I don't think Mowbray will start the season with wingers, so I doubt there is any panic in his mind to get any wide players over the line at the moment. Of course when we get stuffed in our first 2/3 games of the season because of his insistence at playing that horrible 3-5-2 formation, things will probably change and we'll look at getting in a couple on loan before the deadline.

There's always been a weird obsession on here with people wanting ex players back. Unless that player was exceptional, I have never really understood it. For me I have always thought Rovers (certainly in more modern times) should be a club moving forward bringing in mostly young hungry players (with one or two experienced heads too), developing them then hopefully sell them on for big money after enjoying them for a few years. I think that's what Mowbray is trying to do, and I hope it works out for him/us.

I'm pretty sure Rothwell is right footed.

If he was taking over as U23's manager I could see that making sense, would he want to come here as a U23 assistant though? After the job he has done at Chorley he could easily be in with a shout of getting a managers gig at the next level up.

Completely agree, for me that side would be in a relegation battle all season, the point was I think that is the system that Mowbray will start with next season because it's obvious that it's his first choice. Looking at that side, I'd say we need at least 4 players to go into it and be better than what we already have to make us a competitive mid table side, I just don't see it happening though. Talk of the play offs is pie in the sky at the moment I'm afraid.

Ive always been in favour of that, but I think its been proven time and time again that it will never, ever happen. I think we're in for a shock with away ticket prices this season after having it pretty good last season.

If someone hasn't bought a season ticket by now, why would they buy one in the next few weeks with a £50 increase?

What I take from the Chapman comments is, that whilst Mowbray would like him here as an option to change games etc, he won't be starting games because he wont be playing with wingers at the start of next season. Mowbray will persevere with his favourite 3 at the back through pre season and the first few games I think and see what happens, of course if it doesn't work he will probably go back to what worked this season, but that way he can get both Williams and Bell in the side which at times last season you could tell he was desperate to do, and he doesn't have to worry about signing any wingers. Raya Lenihan Mulgrew Williams Nyambe Bennett Smallwood Evans Bell Dack Graham Obviously he will sign one or two that will slot into that side, but I'm convinced we'll be starting the season with that system.

Next season, everyone who subscribes to IFollow, will be able to steam all the midweek games in the UK (unless they are selected for sky tv Coverage), previously it was only available to overseas fans. Christmas/New Year & Easter games excepted. Overseas fans will still be able to stream every game, except the ones broadcast live on sky.

Don't think it's via Sky, it's via IFollow.

We have only played Bolton away on boxing day once in my entire lifetime! (35 years)

Due to be released this morning. If we are going off them lot down the roads fixtures, it looks like we'll be away first & boxing day, and at home new years day/last day of the season. Anyone got any preferences? For me, if we're starting away I hope we can avoid the likes of Stoke/Derby/Boro etc. Someone like QPR/Hull would be good I think.

Considering he has got this far in the game, and is now a international I agree it must be you! I have always thought he was pretty average to be honest, good enough for a third division team looking for promotion last year, not good enough to be a regular starter in the second tier this year. I imagine Mowbray will see him as a useful squad member as in his mind he can cover centre half, left back and left wing back next season.

Don't get me wrong Williams is ok, although I would hope he is not a first team regular next season, but surely there are more pressing contracts to sort out than his? Dack, Lenihan, Mulgrew should all be offered in front of him in the que. Based on what? We could say that every day until 7th August, bound to be correct at some point!

10k? I'd be amazed if we had broke that barrier. Was thinking around 8k or so.

I'd rather go for the naturally left footed Rose. I'd go Walker right wing back, Stones, Cahill & Maguire as the back 3, with Rose on the other side. Henderson/Dier can't really see much of a difference there. Rest of the side picks its self I think.

Carlisle away. https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/june/rovers-learn-carabao-cup-fate/

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/06/14/report-glasgow-rangers-and-celtic-both-hold-talks-with-sean-clar/ http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/06/14/do-wolves-winning-sean-clare-race-would-pour-salt-in-aston-villa/ Granted, not the most reputable source for transfers, when I saw the links it prompted me to have a little look at him as I'd never heard of him either, then you post about him, strange coincidence!

Heard from who? I doubt it, he was being linked with Celtic & Wolves earlier this week.

You would like to think that something might be in place for being announced tomorrow with the season ticket deadline coming up. Looks doubtful though!

I'll take a wild stab in the dark and say it won't happen.

Don't know who Simon Ireland is? He was the lynchpin of our midfield in 1993. That league appearance he made was superb.

I still find it incredible that Steve Bruce never got a cap. Nowadays you only have to have 10/15 good first team games and you are likely to receive a call up.

I'd say we need a tough experienced championship central defender, a central midfielder who can get about and pick a pass, two wingers and a centre forward. I'd also be looking at a keeper and a right back to fill the squad out if budget allows.

I think that's a great credit to him, he could easily be out on the piss every night and worry about his fitness when pre season comes around. Shows that he wants to make that central striker role his own, whether he is good enough I'm not sure but you cant fault him for the extra miles he appears to be putting in.