Pretty acurate. Evans is left back I think, Vale is a striker. Mols is attacking, similar is the Lithuanian kid Who has only played U18. Buckley, Butterworth and Magloire is too good for U23 and will probably either be involved or go out on loan. Mols and Lyons might to which makes sense to bring in White. Expecting more loans this season, several enquires were declined last season because of not enough coverage. Nuttall had many offers and might go on loan to be a main man with regular game time. Hopefully some of the U18 Will be good, or else the U23 might struggle to renew itself. Wonder how they Will cope without D. Johnson as well

Interview with Tom White out. Apparently been tracked for a few months. Seems a like determined young man with a point to prove. Would be a great story if we could unearth a diamond form non-league, although unlikely. https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/july/whites-delight/ Some very positive comments from their fans as well: He’s quality, best midfielder in the league last season. What a move for @T0mWhite very much deserved. Unreal for us last season and thankfully someone took notice. Very well done sir, very well done. Absolutely chuffed for @T0mWhite more than deserved. His work rate, ability and attitude was second to none for Gateshead. Can't wait to see his name in big lights.

Soccerbase is pretty good for stats: Amari Bell 2018/2019. Scored against Reading, Rotherham and Villa. We lost all 3. https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=70917&season_id=151

Good points made here. Bell actually scored 3 goals from February onwards, which is not so bad. But in general very poor stats. When you also have a central midfield that never scores there is room for a lot of improvement. Evans, Smallwood and Travis scored 1 goal in total(!)

Thanks! Much appreciated. Makes a case for Mowbray being to lenient.

You would probably assuming correctly. I'm spending too much time on this message board, which is not character building. Enjoy your cricket (seriously)

Fine by me. We'll just assume that you and RoversClitheroe mixed up the contract expiry as the deadline then.

Had a dig, didn't find anything about a deadline, so you maybe want to provide the link? So much stuff here presented as facts with no sources. https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/rovers/news/17697020.tony-mowbray-update-on-jack-rodwells-rovers-contract-talks/

I'm not sure transfer policy has changed that much. I'm sure the club prefers to spend most money on young(er) players that potential to grow in valuation like Dack, Rothwell, Armstrong, Bell, Brereton etc. The link to Gallagher fits that profile. We're unlikely to spend premium money on 28-30 players. Downing for Conway, and Bradley Johnson doesn't change that policy much. We have a young squad in general and several youngster coming through the academy, so it makes sense to look for some more experience. However that should not mean a bunch of 30+. Championship is a young man's game where you need mobility.

I'm pro Mowbray but for me his biggest mistake last season was persisting with Smallwood over Reed and others. We won only 1 game of the last 12 games Smallwood played. It took too long but in the end he learned and Smallwood did only play 1 game from 9th of March. Full credit to Smallwood for the part he played in the promotion but League One is his level, and I hope he goes this summer, though I expect him to cling on for another season. Bradley Johnson will be a major upgrade. Evans shouldn't be a starter but he was probably our best player in the first 10 games, then fading. Don't care if he goes or stay around as a squad player.

Except Mowbray, Liverpool, Everton and Man Utd if this article is to be belived..... https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/03/18/tt-mowbray-tips-19-year-old-for-exciting-backburn-future-despite/ https://www.teamtalk.com/news/exclusive-liverpool-everton-and-man-utd-on-the-tail-of-blackburn-ace

Last words on Raya. This article from LET 19th of April should be very clear that Raya's position was under threat: https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/rovers/news/17586641.mowbray-explains-goalkeeping-call-in-rovers-win-at-qpr/ Mowbray: “I sat David down this week and said that it was time for a change. If your No.2 goalkeeper never gets a game then when you need him you’re never going to know (about him) when the other one gets injured and he has to play." On how Raya took the decision, Mowbray said: “Fine. “David has dropped below the standards he set last season. “This is his first full season at this level and I still feel as though he has lots to learn. “He’s a fantastic young goalkeeper who is very agile, he’s a work in progress, and I don’t think it will do him any harm for him to sit on the bench and listen to some of my comments. “Their goal, the modern day goalkeeper has to dominate his area and not just stay on his line and make saves, they have to come and catch things, distribute the ball quickly, be good with their feet. “I’ve told both goalkeepers that it’s an area we’re looking to strengthen in the summer and create better competition.”

I think the reason is pretty clear, he wasn't automatic first choice anymore. As I've said earlier, Rovers were looking to bring in another keeper before Raya left. Mowbray is keen to provide competition to Raya and Leutwiler, and add to his goalkeeping department, with a more experienced ‘keeper at Championship level on the wishlist. The boss has made no secret of that, with ex-Rover Frank Fielding eyed last summer https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/rovers/news/17649944.raya-receives-interest-as-rovers-consider-keeper-options/

Wages would be a massive issue. Strange that you buy a defender for 15 mill and give him 1(!) PL match.

It's been well documented by Rich Sharpe on several occasions that the club was looking to bring another goalkeeper. If I remember correct that was the case before last season as well when we were linked with Fielding. It seems pretty clear that he would bring in another keeper this summer, Raya didn't want to be a backup choice, so fair play to both parties I guess. I would've liked Raya to stay and compete, but I can see being the main man at Brentford appeals to him. For us we needed a more commanding option whether Raya had stayed or not. As rightly stated, he didn't get much help from inept defending of the box, but we need a keeper that will do his part as well.

I agree. Saw quite a few U23 games last season, and he was the best player in almost every game including top PL oppositions. Very exciting player, combination of workrate, going past player and picking a pass. Don't think we had similar type before.

If nothing else, the academy produced a 3 million keeper. Hasn't been many keepers from own ranks that has made something of themselves. Apart from Frank Fielding carving a decent career, you probably have to go back to Shay Given I think.

Does people here do any research at all? He did not have a nightmare on loan. https://roverschat.com/loan-watch-how-did-andy-fisher-do-at-fc-united-of-manchester/ Rovers chat has done a great job on checking up how our loan players have done by contacting the loan club's supporters. Verdict on Fischer: “Andy Fisher has been a breath of fresh air between the sticks since coming to FC. It’s been quite some time since the fans have had a keeper which it seems we all have full confidence in. Andy has been a huge improvement on our contracted goalkeeper and this has allowed us to send our contracted goalkeeper out on loan. We are still conceding goals at an alarming rate but this cannot be attributed to Andy who to his credit has put in some brilliant performances behind a very shaky defence and ever-changing midfield. I am very confident that Andy will go on to have a bright future in the professional game.”

That's a good overview. Seems there are several approaches to getting a 20+ goal goalscorer. 1. Youth product - McBurnie was bought as a 19 year old and had several loans before establishing himself. Bowen has become better and better. 2. Lower league - Che Adams and Billy Sharp. Adams needed a season to establish himself in League one before hitting form. Ipswich tried the same this season with Kayden Jackson and that Bristol Rovers guy who both failed massively, Omar Bogle also springs to mind. Bit risky play. 3. Top loans from PL like Gayle and Abraham. Both proven goalscorers in Championship and with massive wages, 60-70k reported on both. Although Gayle was a swap loan deal with Rondon. Not within our reach financially. We would compete more for the likes of Nchema that Preston had on loan. 4. Foreign finds - Maupay and Pukki. This is the most interesting option, which I've been a big supporter of. Doesn't seem we are up and running on that front yet. Pukki is the most suprising for me. Who would have thought a 29 year old free from Danish league with a less than great goal record would be such a success? While I'm a fan of Gallagher and think he will come good, I would agree that scouting wise it's a bit lazy.

It's well established that he is quick, you might be right on the other attributes. Some divided opinions: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/heres-what-southampton-birmingham-city-14901383

Nah, he's far better in the air, scored quite a few headers in his time here (see video). Mobile, good work-rate and quick as well. I don't think there is a lot of options available in England for 5 million, when even centre backs from League One moves for 6 million. Would have to do a foreign gamble to find better for that money I think. Not a spectacular choice, but an improvement of the squad. Would probably fit a lot better to our new playing style with more pass and move, than as a target man.

Preparation doesn't mean much if you can't execute as found out against Rotherham long throws/deadballs

Imagine Raya in the Brentford goal defending an inswinging corner from Mulgrew....

Agreed! Palmer was showpony with little to show, I think Chapman can do that better. Reed is a real loss, have some hope for Davenport though.

Interest seems legit from the Derby forum. Also mentions Jacob Butterfield.