AA was a lazy off the ball self centred type fwd so not really one that will fit in with JDTs style. Contrast to the work BBD and Gally and now even Dack have to do compared to Mowbray basically setting the tea up for Armstrong i'm surprised at the clamour theres always been to bring him back. Good player but the key to his success was TM who knew him inside out and vice versa.

Totally different game than the midweek cup one they'll be well prepared and know what to expect so i think it'll be another stodgy one. Odd goal either way takes it but more likely a 1-1 grind 14,878

Agree with most of that but as i've mentioned many times never underestimate what a waste he made of that transfer window last Jan. All the focus is on why how where we didn't get the striker we so obviously needed but the guy was allowed to bring in 4 players. That's unusual under Venkys in Jan and he easily spent a couple of million in terms of fees wages etc yet they all ended up contributing nothing between the lot of them. He chose to spread the signings and money around on 3 back up players and one guy who was good but he'd no intention of using him in his proper position. All that was classic Mowbray and it was a monumental horlicks given what we needed, that played a big part in the tail off as well. We should have had some sort of boost from 4 fresh faces in Jan but there was feck all.

Because all stepped up to a level they were never good enough for and got quickly found out. Previous era all 3 would likely stay at Championship level maybe at one club and bang goals in every season. Then agents came along and the player cattle market took off.

An average manager who did a good job virtually managing the whole football side of the club. Before he became far too comfortable surrounded by pals and reverted to type.

Interesting one and there is the new Wembley angle but on the other side of the coin less than that at OT under Hughes and only about 15k in Cardiff a year or two before due to stupid ko off time.

Going into the U23's now at Rovers for a stint or an odd game isn't really being 'dropped' under JDT's approach. He's giving them games and keeping them busy and sharpening their tools so they are ready for when needed again. Some guys who are out of form get opportunity to play themselves back into it as well away from fist team pressure. Not sure if other clubs have this approach but its been quite revolutionary here imo and refreshing change. Keeps them all involved and up to speed and they know the thinking behind it even if they are pissed off about it. One of the best aspects of his time here even when the football wasn't very good. Of course it's made possible by having a young squad many of who have come from there and would still be there under a different culture. We wanted and needed something a bit different and slowly we look like we are getting it even though there'll be more bumps along the way.

Not a cat in hells chance we are selling nearly 6k tickets at 30 quid a pop and an obscure kick off time with live tv

I'll be amazed if we sell out there if it's live tv How much are they ?

You mean you wouldn't spend 3 years trying to make him into a wide forward/winger ? Can't think why not !

The fact that JDT seems to be trying to make Gallagher into the traditional big strapping robust centre forward he always should have been says everything to me about his clearer mindset than Mowbray.

I was in their section at Ewood for the 0-0 after someone got me a ticket outside from a tout. Didn't realise the Nuttal St Enclosure was for visiting fans that day !!! Biggest set of scumbags iv'e ever had the displeasure of being surrounded by all pissed all fat middle aged geezers and spent all game trying to get into the home sections or scrap with coppers and each other. To top it off the BBE end pelted them with coins at the end. Iv'e detested these lot ever since.

You found the two biggest fan critics on social media there.

Don't knock it till you've tried it 😎

Criticism is normal when a player isn't doing the business but he was one in the early part of the season a few were saying let go and use his wage for something else. The reviews he had at Pompey showed he had something about him they thought of him similar to how we thought of Van Hecke. Just needed time to readjust and at least be given chance to see if he could step up a league, hopefully his progress continues although like any younger player he'll have his rough patches.

If we are going to have good head coaches and good managers which is what we all want then regular interest will go with the turf. Like good players they'll move on to further their ambitions so it's something we might have to get used to but it's not a bad problem to have. We don't want to start talking about 5 and 10 year contracts like was chucked around when Mowbray got us promotion. Main thing is we are left in good shape for the next one but i reckon JDT will see out this season. If they don't back him in summer though we might as well shut up shop as there'd have been no point recruiting him in the first place. We are in an upcycle now after a decade on dips and flatlines so we have to make it count over the next couple of seasons because it won't last.

Something i touched on a few games ago he keeps it simple where TK gets caught up in wanting to be too involved in the passing. Those around him don't seem to put him under the same pressure as TK either.

Another that plenty wanted to move on before he got going again here. Patience.

Yet again we looked a more balanced and fluid team in attack and general football terms with the biggest named forwards missing. 3rd game in a row it really isn't a coincidence imo. Not because they are bad players but the system just seems to work better without trying to tailor it for individuals.

Yep Morton was struggling in there although he put a shift in like the rest i've never seen in him what some think they do. No negatives tonight though he did his bit we have to use him because of the numbers. On the other side of the coin i know Leicester were poor and their style is the one we've been waiting for all season but just how comfortable did Dolan look in Premier league company ? Surely there'll be a few eyes on him now.

This season has presented 4 local opportunities for possible 20k plus crowds at Ewood priced and marketed correctly. Only one will possibly pass that and that all depends on what they get given. Pathetic running of the club.

Stunning, simply stunning !

Often one of our best players in the Bowyer era which kind of says a lot.

That Millwall home game was one of the most abject efforts iv'e witnessed at Ewood without doubt and Appletons football in general was without doubt the worst. No wonder though when the PNE cartel of him, Shaw and Agnew were running the show, where Kean Anderson and co were pure money driven evil the next lot were just inept clowns.

Wasn't that under Appleton ?