6 minutes ago, dingles staying down 4ever said:

He does not get time on the ball playing deep especially when teams employ a high press. Up until yesterday Rovers have deployed a midfield two against a three which usually allows two to hunt him down and maybe the three may help him although he is low on confidence

It's a good observation. Not only Buckley has struggled, but it has been a structural and tactical problem throughout the season. The midfield two has been overloaded, and the passing options forward has not been available. Putting Wharton in really helped to open up more passing lanes, as well as Breo and Gallagher running the lanes to create options to put it in behind

5 minutes ago, dingles staying down 4ever said:

Buckley;s best form was playing with the high press alongside Dolan. Playing on the front front in the final third. I don;t think playing further back suits him.

Think it's more of a confidence dip as someone suggested. He played very well in the first couple of matches but faded badly afterwards (as most of the team).  Also think he put pressure on himself before the season to become the main man in the midfield and that looks to have had an adverse effect on him. He'll come good again, no doubt. Morton and Wharton has deservedly gone ahead in the queue, but the season is long and form will fluctuate. 

Would also like to see Garrett get an opportunity esp with Travis out. He is competitive, but has all the composure and passing that Travis lacks in that role. 

Good result, in a relatively poor match. You could see the game plan, however the offensive execution were lacking most parts. Hedges seems the only one that can pick up spaces, hold the ball and make something happen forwards. None of the front three was able to connect with the midfield which resulted in a lot of sideways and backwards passing. Defensively it looked ok, but we lacked ideas going foward. Breo wasn't at his sharpest, but scored a good goal. Gally gave his usual effort which made the goal for Dolan. Dolan is an enigma, still looks like the kid in the playground who never learned to pass. His effort and energy is top class for pressing, but pretty poor being an option when we try to pass through the lanes. 

Problem is that we don't have that many good options on the bench either, esp for the front 3. Hirst was a bit embarrasing as people has mentioned. Hard to gauge Dack, not one to make an impact when it's back to the walls stuff against Millwall. We're lacking option upfront with some pace and imagination. Millwall put on Burey which caused some havoc down the left, we lack that option of pace and trickery. Should be something to address in January.

Having watched all 3 parts of the interview with GB, quite enjoyed it. Probably the most insight behind the scenes in a long time. Some "political speak" but also quite a lot of open and honest answers as well. Said the transfer window was his steepest learning curve of his career. Also said the Ash Phillips contract negotiations was probably the toughest he's been involved in. All in all gave the impression that there is a lot more coherent plan and structure for the club from direct contact to the owners, transfers, the role of the academy and contract handling. 

Might be lip service, but refreshing to hear a sensible approach being communicated in these areas. An improvement in itself from the club.

1 hour ago, rigger said:

From what I have seen, I doubt any of the ones you have mentioned will make the first team.

Charlie Weston might have a chance if he kicks on. Has a football brain and decent all-round ability as a midfielder. 

Terrible performance from manager to every single player. The end.

5 hours ago, lraC said:

Good to see this happening. I know we had the odd one (Travis) under Mowbray, but is this a coincidence that we are getting the youngsters tied down, especially when you hear of the previous manager, recommending other clubs to his colleagues?

Don't think it's coincidence. Broughton has a lot of experience from Academy level and there is a increased focus on bringing players through. The focus is justified as the current batch of youngsters is the best since the Duff/Dunn generation. 

Duff and Duff were the standouts, but there was also Broomes and Martin Taylor involved in the England U21 setup. And of course James Beattie who had a fine career in the Premier League. All 5 born in 1977-79.

23 hours ago, Boroblue said:

I’ve waited to post after yesterday but we appear tactically inept. That midfield should have been shored up after 20 mins without that we can’t grab hold of the game defensively or going foward. Travis is in midfield this right back nonsense needs to stop.

It was overall poor and to a degree worse than Sheff which I’d thought I’d never say. Defending well in this league is a first priority more than press more than possession and we aren’t doing that.

Monday when Thomason arrives at the ground he needs to think how do I stop teams scoring after that we have a chance. Don’t deal with that and we have problems 

 

Totally agree. It was a tactical failure. I think the formation with fluent 4, is a bit hit or miss. It left huge gaps against a Bristol City that overloaded centrally against Wharton and Morton who was outnumbered. The fluency requires a huge tactical understanding which the players were not able to implement. We were both too narrow and too wide at times which Bristol City were able to utilize. 

I'll give credit to Dolan, who showed end product with his goal and assist. Got his eyes up from the ball and made the right decisions, something he has been lacking, but maybe are improving?

3 minutes ago, BigBar said:

Haven't seen any of Batty...seems highly regarded on here, what's the craic with him? Strengths etc.

Very quick, good going forward. Probably some defensive improvement needed, but that will come facing seniors. Turned 17 this year, so still very young. Also one that hasn't signed professional Terms. England U17 International. 

13 minutes ago, DavidMailsTightPerm said:

I can't see him signing a new contract - and why should when a free transfer will likely translate to a huge wage at his new club. However his agent is playing a risky game - Dack shows that an injury can ruin any footballers plans.

Agree with you that it is a long shot, but at least doubling the wages when he is staying for the year anyway. Plus security in case of injury has some merit. A reasonable release clause also means he can't be held against his will if he wants to go. 

2 minutes ago, imy9 said:

Respect to Venkys for standing firm as always. 
 

we are are stronger now for keeping BBD and have until July to find a replacement for him.

I'll love another season with Ben. Maybe we can offer him a new contract with a release clause of like 10 mill. Then he can leave next season for an affordable fee, and we'll have some money rather than zero.

7 hours ago, joey_big_nose said:

Is this on iFollow? Match Centre suggests it is (can see the "watch live" button) but I'm not sure?

Don't think it is. The Hartlepool match also showed up as "watch live", but when you selected it said "Match is not available" or something similar.

As far as I know cup matches is not part of the iFollow subscription/rights. Think Rich Sharpe also said that there wouldn't be any streaming in this match too.

25 minutes ago, RevidgeBlue said:

Well Delap has now pitched up at Stoke on loan so presumably despite the fact many people scoffed at  tha possibility at the time, that option would have been there for Mowbray in January had he wanted it.

Well firstly he missed pre-season with injury was out 4 month from September untill January. Was stepping up his recovery in February with U23 games. I'm very doubtful that City considered loaning him out at the time before him regaining his fitness.

The fact that he wasn't loaned to other clubs also suggest the story is a bit doubtful. Even if he was, you understand some reservation about a player who had been injured for the best part of 6 months and without match fitness.

10 minutes ago, Admiral Nelsen said:

Butterworth's been extremely unlucky with the timing and severity of his injures. Even so, he's turning 23 in September and is yet to do anything beyond a couple of promising cameos (and an equal number of pretty poor ones).

 

If he's behind Vale now, I think his time is up. As with Davenport, I hope he has far more luck at his next club, because there is some talent there that can be nurtured. 

Even before his injuries, he was never one to track back or put in a shift.  Would always shoot on sight, rather than pick a pass. He is quick and direct, but lacks work ethic.

7 minutes ago, BigBar said:

Welcome to the forum champ. Obsessive is scrolling back through a forum for posts when you weren't even a member. You'll get there boy.👍

3 minutes ago, Sweaty Gussets said:

You may want to look up obsessive 👍 and 'mouse's'. 

FFS! I'm wasting enough time on this board without having to read this stuff. Grow up.

How long you've been a member of this board should not be a factor, even if you are someone who remembers Lee Grooby.

Think Hedges has been good. Good engine, distribution and shields the ball very well. 

9 minutes ago, Exiled_Rover said:

That's not how it works. 

It goes to tribunal, who determine the value of the player. They also add a sell-on clause and a training fee.

If the compensation is £250k then either Spurs have someone on the tribunal, or he's not as good as we think.

Also, as I've said previously, Phillips' mum will want to get off Twitter for a while if he shafts the club like this. 

No way the comp would be 250k. It will be nothing like his true value, but would expect it closer to 1mill + bonuses. 

If he has decided on Spurs there is also a decent chance they'll try to buy him now. Obvious that the club won't invest much in him if he is to leave at the end of the season.

However let's wait until anything is official before starting any mayhem. And his poor mum should be left alone on twitter

8 minutes ago, Wing Wizard Windy Miller said:

Mowbray/Waggot did.

Thought it was common knowledge that the price dynamics changes as you close in on deadline day.

Esp. for players with 1 year left of contract and not resigning. Some clubs will lower asking price to get rid. Ryan Manning from QPR  to Swanse a good example of that last year.

Venky's probably one of the few that won't budge on price.

Similar the price will increase for players clubs doesn't want to get rid the window. 

You'll also see players get available on loan late in the window. Both players that club wasn't able to sell or youngsters being considered for the first team in pre-season. 

If anymore comfort, even Waggott knows we need more players:

In terms of incomings, Waggott said it could take until the end of the window for Rovers to complete their business.

Speaking ahead of the signing of Callum Brittain, Waggott said the club ‘probably needed to sign four or five new players in the current transfer window’.

7 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

Last summer is not directly comparable though, we only did that because we had no transfer funds and we had to beg and borrow at the end of the window. Also most importantly if you tally Armstrong and Brereton off, we have lost much more important players this summer so the urgency is greater.

There is also an assumption that Buckley will adapt seamlessly to a deeper role. Suited to it in theory but having only played there in kids football anrd friendlies, we cant be sure as he has made his name further forward, where his energy and pressing has been important. Im sure he played there v Hull away last season and struggled. He has some of the attributes to cope so hopefully he will easily adapt but we wont know until we try.

100% certain Buckley fits the role of Rothwell. It's where he played most of his football for the U23. Think this could be his breakout season. He is the best passer in the club, and is now able to cope with the physical part, that he struggled with in his first season

1 hour ago, RevidgeBlue said:

I wouldn't completely rule out the possibility of JPVH coming back at some point chaddy as I understand he is keen to return but I don't see it happening yet as he only has 12 months left on his contract at Brighton and as things stand they want a fee well in excess of 8 figures for him.

You might scoff at that but of course we are in the same boat with BBD and whilst I don't want him sold at all I'd be very disappointed if we let him go for much less than our reported £20m asking price.

I'd have thought JPVH would be a more plausible target in January at a reduced fee but of course we could get beaten to the punch by a Club not restricted by FFP. We'll have to wait and see.

No way JPVH is 8 figures. Brighton just sold Østigaard to Napoli for a reported fee of 4.2

It's a good comparison because they are very similar. Both 1 year left, same position, about same age.

Østigaard would be more expensive since he has several succesful loan spells (Germany, Championship, Serie A) as well being a full international and rated the best player of Norway four matches in June. 

3 mill area sounds right for Van Hecke. I think we overrate the interest and value in him. 

1 minute ago, Rovers150 said:

My own preference would be

BBD - Brighton for Van Heck and £12 mill

bring in the City youngster Delap for £2 mill

Bowler from Blackpool - £2.5 mill

Styles from Barnsley - £2.5 mill

Change left over. Happy days

Delap? Think Soton just had a 11 mill bid rejected. 

2 hours ago, rigger said:

What I find strange is that he was an unused sub in most of the first team squads, friendlies. His goals this term have come in the three games that he has played, 3 then 2 then 2. Personally I would put him ahead of Dolan, in a forward role, and ahead of Vale in a high press system. But again it is all about opinions, and mine count for nothing. 

Pretty sure he came on as a sub vs Dundee.

I'm a big fan of Burns, but not as much as putting him infront of Dolan and Vale. I would rather ask the question why Leonard has been preferred over Burns.  

2 minutes ago, TruRover said:

Sadly he was in their squad for the game against reading yesterday 

Yes, but as a sixth choice centre-back. Was unused sub behind the 5 other centre-backs

26 minutes ago, callumrovers said:

I suppose he does have a good relationship with the lads and if it was just that I wouldn’t think anything of it. Add everything together and it’s makes me think something is happening. 

Not sure he's going to get a look in at Brighton. When they played Reading on Saturday, Dunk and Veltman started. Webster, Matt Clark and Shane Duffy all came, while Van Heck was unused sub.