According to the BBC, Forest played with four at the back in their defeat against Cardiff at the end of January. Cardiff gave them 60% possession but managed to win 2-1. Against Leicester, Cooper brought the on-loan Villa forward, Keinan Davis back in and from the looks of things, did "a Mowbray" playing three forwards, with their 'target man' Keinan Davis out wide left, Zinckernagel through the middle and Johnson on the right. So, it looks like it will be like for like tomorrow, in terms of formation, almost exactly.

I very much doubt that four or so games and a few goals for FC United convinced Scunthorpe to take Burns on loan. I think these month-long non-league loans of U23 star players are wrong-headed by the club and risks damaging confidence. A brief non-league spell is hardly the stability for a player to get time to adapt to a very different style of play. At least give the player half or a full season option. Ideally, for a U23 regular and high performer, wait for the transfer window for League 1 or 2 club. Vale's loan at Halifax was, notably, half a season, giving him, at least, some meaningful time to adapt. It also gave him time to return from an ankle injury to play for them. Had it been a month, he'd have been back with barely having played much - a bit like Dan Pike earlier in the season. The one-month loans are, I think, an absurdity - except for, perhaps, U18s, who are there to soak up the atmosphere rather than really play - or, perhaps, players who are heading out the door and are scratching around for clubs. McBride's form tailed off and he even lost his place in the U23 team. However, he was a top performer last season and was nominated for the U23 player of the season. He was not an out and out striker for the U23s and a number of his goals were penalties. He did assist a few for Burns, from what a recall and managed 12 goals in total. He looked a confident player when he appeared for the first team in pre-season. At least this Queen's Park loan spell, albeit, a low standard, will give him a run of games to try to prove himself. Even if he does well in that league, I am not sure Rovers will keep him. My feeling is that, given that he was benched often by Mike Sheron, the management don't rate him as highly as others (as with many of the last batch of U23s) and are looking to the next cohort from the U18s. I think it would be a mistake not to persevere with him, given his initial impact, but we'll wait to see what happens.

Spence at right wing back is in the Jones at Boro mould in being skilful and fast. Edun came to terms with Jones eventually and Giles will have to do so for this one, if he plays. I don't know if Giles has pace but he'll need it to keep Spence quiet. If he does, he'll have done better than the Leicester and Arsenal defenders. Only problem, then, is that Zinckernagel and Johnson are skilful runners too and in form. We know we can rattle teams with fierce press and runners, when our's are fit. I think Buckley is being targeted by other teams and Mowbray needs to think about giving him more support in that area, or, shifting his role a little so not everything has to go through him. My guess, which could well be wildly wrong, is that Buckley in No.10 role will have diminishing returns in the current set-up. He's really a CM. Edit: If Gallagher and Dolan aren't ready, I think Vale has to be on the bench. It makes more sense to have an in-form young forward come on than full backs trying to play up front.

I agree with this. Mowbray has expressly referenced Liverpool when talking about tactics. They are capable of both counter-attack and possession. Keys to this, I believe, (aside from world class players) is an intense press from the the front and a three man midfield. If the front three don't close down intensely, they risk becoming passengers in the team. I think a plan B of 3-5-2, with Khadra and Brereton forward or, even, return to the apparently failed 4-3-3 may be in order. Now we have stronger left backs, compared to Bell and Douglas, it could be a way to accommodate an extra man in the middle, to help with retaining possession in the moments that require it. I'm sure Buckley as No.10 will continue given that overall it's been effective. The question is how we tweak our play when the other side nullify counters.

Chapman, Butterworth, McBride and Burns are all young Rovers forwards who have been invested in for several years. I'd rather they were played in a forward role rather than on loan full backs. At least one should have been retained as back up.

We have firepower on the bench, in Khadra and Brereton, but the decision to let go all the reserve forwards looks very foolish at the moment. They are unproven but at least they are forwards. As is the case for the long-term choice not to find a better midfielder than Johnson to make an impact off the bench. We simply can't play counter-attack all the time with Buckley as a No.10, I'm afraid. Other teams seem to be working it out. If Rovers are deep and under the cosh, they have no-one to hold up possession and relieve pressure.

I'm guessing Mowbray views him as 6th choice, behind Bradley Johnson, but there's a real possibility of him appearing on the bench before the season is up. I think it is a season too soon, given his age, but it might come to it if/when injuries affect the defence, including the U23s. Sam Barnes, who is probably the U23s most reliable CB, over the past two seasons, has had injury problems too. It's good to see Vale scoring and that the stint at FC Halifax, in non-league, didn't, seemingly, affect him negatively, as I had feared. He had an ankle injury which kept him out for a while and then he played right wing, as the Halifax No.9 was in good form. Apparently, he did ok, but didn't score many. Injuries seem to be an issue with him. Vale might well contribute something to the first team in time but, I'm sure that he carries transfer value in the market at least, given his Welsh U21 credentials. Rovers would do well to give him a few games and keep him on contract, either as a first team squad player and/or as a potentially saleable asset. Edit: It does puzzle me why the U23s rotate goalkeepers virtually every match. Stergiakis had a good game, apparently, in the last fixture and, I would've thought that giving a keeper a run of games is best to develop confidence and experience. It's chop and change every match, which gives everyone game time but no continuity or expression of trust from the management of being first choice. Eastham is, apparently, out of contract in the summer, so it makes sense to find a regular No.3, give him games and confidence in readiness to challenge Pears and, even, Kaminski.

This has been discussed but the problem with letting all the reserve forwards go, especially, Butterworth, is that there's a risk of rushing players back early from injury to fill gaps or playing makeshifts up front. We play with such intensity expected of players, I'd be concerned about Dolan or Khadra damaging their hamstrings further if they play. And I don't want to see Zeefuik upfront, though, perhaps, JRC might do a job as wing forward, if fit and called upon. Despite Butterworth's lack of form, shown in his last appearance, in prior games, he had, at times, made an impact. I recall an assist he had after a strong run down the flank and, also, in the same game, almost scoring with a long-range strike. He then lost his place on the bench and then came back to play against Luton.

I suppose, the kindest theory, to Mowbray, is that he hadn't planned his squad and recruitment much in June 2021 and therefore, went for safety first to retain Chapman as "a body" in the squad [Mowbray's terminology in recent quotes about Chapman] and later, made impulsive decisions to sign Poveda, Khadra and Clarkson, along with the other forwards, which made Chapman, who Mowbray doesn't get on with, disposable. The idea that Mowbray wanted to give Chapman another chance seems unlikely given that he was sent out on loan and Rovers signed several on loan attacking midfielders - and Mowbray continues to be critical of his application and attitude. Edit: To enter into guesswork now, based on no evidence, really, it might be that Rovers offered the contract in the expectation that Chapman would refuse it and leave on a free and, as a U24 player, might command compensation. I believe, though not sure, that a club must make an effort to retain a young player, before there can be any compensation award when they leave on a Bosman. However, I suppose there must be guards against this kind of ruse, so I'm not sure it is viable. Moreover, it would suggest much more planning and thought than is generally evidenced by the club's contract renewal dealings.

All the Championship Jan 2022 transfer incomings, courtesy of Mirror online. Premiership names like Cantwell (Bournemouth), Williams (Fulham), Hendrick (QPR) stick out but, across the board, it seems like a lot of strengthening has been done, which will make the league more competitive. Markanday is a huge loss, as, I suppose, he was expected to bag the goals to support Brereton. AFC Bournemouth James Hill - Fleetwood Ethan Laird - Man United (loan) Freddie Woodman - Newcastle (loan) Nat Phillips - Liverpool (loan) Kieffer Moore - Cardiff City Siriki Dembele - Peterborough Todd Cantwell - Norwich City (loan) Barnsley Amine Bassi - Metz Quina - Watford (loan) Birmingham City Teden Mengi - Man United (loan) Taylor Richards - Brighton (loan) Onel Hernandez - Norwich (loan) Juninho Bacuna - Rangers Lyle Taylor - Nottingham Forest (loan) Blackburn Rovers James Brown - Free agent Deyovaisio Zeefuik - Hertha Berlin (loan) Dilan Markanday - Tottenham Ryan Hedges - Aberdeen Ryan Giles - Wolves (loan) Blackpool Jake Beesley - Rochdale Charlie Kirk - Charlton (loan) Owen Dale - Crewe Bristol City Timm Klose - Unattached Cardiff City Cody Drameh - Leeds (loan) Tommy Doyle - Manchester City (loan) Alfie Doughty - Stoke City (loan) Jordan Hugill - Norwich City (loan) Uche Ikpeazu - Middlesbrough (loan) Coventry City Jake Bidwell - Swansea Derby County NONE Fulham Neco Williams - Liverpool (loan) Huddersfield Town Jamal Blackman - Unattached Tino Anjorin - Chelsea (loan) Carel Eiting - KRC Genk Hull City Regan Slater - Sheffield United Allahyar Sayyadmanesh - Fenerbahce (loan) Ryan Longman - Brighton Marcus Forss - Brentford (loan) Liam Walsh - Swansea (loan) Luton Town Jed Steer - Aston Villa (loan) Middlesbrough Aaron Connolly - Brighton (loan) Caolan Boyd-Munce - Birmingham Folarin Balogun - Arsenal (loan) Riley McGree - Charlotte FC Millwall Oliver Burke - Sheffield United (loan) Nottingham Forest Keinan Davis - Aston Villa (loan) Steve Cook - Bournemouth Richie Laryea - Toronto Sam Surridge - Stoke City Jonathan Panzo - Dijon Peterborough United Bali Mumba - Norwich (loan) Steven Benda - Swansea (loan) Callum Morton - West Brom (loan) Jeando Fuchs - Dundee United Hayden Coulson - Middlesbrough (loan) Reece Brown - Huddersfield Town Preston North End Cameron Archer - Aston Villa (loan) Bambo Diaby - Unattached Queens Park Rangers David Marshall - Derby Dion Sanderson - Wolves (loan) Jeff Hendrick - Newcastle (loan) Reading Karl Hein - Arsenal (loan) Tom Ince - Stoke (loan) Sheffield United Adam Davies - Stoke Charlie Goode - Brentford (loan) Stoke City Taylor Harwood-Bellis - Man City (loan) Lewis Baker - Chelsea Phil Jagielka - Derby Jaden Philogene-Bidace - Aston Villa (loan) Josh Maja - Bordeaux (loan) Liam Moore - Reading (loan) Swansea City Andrew Fisher - MK Dons Cyrus Christie - Fulham (loan) Hannes Wolf - Borussia Monchengladbach (loan) Finley Burns - Manchester City (loan) Nathanael Ogbeta - Shrewsbury Town West Bromwich Albion Daryl Dike - Orlando City Andy Carroll - Unattached

Mowbray's West Brom promoted side were relegated the next year, in 2008/09, bottom of the league - albeit, only three points of safety. He stayed, in the job, I think, but then, Celtic came calling that summer. Barring a miracle, a club like Rovers would not survive in the Premier League and, more likely, would be relegated by Christmas, moreoreless, given the huge inflation that has occurred in the top division as, now, a full-on playground for oligarchs. We're really trying to get promoted for the money and to try to get into that pack of parachute payment clubs. It's depressing and somewhat masochistic for us fans but the game has become terribly unequa, unfair and, frankly, dull, in creating a predictable procession based on wealth. On a different point, an aspect of the transfer window that I find notable is that Mowbray has given a clear indication of his backing for Bradley Johnson and Aynsley Pears. As far as I can tell, Johnson remains third choice CM and will be on the bench every game - possibly as a fourth choice CB, as well. And, Pears, will remain No.2, despite his high frequency of errors. We still have a sizeable squad of players, with purchases and loanees possibly not making it into the matchday squad. Consider that our subs bench, if everyone is fit, will likely be: Pears, Gallagher, Hedges, Dolan, Johnson, Ayala and Zeefuik. This means that Giles, Rankin-Costello, Davenport and Edun could miss out (as well as Dack and Poveda, if they make it back but they aren't in consideration currently). Garrett would probably next in line after the seniors. Johnson will have a big say in our latter half of the season, possibly, in a number of roles. I would hope Pears isn't but it's possible. Whilst the numbers might be there, to an extent, the quality on the bench in centre midfield and the goalkeeping department remains questionable. For our sake, we must also hope Ayala stays fit and Hedges is effective as a forward, despite having come from mid-table in the SPL. We have limited options if not, as we have sent Carter, Butterworth, Chapman, McBride and Burns on loan, so won't have much else to turn to, except the U18s.

Thanks for the correction - yes, you're right, the wording released by Rovers suggests that it was a new contract, rather than the unilateral extension that's been relied upon in other cases: "Rovers are pleased to announce that Harry Chapman has signed a new one-year deal with the club." - 29 June 2021.

Based on players that I know, Bournemouth's Cantwell signing is only outdone, in the Championship, by Fulham getting in Neco Williams, this transfer window. He is a tremendous attacking full back. I think it's safe to say that Fulham will be out of sight before long and that we have a real job hanging on to 2nd. My personal view is that we've left ourselves light, especially, central midfield and up front. Our intense style, reliant on sprints on the counter-attack will inevitably mean injuries and fatigue.

Billy Barr's U23 side that did so well last year, outdoing Mowbray, in a way, by successfully playing 4-3-3 to compete with the Premiership U23s is in danger of sinking without trace, as it were. It's as if they did too well last year. Star man from that year, McBride, with 12 goals, I think, and nominated for player of the year, alongside players like Cole Palmer of City, was in demand for loans last summer and now finds himself on loan at Queen's Park. His contract is said to expire this summer, so it's not clear the club will keep him. When the first team needed a forward in the midst of our injury crisis, Mowbray turned to our new full back, Zeefuik, to play as a forward. Ayala did a stint there too. I think Mowbray is making a mistake by not giving some of these young players chances, especially, when others are injured. Surely, Zeefuik shouldn't be starting as a forward ahead of our young U23 forwards who have been playing at that level for a few years? It raises, again, the point of having an U23 side, if there isn't meaningful opportunities for promotion. I feel that it'll be a mistake to let McBride go this summer without having tried to integrate him with the firsts but time will tell. Should Hedges have a recurrence of his early season hamstring injury and a few others be unavailable, we will be scratching around again.

I think the club have made a mistake by letting so many fringe players leave. We should have kept at least one of Chapman, Butterworth or McBride. None of them have cut it at first team level but I think we need numbers. Our high intensity game will result in injuries, especially, to forwards - as we are seeing with the hamstring issues several players are facing, including in the U23s. Hedges has had hamstring injury early this season too. I think, we should have kept Carter too, as others have said. Time will tell.

Inspired signing. And, I would argue, a mistake by Souness not to keep him after that, even though we signed Tugay. He went to Portsmouth, I believe, and helped them to a high Premier League finish and won their player of the season. Brilliant player. Though, back then, we were big spenders in the league, behind Fulham. As far as I can tell, we didn't sign a CM, even though it's long overdue, even if Rothwell makes a return. I would hope that Mowbray gives Garrett some experience to contribute. I'm not convinced that Johnson and Davenport are good enough and, let's face it, will leave this summer. To repeat myself, again, if Rovers haven't made enquiries about signing Khadra on a permanent deal, then they've failed. He should be the priority target.

Agree with you on Wharton. But for his connections to Rovers, being here as a lad, his brother on the books and, I believe, being a fan, I think we could have lost him. I don't think many players would accept doing so well repeatedly on loan, getting consecutive promotions, and still being overlooked. Mowbray made comments questioning whether League 1/2 performances carried much weight as the Championship, he said, was a far superior league. And, I do believe it's correct that it was only injuries that opened Wharton's chance, rather than being selected on merit ahead of the likes of Derrick Williams.

The bizarre limbo situation with Harry Chapman takes one last turn, as he completes a deadline day exit on loan back to Burton Albion for the remainder of the season, having returned to make it onto the bench for Rovers match day squad against Luton, in the last game. From the outset of the signing for an undisclosed fee, in 2019, from Boro and a 2.5 year contract, Mowbray seemed somewhat ambivalent about the short-term readiness of the player, saying on signing Chapman: "“He needs to do a lot of work on his body, so I don’t think we’ll see him for a while. I don’t think he’s even fit enough to go out on loan. We will be getting him ready for the intensity to play for us." In May 2021, Chapman returned to the club after an excellent loan spell at Shrewsbury in League One, largely playing as a No.10, scoring seven goals and getting three assists, Mowbray said: "we felt he needed to play 20 or 30 appearances and that he would benefit more from that than nine or 10 substitute appearances and two or three starts,” However, the manager alluded that either a player dedicates himself to improving or "you like being one of the lads, like the trappings, and you think you should be playing all the time and get frustrated and sulky if you’re not in the team. I haven’t got time for that. It’s down to Harry. He has to step up." Mowbray exercised Chapman's one year extension, last summer, and the midfielder returned to the Rovers fold at the start of this season and made an impressive appearance (albeit a brief one) off the bench, earning a free kick that leads to a late goal (for Ayala?). Fans assumed that he's back in the fray but Rovers loan in Poveda, Clarkson and Khadra from Premier League reserve sides and Chapman is sent to Burton Albion on loan, where he struggles. When asked in the media, in late December 2021, what his plans are for Chapman, for when his Burton loan ends, Mowbray said: “I’m sure that’s a conversation that’s coming, it’s not been at the forefront of my mind, but it will be.” Mowbray added: “He’s a body for us. The question is whether Chappy can come and impact our team if he can’t be a regular starter for Burton in League One." After a decent Rovers U23 appearance, getting a few assists, and with others out injured, he got recalled to sit on the first team bench against Luton. Injuries to Dolan and Markanday looked to open a chance for him to compete with Butterworth as a squad player. He didn't get on and that was likely his last contribution in Rovers colours, as he rejoins Burton Albion until his contract expires in the summer. Chapman has been criticised by Burton fans for not working hard enough and not contributing enough on the pitch. He wasn't a regular, though, got back into the team at the end of the spell. I read a comment that he demonstrated his frustration at being subbed (either at Shrewsbury or Burton) by refusing a handshake with the manager. After scoring that goal against Crewe, prior to returning to Rovers, he celebrated in front of opposition fans - which is the kind of behaviour you might expect from someone who has the stats and performances to back up the bravado. However, I believe that Mowbray and the club have mismanaged the player, at least, in the past season. Even from the off, Mowbray seemed unconvinced by him, which makes the signing a curious one. After his excellent return at Shrewsbury on loan, he deserved a decision from the club. Either they gave him a chance, or they released him or sold him. Prolonging his limbo career by extending his contract and sending him out on loan again, after giving him a taste of first team football, seemed to have no purpose and was likely to have the effect to demoralise the player. He has good England youth international football antecedents, like Adam Armstrong and Ben Brereton and, as Mowbray said on signing him: "He has blistering speed on the transition, can run past a man one-on-one and create opportunities for us." I hope he can rebuild his career.

I don't see him playing the same way for a Premier League club. If he's in midfield, he'll be asked to pass, not dribble. Or, he'll play in a wide forward role. Rovers have a unique set-up, which pretty much lets him do as he wishes, which, is high risk but has been effective in a poor league. Defensively, Rothwell hasn't always been effective in the centre of the park. Rovers have had over 6 months with knowledge that Rothwell was almost definitely leaving. Any player who enters their final year, who is performing well, is almost certainly leaving. They've had time to find a replacement or back-up - same for Lenihan and Nyambe. I don't like it but I can't blame him for wanting to talk to clubs. He's a big injury away from losing a dream move that could set him and his family up for many years to come and retirement etc. The problem is really the financial inequality in football and less the player, I feel. Moreover, Rovers have benefited from players militating for moves, eg. Savage, so it does come around.

Apologies, to repeat myself but the club and management have only themselves to blame. I see Rothwell's possible departure as potentially damaging promotion prospects - barring a great, late signing. We're struggling for goals and rely heavily on Rothwell to create. There was always the risk Rothwell would leave or get injured. Back in the summer, we let go Holtby, Trybull, Evans and lost Elliot. (Holtby went on paid leave at the end of last season as a favour from Mowbray, to avoid injury to help with his next move, apparently. I could see Rothwell and other potential departees citing that favour in his right safeguard his future - though Holtby was reaching the end of his career). We needed a new CM or, for Mowbray to nurture Garrett or another from the U23s to add competition. Instead, we signed Clarkson on loan and mainly played him AM, relied on Johnson as back-up and didn't promote internally. Now, we face losing Rothwell and a possible panic buy, or relying on Johnson for the rest of the season. I suppose there may be a remote chance that Hedges will be moulded as a CM. Letting Rothwell's contract run down to the last year was potentially poor planning. Having Johnson as his deputy definitely was, given his age and mobility, albeit, he is good in the air and experienced. I wouldn't panic about a potential loss of Rothwell, though. We have a lot of attackers when fit. However, he adds that dimension that can relieve pressure and also break down a team defending deep. The emphasis really shifts to Buckley and, possibly, playing him deeper - and Mowbray re-jigging the team.

I share the doubts, especially, as we're spending a sizeable fee. Aberdeen are 6th in a poor league, which must say a little about Hedges (though, appreciate, he is likely in a very poor team), especially, as their fans seem to think of him as a talent but inconsistent. To my mind, he sounds like a Harry Chapman, perhaps, without the supposed attitude that has seen him clash with Mowbray. Admittedly, our Championship is poor too - but, right now, we have aspirations to reach the Premier League which is a light-year step up. Having said all that, Mowbray has got attacking signs right, mostly, lately and Hedges is said to have creativity and some skill, which is welcome. He had a hamstring injury early this season, but if he can stay fit and contribute the odd goal, he could be an Alan Mahon type back-up, offering that bit of quality to help us get promoted. I hope we will also try and sign Reda Khadra at some point. Perhaps, the club have made enquiries and been rebuffed but his valuation will only increase, I think.

We have a very big squad. Consider that with all the absences, we still had two fairly big signings (for us, these days) on the bench, in Chapman and Davenport. You might question the quality but numbers and signings are there. And a lot of investment goes into the U23s. If Johnson and Davenport aren't good enough as back-ups, that's on Mowbray. Mowbray likes to, apparently, demean young players. He said, Garrett's just a boy. Today, he said the forward line was inexperienced, or words to that effect. Then he'll sign and play youngsters in Poveda, Branthwaite, Clarkson and Elliot. He's very inconsistent in this regard and to me it comes across as a selective excuse to play his favoured players even if underperforming.

I have some doubts about the potential Hedges signing, though, will give Mowbray the benefit of the doubt given the success of some recent attacking signings. Central midfield is the area of concern, unless Garrett is being nurtured to be the back-up, which doesn't appear to be the case. I think it's there we should be spending money if we're not bringing one of our own through. If we're spending on a winger, I think we should be gathering all our money to test Brighton's resolve on us signing Khadra permanent now, before his value rises and/or circumstances potentially change. Hedges has done quite well at Aberdeen but the standard of the league is not too good these days (though the same can be said of the Champ) and Aberdeen sit in 6th - albeit, Hedges missed the start of the season with, I believe, a hamstring injury.

I haven't followed international football closely at all but my impression, which could be far off, is that African national teams haven't developed as some had thought they might. Nigeria and Cameroon, for example, were so impressive in the past that some were predicting that they could be compete for the World Cup one day. Nigeria used to produce explosive, skilful forwards like Yakubu, Aghahowa and Martins, but I don't see it really in their current squad. I wonder if the formation of European-style academies, earlier player recruitment and more formalised approaches, have changed anything - or, whether, it's just a random phase. Perhaps, societal changes might play a role too, with less opportunities for street football. Edit: Perhaps a distinction exists regionally for example, sub-Saharan Africa and northern countries.

Brereton Diaz has benefited from patience which many players just won't get, unless they are big signings or manager favourites. He was getting picked because he was a Mowbray big signing, despite some average showings, admittedly in a dysfunctional team without a logical structure. His hard work and ability - as well as some fortune, have taken him on but I think the value of patience cannot be overstated.