Reece James was close to signing for Rovers on loan, a few years ago, apparently, but it didn't happen as he wanted assurances of starting. Well, that is what Mowbray said in an interview - in which he critiqued loan signings: “Rather than you pay the wages or part of the wages of a loan player who goes back to their parent club with an increased value and it’s all win-win for them really whereas you are £1m out of pocket....When you don’t (achieve your goals) it’s a lot of money spent and it’s not even your own player. So you try and recruit your own players, polish them up and create an asset value for the future.” On a different note, the rigid narratives that people create around players was yet again clearly shown by the commentary on BT Sports during the Bayern vs PSG match. Bayern's Choupo-Moting, deputising for Lewandowski, missed a couple of half-chances and finally scored a glancing header from the centre of the penalty box, more-or-less. Later, Thomas Muller, scored a virtually identical header but, perhaps, slightly more difficult, given that the cross from the right had less pace on it. The commentators for the Choupo-Moting goal: "He's not going to miss that. Quality ball in - it's begging to be headed in..." By contrast, when Muller scores in almost the same fashion: "...and he just guides it beautifully..." and use of several superlatives referring to Muller's career. Of course, Muller has been the far greater player but the failure to give due credit to Choupo-Moting for a good header, perfectly guiding a whipped cross, seems to be more than just petty, but an example of embarrassing lack of objectivity. Of course, we see it the other way when highly-rated players do something basic and are praised to the heavens.

Just thought I'd highlight this moment from the match highlights. It's when we're 2-0 down. From what I can tell, Kaminski kicks it long, as you see the ball drop from high, and then, in the highlights, the Bournemouth player wins the header centrally and his team go down the field to almost score a third. I qualify by saying that I have no experience in setting up a football team at any level. However, based on how I've seen other teams play with three forwards, when attacking, they sometimes go two v two at the back, with the full backs pushed up as if wing backs or wingers. At least one defensive midfielder drops in centrally to pick up anyone in the No.10 position and to be in touch with the defence in case of counter attack. The three forwards press the opponents backline and, at least one tries to pull out wide, to stretch the play. With our team, Douglas does not really go wide here, presumably, because he lacks confidence or pace to get back in time. The RB, I think it's Nyambe, though Bennett came on, is does not pull wide, either, rather taking up an almost third centre back role. Perhaps, it's because Lenihan wants to be the sweeper and, perhaps, doesn't trust himself one vs. one. The inside forwards (might by Gallagher and Buckley, but not sure) aren't competing for the header or stretching the play in any way. They seem unsure of where to position themselves, resulting in three forwards in the No.10 area, with Armstrong alone up top. Admittedly, this is at two down, when the formation is going to become irregular as players push up, with not much to lose, and, it's from a possible goal kick, but, nonetheless, I think it's a snapshot of some of the positional and tactical shortcomings of the team. I stand corrected by any reasoned defence of this formation, however, being, as I say, a novice with tactical understanding. Edit: Maybe not mentioned but Bournemouth's second goal was classy - a pirouette to evade a lunging Nyambe, I think, by a player and then the forward nutmegs Lenihan, before scoring. It wasn't great defending but, I'd credit the attackers for that one.

This might be Mowbray's last 'big' job, that is, with a relatively 'established' Championship club. I think, after successive capitulations in his managerial jobs, the shine he had from his West Brom management days, when they, I believe, got promoted into the Premiership playing attractive football, will have long faded. In the least, he will be out of a job for some time, when he does leave, before he is in the running for any upper tier manager job. Moreover, I think his repeated references in the above post-match interview to getting players to "understand" the game, might be a form of sublimation (wild speculation on my part, I concede) and a way of saying that he doesn't understand the game anymore. The game has evolved (not necessarily for the better, in my view), teams are playing with three in the middle, often, and Mowbray hasn't worked out, this season, how to replicate it or counter it. The results of having strikers out wide, defending at full back or swinging in crosses, unsuccessfully, has been embarrassing but not unusual. There is no forward planning. Today, we had four central midfielders (five, if you include Bennett) on the bench. Some of them, likely, won't be here next season. It makes little sense, except, as a favour to senior players or a hapless lack of foresight. Mowbray out isn't enough - it has to Mowbray-ism out. That is, tactical confusion, old pals acts with signings, impetuousness and lack of planning and building of the squad. The sad truth is, Mowbrayism is an endemic part of the English game, so picking a new boss will not be simple. Edit: I should acknowledge that he did get Rovers promoted from League 1 and that will be a positive in his CV when it comes to looking for roles in the future. Might make him attractive to an aspiring League 1/2 side, perhaps.

McBride should be on the bench, instead of one of the four central midfield players.

Ah, yes, I read something about that on his Wiki page. Allegedly, whilst a Juve player at the start of his career, Luciano Moggi insisted Grabbi change his agent to be represented by Alessandro Moggi, his son, and when Grabbi refused, Luciano Moggi warned in the form of a hint that his Juventus career was effectively over. (Ravel Morrison alleges similar conduct by Allardyce, at West Ham, being asked to change agents and then being sent on loan, as if be retribution - though Allardyce denies it). Grabbi went on a number of loans, including at Serie C Modena, where he scored a lot of goals, and then, in 1998, got a transfer to Ternana. What is fascinating to read on Grabbi's Italian Wiki page is the terrible injury record he had. Apparently, at Juve, he suffered from the rare Ledderhose foot disease, from what I read, causes the build up of tissue mass in the foot which affects the ability to bend the foot. Apparently, at times during his career, he had difficulty walking. He had successful surgery, apparently, as a youngster at Juve, but the problem resurfaced, allegedly, near the end of his career - and, by one site I read - during his successful time at Ternana, from where Rovers purchased him. Looking at some Italian sites, he supposedly had numerous foot surgeries and had a number of knee injuries as well, causing him to consider retiring early. These reports are repeated on a number of Italian language sites, which lends some credibility, though, of course, I can't be sure how accurate they are. It does suggest that there was a lot about Corrado Grabbi that Rovers fans didn't know about. I think it's worth pointing out too, that, though Grabbi did have a track record of scoring in Serie C and with Ternana, when he scored some 20 goals in a season, he not only was playing in a front three alongside future Italian national team striker, Miccoli, but he also scored a fair number of penalties and some free kicks.

Really powerful letter.Perhaps, sharing it on Coventry forum sites might attract some support from those who followed the events in detail?

Dino Baggio was, bizarrely, played as a forward by Souness. And on Souness and signings, he did pick up ex-colleagues from Turkey, Friedel and Tugay, but he made a huge error in Corrado "Ciccio" Grabbi, the 26 year old, Italian £7 million or so signing from Ternana in Serie B, I think it was, in 2001. What I've always wondered is whether Rovers identified and overlooked Grabbi's strike partner at Ternana, at the time - Fabrizio Miccoli - or, whether, the latter wasn't available for whatever reason. I would hope that Souness and his scouts do have an excuse because, the year after Grabbi signed for Rovers, Miccoli was bought by Juve, for a similar fee, and he went on to have a great career and getting into the national team. Meanwhile, after his two goals during his failed Rovers stint, Grabbi's career spiraled downwards.

The very least Mowbray can do is explain his 4-3-3 tactics that had, for Wycombe's penalty claim (1m 56sec in the highlights), Sam Gallagher trying to play wing back against a marauding wide player. Inevitably, he struggles to stop the wide player getting to the by-line and getting the ball into the box. Stewie Downing, I think, was playing on the right of the midfield three but fails to make much of an effort to get back, until a chance is created and then his heavy touch gifts the penalty claim. The formation and tactics are disastrous, with the whole team, at times, very narrow, leaving the flanks "guarded" by our inside forwards. I think Mowbray has been exceptionally fortunate to get Harwood-Bellis on loan because without him, I don't think we would have much of a chance, on current form. He seems to have the confidence and pace to close down and mark defenders, protecting Lenihan, who seems to prefer to be the spare man. Edit: I don't know if it's been mentioned, but Rothwell's flick over the defender and control, that led to him shooting at the keeper was wonderful skill and a glimpse of what he's capable of, when in the mood.

If he could be taught to reliably strike a ball with his in-step, I think he could be a useful centre forward. Absent that, he would make a useful winger, left or right. However, just like Harvey Elliot, I think he has no idea as to what he's doing as an inside forward and I'm not sure Mowbray and his team do.

Mowbray and his team are over-complicating things, it seems. It would be helpful if he could publicly explain his tactics. The team need to go back to basics. Play Sam Gallagher up front with another or on his own, supported by midfielders. Play more conventional wingers or wide midfielders and see if we can get crosses into the box. With, for example, Dolan and Elliot on the wings and Gallagher competing for headers in the box, I think we would at least trouble teams.

I think the most recent crop of Buckley, Rankin-Costello, Nyambe, Scott Wharton, Butterworth and Lenihan (though he's older than the rest) has been a fair return, though, none of them will likely be amongst the most elite of players. There were hopes for Tomlinson and Hardcastle but they faded. A lot of the continental youngsters didn't settle or cut it - from Kevin Pezzoni, Mamadi Keita to Hugo Fernandez and, perhaps, for that reason and for economy, that's been more-or-less given up as a strategy but for occasional purchases, like the Greek keeper (and, perhaps, Jalil Saadi). I can only think of maybe the Olssons, Hoilett, David Raya who made it from abroad/not Britain & Ireland, via the youth and reserve set-up, and Sergio Peter who got a few games. A notable difference in the current set-up is the lack of Republic of Ireland players. In the past, there was often a strong contingent of three or four reserve regulars. Over the years, there's been Keith Treacy, Alan Judge, Eddie Nolan, Gavin Gunning, Aaron Doran and, of course, Lenihan. Now, I can't think of anyone from the Republic in the U23s. But, I wonder whether that's because of the lack of talent coming through in that country, in general, or, whether, we're not scouting/have contacts in Ireland as extensively as before. PS. Matty Pearson must go down as a success story for the academy, albeit, not spectacular, playing for Luton in the Champ, having risen back up the leagues.

Zak Gilsenan is Australia-born and was at the academies of Barcelona and Liverpool as a child and joined Rovers as a teenager: https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/football-news/blackburn-rovers-liverpool-barcelona-academy-18006589

Thanks, an enjoyable video! I think Eyal Berkovic, as far as I remember, was actually pretty good for Rovers and played more than 2 games, helping us to get promoted into the Prem. I'm not sure why Souness didn't sign him but I seem to remember a lot of disappointment that the loan wasn't made permanent - though, I think, with the success of Tugay, it was soon forgotten. I do stand corrected, however, as this based on hazy memory. With Northern Ireland, I think Keith Gillespie would be higher for me than Corry Evans, though, perhaps, there are others. Two foreign players that I really liked, aside from the ones already mentioned, were Hakan Sukur and Hakan Unsal. I think Souness fell out with both - or at least one. Both went back to Turkey to play a lot of games and I think, if they had stayed, they would be remembered as amongst the best imports at Rovers.

England U21's struggles in their championship has surprised me - as someone who doesn't really follow that team but noticed that they seemed to have a strong squad. I wonder to what extent it is a case of other teams have superior (though, less hyped) players and England under-performing? Aside from the striking position, where Nketiah has not been prolific at club level, though in qualifying, he has scored a lot, it seemed as if England had a team full of proven club experience. That said, I don't know about the standard of their opposition.

Having at least one pacey defender can make a big difference, regardless of which position they play. It probably means the defence plays several yards further upfield. Ideally, a team would have a few. A slow defence means having to play deep and more defensive - though it can work. Houllier's Liverpool team with Henchoz, Hyypia etc in defence did well grinding out results but it does rely on near perfect defending and having forwards that take their chances.

I've got the general impression that there is dislike for Romelu Lukaku in the game. This was flagrantly reinforced by a recent piece of commentary on Skysports on Lukaku's skilful finish against Czech Republic, for Belgium. I would urge anyone interested to watch it on Youtube - the goal is at 1 min 48 seconds. Latching onto a De Bruyne straight pace, Lukaku ran with the ball and twisted a defender inside and out and finished past the keeper, who managed to get a block on it but not prevent it going in. Rather than highlight the fantastic run and footwork by Lukaku, the commentator and co-commentator are apparently lost for words and then mainly praise the good, but almost 'regulation' pass, by De Bruyne, with the co-commentator even going as far as to claim that De Bruyne had put it "on a plate" for Lukaku. More than just a myopic fascination with De Bruyne, I do believe that examples like this are based on a racial bias against recognition of the skill and creativity of black players. A study sponsored by the PFA and published last year showed that commentators are four more times likely to discuss black players in terms of strength and seven times more likely to be discussed in terms of speed. It would be unfair to just focus on commentators - Man Utd, of course, let him go and are now crying out for a striker. Lukaku has complained of a bias against him that focuses on the physical - as if to reduce his ability to the good fortune of genetics rather than effort, ability and creativity: “It is never about my skill when I am compared to other strikers,” Lukaku said in an interview with The New York Times last year. “My one-on-one dribbling is good. I can do a step-over. I can beat a player. I remember one comment from a journalist that United should not sign Lukaku because he is not an ‘intelligent’ footballer.” In 2011, there was a scandal in French football when it was reported that a cap had been proposed at youth levels to prevent too many black and Arab players taking positions. Integral to the accusations was head of the French football federations National Technical Board, Francois Blaquart, who said, on being appointed, of the need to "prioritise intelligence in the game with respect to the technical and, above all, athletic aspect". Head coach, Laurent Blanc, is said to have supported the 30% cap from U14 level in order to support talent sharing sharing "our culture, our history". I always noted, when Yaya Toure was at Manchester City, what a brilliantly skilful player he was, who could escape the tightest situation and pick out delicate passes. I found it noticeable that he never received the adulation from the football fraternity, most notably commentators, that David Silva received. Silva was regularly described as a magician and a wizard, from what I recall, and Toure was, to my mind, every bit a genius, though, playing a deeper role, often. In fact, I believe he was played at centre back by Barcelona, at times, which, if is the case, would be, again, another black player being judged by his physical attributes rather than his actual abilities. I recall a Jamie Carragher comment, as a pundit, comparing, Tottenham's Ndombele, with Yaya Toure, when the Spurs player was in and out of the team. Carragher referenced that Ndombele has a big backside and doesn't work hard enough but was great on the ball. Whether that was true or false about Ndombele, it was a lazy comparison, based on stereotype, with one of the most gifted midfielders the Premier League has seen. I do agree that Lukaku can look awkward on the ball at times and may not be the most technical footballer in the world, but the skill he demonstrates, including in that goal against Czech Republic, is undeniable. The commentary (or non-commentary) reveals, to my mind, a resentment against a player disproving a deeply-rooted stereotype. As most of us know, when you base your self-esteem primarily on being better than certain others, being proven wrong is both inevitable and painful. Nonetheless, it shouldn't prevent one from giving due credit and needs to be dismantled through education and humility - and not be allowed to malign or impede the livelihoods of others. As much as it isn't right for Lukaku to be treated in such a manner, he has at least, reached success and, really, the concern is how it impacts players who have yet to break through.

If that is accurate, 2 assists this season might be revealing as to an area where Pike could improve as a right back. The very few times I've seen him, his style of play has reminded me of Jay McEveley, the left back who broke through under Souness. He's not the quickest or most technical but a very tough, strong competitor. I do hope he gets a chance and continues to develop as he's been a mainstay in a successful U23 season. With Nyambe possibly going, I do hope that a fast defender is sought out or that Pickering is just that.

I've been watching Motherwell's highlights in the last few games and, whilst Magloire has been starting and been part of a team on a decent run, it seems to me (based on the very limited evidence) that he hasn't quite found top form yet. It may be inexperience and hopefully, he grows into the role. Incidentally, their striker, Devante Cole, is the son of Andy Cole. Some of the finishes I've seen by him remind me of his dad. On the Branthwaite signing - it may have been an opportunist/desperation signing, not knowing who else might become available. However, I don't think it made sense to sign two very young loanee defenders with hardly any first team experience. I would have signed one and sought to either utilise Nyambe, Magloire or Carter as back-up - or signed a more experienced loanee, if one was available.

Part of the statement of former Rovers Reserves captain, Lewis Hardcastle, who recently retired, aged 22: “As some of you may know already, I have been diagnosed with a genetic heart condition called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) which has been brought on early due to a high level of exercise,” Hardcastle wrote in an emotional post on social media. “For a while I was feeling faint at training and this also happened while driving. I went for many investigations and had a say at a specialist heart hospital in Liverpool for a few days on a heart monitor. “I was started on medications to regulate my heart, however, sadly this was not enough as my heart rate was reaching dangerous levels. “My doctor broke the news no footballer or young athlete should ever hear, he told me my case was so severe that I needed an ICD implanted into my heart to save my life. “He advised that it would be unsafe to play football again due to the risk of me having a cardiac arrest. “My life is worth than football and I could not put my family through the worry of watching me knowing that something could happen.” More from LT: https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19186359.lewis-hardcastle-wants-heart-diagnosis-act-warning/

Agree, sad news. But, also, glad it has been identified now and he can get treatment and move on. Lewis Hardcastle was part of our impressive youth team that reached the 2016 FA Youth Cup semi-final, only to be defeated by eventual winners, Chelsea. A midfield of Joe Rankin-Costello, Willem Tomlinson, Hardcastle and Pemberton scored a fair few goals. The teams for that semi-final second leg that Chelsea won 3-1 (4-1 on aggregate): Chelsea Nathan Baxter; Josh Grant, Fikayo Tomori, Jake Clarke-Salter (c) (Joseph Colley 70), Trevoh Chalobah (Charlie Wakefield 70); Ruben Sammut, Mukhtar Ali (Isaac Christie-Davies 77); Dujon Sterling, Mason Mount, Jacob Maddox; Tammy Abraham Unused subs Jamie Cumming, Ike Ugbo Scorers Sterling 13; Maddox 30; Abraham 34 Blackburn Andrew Fisher, Lewis Travis, Josh Askew, Lewis Hardcastle, Matthew Platt, Scott Wharton (c), Tre Pemberton (Joel Steer 82), Joe Rankin-Costello, Lewis Mansell, Willem Tomlinson (Joe Grayson 63), Ramirez Howarth (Mason Fawns 71) Unused subs Ben Ascroft, Tyler Magloire Booked Hardcastle Scorer Mansell 62 Crowd 3,702

Rovers U18 1 Arsenal U18 4, in the FA Youth cup fourth round, at Ewood Park, recently. Looks like, at times, Rovers couldn't perform the intense, coordinated press that worked so well for the U23s, in their match against Arsenal.

Thanks for your replies. From what I can tell, the elite sports person exemption for self-isolation on overseas return doesn't apply to 'red list' countries. So, Nyambe would, it seems, have to follow that and miss games if he travelled to Namibia to play in Sunday's qualifier against Guinea. I read that in France, Ligue 1 and 2 clubs have jointly decided to bar release of players for international duty, if they would have to self-isolate for more than 5 days on return. Due to the nature of Frances 'red list,' the effect has been called discriminatory, with for example, Senegal having called up 12 players from the French leagues. The Senegalese FA have said: "it seems to highlight the totally discriminatory nature of this measure with regard to the statutory provisions and FIFA regulations and European legislation on equality and contractual freedom for players.” The French players union, UNFP, called on the French government to relax quarantine rules for players from outside of Europe: Saying - “It understands their distress and shares their anger. These decisions show a discrimination that the French state cannot continue to bear and which it must get rid of as soon as possible. "Beyond the values of equality, on which the very foundations of the Republic are based, it is also a question of fairness in competitions.” In the UK, clubs are deciding individually - with a number of Premier League players set to feature for African countries, including Diallo, Salah, Aurier, Zaha, Bailly, Boly and Pepe. I don't know how many of them are heading to 'red list' countries and if so, how many fixtures they'd miss if they have to self-isolate. The government list does seem harsh on, for example, Namibia, who, have had around 500 Covid deaths in total (compared to South Africa's some 50,000). There is a very big population difference between Namibia and others, but it seems that the risk is much lower there. I think the government take into account new strain research and vaccination progress in the country, so that could also be a factor as to why the list is made up of mainly developing nations That said, with France, Poland and Italy, amongst countries introducing new lockdowns - and, Serbia, where Ireland are playing, seeing a sharp rise in cases, some of these African countries clearly are managing and experiencing less transmission. I've not read of grave doubts about statistics coming out of these countries, so I presume, we can take them as relatively accurate.

Nyambe has not been released by Rovers to play for Namibia in the 28th March African Cup of Nations qualifying fixture in Namibia against Guinea. The reason given is that Namibia is on the UK's 'red list' and would have to self-isolate for 10 days on return, thereby missing a number of Rovers fixtures. Would anyone who is more familiar with this area explain to me a few things: - Why is Namibia on the red list when their current daily new Covid cases is around 300, whilst, Serbia, where Ireland and Darragh Lenihan will travel to, has figures around 4,000? Is the government taking into consideration other factors when making these judgments? - Doesn't the elite sportsperson exception to self-isolation apply here - where Nyambe could stay in separate accommodate and travel to matches on his own? This is not a criticism or judgment (at the moment!) because I am not familiar at all with the details of Covid freedom of movement rules in the UK, so would be grateful for anyone to fill me in on these issues.

As a first step towards this likely rebuild or "evolution" of the team, to put it politely, can I suggest that the club looks to tie Connor McBride down to a longer contract, or at least, exercise any option to extend, if this hasn't yet been done? He was signed on a 2 year deal in 2020. He's led Rovers U23 to second in the league, behind Man City, scoring plenty of goals, aided by being the team's penalty taker. (Supported by other players in the team, of course.) Based on my very limited viewing of him, I would not be mistaken into thinking of him as a pure goalscorer. He resembles a No.10 or attacking midfielder who likes to drop deep and pick out passes. It seems (again, based on my limited viewing), as a pairing, Sam Burns plays the main forward role and McBride drops to link play. However, he has been utilised as a No.9, I believe, so could develop into a more typical striker. I was a bit puzzled when Rovers signed him, having seen some underwhelming stats of his goal record on loan from Celtic at Stenhousemuir but he looks a good signing, so a lot of credit to those who brought him to the club. Of course, we know that a good reserve strike record does not prove anything, in itself, but I think McBride has a lot to his game that, with development, could make him a first team player one day. I think Isaac Whitehall, the CM, is one to look to keep at the club and give chances to, as well.

Would be interesting to know the last time a Rovers player was selected for the No.1 ranked national team in the world. Of course, not that the rankings necessarily reflect the reality of team abilities but Kaminski is rubbing shoulders with some really good players and a few world class ones in the Belgium squad. Edit: I can't think if it has ever previously happened since the FIFA World Rankings started, in 1993. I suppose England were high in the rankings when our players have been selected but they've never reached top position. Andre Ooijer was in the Holland squad when they were doing well and, it seems, they did reach top spot for a brief period, but, at the time, Ooijer was no longer at Rovers.