Out of interest, what do you think the plan is? This has become less and less clear to me as the months, and this transfer window, have ticked by. If the plan doesn't involve strengthening up front and central midfield, as a minimum, then I might as well stop listening out for any scores between now and May.

Good post, Tom. I've been reflecting on this recently, too. I still love Rovers but, for me, the hope of things getting better is fading every month/transfer window/season and the genuine pain I'm feeling about aspects of what the club has become is, all at once, making me feel a bit numb and constantly worried about what will come next. Before I say this, I'd like to make clear that I obviously have no intention of trivialising something that may well trigger for someone, so no offence, or upset, is meant here; but it currently feels to me like I'm in an abusive relationship. Something that I can't stop loving is hurting me and I'm not sure when/how it will stop. Can I "just walk away", as some people ask of that kind of situation? No, I don't think I can. I have too much invested, emotionally. But this relationship isn't doing me any good, at all. The equivalent for me of your ST situations, Tom, is that, for the first time in years I'm not making the relatively short journey to Bristol next weekend to watch the away game at City. I just don't need to feel bad on what is my daughter's birthday. I can do better than that, for her, than to potentially or probably let my club upset me. I probably take the whole thing far too seriously, of course, but, well, you know.... Here's to a potentially positive boost to this relationship if some sensible decisions are made in what is left of this transfer window. But my expectations are getting lower.

I'm surprised to see some discussion about whether people would settle for a 10th place finish. Looking at the table, I'd be amazed if we finished in the top 10 and very surprised by a top 15 finish. And no, I wouldn't be happy with either, as this is another case of putting ourselves in a decent position then bottling it through a lack of managerial nous and players with balls. Unless we bring in a few first teamers with a bit of fight in them, in January, then the next few months will be a steady decline. Even then, JDT's one trick pony approach will probably mean signings won't matter much. Its pretty desperate, isn't it?

It does feel like "baiting", doesnt it? - intentional, or otherwise.

Rotherham have displayed everything our team lacks. Good finishing, pace on the break, energy, but more than anything else, grit and determination. The result isn't really a surprise, is it. Our team lacks a lot of those very basics. Well done to Rotherham. Rovers team and manager should be embarrassed purely by how totally and easily we were outfought. Transfer window clock ticking. We should be doing a LOT. We won't.

It is appalling that these are the "striker" options we've been left with. Both are terrible. I get the whole "Gally works really hard" thing. But that should just be a prerequisite. What strengths does Vale have? That half made me feel so despondent.

Is this a joke?!

Same here.

Can we, though? Might there be an obligation to keep for the season/name in matchday squad/buy; especially with Hirst? I just can't see any reason for him still being here.

In theory, yes. That didn't work, or happen, though. Gallagher isn't that player.

Yeah, I'm not sure it's a helpful response to an opinion, either. Personally, I still desperately want JDT to get things right and succeed and I think he will be given plenty of time. But the direction we are going in is really concerning. This is not an enjoyable part of the 'journey' and it needs to be addressed urgently. If only there was a transfer window about to open and a scouting team in place. (Oh, and a real budget actually available)...

You are right. But it was petulant, unnecessary and has cost us. Idiotic.

We won't. This is not a team of fighters. Game over

Shouldn't be a red for that, but just don't do it, Buckley - what a prick. He hasn't got the temperament, never mind consistent ability, to be relied on. I'd love to see him sold.

I really don't know the chap, at all. I mean, I have no idea if, when he wakes up thirsty, he prefers a glass of water or a Tango in the night. Sorry.

I mostly agree with this, Chaddy. They have made an abysmal start. However, it is just a start and let's not forget what Forest achieved in terms of 'turnaround' last year. I suppose Huddersfield would, rightly, point to the September change of manager at Forest having been the catalyst for that. The bigger issue for me is what the expectations were for Huddersfield's season; from the board and the fans. I looked at their squad coming into the season and thought they were going to really struggle. They have less quality than Forest did in their squad a year ago. Perhaps they are just being totally unrealistic about their expectation. Perhaps Schofield shouldn't have taken on what might have been a poisoned chalice, in the first place...

Defenders are here.

Clearly suffering from an ongoing case of uncharacteristic optimism, I'm feeling worryingly upbeat about the game today. Will this wear off in 15 mins with team news, by half time, or full time, I wonder?!

I actually thought I could be reading factual breaking news, right up until the last three words.

I'm beginning to wonder if that remaining sticker frame will be used for announcing a "shiny" new contract for Phillips/Wharton...

While I'm loving your spirit, I'm not sure that would have a hugely destabilising effect, unfortunately.

I like this angle. Just imagine if he actually said that, though!!

Is it OK if I am just beginning to feel a bit excited about things?? I really should have learnt by now....

Same here. But to sell either we'd need a buyer. I'm not sure any 'smaller' clubs would use their very limited budgets to pick up these guys, based on their careers to date. I can only see them both being released on free's, either in the next few days or after a season's loan. JRC might, just might, offer us something as a squad player if he goes and gets a full season behind him and learns a position.

That's an image I'll never be able to get out of my head, now. Most disturbing moment of the transfer window, for me!