Parsonblue

It suggests to me that he wasn't top of our list hence why we bid so late. Clearly we had a certain sum of money to spend but some of the prices quoted - and no doubt wages wanted - would have been beyond our means. If we were looking to make a serious bid for promotion then this window would be disappointing. However, we are trying to ensure we don't go down and the addition of Rothwell, Davenport, Palmer and Armstrong are welcome additions to the squad and should ensure we achieve our aim.

We only have a very limited income - spending way above that means you walk a very narrow line in terms of FFP. If you get up - great. If not you face problems that impact on the club for years to come. Whether we like it or not we have to live within our means. Having renewed contracts over the summer - on improved wages - our expenditure has increased. This isn't fantasy football - in the real world you have to cut your cloth to what you can afford. The manager will know better than any of us who he needs and I've no doubt that a loan or two will arrive before the end of the month. I have every confidence that the manager will ensure we don't go down and maintain our Championship status.

Personally, I'm happy we are not adding to the debt and risking another transfer ban by spending beyond our means.

The squad is good enough to stay up Rev, particularly with a loan or two before the end of the month and staying up is the only aim this season. Bottom line is nobody knows what the budget is, who we've been after or why deals have failed to be done. The players mentioned on this thread may not have been of interest to Mowbray so he's hardly missed out on then. Glad that Mowbray hasn't paid over the odds for players in a market that is inflated beyond belief. One or two loans gives those players the chance to prove their worth before we actually buy them.

I suspect the majority buy their season tickets because they support Blackburn Rovers irrespective of transfer dealings.

Excellent post Neal. Totally agree with everything you say. The squad is good enough to stay up and that is surely the aim this season. I'd much prefer to see us bring a couple in on loan so we can see how they do before committing serious money on them.

Totally agree. I think Steve Waggot has been a breath of fresh air in terms of the running of the club.

I suspect we may well get one more permanent deal before Thursday and then two or three loans with a view to signing them permanently in January if they impress - if they don't they can be offloaded at that point.

From what Mowbray is quoted as saying in today's Telegraph it sounds like he would like Armstrong and another three players in before the end of the window. Those four with the three already signed would give him the '6 or 7' he talked about earlier in the summer.

Personally, think Platt is a better defender at the moment so not surprised that Coleman should pick him up. Having said that, the young lad who played for Stanley against us last week looks a very good defender.

There have been a number of trialists playing for the Under-18's and Under-23's in pre-season.

One of our worst pre-seasons ended with us winning the Premier League title!

The manager has identified the players he wants, he has already had discussions with some but, as he pointed out, the players are in the box seat at the moment and can sit back and wait to see what other offers come in. As the window draws to a close they make their choice. I'm not sure how much more organised you can be than identify players and open discussions with players and then have to wait for the player to decide if the move suits them or not.

As Mowbray explained at the meeting, players tend to wait until nearer the end of the window before committing themselves to a club, particularly if they have several clubs chasing them. They wait until they can weigh up all the offers and then select the best one for them. From what Mowbray said it would appear that he has a budget he is happy with and knows the players he wants. Only time will tell if they arrive here or opt for elsewhere. It's the same reason why Mowbray said he wasn't letting any of the youngsters out on loan too early until he has seen them in pre-season and the progress they have made.

At the meeting Mowbray said that Chapman would have to accept a role on the bench if he came here and that if Chapman was happy to do that he would love to sign him. At the moment, Mowbray said that Chapman wouldn't be a starter if he signed.

Tommy Johnson left in February and Stuart Harvey replaced him.

Mowbray said last night that Dunny wouldn't be replaced and that Johnson would run the Under-23s on his own.

But not if they then obstruct the view of those unable to stand up or who don't wish to stand. The club need to identify an area of the ground where people will be free to stand if they so wish so that anyone who buys tickets in that area know in advance that they are likely to be standing. One of the issues this season, with the increased numbers travelling to away grounds, has been that children and older folk have been struggling to see matches because everyone stands up. Although I prefer to sit, I'm fortunate in not having a problem in standing for ninety minutes but there are many, for a variety of reasons, who struggle to view games when everyone stands. It's an issue that football has ignored for long enough and safe standing areas are long overdue. Sadly, I don't think any politician will back the necessary change in law that is required.

Personally, think the prices for next season are pretty decent. We are still pretty competitively priced compared with other Championship clubs. The Darwen End is a difficult issue. With larger away followings and the need for extra security I can see why the club made the decision on the grounds of economics. On the other hand, I can see the points being made by supporters who sit in that area with regard to unreserved seating.

A great conclusion to a very successful season tonight at the Hawthorns. Nuttall got his goal to be leading goalscorer and Danny Butterworth returned after injury to give a sparkling performance when he came on in the second half and scored a terrific goal. Man of the Match for many was Jack Evans who was outstanding playing as left wing back. Damien Johnson and David Dunn have done a terrific job with these lads this season and deserve a huge amount of praise for their efforts. Undoubtedly the best crop of youngsters we've had in a long time and Damien and Dunny have got the very best out of them. The Under-23's have been a joy to follow this season.

He would Jim, as long as it's not as manager.

Or have the temerity to have a different opinion to 47er

Nuttall, whilst full of potential, has looked somewhat raw at times at senior level and is certainly not going to be ahead of Graham. Tomlinson, of course, had an alarming drop of form earlier in the season but has improved in recent months. I agree that I would have Travis on the bench at the moment but with Evans and Smallwood playing well in the centre of midfield, Bennett is able to do an excellent job as an attacking full-back, particularly in away games when he is afford the room to break. We have some excellent lads in the centre of defence but they aren't going to replace Mulgrew, Lenihan or Downing at the moment. The fact that Mowbray is giving these lads extended contracts shows that he sees a future for them at the club.

Now we've reached the business end of the season I think it's simply a case of Mowbray putting his faith in the more experienced players in the squad rather than untried youth. Of all the recent managers, I can only remember Mowbray and Gary Bowyer, actively taking the time to go and watch virtually every Under-23 game at home and also take in some away games as well. I think Mowbray has been one of the more supportive managers of the youth set-up at Ewood.

A perfect season for me would see Rovers promoted, the Under-23's promoted, Stanley to win League 2 and Burnley to finish in the top eight of the Premier League. If nothing else it would show those who seem to think that football success is the preserve of the big-spending city clubs that the traditional town clubs are still here and still achieving success.