Dolan signing for Coventry apparently. Must be the run and assist he did at their place last season!

Oxford midfielder from Holland, the Finish winger from Holland also jump to mind

Haven't Brittain, Travis and Tronstad all publicly stated they want to stay and extend their contracts?

Candas Fiogbe link...don't get excited. Not even worth uploading his youtube reel. Titled Benin superstar but of course that doesn't take a lot. Scores a variety of finishes albeit that was 4 in a 2minute video where the same goal is replayed 3 times, 2 of which were tap ins. Demeanour of a Balotelli I'd say too

Personally only see us signing a CB and either an Attacking Mid or a RW. Based on what we have, assuming no one else leaves apart from Dolan and the talk around youth development.

Not saying it's what I'd do, not saying it supports the "exciting summer" we were promised but looking at what we have and based on 2 options for each position ish, it's what I think will develop from here

Being posted on several accounts though. Either copying each other or something in it

14 hours ago, KentExile said:

He is 16 years old, and last season (whilst still at school) was fairly regular for our U18s and also  played for our U21s as well as being called up for Italy U17s, (although I do not think he has actually played at that level yet)

For comparison, Harvey Higgins (who is also 16 and was still at school last season) played slightly less games at both U18 & U21 level, and is playing at England U16 level

So purely looking at the stats, their development/potential/hype, are similar, albeit in different positions. wth us "getting lucky" with Higgins signing a scholarship deal, probably at least in part because he is a local lad who has been with us since U7s level, whilst we snapped Eze up from Accrington less than 7 months ago

For a further comparison, both Igor Tyjon & Rory Finneran, featured more at all levels in the previous season (when they were both the same age as Higgins & Eze are now *)

* obviously not perfect comparisons, as they play in different positions and 2 separate years

Thanks KentExile. Tyrone and Higgins have been all the talk and I remember how well Phillips was spoken of coming through as was Wharton. I knew of Eze but just hadn't picked up on any particular hype

Teenage sensation? I don't get to watch the youth sides often but keep eye through here and the website. I don't recall Eze getting much hype to be called a teenage sensation or to the tune that Milan or Juventus would come knocking. Have I missed it?

On 02/09/2023 at 18:22, Tyrone Shoelaces said:

Magloire was ultra rapid, faster than shit off a shovel apparently. Just remind me - where is he playing now ?

Released by Northampton Town today

Maybe even Derby as he came from the Midlands himself if I recall and Eustace will know better than anyone

21 hours ago, chaddyrovers said:

The Derby job wasn't available when the transfer window were closing

From what was reported, Rovers had loads of applicants, they compiled a short list of a number to do zoom interviews, then they went to London to meet some candidates(before Swansea game). Then after Swansea we moved for Ismael as the next head coach and he was appointed 

Yes I know but do you not think in football conversations start sooner than a job becomes available or the transfer window opens?

16 hours ago, islander200 said:

?.Eustace hadn't gone anywhere when Woodrow was brought In.The Derby job wasn't even available. Ismael didn't want Dennis when he was at Watford 

21 hours ago, chaddyrovers said:

Eustace only left 10 days after the transfer window closed on 13th Feb

Swansea game was on 22th February. The transfer window shut on the 3rd of Feb. 

And we don't think conversations start until it's in the press?

We'll never know what happens behind closed doors especially here but as I posted, it's the only logic I can find in that signing

To be honest VI must have been interviewed prior to Swansea, it's the only sense I can draw from signing Woodrow in that it was VI's pending arrival that was known well before any of us did. Could add Dennis to that too

I've stayed relatively quiet on it all, and watched with hope but was disappointed with the appointment. So many applicants, I thought we would have settled on someone better even if just a proven winner to the end of the season to reset depending where we ended up.

We all know this squad has overachieved but having done so, it's making these last few weeks even before VI even harder to accept.

I don't believe the players have downed tools, they could get a play off opportunity if they stuck to it and got it right. Even those out of contract, they are still playing for their futures here or elsewhere. Every club in the league will be aware of Dolan's situation for example.

My big gripe is switching system mid season. Most coaches take a pre season to make such a move and it's usually October before it really clicks for a new coach and system. When in free fall I get it but he arrived on the back of 2 wins in 3. 

A disciplinarian was never going to go down well with a group we've seen fold ever winter year after year. As temperatures warm up, these fairies will start playing again and as usual we'll do too little too late and miss the opportunity.

Might sound dramatic but for me the whole lot needs an overhaul from top to bottom. It won't happen any time soon, the very top is untouchable and we face years of this mediocrity.

JE's decision on the face of it seemed so bizarre but it's so clear why he felt a relegation threatened club was a better proposition for his long term future and he trusted his ability to keep them up. As others have said, they will pass us next season and vindicate his decision.

It could just be a ploy to see Derby relegated by giving points to those around them

Is Cantwell injured?

Personally whilst we are winning games I'm quite content with them taking their time to make the right decision. 

Providing it is the right appointment, at least they can't be accused of rushing it. People say cheapest option but that would be identified pretty quickly so I do think more thought is being given than that.

Also we don't know circumstances, people out of the country, personal or business commitments etc. 

Lowe has done a great job stepping in, two wins, two clean sheets, no cut off like a transfer window so let it play out.

Not trusting them I understand but whether it's quick or slow, that doesn't change anything in that respect.

I liked the look of the ex Palace midfielder when we played them at Ewood. Ozoh?

Excuse couple of spelling mistakes, phone won't let me edit

Of the names mentioned, I'd say:

1. Steve Cooper as 1st choice. Don't believe he would join. Doubt we'd pay his expectations and he already knows what a basket case the club is after the LOB fiasco

2. Steve Gerrard as 2nd choice. Tainted by his last jobs granted but he did do a good job at Rangers. Wears his heart on his sleeve, would help attract players, even Liverpools better loan prospects perhaps. Tainted also by Danny Murphy tipping him to take it today. Don't think we would pay his wages after Prem and Saudi though.

3. Sam Allardyce as 3rd choice joint with below. I like Allardyce but I do fear time has past him by now. Relegation escape became his speciality, some time since he achieved promotion or an honour? Even after being burnt here before I think he'd jump at the chance for a 6 month crack at promotion.

4. Gary O'Neil as my other joint 3rd. More current than Allardyce, thought he I'd a great job at Bournemouth when I originally thought he would fail. Wolves was less positive but rely on others comments as its not a team I'd seen much of during his tenure.

Truth is, I actually think it will be someone from nowhere who no one expects, probably a foreign coach. I also still keep seeing Rooney on my Google feed so suspect that might be something of a sign....

4 hours ago, Tyrone Shoelaces said:

So he stays at Rovers. Cooper comes in at Derby and does a good job. The Derby job is filled for the foreseeable. The job was offered to him now.

Yeah I get it but my point was there are plenty of other Midlands based clubs if he wanted to be closer to his family. I don't know what the average reign of a manager is these days but it doesn't feel much more than 2 to 3 years so would come round again.

Anyway, he's made his choice, we're fucked over again so let's see what's next...

3 hours ago, waynerovers said:

Managers don't really have the luxury of waiting for the perfect time to move to another club. They have to take them when the jobs available.

Totally agree but his position from the outside looking in didn't appear crisis point to jump. The club is a mess but is it more of a mess than this time last year other than another 12 months added to the saga. At least league position wise we are in a better place and we've had significant investment of course...says tongue in cheek

Trying to look from a different perspective here and it's difficult but...

Maybe what Eustace asked for is not realistic in the current climate. All back on Venkys as it always is but if the club can't commit to his requests then there really was no choice if his head had been turned.

Another aspect for me...no club can invest now so why not see it out. If we inevitably drop away he's still over achieved and stock is still high. Next season there will be opportunities to return to the midlands. If he did achieve the impossible of which so far he's managed, then his stock would be even higher, maybe even with a promotion to his CV.

I get he's pissed, as we all are but I still think the timing is a little odd.

Of course on the inside of it all, if he has been misled, lied to etc. then no one wants to work for people like that.

Club isn't interested in promotion. The desire for investment despite the opportunity before us will be knocked back because we are overachieving. It was never in the script. Why is Rudy and Swag not coming out all season praising the work of a manager and players defying the odds? 

In summary, Eustace wanted backing, Swag couldn't/wouldn't and he'll be gone before the day is out.

Don't want it but as my Google feed has picked up a story on Wayne Rooney at the top of the page, I'm fearing it is more than a coincidence...

Watch this space...

59 minutes ago, magicalmortensleftpeg said:

He’s gone. Derby wouldn’t be making a formal approach without encouragement from Eustace’s side. Eustace also made no effort to shut down the rumours after that game.

The only thing I’m glad about is that this makes it completely clear to the outside world we are a clown car of a football club. 

I was thinking the exact same