I don't think I've ever seen a manager publically tear a young player a new one like Mowbray did Raya later on last season. Most unlike him as well so something must've gone on and from that point on it looked pretty unrepairable so this really isn't a surprise, what is is the almost Friedel like status Raya seems to have taken on. Come on lads he isn't that good his all round game hasn't really moved on he's always had good reflexes. Personally I wouldn't want to shove him out the door but I would want him playing second fiddle to a better keeper if possible. I really don't see a ten million pound Prem keeper in him in the next few years but stranger things have happened. There'll be sell on clauses etc so the only way this will bite us on the arse is if they don't bring in a good replacement, jury's out on that one it could go either way knowing our lot but if it's a good one we'll cope fine. Until Raya has two blinders against us next season obviously.

This is what I think also, following on from the obvious difference of opinion at the end of last season after establishing himself as no 1 he's been told we are seeking another keeper to be in direct competition with him for the jersey so his dummy has come out and he's been actively seeking a move. The Brentford stuff has been around a long while in the background. Rovers knowing they need funds haven't stood in his way and to be honest this is probably the start of the conveyor belt of growing talent to sell it had to start sometime and if funds are being redirected back into the squad it's an improvement on some previous Venky stuff. Small consolation to those who like Raya of course but better losing him than Dack or Lenihen and surely there'll be ad on's and sell on's.

Doesn't need to be 6'6" to replace Raya who looked about 5'10" at times !

Hopefully this ship has sailed to pastures new now. His stint at Ewood won't have done him any harm if he fancies a gig abroad or something and he was handy at times last season but completely invisible in others. No hard feelings either way if he doesn't come back.

Just needs someone with a bit bigger with more presence and confidence than Raya if he's off. Be hard to replace his reflexes but someone who is steadier will atone for that.

That's because of the entertainment value they get from watching these threads every summer ?

Personally I think Raya is jumping ship rather than just being sold.....

Nice one, now build the side around him.

Good signing at last !!!! Ok 32 but not long turned he is though a 6ft er and size and physicality really is something we've lacked for ages so pleased with this one but they need to loan out Smallwood now otherwise that midfield is coming under some serious tombola next season.

He's under zero pressure to finish any higher than 12th if that's the case.

Yeah wouldn't surprise it appears he might be thinking packing the midfield with old heads and altering the style of play is going to solve all the defensive problems !

When are Rovers going to be linked with some good ####### defenders ? Is it the Bermuda triangle at Ewood or what ? Nobody mention it or go there.

Well there is FFP to consider as well but you do get the impression he is terrified of backing himself on a few 2 or 3 million pound players.

We heard similar when hit by embargo, owners desperate to spend to take team up but can't then before that it was the famous 50 mill war chest which just happened to equate to the value of 4 seasons parachute money coincidently. All spewed on 4 or 5 players and their contracts minus the %%% of course. Window dressing bollocks when most would consider the promised 5 mill per window or even per summer sound investment if it went in the right areas.

Hanley v Mulgrew for same left footed CB position, the one who's taken his place in the national team, Rangers v Celtic.... It would be a heady brew considering Big Heeds kind of attitude, think Charlie would end up black eyed or on crutches ! Remember when Duffy was out with a shiner at the same time Grant was out with a training ground injury ? Hmmm.....

So there's allegedly money to be made available for signings if TM presents the right players yet he's scrabbling around allegedly pulling out of good potential targets because they are too expensive even though he hasn't actually presented them to the owners ? Sounds like the perfect storm to me ! In reality like I've said before similar budget to last year but similar outlay already committed to go out for last summers big signings again so not much left at all. 2 wages out have gone into Downings contract and anything else will be down to someone convincing them to allow a big signing or a late window rush of blood if Madame or Balaji have had a good vacation and are in a spiffingly good mood, then we get panic buys ! The scabbling around is because he's trying to find cheap solutions again or get the best loan deals which have the biggest wage contributions from parent clubs. Normal summer really.......

Fair points but I don't think buying one good defender for a few million and loaning in a striker on decent wages is going to push the FFP to braking point is it. Not when you consider there could be a bit of room made on the wage bill shunting a few squad men out and not being over generous to those who'll never contribute if they stay here ten years. That's the kind of thing we are after sensible but ambitious recruitment within the realms of normality not fantasy or boom and bust.

Venkys saying money there spend it, Tony dithering again because he really doesn't know who he wants, defenders or strikers so he'll chase midfielders, Venkys saying if you don't spend it the bank will make it disappear into running costs. Tony spends it on one to bubble under or tells fans the money was there but i'm not spending it for the sake of it ! Meanwhile Bauer settles in at Preston whilst Rodwell is still on his jollies, Charlie will be back when he's ready and Downing S isn't in Austria. Scattergun time !

Then we'll get told the wages for both are too high, but then again we already know that. Assombalonga would be a good signing but it doesn't solve that defence, not that it will happen anyway.

Says it all really, no links since 23rd June and it's now 3rd July.......

Wilcox must be very happy where he is he never seems to show an interest in doing anything else maybe it's not for him. Wright might be a good shout they need to get the best possible really as it's big boots to fill. I expect an ex Mowbray or Boro man or the cheapest option possible, would be nice to know they are finally learning about having qualified people in the right roles though.

If it's a temporary thing though it might work for a season or so whilst the new lad gets to grips with it. If they are singing from the same hymn sheet it could work but we'll find that out in the near future in the dugout. Of course the evil in me says Mowbray might be making room for another old pal as U23s boss whilst keeping a tight reign on Johnson then maybe offing him at some point if he sees him as a threat ....... ?

Many have thought this will be TMs last big job that's why he's trying to keep it as comfy as possible so going along with that line of thinking for a moment there could be something in this. Perhaps he's hinted at another season or two till his contract is out then he'll take a break or retire or something so they are grooming DJ into the swing of things. Ideal world would see Mowbray have another good season then hand the reigns to Johnson and maybe move upstairs to over see things for a while. All that's probably too sensible for Venkys but you never know. Although I do think TM needs to get his finger out and address certain things and cut some bad habits team wise for that to have a chance or working.

WE are batting now from a position of strength compared to when Mowbray took over and a lot of it is down to him it's churlish to think otherwise however you rate him. That though makes it even more annoying when he seems so reluctant to drive it forwards instead seemingly preferring an old Ray Harford mantra 'If it ain't broke why try and fix it'. How much of it is actually down to him is debateable but I reckon quite a bit although the club as a whole somewhat failed to tap into the feel good factor after promotion. They lit the blue touch paper, stood back then jumped forwards and stamped it out before it got chance to take off. A club like Rovers needs a spark under it now and again then the flames need fanning otherwise it just smoulders and never quite catches fire.

100% ? On topic I think we might surprise a few people and have a good start similar to last season before we maybe run out of wind or the brakes get put on. Be nice to get some points on the board again early doors after it saved us in the bad run last season.