Never said it came from the club, but Rich Sharpe does know more about the ongoings at the club than I do. I just found that comment particularly curious. The overall structure of the deal is what matters. Let's say we offered Charlton £500k + Bauer £10k p/w over three years when we approached them last summer. What's the difference between that and paying Bauer £10k p/w plus a sign-on fee of £500k paid on top of his wages for the next 36 months? If he's asking for more than we think he's worth, then onto the next target on our list of course.

Didn't think this makes much sense, regarding Bauer: "However, with no transfer fee attached to any move, players like Bauer would command higher wages which could price them out of an Ewood move."

Ian Wright had a decent career as well.

How dare you.

Maybe... but does he have the legs to cope with the physicality of the game defensively? It would have to be in a 5 man midfield with a couple of enforcers like Travis, Bennett or Reed.

Williams offers a lot more pace than Mulgrew, and with Lenihan's aggression and often being the first defender to challenge for the ball, we need someone quicker than Mulgrew to sweep behind and pick up loose balls on the occasions where Lenihan misjudges or loses the first challenge. I also suspect that Mulgrew carried a few knocks towards the end of the season, and didn't look the same after back to back injuries during our terrible run of form. I still think he has something to offer, but we definitely need strengthening at the back.

Why is it either or?

But our defence as a whole he would. Maybe we should just give Smallwood the spot on a permanent basis to free up a spot in the middle.

Here: I never said you 'were unsure' by the way, I said you 'seemed undecided'. Do you believe if we swapped Raya for someone else (better) but sign no other defenders, that it would improve our defence? Yes or no?

I was merely arguing that a goalkeeper is very much part of a defence, while you seem undecided whether or not a GK is part of a defence or not. Your last sentence is stating the obvious. I don't disagree with you that we need better defenders too. I would like a Rb to provide cover/competition for Nyambe, plus a solid composed centre half to play alongside the more erratic Lenihan. Our left side is very on/off as well, with both Williams and Bell struggling with consistency.

A goalkeeper is very much an integral part of a defense. We need a more commanding figure at the back, not just a good shot stopper.

Worked harder than previous and ran the channels well. Looked more lively and confident, but it was tough working conditions out there for any Rovers forward. Norwich just were too good for us.

Good defending from the front also helps the defenders, but Lenihan is one of a kind among this group of players.

Massive win, totally dominant. Mowbray cannot look past Rothwell any longer, just hope it was a slight knock that forced him off towards the end. A lot of energy in midfield, and the right team selection with Reed and Travis in the center of the park. Even Bell was a lot less hesitant on the ball than usual, and Lenihan showed how much he has been missed.

How did Conway do? Wasn't able to watch the game but was more than a little surprised that he was given a start.

I think what many fans appreciate is actually Mowbray's honesty, he usually hits the nail on the head in his post match interviews but I agree that's a poor statement coming from him. His failure to turn things around is becoming a concern. Why was Downing allowed to leave when we were chasing the play-offs? It's not like Magloire is an improvement right now. Anything Scott Brown says from now on I'll take with a pinch of salt. Best midfielder in the club ?

We really need Nyambe and Lenihan back in this team. I'm sure Mowbray will start thinking about next season now, and should give Chapman, Travis, Nyambe, Brereton and possibly one or two from the U23's as much game time as possible from here on out.

I agree he needs to bulk up and work on his first touch. For me lacks the braveness required to become a real goal poacher, and I'm not sure that is something that can be taught. Judging by his work rate on the pitch, I'd say it will take him a fair few sessions in the gym before he puts any muscle on.

We're safe and sitting comfortably in mid-table with pretty much the same team that got us up last season. Horrible showing tonight, but Mowbray has improved the team and club substantially since signing.

It's his first full season in the Championship. I would give him a little more time to develop, yes.

Mulgrew and Lenihan are good defenders and make a good partnership at this level. Nyambe is good both ways and has big potential. Left side is our weakness, and Raya is horrible at set pieces but a decent shot stopper. A little prone to making mistakes, but still young. Rodwell I feel has good pace running in a direct line, and okay aerial ability, but when left one on one with the attacker there's trouble ahead.

Hard to argue with that. Goals decide and impact games, and it became a totally different game second half and we lacked a response.

And also why he loses possession in dangerous positions and gives the ball away needlessly. I like his style of play, but sometimes seems too eager and forces things instead of varying what he does and thus becoming more unpredictable. Difficult game for him to make an impact with Reading sitting back, he did indeed do a lot more than Conway managed for an hour, and I cannot fathom why Conway is such a trusted player by the manager. He's had one good game for the past three our four seasons.

Who were shite until they got a goal from nothing.

Yes, but too much ball carrying for me, same as Brereton. Needs to learn when to give and go and when to run at people. Thought he looked better in the early parts of the season, but has warranted a run of games by now to be honest.