In isolation it definitely would be although the bigger picture is different as they followed it up with more fantastic success. Again different times and different cheque book but if things were like for like not sure old Tone would be matching any of that. Still after the last decade just a play off challenge this season is a great effort to sign off with if he was to bow out in summer.

I think Mowbray has been far too comfortable here to walk away now into the instant pressure that would come with going back to WBA.

They are looking into it. Where have we heard that before !

Only fair to point out he had a championship wages budget in league 1 and has had good backing in wages/fees for good loans every season. Mid table budget, mid table finishes so it's only really this season he has come close to over achieving in those terms. Still doesn't make it easy of course and many things go into the mix but miracles is putting it a bit strongly. It's been a miracle he's still here really it's only down to disconnected ownership and well connected pals that he is. However should we finish in the top 6 this season it's a remarkable testimony to his belief in his methods. IF we pulled it off and went up, whether play offs or automatic, then the word 'miracle' is all his to own.

Not sure how he's built a reputation there (yet) it's always looked more a the manager just wanting to get him involved so shoehorning him in there.

I'm thinking more of Waggots early season waffle on whoever won't sign will be sold. That fella had £££ in his eyes, not that i'm suggesting he benefits personally. There was though a nice wedge of income there for the club which would reflect well on him with the bean counters when it comes to income boosting bonuses. Nyambe, Rothwell and possibly another or two for a few million each would've been a nice boost to the coffers if we were sat in our usual comfort zone in the league. Then a few freebie replacements on similar wages and not a pay rise in sight, all handy for the books. Oh and those doing the dealing.

I always suspected the idea was to grow another team to sell and pay down previous few years running costs. Promotion being the outside 1 in 100 chance if the chips fell our way. Now they have so far and its created a very unexpected conundrum for the various people down there. From the outside looking in it very much seems it's the ownership who have stomped their feet down to prevent the cashing in exercise. There'll be some very disappointed agents, middlemen and a few others i expect.

The AA money was always going to disappear into the financial black hole and we all knew this beforehand, nothing new sadly. Also not much point worrying about the training ground money either as non probably ever actually changed hands for that in one transaction. Just an accounting exercise covering funds already dripped up and in return giving Venkys some personal collateral in return. Just clever accounting towards FFP and if they ever want to take some brass back out of the club, say when BBD is sold, then they can transfer ownership back. This window is just about par for the course budget wise.

Can't believe they aren't addressing the keeper situation as the way Kaminsky puts himself about is prone to knocks. As well as the ones he's already carrying. I'm certain if Pears had come on in a game like Saturdays we'd have lost, being loyal to a mates lad is a very risky strategy.

Mowbray was just getting his ducks in a row so he didn't take the flak for selling a player out the blue if it went through. He's a crafty sod is Tony iv'e said it a thousand times there's more going on there than just the genial humble honest guy routine we saw plenty evidence of that last season. I'm not saying i blame him because ultimately it's Rothwell and his agents at the center of it all. However standing there and saying 'he's injured then his head isn't in it' then ' i don't want our fans coming down hard on him but hes asked to speak to another.' Well, the bus was approaching wasn't it.

Maybe in a similar way to how Rochina and Formica ended up here or some others if he was that highly rated.

Rovers wage bill has always been odd though and god knows what else is actually on there. It isn't just the players though.

Just what the hell do you think he is actually going to do ? Run around single handed trying to dislodge our promotion bid ? Doesn't anybody think anyone doing something like that would get slapped down pretty quickly by the other lads. This is where strong management and leadership is needed. Tell him to clear off and stay out of the way unless he's prepared to get his head down, work and get on with it selected or not. Part of me thinks it's better to say no to him going to Bournemouth and if they have to make an example of him so be it. Sends out a message to the rest of them to toe the line. The club wouldn't be standing in the way of him leaving they'd just not be letting him strengthen a promotion rival at a vital time. Seems fair enough to me weighing up how much he might help them overtake us and all for the sake of a couple of million and a poxy 4 or 5 grand a week off the books.

Yes and they can certainly say you are NOT going to Bournemouth right now son. It appears the owners are in agreement with that but others down there wan't to let him do as he pleases.

Don't even joke about it 🤨

Yep that's true that's why it's a shame to lose him and Mowbray has tried multiple things in his time here but not many have come off like Rothwell this season. My point really though is i'd like something a bit different rather than just another run of the mill player whose there just to fill in different positions.

Whoever replaces Rothwell will probably be another utility type midfielder who can slot in a number of round holes with his square peg. TM loves these types and they are usually cheap and i think when are using the word replacement it's a bit misguided. He'll replace the spot in the squad and use the wage room but it won't be an attempt at anything like for like.

He came from Oxfords bench where he was probably on less so why not ? If his agent is supposedly spouting he can x5 or 6 his wages elsewhere then that figure sounds about right.

He does often seem a bit too keen to help players on their way from here. Although i think it's more his uncle Tony routine rather than anything greed driven. You'd think he'd be begging the lad to stay, until summer at least, not holding the bloody door open for him.

A bit odd considering they are best pals.

He also said he wants to sign players with flexibility and adaptability. In Mowbray speak that is square pegs for round holes i'm afraid.

Agreed But when they ask for loyalty and support from fans sometimes they might have to suck it up when it doesn't come for free....

Basically when they express a strong desire to talk to other clubs they are requesting a transfer in my opinion. Therefore you want to move to somewhere that is quadrupling your wages etc so waver the money owed. Ask the buying club to cover it with a signing on fee and fook off you money grabbing shitehawk !!!

It's a damned if you do/don't scenario for all involved in this one so yes it is a mess. A mess that would have been easier dealt with if this lad was tied to a better deal way before it came to this. As for the owners it just still shows how detached from understanding they are as basically now they have to sell him to stop the rot spreading.

Another well earned hard won point and clean sheet but a bad day again for the knocks and niggles. Good job they were toothless up front and our commitment and workrate matched theirs although we were even less than toothless attack wise. Fair play on Ayala having a go up top it's a pity nothing dropped for him or found his nut, going to have to do something about continually being so disjointed though. Inviting pressure all the time and as good as we've been defensively we'll end up with a hiding before long.