My feeling is that IF we are still in for him (as I suspect we are) then he is odds on to sign probably today. The only reason he would choose Wigan is for more guaranteed playing time. He has a relationship with several players and the manager at Rovers.

I expect Gally and a keeper this week. Maybe even a cb as well.

lets see...

Just now, Sparks Rover said:

Ridiculous statement.  Not pulling up trees at youth level really, needs to grow if hes going to play in the EFL.   Travis is so far ahead of him.

Travis is half a season ahead of him. But I can tell you that everyone rates him as the best potential in the academy. Including Travis. Buckley is the one they fully expect to play PL football. It’s not just his ability either, also the most mobile and best mentally.

Just now, bluebruce said:

Heard anything about Travis from your Johnson source?

I haven’t. He’d be absolutely mortified. I’ll try..

Just now, J*B said:

From the one game I've seen of Buckley he looks a totally different player to Travis. Much more of a old school number 8?

Yes, plays on the half turn. Bursts into spaces and is technically much better than Travis who’s more a 4. 

Just now, K-Hod said:

I’ve only seen Buckley in the first team once and he looked too lightweight and nervous. Presumably he won’t be like that forever, but there seems to be some creative licence going on here saying he’s better than Travis. 

He may end up being in time, but he really isn’t based on what I’ve seen so far.

Replacing a first team regular that is up to speed with someone who isn’t yet is usually the kind of behaviour that ends in tears. 

Yeah, sorry tbh I meant WILL BE much better than Travis.

3 hours ago, Oldgregg86 said:

In my humble untrained opinion he is and I’m sure others would back me up.

technically brilliant,  creates space, never seems to be marked or in a rush just picks the ball up in acres of space and can hit passes, dribble. He has a good engine, very mobile and likes to get stuck in and out a foot in. I’ve seen him play centre mid (his best position imo) RB, RW And he was the best on the field including the opposition anywhere he played.

What he lacks in physical strength he makes up for with tenacity and work rate. He is a yard quicker in his head than those around him. Really good football brain and technical ability.

i honestly think he’s class. Still can improve, I think he needs to shoot more From distance and make more runs into the box ala lampard but everything he lacks can Ben taught . The qualities he has some will never learn. Very naturally gifted

Absolutely bang on. Without doubt the best of what is coming through. Much better than Travis. 

Buckley is / will be better than Travis. 

Not that I want, nor would be happy if we sold him!

Just now, arbitro said:

I know they are only links but it does appear to be a scattergun approach by Mowbray and Rovers. I don't think I've read an interview recently which has given me too much hope. He has oscillated between signing defenders and sticking with what he has, waiting until late in the window, talked about signing young players and polishing them up, loaning players from PL clubs and other things. There just doesn't seem to be a firm plan in place but the buck has to stop with Mowbray.

What makes you think it’s scattergun? So far it would seem that we’ve signed two and missed out on two (Maher and Bauer). The rest appear to be a combination of agents and journo’s surmising. There are a few worrying about the order of those signings as if clubs won’t move on their second priority signing until they’ve signed the first. 

The signings happen when the players become available.

Just now, deryck guyler's spoon said:

Do you reckon?

I'm agnostic about the Bauer thing but if Gallagher chose Wigwam over us that would seriously damage my moral!

Not a chance Gallagher would choose Wigan over us. If he goes to Wigan it’s because we’ve decided to go elsewhere. We’ve got the money.

Just now, unsall said:

WIGAN. Clear to speak to Sam Gallagher by SOUTHAMPTON. 5m fee. Big attempt. BLACKBURN may match. Looks too high for BRENTFORD's valuation.

Wait for it....

Just now, JHRover said:

Quite obvious that Dann would be too expensive. 

One hell of a gamble to go after people out of our financial range in the hope they drop demands down to our level.

I could see this one having legs. There’s links between the management team and Dann. Plus Dann is a scouser so a move up North might suit. Could come down to what other options are available. 

For what it’s worth, I’ve since found out that the Bradley Johnson transfer was a scouting job and was planned ready for the eventuality of Lampard leaving as it was he who wanted Johnson to stay. 

Just now, CheshireRover said:

All fun and games this transfer stuff, isn’t it? ?

Thanks 

Just now, Rochdale_rover said:

It was Nixon he now saying Hanley loan unlikely so gone for Dann

Can someone screenshot his tweet as I’m blocked from good ol’ Al!! 

Just now, Rochdale_rover said:

Scott Dann we apparently want back 

Really?

Just now, Stuart said:

I didn’t see it but as you’ve given your fair share of digs out you should be able to handle it.

I’m fine with it. As I said, kudos for editing before it was seen. Nice little deception tactic with the ‘typo’ part too...at least I know what I’m dealing with ?

Just now, Stuart said:

You know you can leave the reason blank?

Of course he does! Was just saving his skin. It wasn’t a joke.

The season was very good overall. Outside of that bad period we probably collected points in line with 6th - 8th in the league.

The issues that lead us into the downturn such as squad depth in particular at CB where we were unable to adequately manage during Lenihans injury or rash decisions from our keeper, the inability to change our style of play due to lack of ability and the failure of our new star signing (BB) to make an impact in those moments all contributed. The Manager should have seen the potential for the defence to crumble especially when he let Downing go but I do think Mulgrews deterioration was so fast.

So yes, the rational decision is to deal with what went wrong and then look to replicate (and build) on what we did well.

imo we need a GK, CB and CF. I 100% believe we will get all three.

I don’t want Adam but I think his (TM)obsession with them now is more down to the change in play that he’s trying to implement. He’s flushing out Smallwood and Evans who are miles behind Adam and Butterfield in terms of technical quality on the ball.

Just now, 47er said:

um.......!!

Haha there was no typo. I read your personal jibe. Kudos for editing it so quickly though... ??

Just now, Mattyblue said:

What about the GK coach? 

The Spanish goalkeeping coach at Brentford. Looks like part of Raya’s motivation to leave was to work with him...

A bit more in the LT about Raya. Seems the Spanish keeper coach at Brentford was a big reason and that Raya was motivated to leave. Good luck to him I say.

Mowbray talks about recruiting another keeper and having the Raya money to use. Seems a win win - Let’s see how it pans out.

seperate note - there’s a video of Barrows goal yesterday on Twitter. The save from Fisher to tip the free kick onto the bar is amazing. Unfortunately it gets followed in. But worth a watch. 

Just now, Stuart said:

We don’t really have five weeks though. This needs to happen quickly.

Losing our number one (for two years) is quite a big deal. This needs nipping in the bud.

I agree Stuart. I can’t see us getting through the week without signing one tbh. Why else would we let him go? 

Just now, Leonard Venkhater said:

Pal!

Oh don’t you start! ??

Just now, Leonard Venkhater said:

TM haters.....you are better than that!

Just a bit of fun pal. Thought it might emphasise my point a little more...?

Just now, Angry_Pirate said:

Two words, Tony Mowbray.

 Serious question for the TM supporters. Suppose we sign a (universally agreed) dreadful keeper (in the next few weeks) as our Raya replacement... what say you then?

Two words, Tony Mowbray.

 Serious question for the TM haterz. Suppose we sign a (universally agreed) amazing keeper (in the next few weeks) as our Raya replacement... what say you then?

Just now, OssyLad said:

Can’t believe what I’m reading ? but each to there own ??

I do wonder if the mods warn the likes of Merc, Revidge and co about ‘winding’ people up as much as they warn the rest of us...been absolutely relentless this shit today ??‍♂️???