attractive. Ending up with Ismael or Wagner I would say is a lot better than I feared. Remember when we hired Eustace that there were reports that Duncan Ferguson was closed to signing? Good grief...

Ismael or Wagner I don't mind either at this point. Think Wagner will represent a bigger change in style at this moment, whereas Ismael seems to be more pragmatic in his approach. We need someone in fast, who can start preparing for the next game asap.