bluebruce

So you don't want to sign Rodwell? Just curious, I'm a bit on the fence but probably wouldn't either. In which case I do want to see us get two good CHs. How does Bell, Williams plus one new left back mean 2 left backs though? (Not accounting for jokes about how one or both of them don't really count).

Exactly, he keeps muddying the waters on this. Interviews range from saying he is just looking for 'competition' or 'depth' to saying he wants to sign players for the first XI. Separate quotes from just today's LT about signings, in two articles (the first two are explicitly about the defence): "It’s an area of the pitch that we have to strengthen. When I say strengthen I mean add competition." "I talk about the depth." "We need to get to the summer and get the recruitment right, finding players who will make the first XI better week in, week out.” The last one is encouraging, the first two are worrying as all hell.

I don't think the LT have it? Unless it's buried in one of the articles I haven't read yet. Here's the official site: https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/march/lewis-leaves-rovers-for-barrow/ Good luck to him. Doesn't sound like he is going to fulfil his promise, but that's down to him now.

Two French lads in the under-18s. Boyomo is a big lad, centre half I gather. The other one is a midfielder I think.

They're in the under-18s so you'll probably have better luck asking in the Academy thread. Someone in there posted highlights of a U-18 game I think it was a few weeks back, where I'm pretty sure that Boyomo was playing. Great big lump at the back. Edit - @neophox I just realised, I think that somebody was me! Here's the link, I haven't re-watched it thoroughly but I'm sure I saw him pop up a little on the clips when I first watched it: https://www.manutd.com/en/videos/detail/under-18s-highlights-blackburn-rovers-2-man-united-2-23-february-2019 The Lithuanian 'wonderkid' we signed is on there too, creating our first goal.

Agreed. He should be the first name picked...on the substitutes bench. He's a fine utility player to have to fill in for a number of positions and give a burst of energy. Occasionally he'll merit a start too, largely down to his inspirational work ethic. But starting regularly? Nope. We have better first XI players in every position, and we need to strengthen those as it is. If Bennett is a regular starter over the course of next season, it means one of two things, or possibly both: 1) We haven't strengthened appropriately. 2) Tony simply can't pick a player. People might as well stop wishing him away altogether though. He's one of several players who we are probably paying too much money to for anyone to want to take them off our hands unless they accept a wage drop. Not that I mind in his case, solid squad man. Although as said, I bet we are paying him a little more than we should. Not that I'd know, just a feeling.

Actually it was more a playful joke about you saying loose instead of lose. Never mind. Yes, I expect us to get battered. It's often those games which surprise you though. So maybe it'll just be a slim defeat...

It seems that either way though, you're loose. I'd recommend a visit to your GP. Perhaps a less active night life.

Funny thing about this is, according to Wiki anyway, we have centre halves at 6 ft 3 (Mulgrew), 6 ft 2 (Rodwell) and 6 ft 2 (Lenihan). Yet somehow we've managed to be crap in the air at the back! Bauer is down at 6 ft 3...and a half! Maybe the half inch will give us the aerial dominance we need! Height doesn't always give you aerial prowess. We do need someone who is good in the air for sure, but I'm equally as concerned that their positional sense and instincts are good as I feel that's how most of our goals get shipped. I also hope Bauer has at least a bit of pace, as we can be a bit susceptible on counter attacks. I'm curious, who was the other tall central defender we got linked with? I've only seen a tall youth prospect mentioned I think.

It's good to see you willing to be critical of some players. It's worth pointing out though, Williams and Smallwood also signed new deals.

Results have come back inconclusive.

Who is this 'we'? The only person I've noticed sit on the same side as you through this discussion has been BDS, and he has more just been saying that the photo doesn't show he was getting wrecked, rather than your apparent point that he should be able to go on the lash as much as he likes.

Where are you getting 250 million from? I've never seen a figure remotely near that mentioned before. The figure was published today at what, about 150 million? With approx 100 mill of it owed to Venkys I think it was.

Which Lowe? David Lowe? Jason *spits* Lowe? Confused why anyone in charge would not sign him due to either of their opinions.

You're right, we need to save space for all the senior players we are being linked with. Oh, wait...

Best I can find...18 yr old striker who only joined them from Romulus (4 tiers lower than Nuneaton) in January. 9 appearances for Nuneaton, no goals (I think), one assist. MoM on his debut. Was on trial with Leicester a week ago. https://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/leicester-trials-for-nuneaton-borough-striker-taylor-allen-4272380#popup-sso

Our u-18s looked poor there and the keeper is horrendous. Their lad 'Amanar' looked quick.

All of them.

Sorry what area of the pitch does Williams play?

Conceding the pointless free kick was entirely his fault. After that it was whoever decided to give the biggest bloke on the pitch all the space he wanted.

Of course there is. He IS a youngster, and needs first team games to get up to speed for next season.

We could lose 12-0 and I still wouldn't want to watch bloody cricket.

Very naive foul Travis gave away, wasn't any need. Abysmal marking.

I know, that's what I was talking about? Barrow boss was saying they thought it was close.

No I mean permanently. He's already on loan at a conference team. (Seem to remember Raya was 17 when he was on loan? For a keeper that's actually pretty good)