I'm not seeming to suggest anything other than the only way to increase crowds at Ewood in this climate is a significant ST price reduction. Coupled with a serious sales push which in no small turn would be helped by an ambitious approach to recruitment although doesn't totally depend on that.

A trick was missed after promotion and what we see now is a bit of collateral damage from that. 'Strike whilst the iron is hot' and 'Make hay whilst the sun shines' are old saying for a good reason. The only real way to increase crowds and sustain it in the present situation is, as has been said a dozen times on here, season tickets ! Finish the season strongly, make a statement of intent for next season, quit the shoulder shrugging and false bravado and deliver a couple of bold signings. Try to keep what we have but don't go over old ground with tried and tested plodders and new contracts, get rid and put the money to better use. If there is an inevitable big sale leave it at that, re-invest as much as possible.... Then, the big one, make a real bold effort on cheap ST's, start pitching them before the end of this season if possible. Bite the bullet and aim to get 2 or 3 thousand back into the fold. When you get them back you can work on keeping them instead of futile attempts through the season to lure people back to what's mostly been a midtable grind.

My point being that what comes through the gate might have a bearing on ground facilities, cleaning the stadium etc. However it has no bearing on the finance of the playing side, management etc and never has. Nearly all clubs at this level need outside subsidy for signings and playing staff payroll we are no different and what Vs do isn't unique. Although the sheer amount of money wasted is probably some kind of championship record. Where it all actually goes and why its continued to be set up like that is a different debate.

Same place as the 12 million came from, now move along.

Which is why this club should be set up like others are to withstand that kind of thing but it isn't. Never has been under these lot that's why its floundered so much. The football managerial position is basically boss of the club. Dangerous because at some point it will implode again unless Mowbray basically has a job for life.

In recent times it looks like a build but before that it looked like regression was kicking in and that's before more injuries cropped up. All in all though it's just standard championship stuff that at least half a dozen other clubs will be going through the same. Don't think there is anything unique about here good or bad right now but there finally looks like some desire to push it forwards instead of just tread water. If you really want to go places you have to have that running through the club top to bottom a little pressure does no harm. Definitely think there has been and continues to be building up behind the scenes so you'd expect a real push on the pitch in a season or two. No need for boom and bust but keep setting realistic achievable targets and focus less on the excuses.

Walton won't be Brighton no 1 next season if they sell their current keeper unless they are relegated. Another loan from next season till Jan with a fee agreed would be the way to go for me in an ideal world.

Bought by the Euro garages mob last year, wonder what's in store for that site now ?

Another ex Walker business being closed down.

Good stuff and great that we've finally signed an older player that has actually worked out and is worth his wages. Top player i hope his legs keep going another year or so.

At least Maddison has replaced Bauer as the one that got away. Lets see if Hull, like that lot to the west are above us this time next season and if Maddison is playing his part in that.

Last heard when we were fighting relegation.

Even Rod settled on one when he got to Tony's age ?

Dackety Dack, don't hold back !

He himself has held up Sheff U, PKE and Brentford in recent times as models to follow, all different models. I'd grudgingly hold up Dingles of a few years back and Watford are another. They need to decide which model it is they want to follow, those clubs seem to get around the things that get held up here as excuses.

Probably not unusual for a few clubs and an overhaul is better than a rebuilding job. However i think as we've seen this season it can hold you back whilst they try and find the right formula and try out players, often in different positions. Tony likes an experiment that's for sure. Where i feel we / he fall down on this compared to some other clubs is working to a real plan and recruiting for that plan and style of play. Hopefully this summer will be about building on what we have in a determined fashion to start the season with a core style that's been successful the back end of this season. And suits the players we have and ones brought in to fit that style not all start again mix and match. We say it every summer but this one really will be a benchmark for the near future because there will have to be an outgoing. Lets hope it isn't 2 or 3 otherwise midtable mediocrity will be being hailed again this time next season.

Having a different opinion and the nerve to actually share it.

Good team, very difficult game yet again but it is winnable there isn't a country mile between them and anybody else in this league on any given day. Anybody truly can beat anybody home or away we've proved that ourselves a few times so go with the tails high and the attitude that it's a hard game for THEM. No reason they shouldn't be fearing us and if i was manager i'd be telling them i want 50 crosses whizzing into Rayas 6 yard box minimum in this game !

It's the absolute irony of some of these columnist's that gets me. It's like they think they are exempt from the criticism they constantly throw at other forums and members etc whilst coming out with their own brand of skepticism / theories and gaffer/player bashing on a regular basis. What places them on their lofty self appointed perches ? Absolutely sweet FA.

I'll remind you of that when generous Rovers give him a new 2 year contract and is rotating him on the right side next season much to everyone's annoyance. Oh and in place of an actual right winger !

Now if TM said that ... ? You're an odd one you Sparks !

The old adage you don't become a bad player, manager etc over night. You don't suddenly become a good one either. All one needs to do is go back and read threads when he was playing regularly. It's this division as well we know by now they are mostly bang average players who can play well well, poor, average in little spurts. That's the thing we need to improve on to move forwards the comfort zone at Ewood has been notorious. The thing with Dom Sam for me is he isn't a winger and he isn't a striker with a good scoring potential either. Him gone and brereton out on loan next season frees up a decent wedge to put towards something better. That's how it just has to be looked at harsh as it sounds, we aren't running a home for average players or those carrying injuries nobody else wants.

I'd be quite happy to contest the play offs every season these days. You've got to take it on the chin if you slip up they are a lottery but they keep seasons alive. Only thing that would boil my blood would be not having a real go.

Wasn't the idea of something for away fans in the DE mentioned a while back ? Always thought EWood is perfect for that.

Be careful in screenshot land this will be held up as an example of hideous humble man bashing by one who's never made a barbed comment towards Mowbray in his life, well in his own mind at least. And do not dare make a quip about appearance fees in jest of Bennett or you'll be potentially facing a trip to the Old Bailey in a libel suit ! What an absolute desperate tool ???