They have billions and are building (or have built) several mansions in the countryside surrounding Blackburn. They could clearly buy the club several times over and not blink an eye.

Fair play to Raya though, he's earned another pay rise out of it.

After the international break we've got two games a week up until the new year. Lenihan, Williams and Ayala won't hold up under that schedule (injuries and suspensions). You need depth - which is where Wharton comes in. Conversely it's why we need depth elsewhere - our new style of play won't be as effective when we're asked to back it up 4 days later.

A midfield 3 of Rothwell, Holtby and Travis is promotion worthy. I was wrong about Holtby (but then he was a terrible #10) but the other two I've said are great Championship CMs for a while. You just have to hear the fear in iFollow commentator's voices when Rothwell gets the ball and carries it through the centre of the park - and the relief / disbelief in their voices when he's taken off after 60 minutes. Often accompanied with "I thought he was one of their better players".

Honestly no more so than other iFollow commentators. The Luton ones at the end of last season were, quite frankly, a joke. You have to accept that you're essentially listening to club mouth pieces.

I liked the look of Lewis Thompson against Man City U23s, but he's 20 already and didn't get a game at Fylde. With how poor Bell has been, you'd think they'd have thrown him in for a game last year. Same with Pike - he looks useful, but also hasn't had a shot. You wonder how highly rated they are at the club.

Much like Armstrong - you negate what Rothwell is good at if you play him wide left. Hopefully Mowbray has woken up to the idea that Rothwell is a CM. If we're one light it's on the wings, in this 4-3-3. We currently have JRC, Dolan, Chapman and Brereton. Need A.N. Other to provide competition for when one of the aforementioned loses form / gets injured. Fortunately it's a position that is in abundance so we should be able to loan in a very good player there.

The lad is a walking meme. How is losing to us the worst moment of his professional life?!

Jones posed with Manchester United gear when still under contract with Blackburn Rovers. It's been a joy watching his career flounder and flop at Old Trafford. Would never have him back.

Aye, saw that during the pre-season game. It makes our Venkys advert with Dunn / Nelson look classy.

If we HAD to sell Dack or Armstrong for an obscene amount of money? Had to? I'd snap their hand off.

Whether by design or default, he's changed the formation and started to put players in their correct positions. It's basic stuff, but it's producing results - and far less infuriating than watching Mowbray try to hammer square pegs into round holes.

Brereton for me.

The best bit about the lack of crowds is that you can hear the abuse the ref gets from the players. I'd book them all at the start of the match as a precaution.

Two pathetic penalty appeals for a desperate side.

Move Rothwell to CM, score 8 goals. It's not rocket science.

C'mon, we've had two attacks and scored twice. Before that we couldn't get the ball off them.

We're making them look like Brazil. Never change, Mowbray.

Normally I'd agree, but we can't expect JRC to be able to sit beyond halfway for most of this match.

The absolute last thing we need is squad fillers. You have the Academy graduates for that. Spend the money on a better LB or don't spend it at all.

Nah, he's a L1 wide man.

Armstrong has only done well for us since January, so that ratio is about right.

Club survival isn't going to hinge on spending £10-15k a week and a £500k+ transfer fee on a Championship standard LB. If anything it's the perfect time to push the boat out if everyone else is dallying. We could steal a march on them.

Nah, 1 signing needed at an absolute minimum, a LB. I'm happy to rely on the Academy for squad depth. Keep the door open for the youth players to prove themselves.

I'm happy with us relying on our Academy from here. Just desperately need a competent LB. You wouldn't have to break the bank for one.