Mercer

Funny how the LT's Rich Sharpe is keeping his head down! You aren't telling me he's not aware of all tonight's speculation. If it's all crap, he could kill it at a stroke (and probably would be asked to by Waggott). Think his silence says it all. IMO, the big surprise will be if Rothwell is still a Rover on Tuesday morning.

Think he's with the Murdock Group. Ex Rover Marlon Broomes also works for them.

Don't do Instagram but told there's a family photo on his Mrs' account showing the family (including Joe) enjoying some family time just an hour or two ago.

He may well have, however, living and working in a lovely environment, great quality of life, financially set for life and a happy wife! Persuasive factors. Acid test is tomorrow. If Rothwell doesn't play he may well be offski.

Jacquob Crooke playing catch-up!!! Understand there's a real chance now of landing Bearne on loan before the window closes.

Any deal Rothwell moves for will dwarf his contract here and the bonus on the table that may or may not materialise. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush....................................!

I don't believe this. Think if Rovers offered £4m+ for Rothwell with less than 6 months to run on his contract and, seemingly, not interested in signing a new contract then he'd be gone. IMO, Mowbray trying to drive the price up for a last gasp sale.

Think at the end of this transfer window, we will know just how serious Venky's are in getting us back to the PL. I don't think Mowbray has much more , if anything, to play with for permanent deals. To me, I think the best we can hope for is to hold on to what we've got and add a couple of quality loans. Sadly, I very much doubt that will be enough to get us up.

The two names I've heard linked with loan moves to Rovers are Jack Bearne (would be a terrific signing - very highly rated) and George Nunn (needs 1st team game time and a better chance of Rovers getting).

This Rothwell business is reminiscent of when Rovers sold Fred Pickering to Everton back in March 1964 for a then UK record fee of £80/90k. It's a bit hazy in my mind but perhaps some of the older ones or the anoraks can help out. As far as I can recall, Rovers were either top or 2nd in the First Division (now the PL) with just 8 or 9 matches to go. Fred was sold and we went on to lose 5 or 6 games on the bounce and picked up just 3 or 4 points (2 points for a win and 1 point for a draw then) and we finished either 6th or 7th. Many Rovers' supporters never forgave the club. Hope history doesn't repeat itself.

Amazed no one has picked up on this cryptic clue! Even more important given Khadra's injury.

Great post.

Great fighting win and a nice little earner. Lotta bottle tonight. Khadra looks like he did his hamstring to me. Zeefuik looks an animal - wouldn't like to collide with him. Lenihan and Buckley outstanding. Travis like Tony Parkes more noticed when he's not playing - unsung hero!!!! Gallagher much better when he's played where he should!

Think 'Blue Nun' might be about to become very popular with Rovers' fans. I'll leave that one with you.

We are playing Middlesbrough who are 7th in Championship (admittedly on a good run) and not City the PL's run away leaders - some perspective called for. I'm going for a narrow Rovers' win tonight as I think Rothwell / Buckley will create / execute enough for us to notch a couple of goals. 9/5 for win and 21/2 for 2-1 are good value bets.

Bill Dunning, hells bells that's got the cogs in my head churning. Don't remember too much about the lad (think he disappeared into obscurity pretty quickly) but didn't he debut at 17 for Rovers and score on his debut after being part of the Rovers' youth team in the late 1960's that hammered Liverpool in the Youth Cup 4,5 or 6 nil?

I don't think Levy does sympathy! IMO, a chairman who is one hard nosed bastard of a businessman - just wish we had someone in his mould.

Hamstring injuries such as these are often suffered 'early season' whether it be athletics, football or whatever sport where there is intensity. The step up from Spurs' PL2 to Championship football is huge in terms of physicality and intensity and is therefore not dissimilar to an 'early season' injury. Spark Rover's comment is very valid. and each successive hamstring injury diminishes pace as best illustrated by Michael Own. Surgery is horrible, complicated and comes with a long rehab. I think Markandy will be lucky if he is ready to go at the beginning of next season. I think it is 90% certain the injury will take at least half a yard off Markandy's pace. Almost 50% of those who participate in sport at any level and suffer a hamstring rupture / tear requiring surgery experience a sizeable decrease in their pre injury activity levels. It's a huge blow for both Rovers and Markandy and one can only wish the lad well.

The making of Brereton was when he joined up with Chile. I think it's clear Chile's coaching staff were able to tap into the lad's psyche in a way Mowbray, Venus and Lowe couldn't. He gained enormous confidence and self belief. Think he's a better player than Armstrong in terms of technique and football intelligence. If he had Armstrong's blistering pace he would be one helluva player. Think his lack of real pace will prevent him becoming a top, top player. I'd snap the hand off West Ham at £28.5million. IMO, will find life very difficult in the PL.

Did he get a chance and who (Mowbray or Benson or both) made the call he wasn't for us? What bits I saw of Fisher at Rovers as he worked his way through the ranks made me think the lad had a chance. Thought he had the attributes needed - was calm, brave, decisive and agile. Borne out by the bits I've seen of him on tv whilst at MKD and he looked pretty useful with the ball at his feet! Someone like @chaddyrovers must surely be able to find some of his highlights.

Absolutely agree. Fisher also a bigger unit with far more self confidence. Think Fisher may well play in PL one day. Doubt Pears has a snowball's chance in hell of that happening.

Would be a big advancement on Benson. Last I heard, Mimms was working at Norwich?

I think one of the the best signings Rovers could make this window is a goalkeeping coach to replace Benson. IMO, we need a goalkeeping coach who has played the game professionally at a good level and who has a proven track record for developing and improving goalkeepers and who our goalkeepers would respect - with such a coach, I think there is a very good chance Raya (look how his game has developed since leaving Rovers) would still be a Rovers' player. Kaminski is a very good goalkeeper who, I believe, with the right coach and mentor would get even better. I think Pears is a lost cause irrespective of who our goalkeeping coach is or who might be. I think Stergiakis and Eastham have far more natural ability and potential than Pears and they deserve the chance to realise such potential with a goalkeeping coach who ticks the right boxes.

Mowbray and Rovers surpassing all expectations so far - since the Fulham debacle, things have 'clicked'. This season might well be the best opportunity the Venky's have had to return to the 'promised land'. Wise heads and shrewd investment needed. The older ones on here will recall Gordon Lee signing Mick Hickman and Souey getting Berkovic - both great signings in helping to achieve promotion in those seasons. Signs are the fans are beginning to respond and return to Ewood. I hope to get there myself soon. Happy NY all - let's hope it proves to be a promotion cracker.

Think Kaminski will be a huge and costly miss. Gone for PNE at 12/5.