[Archived] Rovers v Brighton: 21st March at 3pm

[Andyblue2]

Inane views, but still better than pretending you've played a higher standard of football than a regular Championship footballer..

Taylor showed today exactly what a clogger he really is. Totally out of his depth today against one of the poorest teams I've seen this season apart from us. Can't put a challenge in, not aggressive enough, I could go on.....

[Parsonblue]

This was as dire a performance as I have seen in many a year. It brought memories back of the likes of Conlon and Russell it was that bad. Manager, coaching staff and players must all take a share of responsibility for this inept showing. Whilst I can accept that the matches have come thick and fast since Christmas, there can be no excuse for the sheer lack of effort, particularly in the first half. For me it merely underlined the fact that we are a mid-table Championship club - nothing more and nothing less. Last week the same players gave a superb performance at The Valley and within days we have had two shambolic performances which again underlines the inconsistency that has plagued us all season. The manager cannot escape responsibility for the performance - it is his job to make sure the players are mentally fit for the challenge. The players too, must also look at their own performances and too many simply disappear when the going gets tough. The four in midfield today have got to be the worst combination I've seen in a while in terms of the ability to actually pass a ball - let alone make a tackle. Personally, I was glad that Mahoney and Lenihan stayed on the bench because one could only wonder at the damage it might have done to their own confidence if they had got 'stick' from the crowd and the fans were right to give the team stick at the end, something which the manager admitted after the game.

Whoever is manager next season, and I've heard nothing to suggest that it won't be Bowyer, is going to have a massive job on their hands in the summer trying to reshape the squad whilst operating under the embargo. "Frees" and loans will be the market we are in whilst one suspects that Gestede and probably Rhodes will be away and the money used to try to get running costs reduced. Olsson, who didn't look fully fit, just about got man of the match but he is without question, for me, our 'Player of the Season' by a country mile. Henley and Olsson look a promising young full-back partnership but we badly need to strengthen in the centre of defence and in midfield. I'm hoping O'Sullivan and Lenihan will step up to the mark in midfield.

I haven't altered my view that the present manager deserves another season before a judgement is made - not a popular view I know, but one I still believe to be correct. As others have said, next season may well be about survival depending on the players we lose and I still believe the present staff can keep us out of danger. However, no manager can afford too many afternoons like this one. It was the typical end of season stuff that we were regularly served up in a bygone era, but it wasn't acceptable then and it's certainly not acceptable now.

[ABBEY]

Don't worry you said .

[Parsonblue]

Don't worry you said .

I'm not worried about relegation Abbey. Never have been.

[adsfortheblues]

Harford, Hodgson, Kidd, Berg, Appleton et al all carried the can for @#/? results. Bowyer is no different and to suggest otherwise is a bit silly.

Correct Sir, the performances have been nothing short of she height on a few occasions this season. Very dissapointing.

This was as dire a performance as I have seen in many a year. It brought memories back of the likes of Conlon and Russell it was that bad. Manager, coaching staff and players must all take a share of responsibility for this inept showing. Whilst I can accept that the matches have come thick and fast since Christmas, there can be no excuse for the sheer lack of effort, particularly in the first half. For me it merely underlined the fact that we are a mid-table Championship club - nothing more and nothing less. Last week the same players gave a superb performance at The Valley and within days we have had two shambolic performances which again underlines the inconsistency that has plagued us all season. The manager cannot escape responsibility for the performance - it is his job to make sure the players are mentally fit for the challenge. The players too, must also look at their own performances and too many simply disappear when the going gets tough. The four in midfield today have got to be the worst combination I've seen in a while in terms of the ability to actually pass a ball - let alone make a tackle. Personally, I was glad that Mahoney and Lenihan stayed on the bench because one could only wonder at the damage it might have done to their own confidence if they had got 'stick' from the crowd and the fans were right to give the team stick at the end, something which the manager admitted after the game.

Whoever is manager next season, and I've heard nothing to suggest that it won't be Bowyer, is going to have a massive job on their hands in the summer trying to reshape the squad whilst operating under the embargo. "Frees" and loans will be the market we are in whilst one suspects that Gestede and probably Rhodes will be away and the money used to try to get running costs reduced. Olsson, who didn't look fully fit, just about got man of the match but he is without question, for me, our 'Player of the Season' by a country mile. Henley and Olsson look a promising young full-back partnership but we badly need to strengthen in the centre of defence and in midfield. I'm hoping O'Sullivan and Lenihan will step up to the mark in midfield.

I haven't altered my view that the present manager deserves another season before a judgement is made - not a popular view I know, but one I still believe to be correct. As others have said, next season may well be about survival depending on the players we lose and I still believe the present staff can keep us out of danger. However, no manager can afford too many afternoons like this one. It was the typical end of season stuff that we were regularly served up in a bygone era, but it wasn't acceptable then and it's certainly not acceptable now.

Whoever is here has a massive job on re shaping the squad? Bowyer has brought in 24 players to do that. Yet you say he deserves another season, you completely contradict yourself parsons.

Why do I contradict myself you will ask. Well because you say whichever the manager they have a big job, which suggests bowyer bringing in 24 players hasn't been great, yet you say he should stay manager.

[thenodrog]

What a first half and the second hardly any better apart from a bit of huffing and puffing!! Abjectly poor and embarrassing. I can only assume this is the reaction of the entire club knowing that the game was up and the season effectively over on Tuesday night.

imo half that team are not good enough. Seems to me that Gary Bowyer has 'lost' his players. The only thing that motivates them is the FA Cup when their agents must be telling them to put a shift in cos they are in the shop window for this summer. If GB goes then so what? If GB stays then he needs to get rid of the bad players before they get rid of him. God only knows how that equates with our transfer embargo.

Todays damning verdict .

Steel, Decidedly average.

Henley, Energetic but punching at least two divisions above his weight.

Baptiste, Defensively solid and steady.

Kilgallon, Better players in the 2nd and 3rd Divisions I'm sure.

Olsson, See Henley.

Marshall, No thanks. Shambling unathletic player who doesn't bear even a passing resemblence to a professional footballer.

Taylor, On todays showing he shouldn't even get on the bench.

Spearing, First half showing was abysmal. Awful in fact and only improved ever so slightly after the break.

Brown, First time he touched the ball he showed a sublime piece of skill then turned into a carthorse till he was subbed. However I've been watching football for donkeys years and I have to say that booing helps no one improve their game.

Cairney, A lightweight in midfield who flatters to deceive. Difficult to dictate play when his teammates can't be bothered to run into space and show for the ball.

Rhodes, Completely anonymous again. Unless he's stood on the tartline waiting to profit from the graft of others he may as well be sat in the stands and today there was no graft from the others. I can only assume that GB kept him on in the slim chance of getting a penalty. 40k pw...... ffs! he's not worth 40 quid.

Spurr, Not that it's saying much but today my MoM.

Gestede, Not that it's saying much but today my second choice for MoM.

We are all waiting for the almost inevitable bombshell of the Venkys to sell up, salvage what scraps they can and shut the doors forever. HT today would have been a good time to announce it. It would have been a blessed relief. A mercy killing in fact.

[Swanson]

Whoever is manager next season, and I've heard nothing to suggest that it won't be Bowyer, is going to have a massive job on their hands in the summer trying to reshape the squad whilst operating under the embargo. "Frees" and loans will be the market we are in whilst one suspects that Gestede and probably Rhodes will be away and the money used to try to get running costs reduced. Olsson, who didn't look fully fit, just about got man of the match but he is without question, for me, our 'Player of the Season' by a country mile. Henley and Olsson look a promising young full-back partnership but we badly need to strengthen in the centre of defence and in midfield. I'm hoping O'Sullivan and Lenihan will step up to the mark in midfield.

Have Lenihan been given a new contract yet? I know O'Sullivan has.

I am a little bit concerned that we are not tying up contracts for the most promising ones. I think we might gonna need them next season.

[scotchrover]

What a first half and the second hardly any better apart from a bit of huffing and puffing!! Abjectly poor and embarrassing. I can only assume this is the reaction of the entire club knowing that the game was up and the season effectively over on Tuesday night.

imo half that team are not good enough. Seems to me that Gary Bowyer has 'lost' his players. The only thing that motivates them is the FA Cup when their agents must be telling them to put a shift in cos they are in the shop window for this summer. If GB goes then so what? If GB stays then he needs to get rid of the bad players before they get rid of him. God only knows how that equates with our transfer embargo.

Todays damning verdict .

Steel, Decidedly average.

Henley, Energetic but punching at least two divisions above his weight.

Baptiste, Defensively solid and steady.

Kilgallon, Better players in the 2nd and 3rd Divisions I'm sure.

Olsson, See Henley.

Marshall, No thanks. Shambling unathletic player who doesn't bear even a passing resemblence to a professional footballer.

Taylor, On todays showing he shouldn't even get on the bench.

Spearing, First half showing was abysmal. Awful in fact and only improved ever so slightly after the break.

Brown, First time he touched the ball he showed a sublime piece of skill then turned into a carthorse till he was subbed. However I've been watching football for donkeys years and I have to say that booing helps no one improve their game.

Cairney, A lightweight in midfield who flatters to deceive. Difficult to dictate play when his teammates can't be bothered to run into space and show for the ball.

Rhodes, Completely anonymous again. Unless he's stood on the tartline waiting to profit from the graft of others he may as well be sat in the stands and today there was no graft from the others. I can only assume that GB kept him on in the slim chance of getting a penalty. 40k pw...... ffs! he's not worth 40 quid.

Spurr, Not that it's saying much but today my MoM.

Gestede, Not that it's saying much but today my second choice for MoM.

We are all waiting for the almost inevitable bombshell of the Venkys to sell up, salvage what scraps they can and shut the doors forever. HT today would have been a good time to announce it. It would have been a blessed relief. A mercy killing in fact.

I think we have to be honest though. How much of their play is organised by Bowyer. For example, I know that our full backs will be the only ones who will cross the ball in, whilst our wingers will cut inside.

I also know that Cairney and whoever his C.M. partner will pass sideways, as well as Baptiste launching it forward at every chance, if at centre back.

In addition to this, I know that our players 'sit off' when they've not got the ball. Further to this, Steele, if playing, will take a decade to decide how he's going to distribute the ball.

If me and mate see this, how easy must it be for an opposition to organise their team for, before a game?

I saddens me what's going on with Bowyer. I just wish he'd walk away, and go back to the reserves!

[Parsonblue]

Correct Sir, the performances have been nothing short of she height on a few occasions this season. Very dissapointing.

Whoever is here has a massive job on re shaping the squad? Bowyer has brought in 24 players to do that. Yet you say he deserves another season, you completely contradict yourself parsons.

Why do I contradict myself you will ask. Well because you say whichever the manager they have a big job, which suggests bowyer bringing in 24 players hasn't been great, yet you say he should stay manager.

The squad will need to be reshaped because of the number of players out of contract. I seem to recall that Derek Shaw said, in minutes of either the Fans Forum or the Action Group, that a number of players out of contract wouldn't have them renewed. Therefore there will need to be a reshaping of the squad to account for those moving on. We know Robinson, Taylor, Williamson, Kilgallon and King etc. are at the end of their contracts along with a number of the younger players. Gestede has made it clear he wants to go and I really don't see how the present gates allow us to keep paying Rhodes or anyone else £40,000 a week. Therefore, as I said, whoever is manager, and as yet there is no indication that Bowyer won't be, will have to delve into the 'Free' and 'loan' market to reshape the squad.

[Stuart]

The squad will need to be reshaped because of the number of players out of contract. I seem to recall that Derek Shaw said, in minutes of either the Fans Forum or the Action Group, that a number of players out of contract wouldn't have them renewed. Therefore there will need to be a reshaping of the squad to account for those moving on. We know Robinson, Taylor, Williamson, Kilgallon and King etc. are at the end of their contracts along with a number of the younger players. Gestede has made it clear he wants to go and I really don't see how the present gates allow us to keep paying Rhodes or anyone else £40,000 a week. Therefore, as I said, whoever is manager, and as yet there is no indication that Bowyer won't be, will have to delve into the 'Free' and 'loan' market to reshape the squad.

That being the case we need a manager who can deal in that market. Bowyer's record of freebies is poor and his ability to bring in (important) PL loan players is lacking.

[Stuart]

What a first half and the second hardly any better apart from a bit of huffing and puffing!! Abjectly poor and embarrassing. I can only assume this is the reaction of the entire club knowing that the game was up and the season effectively over on Tuesday night.

imo half that team are not good enough. Seems to me that Gary Bowyer has 'lost' his players. The only thing that motivates them is the FA Cup when their agents must be telling them to put a shift in cos they are in the shop window for this summer. If GB goes then so what? If GB stays then he needs to get rid of the bad players before they get rid of him. God only knows how that equates with our transfer embargo.

Todays damning verdict .

Steel, Decidedly average.

Henley, Energetic but punching at least two divisions above his weight.

Baptiste, Defensively solid and steady.

Kilgallon, Better players in the 2nd and 3rd Divisions I'm sure.

Olsson, See Henley.

Marshall, No thanks. Shambling unathletic player who doesn't bear even a passing resemblence to a professional footballer.

Taylor, On todays showing he shouldn't even get on the bench.

Spearing, First half showing was abysmal. Awful in fact and only improved ever so slightly after the break.

Brown, First time he touched the ball he showed a sublime piece of skill then turned into a carthorse till he was subbed. However I've been watching football for donkeys years and I have to say that booing helps no one improve their game.

Cairney, A lightweight in midfield who flatters to deceive. Difficult to dictate play when his teammates can't be bothered to run into space and show for the ball.

Rhodes, Completely anonymous again. Unless he's stood on the tartline waiting to profit from the graft of others he may as well be sat in the stands and today there was no graft from the others. I can only assume that GB kept him on in the slim chance of getting a penalty. 40k pw...... ffs! he's not worth 40 quid.

Spurr, Not that it's saying much but today my MoM.

Gestede, Not that it's saying much but today my second choice for MoM.

We are all waiting for the almost inevitable bombshell of the Venkys to sell up, salvage what scraps they can and shut the doors forever. HT today would have been a good time to announce it. It would have been a blessed relief. A mercy killing in fact.

I'm always bemused when people slate every player on such a detailed basis. If it's just this one game fair enough but some comments suggest every player isn't worthy of the job description. Ironically the one player who doesn't look like a footballer is Brown whom you've made excuses for. These same players are capable of so much more and we've seen it.

Plus you've already started your post with the fact that Bowyer has 'lost' his players. Anything after that is virtually irrelevant. A normal club would see the manager dragged into the boardroom after a performance like that. Presumably at Ewood that doesn't happen.

On another note, thankfully no-one has used this excuse as it didn't seem to affect Brighton, but the pitch is getting worse. Clearly NOTHING to do with sacking the groundsman - just another coincidence.

[AllRoverAsia]

That being the case we need a manager who can deal in that market. Bowyer's record of freebies is poor and his ability to bring in (important) PL loan players is lacking.

It would appear that Bowyer, in his form of wisdom, prefers NOT to use loan players, even those he brought in himself.

Now that is odd if not just plain stupid.

Bryan Dabo says: ''“The coach (Bowyer) was very honest; he told me he preferred to use players that he could rely on next season.”

http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/03/21/ag-former-blackburn-rovers-flop-reborn-in-return-to-montpellier/

[SIMON GARNERS 194]

Think next season, the Championship will be even tougher.

Potentially, 3 'big' city clubs coming up (Bristol, Preston & Sheffield) with 3 from Leicester, Burnley, QPR & Sunderland coming down.

With Bowyer in charge, will be a real battle to keep above the bottom 6.

The longer you stagnate in this division the harder to get out..even Burnley will have a massive advantage over us next season.

When exactly do the parachute payments dry up,is it end of this season or next?

Shyte is going to hit the fan folks!

[Waggy76]

I'm always bemused when people slate every player on such a detailed basis. If it's just this one game fair enough but some comments suggest every player isn't worthy of the job description. Ironically the one player who doesn't look like a footballer is Brown whom you've made excuses for. These same players are capable of so much more and we've seen it.

Plus you've already started your post with the fact that Bowyer has 'lost' his players. Anything after that is virtually irrelevant. A normal club would see the manager dragged into the boardroom after a performance like that. Presumably at Ewood that doesn't happen.

On another note, thankfully no-one has used this excuse as it didn't seem to affect Brighton, but the pitch is getting worse. Clearly NOTHING to do with sacking the groundsman - just another coincidence.

Berg and Appleton were sacked in quicksticks ...

Berg never even got a transfer window !

Bowyer still in situ is very odd maybe the owners have totally given up ..? Not that they were ever interested !

[Dortmund Rover 32]

Cant add much to what has already been said. Really fear for us next season unless some ambition is shown and bowyer is replaced.

[Andyblue2]

I haven't altered my view that the present manager deserves another season before a judgement is made - not a popular view I know, but one I still believe to be correct. .

Give me 3 reasons why you think it's right to keep GB.

I can give you loads in support of him going.

[Parsonblue]

Give me 3 reasons why you think it's right to keep GB.

I can give you loads in support of him going.

Fair enough Andy. For me the reasons I would keep him for next season are:

1. Two years is not enough for any manager to have changed the shambles that the club had become. This season he has still had to juggle resources to allow for Robinson, Best, Jorge, Slew and Orr to be paid even though they were clearly not part of the clubs future. With the embargo imposed he is managing with one hand tied behind his back and is certainly not on a level playing field in terms of clubs who are in position to spend in the next window.

2. He has shown a good eye for a player in the market - Gestede and Conway being good examples - without overpaying for them as Shebby did with Rhodes.

3. With the appointment of Eric to the Academy I believe that Bowyer is putting foundations in place that will give the club a good platform to build upon.

I'm a firm believer that continuity at clubs is the best way forward and that constant change leads to instability and ultimately relegation. We will finish this season in a very comfortable mid-table position with no threat of relegation. Clearly, not what we hoped for but there are four or five clubs challenging for promotion who will start next season in the Championship no matter how good a season they have had this time out. I believe that at the very least, Bowyer will keep us out of relegation trouble but that with more consistency we could be challenging for the play-offs. The embargo is going to make it difficult for whoever is manager next season. Another manager will no doubt want his own staff and own players which is simply going to add to the running costs and lengthen the time we are under an embargo. You only have to look at Wigan to see how things might have turned out here.

I know I'm in a minority with my views, but at the end of the day they are my views and whilst I respect they are not popular, it is a forum for discussing various viewpoints. I can fully understand why people want change, particularly after yesterday, but I just believe that a manager, any manager not just Bowyer, needs time.

[Andyblue2]

You just love your views not being popular though, that's the problem. Sad sad state of affairs and you seem to have driven down a cup-de-sac with your blind support for a regime that is clearly conference standard

1. Juggle resources???? Madam writes a cheque for all of them and GB doesn't have to play with them

2. His players have taken us to mid table mediocrity, so yes he has an eye for rubbish that nobody wants

3. Jobs for the boys....lower league boys.

Happy days indeed.

[47er]

[quote name="Parsonblue" post="1519364" timestamp="1426985984"

Whoever is manager next season, and I've heard nothing to suggest that it won't be Bowyer, is going to have a massive job on their hands in the summer trying to reshape the squad whilst operating under the embargo. "Frees" and loans will be the market we are in whilst one suspects that Gestede and probably Rhodes will be away and the money used to try to get running costs reduced. Olsson, who didn't look fully fit, just about got man of the match but he is without question, for me, our 'Player of the Season' by a country mile. Henley and Olsson look a promising young full-back partnership but we badly need to strengthen in the centre of defence and in midfield. I'm hoping O'Sullivan and Lenihan will step up to the mark in midfield.

I haven't altered my view that the present manager deserves another season before a judgement is made - not a popular view I know, but one I still believe to be correct.

I thought we were "a work in progress" and that we just needed "one or two additions to the squad next season"?

I said at the time you posted that guff that it would not be that way but you weren't having it.

And if a "massive" reshaping of the squad is necessary, what on earth has Bowyer been doing for 2 years?

Building up the squad you have argued!

Its simple, no matter what the results or performance, you just want Bowyer to continue in the job. Its perverse.

If we are a work in progress its moving at the speed of a glacier and neither you nor I will be around to see it.

[Athlete]

Fair enough Andy. For me the reasons I would keep him for next season are:

1. Two years is not enough for any manager to have changed the shambles that the club had become. This season he has still had to juggle resources to allow for Robinson, Best, Jorge, Slew and Orr to be paid even though they were clearly not part of the clubs future. With the embargo imposed he is managing with one hand tied behind his back and is certainly not on a level playing field in terms of clubs who are in position to spend in the next window.

2. He has shown a good eye for a player in the market - Gestede and Conway being good examples - without overpaying for them as Shebby did with Rhodes.

3. With the appointment of Eric to the Academy I believe that Bowyer is putting foundations in place that will give the club a good platform to build upon.

I'm a firm believer that continuity at clubs is the best way forward and that constant change leads to instability and ultimately relegation. We will finish this season in a very comfortable mid-table position with no threat of relegation. Clearly, not what we hoped for but there are four or five clubs challenging for promotion who will start next season in the Championship no matter how good a season they have had this time out. I believe that at the very least, Bowyer will keep us out of relegation trouble but that with more consistency we could be challenging for the play-offs. The embargo is going to make it difficult for whoever is manager next season. Another manager will no doubt want his own staff and own players which is simply going to add to the running costs and lengthen the time we are under an embargo. You only have to look at Wigan to see how things might have turned out here.

I know I'm in a minority with my views, but at the end of the day they are my views and whilst I respect they are not popular, it is a forum for discussing various viewpoints. I can fully understand why people want change, particularly after yesterday, but I just believe that a manager, any manager not just Bowyer, needs time.

He's had way too much time.. Plus our finances don't have time on there side

[arbitro]

Fair enough Andy. For me the reasons I would keep him for next season are:

1. Two years is not enough for any manager to have changed the shambles that the club had become. This season he has still had to juggle resources to allow for Robinson, Best, Jorge, Slew and Orr to be paid even though they were clearly not part of the clubs future. With the embargo imposed he is managing with one hand tied behind his back and is certainly not on a level playing field in terms of clubs who are in position to spend in the next window.

2. He has shown a good eye for a player in the market - Gestede and Conway being good examples - without overpaying for them as Shebby did with Rhodes.

3. With the appointment of Eric to the Academy I believe that Bowyer is putting foundations in place that will give the club a good platform to build upon.

I'm a firm believer that continuity at clubs is the best way forward and that constant change leads to instability and ultimately relegation. We will finish this season in a very comfortable mid-table position with no threat of relegation. Clearly, not what we hoped for but there are four or five clubs challenging for promotion who will start next season in the Championship no matter how good a season they have had this time out. I believe that at the very least, Bowyer will keep us out of relegation trouble but that with more consistency we could be challenging for the play-offs. The embargo is going to make it difficult for whoever is manager next season. Another manager will no doubt want his own staff and own players which is simply going to add to the running costs and lengthen the time we are under an embargo. You only have to look at Wigan to see how things might have turned out here.

I know I'm in a minority with my views, but at the end of the day they are my views and whilst I respect they are not popular, it is a forum for discussing various viewpoints. I can fully understand why people want change, particularly after yesterday, but I just believe that a manager, any manager not just Bowyer, needs time.

I respect your stance and credit to you for this. But notwithstanding your points above do you think Bowyer has what it takes in respect of tactical acumen, motivational skills, man-management skills and a plethora of other pretty much standard management requirements to succeed?

[Stuart]

Fair enough Andy. For me the reasons I would keep him for next season are:

1. Two years is not enough for any manager to have changed the shambles that the club had become. This season he has still had to juggle resources to allow for Robinson, Best, Jorge, Slew and Orr to be paid even though they were clearly not part of the clubs future. With the embargo imposed he is managing with one hand tied behind his back and is certainly not on a level playing field in terms of clubs who are in position to spend in the next window.

2. He has shown a good eye for a player in the market - Gestede and Conway being good examples - without overpaying for them as Shebby did with Rhodes.

3. With the appointment of Eric to the Academy I believe that Bowyer is putting foundations in place that will give the club a good platform to build upon.

I'm a firm believer that continuity at clubs is the best way forward and that constant change leads to instability and ultimately relegation. We will finish this season in a very comfortable mid-table position with no threat of relegation. Clearly, not what we hoped for but there are four or five clubs challenging for promotion who will start next season in the Championship no matter how good a season they have had this time out. I believe that at the very least, Bowyer will keep us out of relegation trouble but that with more consistency we could be challenging for the play-offs. The embargo is going to make it difficult for whoever is manager next season. Another manager will no doubt want his own staff and own players which is simply going to add to the running costs and lengthen the time we are under an embargo. You only have to look at Wigan to see how things might have turned out here.

I know I'm in a minority with my views, but at the end of the day they are my views and whilst I respect they are not popular, it is a forum for discussing various viewpoints. I can fully understand why people want change, particularly after yesterday, but I just believe that a manager, any manager not just Bowyer, needs time.

1. Two years (plus change) is more time that 90% of football managers in the professional game. If people can't handle those terms they need to change their occupation. It is a sport which demands success and punishes failure. For players, supporters, managers and, ultimately, clubs.

2. Another dig at Rhodes, one of the few players who performs - or did perform until Bowyer reinvented his game by demanding 'different things' then goals. He is the only player in the team now how wasn't hand-picked or hand-reared by Bowyer so no surprise he is singled out.

You said yourself that the manager next year will have to use the loan and freebie market, yet you champion his 'prowess' in the transfer market by citing examples where he has spent money that we aren't going to have prior to an embargo that the whole club knew was coming.

3. The academy appointment, if you can call it that, was an in-house promotion. Epitomising the zero ambition of the club and the cosy environment that seems to be being adopted.

Where was the time for Berg? Not one transfer window and interference behind the scenes from people who have since left the club, creating a pseudo-stability for Bowyer to claim for his own. If Gary was not your friend, I don't believe you would have these views.

[Tom]

When we signed Spearing Bolton fans said he has two great games then is terrible. That seems to be the case but I imagine a real is already in place to sign him.

[JBiz]

If Gary was not your friend, I don't believe you would have these views.

Pointless adding this on because it's just a personal comment. Like me saying you must be JR's uncle since you defend him all time.

Shame really cos much of what you say is fair comment.

Problem is, it's just lacking that foresight many exhibit. Regardless of PBs reason, I can give you 3/4/5 however many you want reasons for sticking with GB.

Granted it's now got to the stage where I can't see us moving forward under him- I think that's a reflection of the way this club is now run.

The one big reason why GB should remain next year in my eyes, is that I don't want a complex novice or another "berg" (who despite many claims on here didn't get enough time, he won 1 game in 10 with a squad arguably twice as good as this one, or at least twice as expensive)

That's what we will get. Find me the logic or evidence that says it's not going to be another internal promotion that smacks of a lack of aspiration or care.

[Rover_Shaun]

I'm not worried about relegation Abbey. Never have been.

Neither was Mr Kean