12 hours ago, glen9mullan said:

I then started to discuss what the set up of the club was before the latest appointments, I stated that we'd spent years ridding the club of the parasites who were sucking the life out of the club. This journey had seen me attend the FA to meet Newton, The premier league to meet Scudamore, The football league to meet their board, and to Parliament flanked by our our local MP's to speak under Parliamentary privilege to call for an inquiry into football governance. Steve was speechless, he did not know this had occured and asked what sort of things did we present?

The main points I pointed out, was despite the club denying there was third party interference with Kentaro, there was a legally binding agreement between Rovers and Kentaro, for them to run the club and for them to make decisions in the best interest of the club including retainment and recruitment of staff.

I stated the FA had told the club to get their ship in order as the embarrassment this brought to the top governance of the english game with Kentaro being one of the national teams largest corporate partners would have a detrimental affect on the integrity of the national game. The FA Issued a number of gagging orders to prevent the truth, hence I went to Parliament to speak and instigate an independent review and questions from the sports minister to both the premier league and F.A Regarding independence governance. This was also the first step for the bill of the independent review which is now known as "Fan lead" which has been presented to club by the Rovers trust recently,

So based on the above I then asked

4. Could you explain the current structure of how the club is run? what autonomy you have? who is running the ship? Who is making the operational decisions? and what part does the current administration play given those previously had as much power as a broken light bulb, and used there time more to profit personally from the clubs demise?

Steve stated that there is a board of Directors which he is head off as the CEO, Which includes the likes of Cheston etc, and also Suhail who is the owners representative on the ground here in Blackburn

I then stated - Suhail was part of the negotiating team with Kentaro when the club was bought, his links have been a constant, i'm concerned he is still here given the likes of Honeyman are still getting clients into the club, did you know Honeyman was the former MD Of SEM Kentaro?

Steve Stated having Suhail around really works well, he is very supportive of the board and his relationship with the the staff and board is very healthy. He is also good at helping the board in terms of how best to communicate certain things to owners in a respectful way, given the culture differences

I then re-directed the question and brought Lindsay into the conversation. I stated to Lindsay that she had been at the club a long time and had worked under the Jack Walker regime too, abeit in a different capacity. Given she has also worked under ever board since the Raos bought the club, I asked in your opinion do we now have a similar reporting line as the one we had when Jack owned the club?

Lindsay was not hesitent and immediately stated yes, she said Suhail is like Brown was for Jack, his man on the ground whilst he was in Jersey (just like the Rao's in india). She stated the board now operates like the pre walkers trust days where the board run the club, do their annual reporting, make decisions on recruitment, marketing, strategies and just like the board under jack, if more money is needed or a significant purchase is needed, its relayed to the owners and they sign it off

This is all we got through in this meeting with another meeting scheduled for September

Main points to note and these are vital:

1. The board structure is exactly what we have all championed for 10 years plus, a board that makes the decisions, is accountable for those decisions.

2.The owners continue to say yes, and always make the money available be that for players or to service debt.

3. A point I have not fitted in the questions, is that its very clear Steve Waggott talks directly to the owners on a regular basis, and more importantly those discussions are heavily with Madam and Mr Venky, It had long been thought that this was Bala's toy and the wider families interest and wavered. However this is not true, the head of the family is very much the driving force in supporting the board both financially but also in all they do by giving them the trust and autonomy to act in the clubs best interest.

4. Steve Waggott in person is not the same Steve Waggott we've heard in interviews, his passion, knowledge and general persona is probably the best I've seen from anyone within the club in my time, and that includes the Williams Regime. Although I'm only 5% through my questions for him, which I will pick up again in September, I can tell from my first meeting that my position/opinion on him prior to meeting him, has changed somewhat. I have been involved in lots of these type of meetings, and I don't go easy on people. I actually told him, this Steve Waggott is actually quite marketable. I can understand why many after meeting him are jumping to his defence, because I actually think with the right approach, he could become one of the most influential people the club ever has.

5. There is evidently lots of work to do to rebuild, and a lot more questions I need to ask, but early signs I think are good for all of us,

 

Finally I apologise for any spellings, missed words etc, It was a lot to write to get it out to you all. I appreciate the nice comments and efforts people have gone to, to read these post

Just want to say a big thank you Glen. I remember all those years ago seeing you fighting this and always going to Rovers and never backing down. Not too overly flatter you 😉 hahaha. But i just want to say thank you, even a few years back you probably won't remember but taking the time to personally respond to an email i sent to you with a few questions, and seeing you take the time away from your family and your own personal time to go and get answers it is very much appreciated! 

Between you and Kamy you guys have been invaluable to the Rovers Community! 

20 minutes ago, BRFC_Polky said:

It was a tongue in cheek 😉 

My bad let me go and delete that nothing to see here 😅😂

5 minutes ago, BRFC_Polky said:

Rich Sharpe and Elliott Jackson should be grilling GB and JDT to ask why it took 286 pages to sign our first player…disgrace!

Happy with the signing…welcome Callum 👋🏻 

Hahaha that is hilarious why on earth such a question should be asked?! Yes, it has been slow but lets review the window at the end of it. OF course not ideal but not every single club across Europe have been incredibly proactive. 

Anyone else feel we should be all over Krystian Bielik? 

The Nyambe to Wigan signing just seems to awfully odd and strange. I imagine the only thing that has changed is the 0 at the end of the month. I am disappointed to see one of our own academy players go especially one who has played so many games for us. It is a coup for Wigan make no doubt about it they are looking to stabilize and remain in this league. For Ryan is seems like big fish in a small pond where he has gone for the money rather than ambitions. Though i cannot blame him, at the end of the day all you want is the pay you deserve, did he and Lenihan deserve a pay increase? Of course! I would have sold Ayala any day of the week to give those wages to Nyambe and Lenihan and bring in Carter as the back up with Philips. Just seems we have done it the wrong way round. If the plan was to upgrade the RB position with Brittain then you have to trust the management as well. Maybe Nyambe did not fit into was JDT and Gregg wanted. We will see what happened here once the months go by but Waggot will have to have some answers for this.  

12 minutes ago, SIMON GARNERS 194 said:

Oh dear,oh dear...when will some of our lot learn!

Easy to go fishing on this forum these days! 🤣

Wow in the end some finances can be raised! Give me 6m/7m for Gallagher, 20 for Diaz, and 1m for Ayala and life is good! 

I feel like this is an interesting time for the club. I feel like if Nyambe signs for Wigan that would be a blow realistically. Yes he isn't Roberto Carlos but he is an academy player who has developed a decent reputation for the Championship. Will he be a tremendous loss? No, but I would have rather have spent the money elsewhere and just give him the the 10 to 15k he wanted rather than splash cash on a new signing. We could have focused our budget on the midfield. I actually would have been fairly content with Nyambe, Carter, Wharton, Phillips, Pickering and Edun (Sell off Ayala, bring in a freebie). 

Having said that I do feel we need to generate funds to be able to compete in this league. We do need more bodies in the midfield area. I am surprised as everyone that no signing have been made, but i always judge a window once it closes so i can't say whether or not this is a good one. With the likes of 5 first team players going it didn't start well, but at the end of the day this is what Gregg was signed in to do so lets see how he performs. I wonder how long Waggot will be around for as well given the miss management of the club. Clearly Venky's must be aware or someone is hiding it very well from them. 

7 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

Do we have a DNA? If it is in bringing through youngsters, fine but we have lost our captain and also our most experienced player from an already inexperienced squad so we need at least a couple of more experienced players regardless of ideals about DNA.

The specific names you mention in the main are underwhelming aside from Hourihane who I think would have been a good player to have, good on the ball, very good left foot, experienced and has proven himself at this level over a number of years. 

Also, we cannot afford to allow further time to pass on the basis that we want outs first, we need the bulk of our business to be done before the season, ideally in the next week or so to allow the new players to gel, they have already missed the Portugal trip and likely the first friendly.

Brereton will be going but that situation may rumble on beyond the first game so we simply cannot wait. With Ayala, we don't know if he will go, if he does then we should just an additional vacancy that we need to fill.

Absolutely, you are right we have lost experience and a vast amount with our captain going but we do have leaders within the squad already with the likes of Travis, and Dack. The timeframe you give though is unrealistic, how long has JDT had with the squad? Portugal was probably the first proper occasion he had to assess the squad and they have only just come back. Of course they will have target and ideas of players who fit the system the problem is trying to get all of that sorted and getting a player signed up isn't done in a matter of days. Especially with Venky's at the helm. 

Ah Rovers fans ever the patient one. Our fan base reminds me a little bit of the town people in South Park who when they are not happy you just hear 'Rabble, Rabble, Rabble" and then on to the next topic. 

to see players like McGoldrick, Gayle, Hendricks, Clarke, Hourihane all mentioned as players our fans would enjoy I think seem to forget what the DNA of the club has become and what the missions statement JDT proclaimed when he joined. It is about adding value to players and developing them. How does any of the above fit that system that JDT wants to employ at the club? Quite simply it doesn't. Signings are likely to be individuals who are from a youngish age that we can sell on with a significant profit like an Armstrong and a Diaz. 

It is quiet at the moment but most clubs have been quiet the ones that haven't we haven't got the financial might to compete with them. So they can go out and easily sign the player they want and carry on. I anticipate our window will be a slow one. One we have to take our time though. I would be more interested in solving our outgoings first in Ayala and Diaz before concentrating on incomings. Unless Diaz signs a new contract (which i think he should for his own development as i feel like JDT could be a good fit for him. 

22 hours ago, 47er said:

Injuries? Suspensions?

Thats why i said our starting 11 is strong but that the squad needs to be re-enforced. One of the first things i wrote was that the starting 11 isn't as depleted as everyone suggest however, we do need bodies in the squad. With that in mind with a new style of play. Mid table is realistic. 

19 minutes ago, jim mk2 said:

I only look on this thread occasionally but the lack of news and transfer activity makes it painfully obvious there is very little new money available to spend. New manager and his high hopes and all that but the signs are it's going to be a very difficult season. As it stands the squad is much weaker than the one that finished last season

I am not too sure I think there is clearly some finances available it just depends I don't think we should put ourselves in danger and overspend. Is the squad desperately weaker. If you compare appearance and quality of the players in the starting 11 it is debatable. Of course i am not silly I am aware the squad quality has deteriorated, however, I don't personally believe the starting 11 is desperately weaker to last year. 

Should Dack come back in to his usual self, we have a better player on our hands than Rothwell by a mile, Buckley could then play alongside Travis in CM. On the Wings Hedges showed some glimpses of what he is capable of, Dolan has now more games under his hands so should fill the void from Khadra. Markanday is an exciting prospect as well. In the defence Ayala is quality when fit but as Wharton showed you don't need vast amount of Championship experience to defend well. Carter has had glowing reviews from Pompey, and yes while we will miss a leader in Lenihan, Travis will be just as vocal. 

Right Back in the urgent one for me. Do we need bodies in the team? Of course we do, additions will be welcomed and we really need quality over quantity. I would also argue we would need more vocal leaders in the dressing room as well. 

I don't see our starting 11 as a terrible a 11 though it should be able to get us mid table. 

Well the say it is the end of the era it has never been a truer sentence than seeing the shuffle in backroom staff and personnel. Of course it is disappointing to see key players of value leave for free especially when you hear the figures being quoted for Rothwell of around 4M makes you think in better circumstances we probably would have gotten 3m for Lenihan and 1.5/2m for Nyambe. All of these will effect the bottom line finance situation especially when it comes to FFP (Which as a concept i feel needs to be modernized as in its current form to me it doesn't make much sense for clubs who wish to be more ambitious).

Where does this leave us well with quite significant rebuild. However, I see this more as a rebuild financially than from the squad itself. With a lot of the bigger wages off the books Rovers will have funds, however, I do feel there are two big moves we need to make to re-address out situation. Number 1) to sell Diaz and 2) sell Ayala. From there we have a few good opportunities on the loan and freebie market we need to take advantage of. Yes we lost Nyambe, but JRC and Brown can play there and were okay (not seing they are the permanent replacement for that position. Yes Rothwell will be missed but Dack is back and i would take Dack any day over Rothwell, and yes we loss Lenihan, however, Wharton has now had a full season under his belt in the championship and Carter coming through after glowing reviews from League One. by no means does it say we will be as strong but by no means does it mean the rebuild from a squad perspective is as big as everyone thinks. The key issue would be should Diaz go who will contribute to the goals? Well that is where JDT and the new DOF need to use their network from Cantwell to Botheim there are option out there. Some to really be excited about! Myself i would actually stay clear of Cantwell his attitude worries me and would not suit Rovers if he comes with an Ego. Would rather a Rudoni. Needless to say the next few weeks will be vital. I think Rovers will go about their business discreetly but one thing for sure there is clear excitment and a b uzz around the club 

Are we aiming just Scando market now hahaha :). 

I saw a comment about singing Berg and Bjorkan they just signed for a new club in Jan and they are playing regularly for those teams so no chance of getting them. However, I would quite like a Rhys Healy who having watched a lot of French football actually looks quite decent and matured quite well. Erik Botheim as someone mentioned is also quite appealing 😉

Well it is the start of what some call of a new era for others it is just the same old situation with Venky's. 

On the surface he ticks the box as to what Rovers are seemingly looking. A coach who is driven and who loves to develop players while staying out of the day to day management stuff like transfers. I think this is the first time since Venky's time in charge that somewhat of a structure has been put in place. 

Personally, I think it is an exciting time management apart but for the squad as we are losing some familiar loved faces who will need to be replaced with new ones. Carter seems like a natural candidate to move to the first time, and Nyambe could still stay. Captain should be Travis over anyone else. Do we need additional bodies yes, but i think it is time to cash in on Brereton (Should he not want a new contract), and Ayala. I would also sell off Butterworth, Magloire.

To do list? Honestly i don't see Rothwell too much of a lost as i would take Dack any day of the week over him. Dack's body just needs to hold out now, if it does then we have a cracking player back. Outside of that I think we do need two strikers and two CB potentially a RB is Nyambe leaves but Brown does not look too shabby! 

2 hours ago, islander200 said:

But surely you announce him and add subject to be a work permit being granted.

I know we have seen some daft things at the club but surely after 5 weeks of a managerial search surely we have done our due diligence and know wether JDT meets the criteria for a work permit or not.

Read Kompanys isn't all to do with work permit issues he was applied for citizenship apparently

I have never ever seen a single club across the entire spectrum of football announce a player, a manager, or a member or staff without a valid Work Permit. Should be the permit fail whoever takes over after that you publicly announced that they would always be the second choice. No announcement until everything is sorted is i am sorry to say just very sensible

Just a thought that crept but giving thst the Scandinavian league pay less than the championship could this be a shrewd appointment Brentford lived off that structure for years in terms of taping into smaller leagues small contracts and wages but quality players 👍🏻

Well first off I am the first to slag Venkys off

for the miss fortunes that have occurred at our clubs. Some of the language used here though is quite remarkable just shows how fractured this fan base really is. Between the angry teenage like attitude of just expecting daddy to cover the bill no matter the cost just because we have wealthy owners. From being against Ainsworth for seemingly not having enough experience (not that I am for him) but then other shouting for JDT are the very same people saying one doesn’t have experience when from a game perspective he has managed more games and knows British football better than JDT (not that I am against JDT being manager either!) it is more just to say some people just seem happy moaning for the sake of moaning. 
 

is our structure a mess? Yes, however, I am willing to give the new DOF a chance to It out at the end of the day that is what he is paid to

do. Only time will tell what happens. 
 

manager situation a farce? Yes, but I personally believe in living within your means. Not to be overly reliant on an owner i can name thousands of sad ending for clubs who went down that path. So what? We missed out on carvahal who got more money and Farke (who I wanted) got more money and a better league. Can I blame them? No. Hunt goes until we find someone who fits our price structure like with any company you don’t throw money just to throw money.

Have we got a big rebuild? Transition yes, but not as big of a rebuild as when TM came in. Lenihan it is sad to see him go but Carter sounds exciting, Nyambe fingers crossed re signs. From there I would cash in on Brereton and Ayala and kickstart the transfer window with some cash in the bank for the new manager to spend. There must be some talent in the Scandinavian leagues that we don’t know about…

I do find it quite fun log in here after every single article that appears online with the latest exclusive of "insert name" close to being appointed as manager of "Insert Club" and seeing the meltdown that happens on these forums. It is crazy even though i am in my early 30's the instant gratification of each and every person wanting there man. The truth is regardless as to what is quoted in the press no one will know the outcome other than Venky's or Glen or Kamy who have always been absolutely incredible with their information and what they have shared. 

Asking these individuals to share their source as well and blaming or trying to create a stir is just weird and random to watch. Have you ever seen a journalist publicly announce their source? No...A source is a source for a reason. Either listen to what they say or don't you have every right to. But this forum is far too guilty of instead of engaging pointing fingers at one another. 

Season is over we have a big appointment on our hands. Carvahal is by far not my choice, he has never achieved much and i would have rather kept Mowbray if it was to have Carvahal. Farke for me is the stand out choice with a Director of Football. We have a huge core of good players if he is able to join, i do see Nyambe and Lenihan staying as well. 

Wouldn't touch Tom Lawrence at all....huge salary, big ego, would rather invest in an up and coming talent like Jack Rudoni from AFC Wimbledon who had a great season and who AFC are looking to sale for a record transfer for the club so think around 500k/1m fee. He is a wonderful little player. 

Quite interested to see the outcome of this managerial appointment. I have to say regardless of all the grief that Mowbray got he has overall done a very decent job. I am sad to see him go in a lot of ways as he has been the main part of a lot of things that were good for us the last couple of years. 

I think we do look like quite an attractive proposal when i see the team we have lined up for next year. Yes we need to get the recruitment right but a lot of the core of the team is strong (especially if we keep Lenihan and Nyambe). I would be curious to know should they resign how many other clubs can compete with us with regards to the amount of academy players that have made it through to the first team because if i add up correctly we could potentially be fielding Carter, Lenihan, Wharton, Nyambe, Travis, JRC, Dolan (counting him! hahaha), Buckley all within the same team. 

With regards to managerial appointments Carvahal i would not go anywhere near I think he is past it unfortunately. Farke i think would be the correct one he has a track record of developing young players are Norwich so he would be an upgrade. If it falls through on him I honestly do not know who would get me excited or who i believe would be good enough to get us to move forward. 

Will Mowbray start getting a bit of credit?

Just now, roversfan99 said:

Mowbray and the players constantly mention the top 6, weekly. In fact, that was last seasons target too, although it seems to be a target they have more belief in this season. After the Millwall game last season, our captain tweeted to apologise for failure to meet the target.

Im not sure when Waggott mentioned the top 10 although thats a pointless target anyway. 

Its not just about budget, as ive touched on. Time, money, wage bill, pressure to sell, net spend, all factors. Its not as black and white as you or others make out but even if it was, then we would need to overachieve, and if Mowbray cant, then the hope would be that we got someone who could.

I agree with you but would you trust the owners, the CEO to bring someone who could?

Just now, Sparks Rover said:

Well that's bullshit.  He could have bought Whiteman for 1.7 + add ons and sorted the base of the midfield.   Instead he spent the same if not more on his mates keeper kid, Old man Stu, Tommy Trybull and a couple of other clubs kids.  Just shyte management and he needs to go.  

You can troll off too.

Why is it having a different opinion being a troll? Have i insulted anyone? No so your personal attack just means you need to grow up. One can debate and argue that is the purpose of a forum. It isn't to push people into agreeing with you and throwing names. Cut off the Cancel Culture rubbish of extreme opinions. Ridiculous.

10 minutes ago, Richard Oakley said:

It's not hope. I expect Venkys to want to spend the money, because that's what any other club with ambition would do. Were it my choice, it is one I would make.

Because we are fans we would all make that decision as would i but they are not looking to invest more it has been said over and over again. they want the self sufficient model.