Lampard has two assistant managers I believe, correct me if I’m wrong. One of them he brought in himself… From Dunc’s point of view Lampard has done quite poorly and could be gone again before Christmas. Then it’s either a step back or the same role again at Everton, or try and gain some experience to return to Goodison as manager one day. Who is ‘Myers’? The journo?

Dunc would probably fit in well with the model chosen if we get an experienced DoF/manager who can help mentor him. He's done the dirty work at Everton, started at the bottom in the Academy (many don't get that chance handed to them though), working seven days a week 7-19. Nevertheless, it would be an underwhelming signing for me, but let's give whoever they put in charge the support they need.

Hopefully Venky’s reject Big Dunc like Dikembe Mutombo.

Good throws and good with the ball at his feet. Sometimes over-eager to get the counter attack going but definitely has, and had, distribution. Found Armstrong on numerous occasions when they were both here.

Raya has always had distribution as one of his main attributes, an important one in the modern game. Kaminski is a lot more awkward with the ball at his feet but has a good throw and decent kick with the ball in his hands. He had at least one assist this season. Raya is short for a top level GK so his main strength will never be commanding the box. He does, and did, however intercept a lot of attacks with his awareness and pace. Kaminski also comes off his line quite a bit but is mainly a great shot stopper. Anyhow, I can’t judge Benson based on a few highlights off the tele - I thought it was wrong to sell Raya but he wanted out in order to take the next step - that could be down to Benson and it could be down to Mowbray who didn’t exactly reassure him and strengthen his confidence with his man-management towards the end.

So by your logic that makes Mourinho and Hodgson poor managers. I thought that way of thinking was a thing of the past. Benson has worked with Dean Henderson as well, who turned out alright. I would never judge a coach based on such simpleton metrics.

What’s wrong with Benson exactly? I see him on the end of some stick on here, but he’s helped turn Raya into a top GK and Kaminski signed a new contract recently so would imagine they have a great relationship.

No doubt will the DoF appointment be just as vital as the Head Coach, as well as their ability to work together. I just hope Venky’s realise how close we came to achieving something this season and supports whoever are next in charge with all of the BBD money.

You could well be right here. Carvalhal would be a more expensive option and would demand to make more changes than Manning most likely. I for one would be happy with Manning, but maybe part of that would be the relief I would feel about some of the other names we would have avoided.

Why? If they're employed elsewhere they probably would like to strike a deal first before going public. Others won't mind a bit of publicity, like Ainsworth (managing at lower level) Farke or Carvalhal (both unemployed).

Farke might just be playing hard to get. Or if Rovers have to convince him about our ambitions, then that’s a plus - but that would likely also rule him out of the running.

Please do elaborate.

When did Curbishley last manage a team? No thank you. Hughton... not for me.

I think you're right. Big Sam's opinion was that midfield was a tougher position so it was probably down to the ever-present Samba & Nelsen as you alluded to. Loan until January with the possibility to extend. League One should be doable as he's so highly rated.

Big Sam played Phil Jones as DMC to take a bit of pressure off him. I haven't watched Ash in action, but to gel him in gently would be to let him come on as DMC or RB towards the end. He could also benefit hugely playing alongside Ayala in a back three, but in a back four it's easier to get exposed.

Came off his line way too early. No VAR though. Great keeper but bit of a loose cannon. Berge surely off in the summer, so I think Sheff U will struggle again next season.

Because they have been ripped off in the past and didn’t like the feeling.

Last game on Sunday with nothing to play for, then his contract expires I believe.

Would probably be safe to assume that Farke and Carvalhal would mean more intent as they'd be more likely to demand larger war chests than Ainsworth would. Ainsworth the only one with a job though, but probably has a Rovers clause in his contract.

I'll be happy with Farke, Carvalhal or Ainsworth. Farke is of the Gegenpressing school, has gotten out of this league twice playing great football. Carvalhal - from what I've seen of Braga in Europa League was scintillating stuff. Hard-working, high press and dangerous on the break - we have looked the best this season taking the same approach. Ainsworth I haven't seen too much of, but seems to get the most out of his players being a great mentor/player coach. I believe he would bring with him a lot of enthusiasm and has the advantage of being a Rovers fan himself. Also difficult to say he prefers a certain system considering he has done wonders under unfavourable financial conditions. I agree with Mowbray that the club needs to hire a manager that works well with youth, and we cannot put a man in place that rips that foundation to pieces. The four weeks mentioned by @glen9mullan fits in well with what Nixon said, and Ainsworth has a play-off final to worry about first. Statistically being a manager in the Championship for a while would make anyone a journeyman, so I wouldn't hold that against Carvalhal to be honest.

Your message to asivesaidtotheowners@venkys.com couldn't be delivered.

No, that can’t be the case. They’re successful at business and Mowbray last extended his contract in November 2018. Hoping they have their talk this week, followed by an announcement and the hiring of a new manager well before June.

Just being a football romantic and taking this season into consideration only. Last season our style of football made me drowsy.

I’d take Mowbray over Ainsworth. Quite enjoyed the way we played this season and although our form was atrocious for large parts, Tony knows the group and the club. Farke would be my first choice from the ones I’ve seen linked with the job. The club has to act swiftly here so the new (or old) man in charge can convince Lenihan and Nyambe to extend. Give them higher wages and £1,5m release fee clauses.