I will watch Clarkson's career with interest. Like Poveda, he was thrown into a unstable team without a coherent formation and didn't greatly impress. He was, I think, playing the AM role in 433, which is I suspect, very new. However, I thought that he could've got minutes off the bench to show his ability, later on, as Poveda did. However, if Mowbray doesn't rate him, it makes sense for all for him to go back to Liverpool - especially as there was possibly an obligation to have him in the matchday squad when fit.

Other teams will know our strengths now, after a sudden formation shift after the Fulham defeat, so Rovers players are going to have to up their game yet further- and Mowbray's going to up his game. It looks like nearly everyone plays 3-5-2 of some form. If Gallagher is going to come on, he needs to play centrally. It has worked this season, as a traditional centre forward.

Buckley's got to play deeper to protect the midfield if Gallagher is on the right wing.

Not sure about Edun on the bench, at the moment. He needs minutes to rebuild confidence after the mauling against Fulham at left back. Understandably, management would be hesitant to bring him on in a tight game like this, leaving our midfield options limited to Johnson. If things aren't working, I'd look to bring Dolan on and Johnson for Travis, as the latter's on a yellow and needs a bit of a rest.

The standard of the Premier League and financial inequality is immense, especially, towards the top, and will likely only rise as Newcastle recruit first team players. The current Prem topscorer is Mohammed Salah and amongst the joint 20th league top scorers are Bruno Fernandes, Benrahma, Foden, De Bruyne and Maddison. In previous years, they would be near the top. (The fact that teams have big squads and tend to play with three forwards does spread the goals out more, now, I think). Contrast that with the Championship and the current top scorers are Mitrovic, Brereton, Solanke, Piroe, Grabban, Adebayo and Weimann. Without knowing a great deal about most of these players, the gulf seems huge. Perhaps, insurmountable. For Armstrong or Brereton to score goals in the Prem will take much more than would have been the case in the past when, for example, an Andy Johnson or Marcus Stewart could lead a newly promoted team up the league. The season Rovers last got promoted to the Premier League in 2000-01, newly promoted Ipswich Town, who had attained promotion via the play-offs, finished 5th in the Premier League. Sunderland finished 7th and Charlton 9th. Back then, there was great inequality, with Leeds, Chelsea, Man U and others spending big but nothing like what we're seeing now. The financial and squad quality inequality is, perhaps, greater than ever for the bottom of the league clubs and the rest. However, I think that players like Patrick Bamford and, perhaps, Teemu Pukki should give them some hope. Brereton's goals, at the moment, remind of me of Jamie Vardy, in the sense that a lot is off counter-attacks and racing against the last defenders. A counter-attack side would probably suit him much more than a possession based one. Probably, the same for Armstrong.

According to LT, Butterworth's contract expires next year (2022). Even if the unilateral 1 year extension is available, it looks very poor from the management to be allowing a promising player's value devalue and for him to edge closer to the door when there's still hope he could contribute. I'm not sure whether Butterworth will make it as a first team regular but I think he can contribute and should be on the bench. He had all the attributes but injury held him back (perhaps, ill-discipline, occasionly too in the U23s, if I remember rightly) however, he's shown glimpses of promise and, admittedly, other times been not so good. If he's not playing, how is the club meant to know whether he should be offered the, perhaps, 2 year deal that he'll likely expect as a minimum? The bedrock of the current side is the academy graduates of Buckley, Lenihan, Wharton, Nyambe and Travis. The management need to try and keep that flow going, even if not every generation matches previous heights. Giving a player like Butterworth minutes and making a decision on Clarkson (who I feel might well be useful if given a chance) is part of that forward planning.

I've read that Connolly is not popular at Brighton as a result of off-field issues - as well, as presumably, not impressing on the pitch. Though, I agree that he'll probably be decent at Champ level. I saw that some Albion fans were looking at a recall of either Khadra or, I think, Zeqiri, a young Swiss striker on loan in Augsburg. However, whether that is the thinking of the management, I don't know. Their promising Ecuador forward, Jose Sarmiento, has been injured recently, I think, and his fitness and form might influence the decision. That's all assuming that Brighton have a recall clause. We really need Khadra to stay, especially, as it seems Mowbray fancies Gallagher as right wing understudy. However, I suspect that Brighton will look to recall, if they can. Even more so as they play a similar formation to us and Khadra has shown an ability to play centrally.

Travis has been ever present and really needs a rest, like Nyambe, I think. However, Johnson and Davenport aren't trusted to deputise. If not, then a DM will be needed in Jan.

From an Aberdeen fan forum site on Hedges - which is, clearly, just one person's opinion but it does seem quite considered: "The only reason Hedges will be missed is that we don’t have any other players who can run at the opposition and cause problems for them. Hedges flatters to deceive and can’t be relied on to perform well consistently. But because he does play well occasionally , that’s enough to give the opponents cause for concern that he might have one of his better games. If Hedges is out or not playing well the opposition know that our open-play threat will be pretty much limited to trying to pass our way through them." He sounds a bit like Joe Rothwell before he established himself in the team - and, perhaps, Harry Chapman before he was sent away - at least, in being an unpredictable attacking player who runs the ball. It needs to be borne in mind that Hedges missed half of last season after an operation and then had a hamstring injury at the start of this. Moreover, he's leaving Aberdeen, apparently, in the lurch, so there'll be some enmity there. Currently, Aberdeen are mid-table. At 26 years old and, also, apparently, with the Old Firm not keen, it does raise questions. I can't pass judgment, knowing so little about him but I'd take him on a free but would be cautious about Rovers buying him outright in January. That said, another runner up front could be useful in our promotion push if he could match the levels of Dolan and Khadra. Mowbray's attacking signings, as far as I can recall, have been decent - even if they haven't made a cohesive team - so would give him the benefit of the doubt on this one.

Rovers U23 policy of allowing players to go out on month-long loans into the conference league, three or four tiers below us, makes little sense to me. Dan Pike has just rejoined AFC Fylde in the National League North, the second tier of the conference. He was there earlier in the season and got injured. Pike must be rated by the club, as he was given a new contract recently. In which case, the club should be looking to nurture the player for the first team and/or enhancing his transfer value for sale if he doesn't make the cut. I don't believe that desultory month-long loan spells to such a different standard and style of football will be beneficial for either. I can understand the choice to send an U18s player on a "work experience" contract, as has been done - or someone who's going to be released (eg. Stefan Mols at the end of his time here) - but an established U23 player with a new contract is, to my mind, very poor judgment. I can also understand but am sceptical of a season long loan to the conference, as David Raya had at Southport. However, at least, the season gives the player a chance to adapt to his surroundings and gain a meaningful amount of experience with a secure contract. Jack Vale, with his Wales U21 goals would, I suspect, with a few Rovers sub appearances, potentially carry a meaningful transfer value. (Though, the pandemic is likely to really diminish the FPL transfer market). If he stays fit, he could even develop the form and confidence to contribute something with Rovers first team The loan spell in non-league with Halifax, could easily diminish any potential transfer value and I don't think will add much to his game nor his standing - given the very different style and significantly lower standard of football played in non-league. The players seem to be desperate to play, as their first team squad opportunities are highly limited. U23s football is not as competitive as first team football. However, the club need to be making better decisions about their long-term "assets". I agree that Pike needs first-team football - and, personally, I'm not sure of him making it at Rovers without a lot of improvement, though others who have much more knowledge of the U23s rate him highly. The club need to be advising him to stay put and find a League 2 club, at least, and, ideally, a spell that is more secure than 1 month. On the other hand, if offers aren't around and the player desperately wants football, at least try to organise a longer-term and secure non-league loan, which gives the player security and time to gain meaningful experience. Sam Burns' month or so at FC United strikes me as lacking worth and risky for a player who is supposedly one of our best U23 players. All this being said, I am very much looking in from the outside, so I'd be interested to know what the club's justification is. Edit: Just seen that Jack Vale did go to Halifax Town for a half-season loan, which, at least, provides some security and adaptation time., as opposed to these month-long contracts He's playing in the National League, one level above what Dan Pike will be playing at AFC Fylde.

If Nyambe gets injured early against Hull, Mowbray will possibly sub him off for Bradley Johnson and John Buckley will switch to right wing back. (Dolan and Butterworth are the other possibilities, depending who's on the bench, to come on). As well as Buckley has done there in cameos recently and Johnson has come on regularly as a sub, since the Fulham debacle, that should be concentrating minds in the Rovers management and board. It's not that we necessarily need (or can fit in) a new specialist back up right back on the bench but, in my opinion, Bradley Johnson as the team's back up midfielder needs improvement. Either one of the other fringe midfielders are given chances to step up or we try and sign someone who can provide that physical strength and offer more mobility and versatility. And, I know it's a controversial and speculative suggestion but I think, if there's a player at the club that might be able to play the No.10, aside from Buckley and until Dack is fit, it's forgotten man, Harry Chapman. I appreciate that I might well be way off and he's done little at Burton, apparently, this season but it's just a hunch I have. In my world, he'd come back to the team and get a last hurrah but chances are slim. There is some vague precedent, as, those fans who remember the 2000/01 promotion winning season with Souness, will remember that Keith Gillespie was out-of-favour and sent on a disappointing loan down the leagues to Wigan. He came back and, unexpectedly, earned favour and was part of the promotion winning squad.

I agree with that but I think if (big if) we were to go up, the trio will be approached by established Prem clubs, which would be a big temptation. Rothwell, for sure, would be wanted by half or more of the Prem, if he manages a full season of his current form. I think, whatever the scenario, it's likely our last season with him in the team. I hope I'm wrong, as I think we're seeing the making of an excellent player.

I feel he has the attributes to be a useful sub. He has some pace, trickery and a powerful long range shot. Problem is, he can't get on the bench because Clarkson and Dolan are ahead of him in the attacking sub roles, ordinarily. I'd like to see more of Clarkson too, if he's going to be on the bench. Even more so if he's here for the whole season, which seems to be the case, unless the clubs have an agreement to terminate the deal early. He's appeared for Liverpool's first team, so he must have something about him and he was previously thrown into the Rovers team in a time of instability, with formation and personnel changes virtually every match. Moreover, he's on our bench every match.

The team has really fallen into place. It's now or, perhaps, never for Mowbray, I feel - though, it'll be difficult to keep the form up and get an automatic spot. For a few seasons he's fumbled with a decent squad in a poor standard league. We had Armstrong, Brereton and Harvey Elliot in the forward line last year but the 4-3-3 and attempts at a possession-based game failed, as the team failed to click or work hard enough, conceding too many - and we finished 15th. As an opposition manager said earlier this season (I can't remember who) - we have good individuals, implying, I believe - 'but a dysfunctional team.' Brereton has got the headlines, but, I think a really key man to this run is, as others have mentioned, Scott Wharton. We had experimented with 3-5-2 earlier this season, first against Coventry and, also, in pre-season, but I don't think we had anyone left-footed to play as the left CB. Against Coventry, I believe, it was Lenihan who played on the left of the three. Wharton has slotted in there with a full fit van Hecke and Lenihan on the right. The team is working immensely hard now, it seems. The forwards are working together to get forward and to defend, it seems, to protect the wing backs. When the keeper gets the ball, Brereton starts sprinting upfield to be picked out. The individual talent in the team is now, seemingly, matched by excellent organisation, structure and work ethic. And, of course, pace in the forward line makes all the difference, at times. I think it's agreed that the league is of a poor standard in general. If we can maintain this and keep hold of the players and, perhaps, add real quality in January, we should be aiming for third at least. A concern might be if Brighton want their players back (the pandemic might hasten it) or a huge offer comes in for Brereton, so there's going to bumps along the way. I think we really need to enjoy it because as quickly as this team has come together, it may well come apart, at some point. Butterworth came on today and seemed to do well. I think we need to get these sort of players getting game time and some form because inevitably, we'll need the back-ups to stand up as the season progresses.

Jonjo Shelvey also displaying the two sides to his game. Immense technical ability for the goal - almost passing it into the goal from distance - and a terrible back pass to give Liverpool one. Regardless of his ability, he is, as far as I can tell, a liability in the Premier League - especially, in the crucial deep playmaker role. And, if Wikipedia is correct, he's only scored 15 goals in 169 appearances for Newcastle which is shocking for someone who can strike a ball like him and isn't afraid to have a go. Edit: If being harsh, Shelvey also turned his back on the TAA strike but given how hard it was hit, unfair to blame anyone for taking evasive action. Without knowing that much about the area or club, it seems that the local scrutiny and attention of being a Newcastle player or staff member is almost uniquely corrosive. I feel what they need is a Sean Dyche to counter the self-delusion.

Rothwell can, I think, do even more. I recall a match (but not which one) in which he assisted at least one goal with Gerrard-esque direct passes into the box. I don't think we've seen much of that side of his game - possibly, due to the style of our play and perhaps, some self-belief issues on the pitch. Scanning the Aberdeen fans forum online, it seems 26 year old Ryan Hedges' career might have some parallels with Rothwell, though, he plays in a more forward role mostly. The fans suggest that he has a lot of pace and flair but that, overall, during his time there, he has been inconsistent, though still a key man for them. He's also filled a few positions aside from his normal attacking role, apparently, including full back/wing back. He missed a chunk of last season due to a torn pectoral and then, early this season, he missed several games with a hamstring injury. Edit: On a different note, I wonder if Rovers could use their publicity in Chile, or, perhaps, within South America, to recruit players. It might be worth considering for the club, especially for a promotion push - subject to the usuals of economics and immigration clearance.

It does seem that there was a choice to play mostly U18s in this cup game, as Durrant, Brennan and, I think, Nolan were also subs, with McBride. It is worrying how far off it McBride is, after last season's finish as top scorer and, arguably, one of the star players for the high finishing U23 team. I do hold out hopes for him as he seemed like a technically gifted and confident player. His form has gone along with a general fall in the team's form, aggravated by key injuries, who are struggling against relegation now. He scored a lot of pens last year but he finished high in the goal charts behind, I believe, the likes of Man City's Palmer and Delap, who are getting rave reviews. And, then, he went and scored that free kick for the first team in pre-season and there were hopes he'd get more chances. I recall reading that he was close to a loan move in the summer but the club seems to have barred loans - perhaps, fearing the effects of a Covid breakout or just poor planning as to the core squad, I don't know. However, he really needs to get going again. A loan move might be a good idea in January but there might be fewer suitors now. If he does go out, it' has to be to a team in the football league or SPL. My speculative belief is that a lot of players form has stalled from a kind of developmental hiatus this year. Players are not getting first team opportunities and not out on loan and, combined with the loss to injury of key players like Barnes, Whitehall and Garrett has meant a struggle to compete. There's also a transition of leadership from Billy Barr to Mike Sheron, which might involve some new ways of doing things. The positive is the form and contribution of U18s players, which will hopefully get the U23s performing again. Sam Burns, also, is a bright spot who, despite one of the strange non-league month loan spells, has been scoring and, if he continues, perhaps, deserves recognition from Mowbray.

I'm surprised and glad by the win and watching the highlights, big credit to Aynsley Pears, who has come in for a lot of criticism but pulled off some important saves. Kaminski, obviously, comes back in but it would be good to see what Pears' level is and whether he has the potential to one day succeed Kaminski. He needs games but they're going to be hard to come by. As others have mentioned, it was notable how aggressive and hardworking the team is now. Defenders seem to be snapping into challenges and the forwards are tracking back to protect the wing backs. It's just a shame that this has been lacking so much for so long. I'm somewhat confused by the role of Buckley in the team today and would be glad for clarification from anyone who saw the game. From what I can tell, he was playing a No.10 role - which might be called a false 9, as there was no central striker but Brereton and Khadra wide forwards. He seemed to be dropping into midfield to try to win the ball, in a a flexible 5-2-3 and perhaps, 5-5-0 without the ball...? This formation, if it is what we were playing, is a new one to me. I can't think of seeing another team play with five at the back, a number 10 and two wide forwards, with no central striker (though the wide forwards move in-field to occupy central positions). It's more secure than playing 4-3-3 but, nonetheless, it is a high risk formation, leaving two in the centre of midfield. And, Gallagher made his return, as a sub for Khadra. Dare I ask - did he play right wide forward? I think today would've been a chance to bring on Clarkson, to take on the attacking midfield role. Instead, it seemed to go to Johnson. It seems unfair on other players, like Butterworth, if Clarkson's going to occupy a sub position but not trusted to get on the pitch.

I think Bournemouth might win but it'll be close. Stanislas always has a field day against us, so if he's fit, I can imagine him doing well. I would hope that Gallagher comes off the bench and we keep Khadra up front. The Fulham game might prove a major turning point as, I believe, it was the last time we played Brereton as a wide forward. Buckley, I believe, was the other wide forward, before he got hauled off after van Hecke got red carded. I can only hope that Mowbray finally learnt his lesson that wide forwards that can't/don't defend well is a recipe to get beaten. Even more so if the players behind them aren't particularly strong defensively. You might get away with it in a slower tempo game and with Arturo Vidal mopping up in midfield. The current 3-5-2 suits the team well. However, an astute team will, I think, play a number 10, occupying Travis and then overrun Rothwell and Buckley. However, with the ball, we have a lot of runners that will trouble most teams in this league the other way.

It's a fair point that he's different in that he likes to run with the ball but I can't see Brereton succeeding in a wide position in the Premier League. In a 4-3-3 in the Prem, to succeed long-term, I think you really need to be lightning quick and good defensively and he's not that. I think we are seeing the best of Brereton in the current Rovers formation, playing centrally, but with licence to roam. I reckon that the remainder of the season will confirm that Brereton is best as a striker. I can't help but think what could've been had Brereton, Armstrong and Harvey Elliot clicked together last season. Perhaps, Brereton wasn't ready, for whatever reason, but we should surely have done better. Instead, but for a late season revival supported by the arrival of Harwood-Bellis, we may have neared the relegation skirmish.

In that article, Mowbray talks about the dilemma of taking a risk with offering big contracts or letting players run down their contracts and leave: “There’s the dilemma for the club and I feel for the men in suits at the club and let’s wait and see." This presentation excuses Mowbray and the club by omitting the option of planning ahead and cashing in on players who aren't going to stay. A well-run and sustainable club identifies expiring contracts early, to utilise the transfer market to raise income. The manager and board must jointly identify players who are potentially replaceable and irreplaceable. Those who are considered potentially replaceable and have a relatively high value should be sold before entering their final year of their contract - ideally, well before. It is a fine balancing act, of course, as too many sales together might undermine the stability of the squad. It's a little more difficult with the potentially irreplaceables and you might cling on to them a little longer if it's the difference between a promotion run or of avoiding relegation. To my mind, Rovers should have sold at least one of Lenihan, Rothwell or Nyambe last summer (assuming they would have had a buyer) and sought to replace them back then. Likewise, this coming year, the club have to cash in on some of the contract rebels/expirers - whilst, again, trying to maintain some stability. This includes squad players like Jacob Davenport, who the club should be seeking out buyers right now, if he's not going to stay on beyond 2022/23. Unless the owners are going to constantly inject money into the club, it's unsustainable to be letting so many first teamers leave on frees. Now that there's a possibility of a promotion run, it makes sense to keep the first team together until the end of the season - but, if we're not promoted, we will suffer a major loss by losing the players, that could have been minimised by planning.

Given that Harry Chapman isn't playing much at Burton, I think that, if it was possible, the club should recall him and have him in the squad as Poveda's replacement. It would be another sharp about-turn by Mowbray, who has, apparently, fallen out with Chapman, but the club extended his contract for a year, in the summer, and he showed some glimpses of a desire to contribute early this season. There might be doubts about Chapman's attitude and his struggles at Burton (after an excellent loan spell at Shrewsbury previously) raise further questions, but my estimation is that he has real talent and will be an asset as an impact sub, at least, if motivated and fit.

Last time Rovers were near the top of the Championship and seriously dreaming of promotion was, I believe, under Souness, nearly twenty years ago. It was a very different situation, as our stars were young players with longer futures at the club, in Dunn, Duff and Jansen - and we were very big and regular transfer spenders in the league. I recall that major midway season loan signings Eyal Berkovic and Alan Mahon both added quality to help Rovers get over the line and finish second, behind Jean Tigana's Fulham. It's a stark contrast to the unstable first team squad or "shop window eleven" that we have now. That's not to question anyone's motives to Rovers but the reality is that a core of the team will likely not remain beyond this season. A few, we can hope might sign new deals. The manager's future is also uncertain. We're nowhere near the financial situation we were in in 2000/01 and can't just buy up the top scorer of another club, as we were hoovering up in those days - signing Craig Hignett from Barnsley and Marcus Bent from Sheffield Utd - but, I think an experienced and technically gifted signing would be worth the risk of trying to cement a play off spot - if we're in the mix by the end of the Xmas period. Personally, I think the best bet of finding someone affordable like that would be abroad - but I don't know how easy it is to sign overseas players now. I would suggest an experienced DM and a back up RB are key positions, as has been discussed. Travis will possibly breakdown at some point, due to his style and the number of games, and then we're struggling. I happen to think that Clarkson might surprise us and play a role before he heads back to Liverpool, but it won't be in the DM role. I would hope he will because from the looks of it, he either has a contractual obligation or a managerial obligation to be a sub every match.

Wharton, Carter and Lenihan cut their teeth, as it were, during loan spells. Wharton's five loan spells (and two League 2 promotion medals and one play off) was, to my mind, excessive, and he had done enough to be called into the fold at Rovers but fortunately, an injury crisis did happen and he got his chance. It's a shame for the current crop of Rovers U23 players that none have had that opportunity to go out on loan to a decent standard this season. It's a missed opportunity, assuming there were League 1/2 clubs after some of the players, which, I'm sure was the case for some.

In an ideal world, Clarkson would be the back up for CM but he's not shown it so far and might be only ahead of Eastham in chances of getting on. At some point, I'd like to see him in CM but this probably isn't the one. I'd go for Davenport, if the midfield continues to struggle. 442, with Buckley crossing from the right might be a desperate measure worth trying in these conditions.