Just now, tomphil said:

Bad day at the office chief ?

Relax crack open a fizzy brew then chill and comeback to hail the signing of the new Shearer -right wing version - and all will be well.

Shouldn't you be the one urging calm ?

Haha - you’ve got a point! I’d just woken up in the late sun of Portugal after a few lunch time Sagres. 

Ridiculous. What is all this stuff about? “I bet we get someone on loan!!” So what? Villa got Mings and Tuanzebe on loan last season!? 

We need defender who are better than what we’ve got and an experienced keeper who is better than Raya right now. None of these should price too difficult to achieve before the window shuts. I don’t care whether we spend £10m, loan them or get them on a free. The spend is largely irrelevant because none of us foot the bill. The only thing that matters is we get the players above.

Ive given up arguing with people on here. I cannot relate at all with those who talk about relegation etc. The same people banging on about Brentford who are basically whoring out every single asset they have and with supposedly the perfect business model bought David Raya - a keeper who we’ve all watched for two seasons and know unequivocally isn’t great. 

I saw a post on here the other day which had a formation of 3421. I could see us starting there...with the 2 in the hole and 1 up top / one in the whole and two up top being any three out of Graham, Dack, Rothwell, Brereton, Chapman or Armstrong.

Just now, JacknOry said:

That 12 million could have bought a Konsa or 2 x Pontus Jannsens. The fact that we have spent it on two strikers in two seasons that are not better than a 34-year old we currently have and have neglected a defence that is one of the worst int he country, is worrying to say the least.

Every club spends more on strikers than defenders. They cost more and have better resale value. The key here is...will we strengthen in defence and a keeper? I think we will. If not, we’ve failed.

Just now, davulsukur said:

Don't worry

"Defenders are coming........"

Exactly! ?

21 minutes ago, tomphil said:

Theoretically yes but you are conveniently side stepping how our managers does things going off what we've seen and there is no reason to think it'll be any different. What actual wingers do you refer to anyway ?

Chapman - only likely to be bit part player, Bennett - great workhorse but probably worst winger in division.

Yes pal, and you’re conveniently side stepping the very obvious change in tactics and playing style that the manager (and players) have been talking about for weeks.

23 minutes ago, Kamy100 said:

If we do sign Gallagher for the reported £5 million, we will have spent £12 million on two strikers and neither are guaranteed starters if TM sticks to his current system of one up top with either Dack or Rothwell playing in a free role behind.

£12m isn’t a lot of money in today’s market. Especially when you’ve got a 34yr Old currently holding the fort.

37 minutes ago, Biz said:

TONY Mowbray is looking to strike the right balance in his squad as he bids to compete at the sharp end of the Championship.

The Rovers boss has so far added experience to his dressing room in the form of Stewart Downing and Bradley Johnson.

Former England winger Downing, who turns 35 in 10 days, has been there, seen it and done it during his time with Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, West Ham and Liverpool.

Johnson is 32 and having previously won promotion from the second tier and played in the Premier League with Norwich, was in the Derby side that lost out in the play-off final to Aston Villa in May.

Goalkeeper David Raya has been the most high profile departure with Mowbray making it clear he wants a senior replacement for the 23-year-old after his move to Brentford.

“We hope Stewart and Bradley can come and reproduce what they’ve done in the past,” said the Rovers boss.

“They are very talented footballers.

I know they are in their 30s but we’ve got players like (Dan) Butterworth and (John) Buckley and (Tyler) Magloire and other young players who we really like and think can push on.

 

“We’re just trying to get a balance right with experienced players and the youth and exciting players that are coming through.”

Downing was first through the door this summer, quickly followed by Johnson who has signed a two-year deal.

Having played in the top flight during his time at Carrow Road, he was also a play-off winner in 2015 alongside Elliott Bennett. 

Down the pecking order at Derby, Mowbray moved quickly to get his man having been impressed by what he saw at close quarters last season.

Johnson made 34 appearances for the Rams in all competitions in 2018/19 and started both games against Rovers, a 0-0 draw at Pride Park last September and a 2-0 defeat for Frank Lampard’s men at Ewood Park in April.

“When we played at Pride Park last season he was the best player on the pitch, and by a considerable way I thought,” Mowbray said of his new recruit.

“Even though we managed to scrape out a 0-0 draw against them that night he controlled the game with his left foot and his power and his composure.

“I’m just delighted we’ve managed to get him on board.

“I hope he comes here and enjoys his football and makes us a better team.”

Work continues in the transfer market for Rovers who have also added midfielder Tom White and goalkeeper Joe Hilton to their Under-23s squad.

At least one goalkeeper is set to arrive after Raya’s departure while new additions in the final third are a priority with Sam Gallagher continuing to be linked to an Ewood Park return.

Interesting that he names Butterworth, Buckley and Magloire whilst intimating that he’s happy to sign older players because they believe in those particular players...?

Just now, Craigman said:

Sam Wallace

@SamWallaceTel

 

Southampton striker Sam Gallagher’s protracted move to Blackburn Rovers should go through this weekend. £5m a good price for Saints, who are trimming squad before further signings

 

8:34am · 12 Jul 2019 · Twitter for iPhone

2

Yup, Wallace is reputable too ??

Just now, davulsukur said:

Seems to have been very quiet on the goal keeper front since we sold Raya.

Any word on an incoming keeper?

@Bbrovers2288 is your man pal. ??

Just now, 47er said:

Well, I wasn't critical of us chasing Gallagher so any who were can speak for themselves.. But how seriously are we chasing him? Several reports say he wants to come to us but its looking like Brentford will nab him.

Chasing and catching are two different things.

Finally, if that's our defence on the first day. and stays that way, our chances of the playoffs are derisory. And if Graham gets injured they're even worse than that!

IF IF...what if we do sign the players we want? 

30 minutes ago, Biz said:

 

https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/july/here-to-help-rovers-play-off-push/

This isn’t me setting the expectation lads, it’s the club.

It was pretty obvious what you were stating. Your point as I took it was that there has to have been considerable progress made by the manager since he took over because the clubs aim this season is to get in the top 6 and when Coyle left us that March we were a million miles from that expectation.

Brentford now back in for Sam Gallagher apparently...

Just now, Angry_Pirate said:

I think (know) what's getting the majority of fans on edge currently is because TM felt the need to bloat the squad full of players of the same position and decent wages before he signed the keeper and defender (we desperately need).

Come deadline day we might have our upgraded David Raya and Lenihan partner as well as Bradley Johnson, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing, Sam Gallagher and others...

However the way he has structured and prioritised his (perceived) signings so far (whilst decent players move for very competitive fees to rivals) are leaving fans questioning if he actually has a clue.

I would scream patience is needed... however missing pre-season is very important and will be TM's first excuse for why our shiny new toys are still on the bench in October behind Bennett, Williams etc.

I share your frustration but the players aren’t necessarily signed in priority order. They’re signed based on the availability of the players. Had the Bauer deal dropped in I think we’d all feel better. But I think @Bbrovers2288 has provided some insightful information which should give some comfort that we’re after the right calibration of player...

Just now, Bbrovers2288 said:

Not struggling for funds as such, trying to play the market to allow him to get the players he really wants in. Would be struggling to get his A list, keeper, defender and striker in currently with squad actually fairly bloated in certain positions - midfield. 

It’s not difficult to understand. The manager is trying to absolutely maximise his budget. To get the best players for the money he has. If he had 30% flex then you can overpay and get players in early. I guess it’s whether people see the value in us waiting and potentially finishing with Downing, Johnson, Gallagher, Ruddy and Hanley as oppose to the first three plus cheaper options...he’ll be judged when the transfer window closes.

Just now, alex l said:

For those criticising the contracts given out, have you forgotten when for around 2/3 seasons, we would finish the end of the year with hardly a match day squad still on the cards? The squad then needed quite a few new faces, inevitably bolstered by loans, which resulted in the same situation the following year. Players were leaving at the end of contracts or final 12 months, meaning it was hard to get any value out of them.

Whilst bigger wages and renewed contracts may mean we are stuck with a couple of players (for which interest is not guaranteed anyway) I would rather be in this position than losing the likes of King & Mahoney on frees, while 4 members of the first team leave every year due to their loan ending.

Yes, again I’m not sure what else you can do when you go up. There’s a potential that some players were working towards those increased deals. Plus, you still need consistency in any squad.

I don’t think there’s any suggestion that we won’t sign the GK, CB and CF we need. It sounds like we’re just trying to get the best deal.

In relation to Travis. I always find it amusing when posters on here almost claim him as their own over Mowbray who was responsible for giving him his debut and playing him pretty much every week since the turn of the year.

36 minutes ago, Bbrovers2288 said:

Not much to be honest, Gallagher told Wigan he wasn’t willing to join them Monday, he would join us, mowbray wants him but believe there is still a way to go with fee with Southampton. Still expect this one to be done.

gk deals are in place but again they are heavy wages involved , mowbray can’t pull trigger until he knows what pot he is pissing in . There is an a option A and a B option depending on shifting on some deadwood. Trouble being these players aren’t gathering much attention and those that are can’t compete with silly wages we gave out last year with new contracts. Might have to loan players out and pay some of the wages just to recoup some money back. 

Travis interest was from Norwich  and Bournemouth but believe mowbray has vetoed that before any bid has came in. 

Not an awful lot moving the now, even loans are proving difficult to complete. Won’t start going until clubs return from training camps and managers decide who is staying for 25 man squad and who needs shipped out.

Sorry it’s not great news on the new faces front, mowbray is feeling severely frustrated blaming agents and clubs for being too greedy 

Thanks you.

Im happy with the Sam Gallagher situation and had similar info re him turning Wigan down (wasn’t about money). I think we’re right to dig in for the best deal possible. Still think that will happen this week.

I know one of the clubs who fancy Smallwood (assuming he’s the main culprit) along with maybe Evans. The money isn’t massive tbh. But it’s a little rich for League 1. They’re just hanging on (like we are with Gally) for a better deal.

Great news about Travis. I never doubted it because I know how much they love him, Buckley, Butterworth and Magloire. The appointment of Jonty into the first team set up is absolute genius in terms of bridging their (and others) transition into first XI.

Sounds like the budget is similar but with us targeting higher profile players with championship experience, the wages are soaking up cash much quicker than last season. 

Thanks again for sharing. Try not to get your cover blown mate. You’re pitching this perfectly but they don’t like stuff getting out. Even when you’re as balanced as you are! ??

On 07/07/2019 at 11:53, Bbrovers2288 said:

As I said Friday, we have deals in place for three keepers ranging from loans with high wages to free transfers. I think we will have one by Wednesday. Darlow was never a go-er as I said due to Newcastle’s current situation manager wise. 

Gallagher deciding over weekend between us and Wigan, will be decided tomorrow who he has chosen.

i don’t believe the dann links have much substance. But we are working on a prem league defender loan and we are far down the road on that one. 

Adams wasn’t a consideration until mowbray liked what he saw in training and now considering. 

Smallwood has league one options and there Looks to be another slightly unexpected departure. Few might be as miffed as raya with that one. 

I still wish there was a move for Lowe or Maddison but nothing yet. 

@Bbrovers2288 how’s this going mate? Any updates?

Just now, joey_big_nose said:

If we sign Gallagher that would be striker and midfield fully addressed (perhaps not perfectly but we have the right numbers and okay quality). Then we still need to sign three defenders and a GK which are woeful.

Achieve all of that and we could aim for top half. But we're not going to be in amongst the favourites for top six. We would need radically better signings than the kind we are linked to.

Here's a fun game :

Automatic Promotion Quality Players = None

Top six players = Dack, Lenihan, Travis, Rothwell, Graham, 

Top half players = Armstrong

Bottom Half Players = Evans, Nyambe, Bennett, Bell, Williams, Samuel

Relegation Players = Smallwood, Mulgrew, Leutweiler, Nuttall,

Unknown Quantities = Johnson, Downing, Chapman, Brereton (I'm being generous here....), Davenport, Butterworth etc.

As it stands we need the unknown quantities to turn out to be top six / top half players if we are to have a good season.

What a fantastic post. I agree with those rankings. I think that Downing and Johnson have an argument for being top 6/top half players, but for what it’s worth the rest of the ‘unknown quantities’ have good potential to be in those top groups imo.

19 minutes ago, arbitro said:

To be honest that was my mind set but Mowbray has thrown the cat amongst the pigeons by saying the door may be open for him.

I agree but I don’t think it’s for the reasons most would think. 

Just now, MarkBRFC said:

I get what your saying and the bit in bold is fair enough if it happens.

I think the reaction was down to Bauer playing in our most problem position though, and the worry that missing out on him and not getting anyone of any quality back there.

Gallagher is ok, but I don't think him as a signing will define our season, but some real quality at the back might just do.

I completely understand your point. But nor, did i believe that league 1, Patrick Bauer was going to change our season.

The positions we have signed so far are fairly irrelevant in terms of importance because they only happen when they can. I would argue that the best is certainly to come because we currently have our budget plus the Raya money in our pocket. Let’s see.

Just now, Crimpshrine said:

He's still very expensive and wages will be high.

If we go for SG I don't think there will be many (or any ) more permanent  paid for signings this summer.  Many some frees and loans.

The cost of the deal is unknown as is the depth of the V’s pockets. It’s not worth worrying about imo. Based on last years budget I think we could spend seven figures again. Especially with the Raya money.

They sometimes pay a player like for example Ruddy, Hart or Forster a large signing on fee to keep wages down. 

Just now, AllRoverAsia said:

The clue is in the word deadline. Specific deadline is a new invention by you, today.

"Tony Mowbray says Rovers can’t wait forever for responses to contract offers made to Craig Conway and Jack Rodwell.

Both Conway and Rodwell will weigh up their options before deciding whether or not to extend their time at Ewood Park, but will be given deadlines to work to."

Let’s not get our knickers in a twist about Rodwell. (Not aimed specifically at any one person)

Rodwell knows exactly what the deal is at Rovers and we have never wavered. My feeling is that he is history but TM being fair he’s saying that a deals still on the table to help Rodwell use it as leverage.

Id be very surprised if he stays. Nothing to see here imo.

Just now, AllRoverAsia said:

Just seen Nixon rumour that Wigan are backing out of the Gallagher chase - too expensive

Tbf I said that Gally would happen as long as he still wanted it. Wigan have ‘backed away’ because he’s made a decision on where he wants to go. The ‘too expensive’ bit is just spin.

i fully expect him to sign and as this would represent a reversal of the Bauer deal in terms of kudos on our side for getting over the line it will also be interesting to see the reaction. 

Just now, Wing Wizard Windy Miller said:

So LT reporting we may sign up to 2 keepers.  Certainly seems that TM blames the keeper for our goals against.  

Here's me thinking it was because our full backs allowed countless crosses and there was nobody who could win headers...

Not really, TM told Raya he wanted to sign a direct challenger for him. He decided to leave, ergo we now potentially need two keepers. It doesn’t change the fact that we need defenders and the manager has said that too...direct quote

”defenders are coming”