jim mk2

Having said that I hope Leutweiler is NOT going to be first choice. For a big athlete he's as weak as a kitten and doesn't have Raya's shot-stopping ability

Carson is awful; another Hart/Raya in terms of cock-ups. If Raya does go at least it indicates Mowbray sees him as part of the defensive problem. He makes far too many mistakes - even for a young keeper.

Of course it won't get to the same level but it's very watchable and some of the players are outstanding. Bronze's strike for England's 3rd goal was brilliant technically

Yes, the standard has definitely got better and it's good to watch - which wasn't the case a few years ago. Lucky Phil Neville - he gets to hug all the players after the matches, including the opposition.

Alot of hype around this England team being rapidly deflated. Very similar to England football - good at winning meaningless matches and flattering to deceive but flop in the big tournaments against the best teams. I'd be surprised if England make the semis now

Travis has pace, aggression, drive and an eye for a pass. Tomlinson was a scuffler. Sorry.

Tomlinson was never going to make it at Rovers' level. He's with league 2 Mansfield at the moment and I'd wager he'll be in the non-league game soon. Plodder at best

My worry is that if Mowbray is planning to use Downing in midfield he will slow our build-up play even further. We're a pedestrian team lacking pace and the ability to break quickly at the best of times and Downing as I see it will make the problem worse. You need to be young, strong, fast and hungry to get out of this division - Rovers for the most part last season was none of these. Great post from the Boro supporter - always liked Boro and a very similar club to us (without the trophy room). Would be interested to hear his views on Chapman

I didn't say we need to spend. I said he's too old, adds nothing to the squad and wasn't wonderful even in his prime. As usual, you're making it up again.

Some very average players have played for England - he's one of them. Large fees signify nothing.

Tongue in cheek, surely? I'd rather have Mowbray in No 10

Like all politicians - but particularly the future PM - don't listen to what they say, watch what they do. Mowbray tells the fans what they want to hear - then does the opposite. I thought Downing was average when he was in his pomp, at 34-35 I just don't see the point of signing him

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/17721829.blackburn-win-race-to-land-middlesbroughs-stewart-downing/ That's poor, really poor. I cannot see what he adds to our squad.

Jones had a very bad injury which kept him on the sidelines at Rovers for some considerable time.

Look who's available. Discuss. https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9320910/phil-jones-man-utd-exit-west-ham-transfer-issa-diop/?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=bau_paid_social_sunfootballfacebook&utm_medium=social&utm_term=uv_audience&utm_content=paid_boost

I heard someone say "pre-prepare" the other day. I mean, how do you prepare something before you've prepared it?

Sounds like an Americanism. I'll just order it and wait for it to arrive in due course.

So you order it. The "pre" is superfluous.

"Pre-order". How do you order before you order? I'll be buying it - looks a good read. Jansen was so unlucky - would have won many caps for England.

This has to be a joke. Dack is not an international footballer - it's doubtful he's even good or fit enough to play in the Premier League

Best I've ever seen Rovers play. We took Spurs to the cleaners. The 8-2 at West Ham would be good to see too.

Some fantastic footage there - glimpses of Duggie in his pomp giving Spurs the runaround. Can anyone find old film of the 7-2 win over them at Ewood in the early 1960s? As for the quartered shirts do they think Bristol Rovers play in one eighth shirts?

Horror show defending. England so poor and well beaten, by a far superior Netherlands side. It really was back to the bad old days under Hodgson and many others and is a wake up call for Southgate. Now another meaningless game against the Swiss. The season drags on and on. Does anyone care ?

Solid, tough, combative defender, a leader on the pitch and still fit and hungry to play at 36. Can't see another PL club taking him on and would do an excellent job for us. Wages, as ever, would probably be a problem. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48519451

Grosicki is 31 this week so he's (a bit) younger than Conway. Poland international with decent goalscoring record. His wife/partner will be welcome at Ewood.