2 hours ago, Bigdoggsteel said:

Most managers would disagree with you. Plus, Mowbray and Conway himself both think he can do a job. I thought he look good pre and early season last year, before getting injured. I wouldn't write him off just yet. 

Anyway, far too much focus and negativity on this. Particularly as people have no idea how much the deal cost and due to the fact we haven't signed anyone else yet. Conway could be 3rd or 4th choice come the start of the season. 

I hate when people say too much negativity. People can give views contrary to what has happened, and ones that go against what Mowbray has done.

Just like I was delighted about Graham, and said why, I feel that I am entitled to say why I dont feel Conway offers anything ON the pitch.

37 minutes ago, Bigdoggsteel said:

Sounds like a great lad to have in the locker room. Keep the young lads in check. All signings aren't as black and white as some on here think they are 

But whilst I appreciate that professionalism, experience, all these buzzwords, are important traits. They are not enough to earn a contract alone. You need to be offering something on the pitch and me and many others seem to think that hes not offering enough any more. The argument of "he must be good for morale therefore no one can question the decision" is a faulty one.

Bielsa finally confirmed. Interested to see what happens there.

Potential for further chaos but id say its a more exciting, interesting and potentially rewarding appointment than plucking an average manager from the merry go round. Leeds have Bielsa, QPR have "experienced" McLaren, I know who id prefer.

53 minutes ago, chaddyrovers said:

Chris Taylor and John O'Sullivan at league 1 level are good enough. 

He did well keeping them up despite the ownership problems last season and achieved a good finish in the league. 

Do you know his budget he working with there this season? 

better out there? 

If you think them 2 are anything but shocking then lets agree to disagree.

2 hours ago, chaddyrovers said:

I don't see that struggling at all. 

Bowyer has done a great job there. even with all the ownership issues going on there. 

He is signing players who know the league and he knows instead of some foreign players who will take months to settle in

Players who are known not to be good enough, who hes signing even though he knows that.

He has done well so far in terms of getting them promoted initially, but hes not the best manager as he proved here, and the signings hes made there suggest hes running out of ideas, in my opinion. Chris Taylor and John O'Sullivan are really poor signings, theres better out there.

2 hours ago, chaddyrovers said:

But roversfan99 I did tell you why I would keep Conway here a number of times but you aren't not willing to accept them. Experience and knowledge of this league and he came play a role either starting a game or coming off the bench to defend a lead for the last 20 minutes a game. 

Conway attitude, commitment, personality, professionalism is what we need in the squad and to keep players in check. Look at Bennett tweet to Dack about Conway to him. 

what happens if Bennett is out injured what then? 

I hope we do get Stoke or Swansea 1st game of the season tbh. 

Conway didn't offer any attacking threat. played in 24 games, scoring 2 goals and 3 assist. compare that to Bennett who played in 41 games, scoring 2 goals and 5 assists. So Conway did offer some attacking threat at least? 

I gave my opinion on giving Conway a new contract weeks before Mowbray even commented on the situation and what I would do, so why keep coming out with the same old tripe which you know isn't true. for some unknown reason you are unwilling to accept my opinion cos you either don't like it or don't agree with it

All these buzz words are just the same ones regurgitated by Mowbray and others to mask the fact that hes not offering anything ON THE PITCH anymore.

Experience and knowledge of this league, attitude, commitment, personality, professionalism - none of these are reasons to sign a player alone. If they were, wed sign back up the team that got promoted in 2001, they obviously had all of these in the promotion winning season. Keeping people in check is Mowbrays job, he shouldnt and am sure doesnt need to sign a player who doesnt offer anything on the pitch to do that, he should use his own man management skills, and rely on the many other experienced players we have who ARE contributing significantly on the pitch still.

The paragraph in bold is your only relevant argument. I would argue that them stats, in a far inferior league to the one we are going in to, are nowhere near good enough. Aging further, by 1 or even potentially 2 years, in a far better league, them stats are likely to go down even further.

Regarding Bennett, there are games in defensive midfield and right back amidst that, but I spent much of the season insisting that he needs to do far more in terms of offering an attacking threat, so you wont get any arguments from me there. But one wide man (Bennett has the advantage of being younger and being incredibly versatile) who isnt doing anywhere near enough going forward is more than enough.

And please stop going round saying "dont be negative" people are offering their opinions which are valid and constructive, not everything will be agreed with by anyone so please accept that as constantly bleating at supposed negativity (ie valid opinions) just makes it look like you dont have a valid point yourself which im sure you do.

43 minutes ago, chaddyrovers said:

Graham Burke? didn't cut it at Villa. 

the other 2 signings aren't great and shows the PNE policy. 

don't see them improving the PNE 1st 11 but squad players next season for them

fair enough. expect him to join Rotherham 

both should be given 4 years contract

what disagreement? I used Mowbray previous comments about the age bracket he was looking at. That's what I used to suggestion some possible signings. 

I amazed that you are really disappointed Conway got a new deal. 

Here is Mowbray's reasons for keeping him and his role for next season(similar to my opinion of his role). http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16290061.Tony_Mowbray_on_why_Craig_Conway_was_offered_new_Rovers_deal/?ref=mac

You 3 reasons are laughable as I've seen Conway played lots last season, the other 2 reasons are just bizarre. 

Yes I did watch that TV show. it is very bonkers and so much going on. 

I don't see Forest challenging for top 6 this season anyway. 

Firstly I was pointing out in jest that you ridiculed someone suggesting a 29 year old, based on the thought that Mowbray wouldnt be signing someone of that age, now hes come out and inferred he would consider someone of that age it goes against this.

The only reasons are his work rate, character, personality, professionalism etc. These are not enough without offering something in terms of actually on the pitch. If they were, wed sign him up for 15 years more. And last season, sadly, he didnt offer that. A winger needs to offer at least some attacking threat, and he doesnt. His legs have gone. And for all the spiel about defensive wingers, if say we are away at Stoke or Swansea on the opening day, and we want one of our wingers to be more defensive, we already have Bennett.

I dont want it in Mowbrays words, think for yourself, please outline the reasons why you are happy he has stayed, without using the words character, experience, professionalism etc.

Out of the 3 reasons that I gave, you probably come under the category of being unwilling to question any of Mowbrays decisions.

Gary Bowyer making some really poor and unimaginative signings at Blackpool, bringing in John O'Sullivan and Chris Taylor.

Add them to Spearing and Delfouenso and youve got a mini Rovers reunion. Can see them struggling if thats the calibre of players they are bringing in.

On 09/06/2018 at 11:24, chaddyrovers said:

don't think we should be looking at players at 29 years old tbh. 

3 hours ago, chaddyrovers said:

Mowbray on striking the right balance on transfers

https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/june/striking-the-right-balance/

“Where you spend the money in your team is important. Who’s the really talented free transfer who might be touching 30"

Looks like theres potential for disagreement between yourself and Mowbray...

Anyway regarding Conway, really disappointing to see him given a new deal. His legs have gone and hes too old to contribute anymore.

Only 3 things I can possibly put anyone putting a positive spin on the move down to; an ignorance to his performances last year (perhaps not seeing him that often live), a reluctance to be negative about someone whose been a very good servant, or a reluctance to be negative about any decisions made by the manager.

His first 2 and a half seasons, he was excellent, he did have Gestede to aim for during alot of that, and he was never fast, but he had enough in his legs to get that yard, often cutting back, and his assist tally was competitive with the best in the division.

He did have spells of decline during his last 2 Championship seasons, he had times in both seasons where he wasnt in the team, and last season, importantly against far inferior players, his attacking output was almost zero. And him being a good character/influence is not a reason to give him a new deal alone, we needed to be ruthless, Mowbray needed to be ruthless and I dont feel he has been.

Sadly, not only is he taking a space up in the squad and a wage (however big or small )up that could have gone to someone external capable of having an impact, but we now also risk having a good servant to the club becoming that player who people dont want to see on the team sheet for another 1 or even 2 years.

4 hours ago, Miker said:

Hard to look past Brazil to win the World Cup. Everything seems to be aligned for them to win it and they have tremendous depth throughout. 

I feel like at least one of France, Spain and Germany will falter this tournament, so wouldn’t be surprised to see either England, Uruguay or Colombia make the semis in their place. 

Not expecting a lot from Argentina or Portugal. Belgium easily have one of the best teams on paper and could go all the way but they will meet Brazil in the quarters I think. I’d put my money on the team winning that match going on to win the whole thing.

For the rest, there are some that could definitely make the quarterfinals at the expense of the bigger teams but I doubt they could go any further.

Agreed on Uruguay. They have a centre back pairing in Godin and Gimenez and strike pairing in Suarez and Cavani that are as good as any team and some handy players in between, Torreira and Bentacur.

Belgium going forward are as good as anyone but their undoing could be their manager. Why they appointed Martinez I have no idea. They also have Carrasco at wing back whose a winger playing in China, and if Kompany doesnt recover theres going to be a weakness there.

Spain and Germany dont have a Neymar/Messi/Ronaldo but a well balanced team with quality everywhere and tournament experience and know how. Seems the former are in disarray with the manager potentially leaving though. Im not 100% convinced by Germany, they looked poor the other day when I watched them, im still baffled theyve left Sane at home but they will no doubt turn up once the opening game comes around.

France have possibly the most exciting squad, their main doubts are temperament and whether Deschamps is up to it. Brazil are rightfully favourites.

Who do people see as potential dark horses?

On paper, can see Germany, England, Belgium, Argentina, France, Spain, Uruguay/Portugal and Brazil getting to the quarter finals if thats possible but youd presume 1 or 2 might not top their group or whatever and a shock caused somewhere along the way.

Croatia, Denmark and Colombia all have good squads with talented players like Modric, Eriksen and James so wouldnt be surprised to see one of them at least get to the quarters.

Beyond that, can see Senegal getting out of their group, with Mane, Koulibaly, Kouyate, Gueye and Keita Balde they have some useful players in what looks a fairly even group.

Also, think Serbia have the potential to pip Switzerland in their group, Milinkovic-Savic has the potential to be one of the young stars of the tournament and they have plenty of quality in Matic, Mitrovic, Tadic, Ljajic, Ivanovic and Kolarov.

27 minutes ago, Norbert Rassragr said:

Was he only on loan to whichever A League team had him?

As for Bruce, he decided to keep on Gabby I'dbangthewhore and co. and did not bite the bullet and cancel their contract like we did with Best. Yes, that would have been a hard hit financially but getting rid of wasters can improve a squad spirit. The signings he did make were not good enough, so tough. Walk away Steve like you have done so often and let someone else pick up the pieces.

To be fair, I dont think you can blame him for not cancelling Agbonlahors contract. Im sure he would had he had that luxury.

Whilst you are right @chaddyrovers that we can only sympathise with Bruce regarding his sad personal circumstances. On a totally seperate note his signingw have been in the main poor and the gamble of money he spent has now backfired, regardless of previous managers.

Also signed Hogan, Bjarnason, Neil Taylor, probably 1 or 2 more and they havent really worked out. 

Ruben Rochina, a player who had the Rovers fans eating out of his hands at times but gave flatters to deceive a new meaning.

Just now, AdamRochina said:

Not overly enthused by some of the players we are linked with 

Nope but its silly season. Todays rumoured signings are tomorrows fish and chip paper. Bring on the World Cup.

9 minutes ago, chaddyrovers said:

Dont know Hudson Odoi..

On us being linked with these 2 players, i deffo dont see it as paper talk at all. Come from a respectable source John Cross. 

John Cross, a journalist for the Mirror newspaper? 

Chaddy, it is a rumour until we see it in black and white.

Really pleased to see Graham sign a new deal. Never expected anything else amidst the rumoured multi year deals apparently on offer elsewhere. 

2 hours ago, chaddyrovers said:

Michael Hector is centre back. Was on loan at Hull last season

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/michael-hector/profil/spieler/157490

Trevor Chalobah is centre back, right back, defensive midfielder. Only 18 years old

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/trevoh-chalobah/profil/spieler/346314

Mirror story linking us to these 2 players was written by John Cross

Only speculation, probably agents promoting their players or whatever, but not sure thats what we need. Hector is an ok Championship defender but cant see him dislodging Mulgrew or Lenihan, nor being happy as a back up. Not seen Chalobah but surely it would make sense to loan an attacking player, maybe Hudson-Odoi, who can give us something a bit different?

1 hour ago, Mercer said:

Understand there's another club in for Graham as well as Bolton - bit of a surprise really.

The gift that keeps on giving. Was the other club Blackburn Rovers?

1 hour ago, islander200 said:

Yeah hopefully not another Rekeem Harper

If Mowbray doesn't think the likes of Tomlinson and Hardcastle are not up to it they should be sent out on loan or sold.I don't see any  benefit for  them or us playing another year of u23 football

Agreed. If we do sign a loan or 2 it should be someone who can make a difference, no Harpers ie signed for the sake of it.

Armstrong, Payne, Chapman, Conway and Payne have all left and id only probably want Armstrong back, but theres a lot of attacking players that need replacing one way or another. Sub centre backs should be well down the priority list.

If you look at the seasons theyve both had, in terms of actual output, comparing 2 incredibly promising talents, youve got 1 who is delivering regularly and one who for whatever reason has yet to fully show his raw talent into consistent goals and assists.

On 07/06/2018 at 22:58, chaddyrovers said:

My team would be

                     Pickford

         Walker Stones Maguire

Tripper  Lingard  Dier  Ali  Rose

                  Kane Sterling

Tough on Rashford but its really good to see so much competition for places. 

9 hours ago, chaddyrovers said:

Tripper deffo does not worry me one bit. Dont see why ppl are so negative. 

I agree with the team 100 percent. Very tough on.Rashford but that football

Even though you said the other day that youd pick Dier over Henderson?

1 hour ago, roverandout said:

Agree on paper..dont think belgium are that much better..lukaku is overrated.had a poor domestic season at united..their defenders are injury prone..admittedly de bruyne hazard and cortouis are world class..if we can start with ali, kane, sterling and rashford we can give any team a problem

I dont think you can fit all 4 of them in the same team. Its Sterling or Rashford and for me, Sterling is a more complete player off the back of a superb season.

1 hour ago, chaddyrovers said:

we need both Dack and Lenihan on 4 year contracts with no release clauses in them at all. 

Graham should be offered a 1 year contract with a incentive if he played in more than 30 games this season he get a new 12 month contract on the same terms. 

Please be realistic. KI has decided to leave Swansea. linked with a move to Italy. 

don't think we should be looking at players at 29 years old tbh. 

Mowbray still after him but City still don't know whether they want to sell him or loan him yet. 

I agree on Experience PL players wages will be too high for us. 

I agree with you that Mowbray Young and hungry mantra is the way forward. I also don't think they is much money around for transfers fees wise. not millions after millions. Of the 5 permanent transfers Mowbray wants before loans, I only expect 2 being cash buy and 3 being frees before we signed couple of loans players. 

Players under 24 years old and younger is what Mowbray has said he is targeting

Some Players we could be looking at

Curtis Nelson 24 years old centre from Oxford United. out of contract this month. not signed a new contract yet

Clark Robertson 24 years centre back from Blackpool. out of contract this month

Hakeeb Adelakun 21 years old winger from Scunthorpe United. Out of contract this month

Harry Chapman 20 years old winger from Boro. 12 months left on his contract but I suspect Pulis wont be playing him so expect him to be sold. 

Kadeem Harris 25 years old winger from Cardiff. out of contract this month. 

Josh Brownhill 22 years old midfield from Bristol City. out of contract this month

To discard the prospect of any signings just because they are 29 would be an incredibly narrow minded transfer strategy, and one im sure Mowbray is clever enough not to adopt.

He might be in the main aiming for younger players but you cant just totally ignore players for that reason.

Would have Brownhill, Adelakun and maybe Harris, the rest less so.

31 minutes ago, chaddyrovers said:

From Alan Nixon

Bolton. Blackburn. Parkinson wants Danny Graham. But there’s an option in his contract that means Rovers can keep him. And that would mean a fee as well as top wages.

Look like Unsall and J*B were right

From Rich Sharpe

RE: Danny Graham. The option that was in his contact became redundant when #Rovers were relegated. So he’s out of contract as of the end of this month. However, he wants to stay at Rovers and I expect that he will. https://t.co/UI23aMuWCl

Doesnt prove anything chaddy. Nixon doesnt know what hes talking about, and what he says on this occasion regarding the option in his contract is contrary to what Rich Sharpe is saying about the clause in his contract now being redundant. So one of them is talking shite. 

The only thing I do know is that it will be a huge blow. Graham was a big player for us last season, if he went to Bolton, who we know are penniless and desperate hence their signing of Jason Lowe, then it would be bad news and potentially indicative of us maybe not having much to spend. 

That said, all this about Bolton wanting him, 1 and 2 year deals, wage offers, its all rumour and speculation and we wont know until the club officially announces it. Lets hope its us saying hes renewed.

22 minutes ago, chaddyrovers said:

From Rich Sharpe

Had the pleasure of some time with Tony Mowbray this morning. Can't help but admire his enthusiasm and strong principles. #Rovers in a good place on and off the pitch.

Before anyone says: "any news Rich?" here's a message from the boss: “For our supporters to know, there’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes. We will be signing footballers, there’s an ambition for the club to build a team that’s youthful and will be competitive next year."

Whose that aimed at? ?

Just now, chaddyrovers said:

The Rovers fans who have posted their info are trustworthy and no reason to lie. Not sure it guesswork tbh, cos if the terms Rovers offered Graham were acceptable he would have sign by now. 

I would more concern if Rovers gave him more 12 months deal as I feel that is the best we should be offering and nothing. 

Toney would be good signing IMO. Armstrong would be my top transfer target this summer. I don't know whether Winnall would come or the cost just someone I watched and always been impress by. 

It depends who available and the budget to replace Graham if we have to, Plus we already have Samuel and Nuttall. Samuel is working hard on his training and bulking up. still need another 2 strikers this summer

Whether you believe it or not, up to you, but it is still rumour. No one knows. If I took every rumour as fact wed have a bloody big squad.

Just now, chaddyrovers said:

where would Dack play? 

maybe Gallagher might be a target or not. I don't know. Has he improved as a player at Birmingham?

6 goals in 33 suggests not.

56 minutes ago, chaddyrovers said:

My team would be

                     Pickford

         Walker Stones Maguire

Tripper  Lingard  Dier  Ali  Rose

                  Kane Sterling

Tough on Rashford but its really good to see so much competition for places. 

Henderson for Dier, otherwise id pick the same team. Better on the ball, more progressive in his passing, better positionally, more of a leader, had a far better season individually.

9 minutes ago, chaddyrovers said:

I mostly agree there, I wouldn't be more money and I more inclined to offer more incentives based contract 

How much training does Graham do and is he fitness/dieting going to be good enough? 

not sure I would give him 2 years deal at this stage

All depends on the wage per week and whether you offer him incentives based contract for 12 months with if he appears in more than 30 games he get a new contract on the same terms for another 12 months

 

Moore could be target if Graham doesn't sign here a new contract. Other striker targets IMO could be Adam Armstrong, Sam Winnall, Ivan Toney, 

Lansbury on 40k a week and most likely transfer fee of 5 mil plus? can we really afford it? please be realistic

Surely Mowbray will be looking to replace Graham within the next season or 2 anyway with a new target man type. 

depends on how much Graham wages and whether we see it has value for money?

surely we shouldn't be held to ransom for a player who will be 33 years old in August and I suspect this season he wont be starting every game and is he really worth a new contract back on his previous Championship wages(if that's the wage he after)?

Its all gossip and rumour chaddy. The wages hes on, the wages he wants, the length of deal he wants, the offers he has elsewhere. Not one to pay too much information to any rumours. All I know is I want to see one of our best players, Danny Graham, at the club next season and will be dissapointed if hes not. The reasons why are total guesswork.