Well, no it hasn't, because they refused to sanction a 2 year deal for Batth. Have a look at all the players that the club has signed since JDT came into the club. What's the average age? Using 2 players as examples out of about 20 signed is a bit selective 🤣 And if he only gets young players to choose from, and not the players he wants, he can't really have much influence over transfer policy. You still haven't grasped it, sorry to say.

That's been the major problem since 2010.

You might be right, but he's decent at FB so I hope not cos we haven't got a good RB in the club (JRC is the best but probs better in CM) Jackson saying that Venky's are sanctioning deals on an ad-hoc basis. This one clearly fits the 'model'. It might just be as simple as that with this signing, with no outgoings.

Pears was slightly less shit than Leo. Go and watch the highlights of the Hull home game when their forward was able to roll the ball past him because he didn't have a clue where he was in relation to his posts. I've not seen anything that bad since I played Sunday League (and the GK's at that level were normally still pissed from the night before). It's like choosing between gonorrhoea and syphilis.

Not sure what your angle is but no, GB has already said that JDT has the final say. But if JDT is only presented with young players who can increase value, and not the players he actually wants (e.g Batth) because the venky's have said 'no', then he can't really be blamed for the players he gets told to work with. I think you're desperate to appoint blame to JDT/GB but aren't able to see the bigger picture. No offence like😉

The transfer policy is not his remit. He's the Head Coach. He's there to coach the players and get results on the pitch. Transfer policy is dictated by the owners, and implemented by GB. If he wasn't on board with the TP he wouldn't have taken the job. However that TP (project) has now changed due to budget cuts. I'd imagine, and this is only my opinion, that when the CEO says no contract negotiations have been started with JDT it's because JDT has told them to shove it unless the budget restrictions and Venky's interference on football decisions fundamentally changes.

No, the CEO's and Club Secretary's fault, which GB took the fall for. GB has now implemented new procedures so the January fuck up doesn't happen again.

Strange reading of the situation. JDT and GB wanted Batth in the summer for his experience. Venky's refused to sanction a 2 year deal so he went to Norwich instead. JDT has consistently bemoaned the lack of experience in the squad. GB is also responsible for signing players for the future, which I presume this Crewe lad is. The problem isn't JDT and GB. That much is abundantly clear. After 13 years of Venky's I'm amazed that needs explaining.

That suggests the financing issue has been sorted to some degree. It is hardly essential spending. Hopefully he can also play RB, LB, RW and CF.

Sounds painful, hopefully Gally has given his permission.

Was the Hudds game on the red button?

Broughton spoke about it at the end of the transfer window. TK wanted out as soon as Luton made their first bid in July. TK then threw his toys out in Austria cos Rovers didn't accept.

Talk of 500k is laughable. He's a good defender who's out of form. It happens to young players.

You need experience at CB, which is why they tried to sign Batth. The point of the article I quoted was JDT blaming this lack of experience on the poor defensive record.

Snippet from the LT today: Rovers tried to sign Danny Batth in the summer from Sunderland with Tomasson and Director of Football Gregg Broughton identifying him as the man to bolster the defence. However, they were unable to strike a deal on the length of his deal. Batth wanted a two-year deal whilst the owners would only sanction a one-year contract. In the end, Batth signed for Norwich City on the terms he had desired. Centre-back is an area Rovers are expected to look at in the January transfer window, though resources will be limited.

I think people are forgetting the project. This is all about 'creating value' and player development. If we also stay up, job done. That's JDT's remit. He's doing a great job. The problem lies above him.

Brittain wasn't trying or had a bad game? I think he's a shit defender FWIW (I've never seen a FB shit out of so many challenges) , but Hill has lost form over the last few weeks and has been dropped as a result.

If players weren't trying then that is inexcusable. But that's on the players, not the manager. JDT is no mug, if they aren't trying he'll drop them. Well, he would if he anybody to bring in. I think people may be underestimating just how much of an effect the injury crisis is having on the team. As for the GK, what choice has he got? As for the style of play, I see the argument, we are wide open on the break a lot of the time, but when he was a lot more pragmatic at the start of last season he got pelters for it (even though we were winning games at home). Also the style was fine when we were having a good run a month or so ago.

You aren't seeing it now either in the Championship. Rovers, as far as Championship teams go, are fairly unique in the way they play. Watched PNE yesterday. That match could have been from any decade, there was nothing sophisticated about the way they played. Leeds weren't much different. Ipswich remind me of teams I've watched many times over the last 40 years - a team that plays attacking football with at least one good winger who gets crosses in.

Now you're just copying me. I'm flattered. Hopefully, in 2024, you'll have an original thought. Happy New Year.

Try thinking for yourself instead of repeating what Gavin has said👍 Oh, and If I quote someone and ask them a question I'm probably only interested in their opinion. If I want your opinion I'll quote you....or DM you. Hope that's clear enough for you.

Sigh...we're a mid-table team with a bottom 3 budget. Try re-aligning your expectations and actually paying attention to what is happening at the club.

Who rattled your cage?

Those kinds of giant-killing performances are rare at any club. Your expectations are different to mine.

We were on a good run a few weeks ago, think we won 6 out of 8 or something. Are you saying it's only now, 18 months from joining the club, that other managers have worked JDT out? Or are just on a bad run of form?