Just now, chaddyrovers said:

According to Radio Lancs and Mark Atkins Rovers have lined up that way with Gallagher as the 9, BBD left, Dolan right and Szmodics as number 10

👍🏼👍🏼

2 hours ago, joey_big_nose said:

I'd be surprised if we retain Ayala end of season tbh. Prem level box defender but lower half championship in terms of distribution and mobility. On top of that loads of injuries and expensive.

They'd rather use the budget for another Hyam I'm sure. Also Carter and Phillips are coming on. We haven't missed Ayala being out I would say.

I agree, I think he’ll leave at the end of the season. Fwiw - I would offer him another year. Imo he is arguable the best defender in the league and I think he’d be a wonderful option next season to help Phillips breakthrough and play in and around his injuries. It might come down to finance…

I for one feel better about going to Hull this weekend with Ayala in the team. Him, Hyam and Wharton is a formidable 3.

2 hours ago, roversfan99 said:

Phillips will be a £25m defender inside 12-18 months? That is one hell of a statement and based on the Buckley £10m stuff, whichever staff member you know that keep divulging this seems to be prone to a spot of hyperbole!

Our fans were brilliant with Brereton but his rise was somewhat sudden, it is not a problem if people give their opinion on here, it makes no difference. If everyone just shrugged and said "they know better than me" then this messageboard wouldn't exist.

Just opinions mate. If you don’t like them then Scroll on…similarly if you’d prefer to watch a team every other week whilst spending the rest of your time doing whatever it is that you do and believe that your view on the ability of players and team is better than those of the people who are employed as professionals in the sport and work with the lads day in day out…then feel free crack on with that too 👍🏼
 

6 minutes ago, AllRoverAsia said:

If you say so it must be.

Just my opinion. I try to make it based on evidence and fact rather than fiction.
 

Dacks fitness forms a part of the profile I mentioned. His ability to close down etc.

If your opinion is that there’s some conspiracy theory or ‘bias’ then, cool. 👍🏼

2 hours ago, Mattyblue said:

Remember when some on here tried to make out Nuttall just needed more starts… now plying his trade for the team bottom of the Conference.

Nuttall is a real shame. Guy has all the attributes and hopes were high for him. The main problem for him is his internal motivation….when he was breaking through and couldn’t stop scoring he had his why…he wanted to secure himself and family. His downturn in attitude and form came almost simultaneously with the new contract he signed where he obv thought he’d ‘made it’…things turned quickly afterwards and we got good money for him tbf.

32 minutes ago, AllRoverAsia said:

Thanks for confirming that Dacks exclusion is not a lack of fitness issue but rather managers bias.

Now who was it said it was lack of fitness?

There’s nothing cynical or biased about it. They record absolutely everything…they know where players are strong and where they aren’t and that helps them to form opinions on who is likely to be suitable and who isn’t….if anything my point proves, in the case of Ayala that even if your profile indicates a lack of fit, you can adapt and evolve into what they want.

But bearing in mind it’s the managers neck on the block, it also has to be his decision on who he plays, right?

It’s not rocket science lads and Brereton isn’t some type of anomaly. When he signed he was 19, had represented England at a few youth levels and had tore Arsenal a new arse in an FA cup game. The potential was there…the problem was, he wasn’t ready and some fans (not all ) are VERY quick to write off young players.

At the start of the season I asked a member of the current coaching team who they thought were the diamonds in our academy and the answer was instant…”Ash Phillips, Adam Wharton and Harry Leonard. We expect Phillips to be a £25m defender inside 12-18 months…he’s already got PL teams all over him”

Incidentally, he also suggested that the two he was most worried about based on JDT’s expectations were Ayala and Dack as there was a suggestion inside the club that they might not fit….it seems the former has got over those worries, the latter not so much.

The point I make is, ‘They’ know who are the better players etc. If you listen to the rumblings you can see who hasn’t had a chance.

I haven’t seen enough of Vale but they obv see something in him. Fingers crossed they’re right…tbf they’re not often wrong these days on youth! 600+ and counting!

10 hours ago, JoeH said:

If Hedges and Brittain are out then I think system change is the best answer. Treat it like the Blackpool game, defend the box well in a flat back four, focus on getting the simple things right up top with an easy to understand system like 4-2-3-1, maybe throw someone like Markanday in so we can keep that left-footed dynamic off the right hand side with no Hedges.

Kaminski

Travis
Hyam
S. Wharton
Pickering

Morton
A. Wharton

Markanday
Dack
Brereton Díaz

Gallagher

I wouldn’t be considering a formation change to one which affords us less defensive stability for two challenging but winnable away games.

Keep the two central (Def & Mid) banks of three, focus on being well set up and two clean sheets - 4pts from Hull and Cov 🙌🏽

If Brittain and Hedges are out, as suspected…

                    kaminski

        Hyam.   Ayala.   Wharton

Travis           Morton.           Pickering 

        Szmodics.          Wharton 

       Gallagher      Brereton-Diaz

Subs - Pears, Carter, Mola, Buckley, Garrett, Dolan, Vale

Id probably move Trav dependant on the threat from them. So if they’re particularly strong in midfield and less so out wide then you could bring Trav into the middle for Wharton and play Buckley at RWB. Alternatively, if we thought they were dangerous in both areas then Carter could play RWB.

I guess it will be the managers call based on what he sees.

Hedges and Brittain will be a loss. They’re key players. But I think we’ve got enough…

1-2 Rovers - Vale off the bench and off the mark after signing his contract 💙

23 hours ago, superniko said:

I agree I think that’s the team he’ll go with, and also agree with the rest of the post. Perhaps small chance he rests Morton - seems to be the only player in the middle who he hasn’t yet and he likes to rotate 

I did think about him resting Morton but I think the fact there’s a week until we play again and with Morton being the pivot (receiver off the cb’s) he’ll stay in…let’s see 🤷🏽‍♂️

22 hours ago, oldjamfan1 said:

Is Travis not still suspended?

Just one game for 5 yellows I think. Expect he’ll be back in.

20 hours ago, Admiral Nelsen said:

Just the one game for 5 yellows wasn't it? I assumed he would be back for this one anyway.

Hopefully with an extra days rest and with a full week coming up, there's no need for much rotation. Equally, there are first teamers who will be coming back into contention, so you'd expect a couple of changes on that basis. I'd have the same team as @Paul Mani only with Pickering coming in, although I'm sure if that leaves Hedges on the bench or playing elsewhere. 

 

They've been much better than I expected this year, but I still think we'll beat them at home.

 

2-0 Rovers.

 

I did think about Pickering and suspect he might come back in but I love Hedges and Brittain…

19 hours ago, rigger said:

I'd have Vale over Hirst on the bench, I agree with the rest

I went back and forth on this with my final rationale being….I don’t think Vale’s ready yet and if we never play Hirst then how do we know if he can be or not? Flip of a coin job really. 

If Ayala is still out and everyone else is fit, I’d go…
 

                    Kaminski

        Carter.   Hyam.   Wharton

Brittain.                                   Hedges

      Travis     Morton     A.Wharton

                Gally        BBD

Subs - Pears, Phillips, Pickering, Garrett, Szmodics, Dolan, Hirst

Before anyone says…I’d have Dack in, but JDT won’t so there’s no point considering him.

1 hour ago, chaddyrovers said:

But Dack or Szmodics aren't strikers. I would like to see main striker on the bench

I don’t think we play with a number 9 mate. Neither Gally or BBD have played as 9’s really either….more to the point the two you mentioned basically havent performed.

Who would you take from my bench for Hirst?

23 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

Might be announced as that but as a night game some season tickets will give it a swerve and watch on TV and Waggott saying all night games are £20 before putting the prices up will not help. I think there will be no real reaction to Mowbray.

I am guessing based on your prediction that Dack maybe not making the bench that he would make way for Hirst? Who would you bring on if you need a goal out of the 2, would be senseless to go for Hirst. Or even Vale, who has never looked like scoring and couldn't score in non league.

He makes a good point Chaddy…who would you drop off my bench for Hirst or Vale? Are either of them more or less likely to get you a goal than Dolan, Dack or Szmodics? 

22 minutes ago, chaddyrovers said:

Paul, Can I ask why you would play Hedges at left wing back? Also would not want a striker on the bench like Hirst or Vale? 

I would put Hirst on the bench. 

I suspect they will be around 12k regardless on the game being on Sky. 

Do you expect him to get a round of applause from many fans? 

I wanted to get Hedges back in as I think he’s been arguably our best player this season. I think he’s played well at Wb this season and he’s naturally left footed plus Pickering has played a lot of games recently so….

I take your point in respect of Hirst and Vale but I don’t think either are playing well and there’s questions as to whether they’re good enough full stop. I also think Dack, Dolan and Szmodics could play off either Gally or BBD.

                         Kaminski 

       Carter        Hyam        Wharton

Brittain              Morton                  Hedges
              Buckley            Wharton   

                      Gally       BBD

SUBS

Pears, Phillips, Pickering, Garrett, Dack, Dolan, Szmodics

23 hours ago, BigBar said:

No to Buckley, he's had too many chances. Be interesting to see Garrett get a go, surely he would take great confidence from the opportunity A Wharton and Phillips have got. Is Garrett good enough in your view?

I thought he was brilliant in preseason - very similar to Travis in style. Not a silky as Wharton…but who knows?

fwiw I’d play Buckley. He’s a top player who has a tough time of late and might benefit from a confidence boost.Him, Wharton and Trav are the future CM stronghold of our club imo. 

10 minutes ago, Bbrovers2288 said:

Always happy for the win but you know a shocker of a performance is coming next, until that stops it’s hard to get overly excited. 
 

dack and markanday must despair at seeing Dolan ahead of them in the pecking order. I imagine both will be away soonish, too good to be rotting in the ressies, don’t blame them 

Two very different cases and no one is ‘rotting in the reserves’. The manager has proven with the likes of SS that if you train well, listen to him and play well in the 21’s you’ll get a chance… Dack obv isn’t wanted, something he’s putting out there or not doing me thinks? Markanday is a young player who I’ve no doubt will get a chance when he’s ready and Dolans assists and goal contributions are probably the highest in the squad.

I would say, other than Dack, who the manager isn’t having, the rest (Carter, Markanday, Buckley, Edun and Vale. Maybe even Leonard) will get ample opportunities to shine this season. Don’t forget…he also watches them train everyday too.

5 hours ago, arbitro said:

Travis was far better today in a midfield three and pretty much did the basics and ugly stuff. Asking him to do something he isn't too good at really weakens us but he protected the centre backs well today and left the more skilful stuff to the two artisans alongside him. 

We will have to do without him on Tuesday as he is suspended following another silly booking today.

I wonder whether he’ll bring Buckley in from the cold, a three of Morton, Buckley and Adam Wharton is talented and exciting if not a little lightweight.

Alternatively, he could bring in Garrett whose hard, combative style might end up impressing the manager and doing to Travis what Travis did to Smallwood! Oust him! No doubt, Trav has been poor this season, so…let’s see.

Tuesday will be interesting. My gut tells me he’ll start Szmodics tbf.

5 hours ago, bluebruce said:

So would I. But I'll take 3 points at senior level over 3 points at U21 level every day. The real solution would be to have U21 games after senior games (when feasible) as I've said before. Then anyone who didn't get enough minutes on the Saturday can play for the U21s the next day, keeping them match sharp and improving the U21s chances.

The two scenarios aren’t mutually exclusive. I think the focus is on the individuals and the improved options we have on the bench.

So, Wharton and Phillips get 90 mins of football vs none or a 20 minute cameo and the first team gains Brittain and Szmodics, two experienced first team players who will be glad of a 20 minute cameo…

win - win 👍🏼

41 minutes ago, Upside Down said:

It's good to have a manager that will say to the players "you're playing shit so I'm dropping you for the next game"

I get the impression JDT is a tough but fair kind of guy.

💯 agree - from what I heard from the coaching team JDT Is VERY specific with what he wants. He doesn’t accept any deviation but is really likeable and fair.

10 minutes ago, AJW said:

Do you not think Buckley loss of form could be down to him playing slightly different position ? .. for me his best games were when Mowbray played him further up the field , not the false 9 nonsense but when in a 3 with Travis and Rothwell and he was the most advanced of the 3 Closing down defenders and winning the ball higher up the pitch 

I’m not sure mate. Historically and other than last season, Buckley has always played as an ‘8’ (like this season). Mowbray was protecting him a little playing him further forward.

I just think he’s hit his first proper blip following a great season where he won Young Player Of The Year. He’s been poor and needed dropping but ultimately he’s a bloody brilliant player and I’m sure will return to form. Him and Wharton in full flow together will be something to look forwards to.

Young player of the year - 2021-22 🙈🤣

Awkward. 

3 minutes ago, BigBar said:

The same professionals who couldn't tie down out most valuable assets and let them walk away for free last season. You could argue that it's easier to get the likes of Buckley tied down because there is no interest, imagine that? Signs the deal no fuss and happy out as he has yet to have a good season and is a passenger.

What extremely high standards? Shit start to this season, shit most of last. Anonymous before that. You cannot say he's ever had a spell of 4-6 months where he's played out of his skin and been the standout player in our team. 

Ok, so firstly….the professionals can’t make anyone do anything. It usually comes down to money and Lenihan, Rothwell, Nyambe and Brereton have all been offered new deals. Them refusing to sign is nothing to do with the opinions of the professionals. Plus none of them (bar BBD) had a single club willing to pay anything for them and had to wait until they no longer commanded a fee. Nyambe completely bombed.

Buckley was regarded by many to have been our best player along with BBD up until Jan. No one covered themselves in glory after that point.

Of course football is all about opinions but honestly, if you don’t rate Buckley as a footballer I’m shocked. He’s got unbelievable ability.

Him, Phillips and Wharton are the only players in our squad that I believe have the x-factor and the potential for long, PL careers. Including BBD and Dack.

1 hour ago, J*B said:

Here's my end of year assessment now its all over, based on what I've seen so far and their current reputation within the game:

 

Successful recruitment

Lenihan replaced with Hyam

Nyambe replaced with Brittain

 

Unsuccessful recruitment

Rothwell replaced with Szmodics

Van Hecke replaced with Mola

 

Additional option based on last season, improvement to squad

George Hirst

Tyler Morton

Hayden Carter (loaned out last season, doesn't count as recruitment)

Dilian Markanday (injured last season, doesn't count as recruitment)

Adam Wharton (promoted, doesn't count as recruitment)

Ashley Phillips (promoted, doesn't count as recruitment)

 

Used last season, not replaced

Johnson used, not replaced

Zeefuik used, not replaced

Davenport unused, but an option, not replaced

 

Unused last season, didn't need to be replaced

Chapman unused, not replaced

Stergiakis unused, not replaced

Magloire unused, not replaced

Butterworth unused, loaned out

Brown unused, not replaced

What do I take from this? Well...

1) GB & JDT felt that we didn't need a replacement for Zeefuik and that Brown wasn't up to the standard. Brittain is clearly first choice, I would assume Carter is second and then we plan to use Buckley/Travis as cover if needed.

2) GB & JDT felt that despite Markanday coming back from injury, we needed another striker. A lot of pressure is on Hirst to deliver in that role, he's never played in this league. 

3) GB & JDT don't want two 'bruisers' in central midfielder. Travis fills this role and as captain will start every game. If he's injured I wonder what the plan would be. 

4) We have a lot of central defensive options - Ayala, Wharton, Hyam, Carter, Phillips, Mola - perhaps a signal of 3 at the back? 

5) GB & JDT thought the squad was slightly too big last season.

Good summary, agree with the 5 points…Though, I’d change:

- Morton into Successful - he’s a cracking player and has replaced one of Rothwell or Johnson as a first choice pick. (He’s a better footballer than both - which is saying something when A.Wharton is even better than him!! 👊🏼)

- The title, ‘Unsuccessful’ to ‘Undecided’. Szmodics hasn’t been great but also hasn’t played nearly enough to be written off and Mola literally hasn’t kicked a ball for us. 

- Finally Id add Dack to additional options as he’d been unavailable for so long.

Between the recruitment, emergence of top young talent and re-emergence of the likes of Hedges, Dack, Markanday and Carter I believe they’ve just about nailed it. Time will tell 👍🏼