Mercer

Also bear in mind that I think I can recall Mowbray recently stating Holtby has struggled with the intensity/physical demands of the Championship compared to German football (or words to that effect).

Would have to go for me if we can get a fee and his not insubstantial wages off the books. Almost 30 now and, IMO, injury prone - think he's only averaged 20 to 25 games a season for us. We need first team players who you can almost guarantee being fit for 90% of our games. IMO, would be no loss.

The big worry is we might end up having to pay to get some of the 'dead wood' off the books.

Really? IMO, his credibility took a severe battering after what he said in Blues Bar almost 12 months ago and what has subsequently happened. I think he's hung some of our younger players (easier targets) out to dry with his criticism whilst others have seemingly escaped scot free (likes of Bennett). IMO, Mowbray is not quite the 'honourable' man you and some others like to portray. I would be staggered if Mowbray walks with no settlement. If you know Mowbray personally, and your comments suggest you do, the kindest thing you could do, IMO, is tell him his race is already run!

A59 to Harrogate is a killer time timewise and slow moving traffic, where you can't get past, adds many minutes. Harrogate is also problematical. Can come off before Harrogate and initially head for Killinghall but doesn't save much. Stockton and Middlesbrough are roughly same distance in miles - Durham about 15 extra miles but different road than Middlesbrough road. Tried all different types of routes / rat runs etc but very, very rarely have I had a 'clean run'.

You are joking! Done the north east run countless times over the years. Even when quiet, rarely made Stockton and Durham in much less than 2 hours or Newcastle in much less than 2.5 hours and I'm a bit further on than Brockhall.

So? He had to live somewhere when down here.

Don't disagree, however, demonstrates what Venky's could have achieved here with the right Exec Team and Football Manager in place. They'd Williams, Finn and Allardyce in place when they bought the club. IMO, the rest is shambolic history.

Friend of mine who supports Burnley reckons Dyche has spent approximately a net £50million in his 8 seasons there - an average of £6million per season. Not all his signings have worked but feckin hell, on average a net £6million per season of which 5 seasons have been in the PL! Mowbray spent £12million in 12 months on Brereton and Gallagher!!! Wish Dyche would come and 'waste' some of Venky's £millions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dyche has done an absolutely magnificent job for Burnley. To think he was appointed by Burnley, after being interviewed by Burnley in an office in Blackburn!, just days after Kean left Rovers. Burnley got Dyche, we got Berg. Enough said!

If Rovers could get that much money for Armstrong, and I think they'd be lucky to get even a third of that, he'd have to go for me. I think he has one asset and that is pace. I think technically, he's extremely poor and doesn't have a football brain. Furthermore, I think he has a very average goal scoring record for a striker with a career average of about 1 goal every 4 or 5 games (though quite prodigious against Brereton / Gallagher for Rovers).

Some need to get real, as I have posted over the last fortnight or so, IMO, we are brassic and there will be more income (transfer fees received and wages saved) than expenditure (transfer fees paid and wages spent) - this seems to have since been confirmed in LT stuff. I think we are closer to a 'tipping point' than some would imagine and, IMO, there will be at least one 'big' player departure this window. I also think Mowbray is closer to the exit door than some would imagine. With no money, injuries to key players, five games into another poor run of form and results, I think we are in a right old mess. It would not surprise me if Mowbray is not looking for a way out now - got £25 on him being the next Championship Manager to go at 20/1.

Of course it matters now! In fees and wages, I think Mowbray has spunked £25million (4 year commitment) away on Brereton and Gallagher. Why should we believe Mowbray is suddenly going to become a master in player trading given, IMO, with the odd exception, an appalling judgement and record in the market. His feet shouldn't have touched the floor after the Brereton debacle. Instead, I think the lunatics are in control of the asylum!

and whose fault is that?

Think Mowbray's player trading with the odd exception is appalling. Why any 'sensible' owners would give him further funds when, IMO, he's spunked away £12million+ in fees plus very substantial wages (up to another £12million over 4 years) on Brereton and Gallagher, is beyond my comprehension. Bottom line, IMO, is Waggott, Mowbray, Venus, Lowe and Benson all have to go, and go now before we are dragged down further, as they are are just not up to it.

Was advocating weeks ago Chapman needed to be given his chance. Has real natural talent that likes of Brereton, Armstrong etc can't match. The lad just needs a manager who knows what the feck he's doing.

Wonder if Mowbray still thinks BB will be a £15/20million footballer down the line as I seem to recall him stating in Blues last Feb!?!? Heading for a Rovers' win today - sadly, will take the pressure off Mowbray.

IMO, the quicker Mowbray and his cronies are drummed out of the club the better. To 'move him upstairs' as some have advocated would be ridiculous. Just what has he got to offer!? Johnson should be given the role for the rest of the season if there is no obvious replacement available - surely, he could do no worse.

Sadly Paul, I think we still making big losses hence the recurrent share issues which seem to happen a number of times each year. Feels like Venky's have to cough up or we go under, they've little choice and the auditor's qualifications in the accounts tell us that. Think your last sentence is a tad contradictory! I think our net player trading (fees and wages) in January will show a big surplus and, unfortunately, I think at least one of our 'stars' will be leaving. My thoughts are based upon both an accountant's view (mine) of the situation and a bit of gossip I've picked up. Come 1 February we will know the answer.

Tony also had a lot to say at Blues back in Feb and, IMO, much of that has failed to materialise.......................!!!