Whatever I do or don't understand the FF is an anachronism in this day and age. We need a sounding board alright to interact with the admin at Ewood but it needs to be representative of supporters and seen to be. This means election and a constitution and all that boring but necessary stuff. Could be from and elected by all season-ticket holders for example. Or it could be elected under the auspices of the Trust. There are plenty of ways to do it. But they would have to have 2 vital features imo----elected and accountable. Your last para is all over the place. Its representative of "a good cross-section of fans"---unless elected that's just an opinion from someone committed to this particular model. A voluntary appointed group and "supporters can't argue against any inclusion". But the opposite isn't true is it? The FF can exclude any person it doesn't approve of can't it?Conclusion---- Its a self-perpetuating and unaccountable clique! I agree with your last sentence, it cannot claim to represent fans. So, for at least the third time, who does it represent? Answer-----itself! This is feudal, exclusive and anachronistic.

Question for you as you're in Scotland-----what about Demi Mitchell at Hearts? Seems to tick all Venkys boxes: Naturally left-footed winger, but now playing left-back at Hearts, versatile and can play anywhere on the left. Young-------21, and has represented England at under-20 level. Good crosser of the ball and good shot on him. 2nd loan at Hearts so Manu probably open to offers. Has impressed when I've seen him, admittedly on tele! Any opinion?

Gave up their time and energy to sample business class to India all expenses paid!

The obvious question is "if the Fan's Forum" doesn't represent the fans, who does it represent and what is the point of it?". Why should the club discuss matters important to fans with a group that isn't representative of fans? Always comes across as a little clique to me, sniffy response when anyone dares to ask what its up to.

Difference being we didn't pay a big fee for Pickering. He cost us nothing and he went for a record fee!

Well I've argued long and loud that signing Brereton for a fee that big was a really odd decision. I think its highly likely that this transfer was a decision of the owners based on the advice contained in those 2 financial reviews over summer but, of course, I've no actual proof of that. So no point going on, we signed him, he's ours and we just have to hope he comes good(at which point will Venkys sell him?) Let's hope that the gaps in the squad we all (or nearly all) identified are rectified in January. I must say that winning does produce the most mellow feelings for the whole weekend, a real tonic in fact!

Still only featuring on the bench at Boro but I suppose injuries continue to have held him back.

Certainly nothing thus far to suggest he's anywhere near that league. Tbf though players of Duff's class are pretty rare.

Still only featuring on the bench at Boro but I suppose injuries continue to have held him back.

This was aBig I didn't care how we won when Big Sam was manager, why should I care now?

Nobody has been on his back so you have nothing to fear there. Nobody on here would prefer him to be a complete flop----fake news!

That's ambiguous though. He went down means he hit the ground. Doesn't necessarily mean deliberately. Anyway, I can only say what I thought I saw! If that had been a QPR player and no penalty given McClaren's eyes would have popped out of their sockets!

Watched the Sky replay 3 times and its definitely a pen! Clumsy and unnecessary challenge from the QPR defender, Brereton was running out of room and 3 defenders round him. I don't think Brereton even played for it. A reward for making a determined run in the box. Good on him!

Wonder if this is linked to the auditor's report(s) of the summer? There seems to be a concerted effort to scour the world to bring in youngsters of promise.

Negative manager?

Always have to be at war with someone eh Biz? Bit of a cheek to tell someone else to grow up!

Agree with this. If actuarial factors come before football ones, then that is potentially against the interests of the squad and the supporters. Further, selling players once their value has increased enough to satisfy the owners will make us a stop-start club and won't get us promotion.

And your evidence for that?

Do we trust the Raos might be the real question. That would not surprise me in the least. Leopards, spots and all that!

Well I wouldn't watch it! Boring as DIY. Real football with passion and history floats my boat!

Well Philip, Crimpshine has provided evidence.So, For what its worth, I think you got there by the intuition route. As for those who say its about trusting Mowbray------I completely agree! I trust Mowbray not to have made this decision! But the Raos!!!!!----that's another story! Now how about you Unsall?

Ha Ha! I'll go with Crimpshine's version---see above!

Sorry Phil but you have given us a possible theory based on your reading of past events. That's fair enough but if you are going to start off with "Everybody i missing the wood for the trees" then its fair enough of me to seek something a bit more substantial. In fact, if this is about gambling not football then Its more likely to be Balaji having a dip isn't it? I will hand you this though, if the Raos said to TM "Spend millions on a tall teenage striker and, by the way, that's the only option, spend it or lose it" that would be by far the most convincing explanation for this transfer that I have heard so far!

Are you Cilla Black?

What exactly does Brereton need in your view? You're not trying to draw a link between his performances and any perceived criticism on here are you? Just a short step further to concluding its the fault of fans for not backing him! Is that what you are about?