stop being so negative... ?

Don't get me wrong Al I love a bit of class & flair too - I'm just not convinced by him and think we could do better if did somehow get promoted.

I'm not sure I'd want him permanently. Undoubtedly talented but there is the whiff of the show pony about him and is probably too much of a luxury.

Presumably trying to shut up shop already? Feels a bit negative when you're at home to be honest.

I know - tell me about it. What's ironic is he's meant to be our most effective defensive midfielder but to me he's a liability.

He's definitely the weakest link in the starting 11. I'm not so sure he's jogging back, it feels to me that's his version of a sprint. He's just not got it...

Absolutely - footballlers clearly are paid far too much but they gave him the damned contract. How would any of us feel if our employer treated us like that because their circumstances/priorities changed - you could argue he'd have had a valid claim for constructive dismissal if they had forced him to walk.

Fair point ..Lenihan absolutely did him no favours. I just think if he'd reacted straightaway rather than hesitating he might have saved it.

Random thoughts on the game: I'm not Evan's biggest fan but thought he had a good game last night, can't say the same for Smallwood unfortunately. Like someone else said, I prefer Bell to Williams. Can't believe we gifted them those 2 goals (Raya what were you doing?) - overall Reading were really poor. Rothwell deserves to start at the weekend. Nyambe was solid Armstrong looked very dangerous before his injury. Bennett grew into the game. We need reinforcements pronto...

Never a fan of Mokoena either. People might not remember this but he came at the same time as Nelsen and initially Hughes seemed to prefer him to Nelsen in defence although to be fair I think Hughes fairly quickly realised the error of his ways. Smallwood has a part to play as a squad player, I'm not not disputing that, but if we want to keep progressing he'll be one of those who ultimately holds us back if he continues to be selected down to some misguided sense of loyalty.

On Smallwood - every time I see him play it reinforces my belief that, sadly, he isn't what we need at this level. I think Mowbray's starting to come around to this point of view too...

Think he was saying we don't have enough soldiers. I think we do but agree that the ones we have aren't a patch on the ones you mention.

I don't disagree that every team needs a few hod carriers - the issue is, and you obviously agree, we need better quality there. Smallwood and Evans simply aren't good enough and we run the danger of having too soft a centre if we don't fix this issue.

For me, these three should all be squad fillers not starters if we genuinely want to make a push at the play-offs.

We've got plenty of soldiers - like someone said Bennett falls into that category then there's the two hod carriers in central midfield, not to mention most of the defence. In my view we've had far too many soldiers and far too few artists over the last few years and I'm excited to see that being addressed by Mowbray.

Good man! Life is all about priorities... ?

I agree - that, or something similar, would end up being a cracking window. I'd also add, having seen the quality of opposition so far in the championship, we have nothing to fear ( I appreciate there's going to be much sterner opposition to come!) and may well end up surprising ourselves by the end of the season.

My take on the latest transfer window is that if we get in Brereton , Chapman & Bauer for say, £10m, then that'd be a success. This is possible and, given the noises Mowbray has been making, realistic. I initially wanted a centre mid but think Travis and Rothwell can challenge the two cart-horses. I'd also wanted Maddison previously but it's clear we can't be after him given that he's been available with a clear price tag for ages and we haven't bit. I do wonder about the motives of some on here bleating about an £8m gamble when you know they'd be screaming blue murder if we end up spending nothing. It smacks of covering all their bases to me. Most of our transfer business over the last few years has had an element of a gamble attached to it (and I include Dack in that). In this case we really do need to let Mowbray throw the dice and make his plays - the ensuing success or failure will decide whether he sinks or swims.

I don't think it'd unfair criticism. The lad's a tryer he just hasn't quite got it if we want to challenge at the top end of the table imo.

Armstrong's just scored two playing down the middle. Yes, it was only Carlisle but he deserves a chance to build on that.

I do disagree with Mowbray on Travis - we should keep him here. He and Rothwell looked good mid-week and have far more energy and threat than the two carthorses who normally play there.

I hear what you're saying Windy Miller. Maybe we should get 3-4 players in for the £8m. However, maybe there's more in the kitty we just don't know with the Venkster's! A part of me would be amazed if there was any cash at all but another part of me wouldn't be surprised - you just can't 2nd guess them. Anyhow, I think Mombray has earned the right to splunk some money. If he does spend though I'm sure he'll be aware that expectations will rise exponentially both within the fan-base and the owners.

To be frank - I'm glad he didn't get any money. There was a manager who could talk the talk (visited Pep to see how he worked blah blah) but not walk the walk. All fur coat no knickers was Lambert....

A fee's the least of our worries - just getting them off the payroll would be a result!

Question is - does anyone want 'em? I don't foresee a long queue to be honest...