But we've gained one back in Carter (he has to play). If they're high on Barnes he has to be factored in too (he's also 21, so it's sink or swim time for him), and obviously we have Phillips in the mix.

I imagine Bowler would be that 'special' signing Waggot spoke about where the budget could be stretched. It was aimed at Anel Ahmedhodzic and I assume Ben Davies. I'd look to loan in a CB now if the money is being spent on Styles and Bowler.

I don't mind him as the AMC in our system, or cover for Buckley / Travis. If he's as good as those quotes suggest then it alleviates some of the pressure being put on Garrett / Wharton et al. Its a long season, they'll get minutes, but hopefully not as the first guy off the bench.

I keep on harking back to it, but this suggests he's going to play a 4-2-3-1: https://totalfootballanalysis.com/head-coach-analysis/jon-dahl-tomasson-at-blackburn-rovers-202223-tactical-analysis-tactics We will often have to play 2 matches a week, operating with a high-tempo press. It's the reason Dack is going to struggle (I suspect he's going to be used as an impact sub, at least early in the season), and the reason why Travis / Buckley can't be relied upon to play 90 minutes each match. I'd love to re-visit this during the season, especially once we see where he plays Edun (assuming he thinks he's up to snuff - from what I've seen of him in a Rovers shirt, I don't) and Styles (assuming he signs - I hope he's been signed as a LB). From what I've seen of Garrett he's been played in a more advanced role this pre-season, as an AMC. Barnes is also 21, so either he goes out on loan and starts each week (most likely as we're clearly looking at CBs) or he's in our CB rotation. It's a shame the Ayala rumours have died down because he simply can't be relied upon to be fit for the majority of the season. I suspect we've got 1 or 2 more permanent signings in us, with the rest of the squad filled out with loans.

Sharpe has a lot more confidence in Wharton / Garrett et al than I do. That said, if Buckley and Travis are the confirmed starters at CM you can probably only afford 1 more quality guy in there to rotate (which should be the aim) based on our wage structure / transfer budget.

McAteer wasn't, but you're listing Premier League footballers. They're all better than what we currently have.

In possession, yeah basically.

In the last few games he's played 2 in the middle, with someone playing more advanced in an AMC role (Dolan against Celtic, replaced by Garrett). I think he's looking to play a 4-2-3-1 with VERY advanced FBs.

We're going to ask A LOT from our FBs this year. Much like we did when we played in a 4-2-3-1 under Mowbray - it's the nature of the system, they're asked to provide the width.

Styles at LB and Brittain at RB as our first two signings would be sensational.

I hope not. 4-2-3-1, please. We'd only need 2 CBs if we sell Ayala - Wharton, Carter, Ayala, Barnes and Phillips seem to be the 5. If I was prioritising I'd be looking at a LB and a CM - and a ST if (hopefully when) Brereton leaves.

Who have your beloved PNE signed in this transfer window?

I didn't realise Barnes was 21 already. I've never heard of him (I've watched a few Academy games, it's always been Saadi [sp] and the Gibraltar lad at CB) but that's the age you sink or swim. I like that JDT is giving them a run with the firsts at 17/18.

I mean if you read this forum then Nyambe is a crap player. Game of opinions, isn't it.

Yep, that was evident from the Celtic game - this system demands a lot from the FBs. If this Brittain guy is what everyone's cracking him up to be then that's one. We need a LB too.

Don't, the thread title change has clearly worked.

Well technically the story says they've enquired. ie they'll be asking if he's available and how much we want for him. They're not going to offer a fee we'd be happy with.

Giles was wasted here because Mowbray insisted on playing him as a RW, then evidently fell out with him. If Boro want to stump up £5m+ for Gallagher and take his wages off our books I'm sure JDT would be interested (if he gets to use the full transfer fee to replace him). We know what Gallagher is about as a player.

I would never describe anyone at Ewood Park as Machiavellian. You're giving them far too much credit.

£5m and he's theirs.

Nobody looks fantastic in that kit.

Nixon thinks Magloire is being linked away? I mean he's not Championship quality, but bloody hell we won't be able to field a team soon!

I suspect that's a big reason why Mowbray and his chums were let go. You didn't mention the horrendous deals given to Pears (and transfer fee, reported to be circa £400k), Smallwood and Gladwin. Just money thrown down the drain.

He looked crap against Birmingham - far too slow.

Not if our starting FBs are Pickering and Brown / Pike we won't. I don't think JRC is a RB either, but he played him there against Celtic.