Devon Rover

Fair point. I'd rather watch my dog shit on your lawn, too. Joking. I don't even own a dog. *Licks lips shiftily, piggy eyes glancing side to side, knocks back a morning whiskey*

While I'm inclined to agree with you that some things have moved on, there is a danger here of suggesting our director of football, and his colleagues, has done a lot right, except in regard to the footballers, or the football pitch/stadium.

Everton fans fly plane over Goodison with banner: "Worst run club in the league". I advise my family to hold my beer as I grumpily put on my Rovers shirt.

What message does this send out to any, and all, other clubs that Rovers look to do business with? We are going to be even further down the 'pecking order' in terms of clubs that are worth dealing with. The totally amateur outfit, from owners, to coaches, is an embarrassment to us all, and an insult to us all. I'm seriously more angry about the situation now than at any time previously in 30 years of supporting. This is an absolute shambles and will no doubt have repercussions for our fumbling attempts at future transfers, as well as for the players caught up in the mess, and our team's chances of success. What does the club do now? I bet it is hardly a thing. It's completely, totally broken. I actually feel really sad about this slow death. Fuck off, Venkys.

I reckon he beeps every time he goes in or out of the supermarket! Dear, oh dear.

I'm just playing, and looking for some optimism, somewhere! I knew what you meant. Even if, through this farcical situation, we end up with O'Brien in on loan (a very good signing), failing to build on that with a striker will mean the impact O'Brien could have had will no doubt be reduced. For the second January in a row, the club's inability to prioritise investment in someone to actually score goals should be a huge source of regret... But they're not learning.

Ooh, I like this bit. Not sure if it is what you intended, Mercer, but I'm interpreting positively/ not negatively. 🙂

I think Chaddy gleefully insisted everyone would be "going mental on here tomorrow [deadline day]" Well, he was only a day out. I'm fucking furious.

"Crappy Millwall", or "Ambitious, looking upwards, make clever signings to address gaps, Millwall"? It isn't catchy, admittedly. And I don't really rate Whatmore, anyway. Better than what we have got right now, though.

Dion Dublin seems to have been touting himself around on TV a lot, recently. He could be in the frame if we are looking for an upgrade on what we have.

Agreed. If the idea is to give our young players a chance to progress and develop then I can support that but, in that case, why the hell is Morton still at the club? Send him back, give Wharton game time, play Markanday (when fit) ahead of BBD, prepare for next season. Or else strengthen CM with some experience, bring in a real striker, and show we actually believe the play-offs are a possibility. At the moment, we are doing neither. Drifting/withering.

We should be. Trouble is, we seem to have to guarantee one of the starting spots to Morton. So I'm not sure bringing in someone for the other position, when we have several options already being paid a wage, will be a priority for whatever limited ("healthy"?!) budget we have. For me, I'd be looking for a replacement for Morton who is good enough for the first team but not obliged to be picked, whatever their performance.

So, on this Undav guy. Some of you seem excited about this one. Personally, I hadn't heard of him before. Is this just me not keeping up with the changing generations of footballers, or is it more a case of the collective dumbing down of us as Rovers fans, and our expectations, that this might be sold as the "highlight" of our transfer window, and whom we should be biting our nails over until (if) he joins?? Genuine question and I might well be betraying my ignorance.

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.