I think 46 Championship games plus cup games (though early exits hereabouts) and international games is too much for his body to cope with, yes.

Fair enough, but Mulgrew did captain them in their latest European Qualifier away at Belgium (3-0 defeat).

Mulgrew started off well but was hampered by injuries during the second half of the season, and really never found his 'old' form back. Sometimes players can play through these kinds of niggling injuries, sometimes they can't. Mulgrews body has a lot of mileage on it despite him being only 33, but fully fit he is good enough to start alongside Lenihan. It's a question of whether he will stay injury free for long periods of time ever again.

Mulgrew is the current Scotland captain, but many Rovers fans don't think he's good enough. When was the last time Hanley was even called up?

I never said I wouldn't, I just have some concerns that I posted earlier and believe he will be an expensive signing and that money can be spent on a better fit for us. Hanley is a top of the Championship squad player.

I'm a bit vary because he's a bit too similar to Lenihan. Erratic, agressive - likes to be the first defender to challenge for the ball. Both will often be on yellow cards, but will probably also instill a bit of fear in opponent's strikers. Would like to see a commanding figure alongside Lenihan, but one with a cooler head than Hanley...

lol still at it I see... Cech isn't what he once was and Kocielny doesn't look the same either. They've shipped 51 goals against in the Premier League with Leno between the sticks, and probably would have done the same if Cech was their first choice GK this season. Replace either with a De Gea or ter Stegen and they would concede less. Replace Papastathopoulos and concede even fewer goals. Replace Kocielny etc. We can replace Raya AND still sign both a LB and a CB - why is it that you refuse to see this?

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.