[Archived] Survey: Does Gary Bowyer have your backing?

[JBiz]

to feed information back to Pune.

Why use the media when Kean was the only manager we've had with a direct communication and relationship with them? Surely he didn't need the media when he was visiting and telling them "his version of events".

If GB is using the media for this (even though I highly doubt that they read a local UK newspaper), wouldn't that make him completely different in his approach?

Your mixed up toppers, it's all the "mammarys" - if GB was so "Kean-esque", why hasn't he had us 3rd in the table, like you love to remind us Kean did.

Only someone who has no memory, or didn't watch games, or read interviews, listen to radio etc could compare the two.

Both might be over promoted, out of depth and not good enough, but only one completely ripped this club off on purpose. I personally feel that comparing him to anyone is forgetting what an absolute criminal he was.

[roverandout]

Millions to spend? Don't talk like a tit, when have they spent millions? I said it was all relative to where rovers are and where Swansea are, i wont even try and explain it to u as i will be wasting my time

[Amo]

Why use the media when Kean was the only manager we've had with a direct communication and relationship with them? Surely he didn't need the media when he was visiting and telling them "his version of events".

If GB is using the media for this (even though I highly doubt that they read a local UK newspaper), wouldn't that make him completely different in his approach?

Your mixed up toppers, it's all the "mammarys" - if GB was so "Kean-esque", why hasn't he had us 3rd in the table, like you love to remind us Kean did.

Only someone who has no memory, or didn't watch games, or read interviews, listen to radio etc could compare the two.

Both might be over promoted, out of depth and not good enough, but only one completely ripped this club off on purpose. I personally feel that comparing him to anyone is forgetting what an absolute criminal he was.

I said his comments are Kean-esque. What part of that are you struggling with?

And they are. Wasn't Kean also fond of reminding us about the resale value of the squad? Do you think that was for the fan's benefit?

[RevidgeBlue]

i'm sure they know what the results on the pitch are, and what the players are worth.

Also, if selling Gestede for £7m gets us out of the embargo then i'm sure 'most fans' will be delighted. If it does then buying Gestede for £250k and selling him for £7m becomes very important. It's a lot easier getting results when you're able to spend a little money on players...Gestede, again, being the perfect example. Whether you like or not we've been hamstrung in the last two windows by only being able to bring in the likes of Brown and Varney, while other clubs in our league have spent big money. This summer will probably be even worse. Try blaming the people responsible (Kean/ Anderson/Venky's) for lumbering the club with overpaid dross and a transfer embargo, rather than blaming the man who has had to pick up the pieces.

Perhaps GB would have had more room for manoeuvre had he not brought in the likes of Varney, Brown a 6th keeper at the Club and P. Taylor.

Can't help wishing we had Ken Furphy in charge for next season. There'd be no whinging about our budget or perceived lack thereof it'd be up and down the motorway scouring the length and breadth of the country for new players, ten out, six or seven in on a relative shoestring and steady progression thereafter.

Instead we seem intent on plodding on with the same formula that has failed two seasons in a row expecting something to miraculously change.

The definition of insanity as Einstein would have put it.

[blueboy3333]

Millions to spend? Don't talk like a tit, when have they spent millions? I said it was all relative to where rovers are and where Swansea are, i wont even try and explain it to u as i will be wasting my time

Gylfi Sigurdsson cost £9m for a start and i'm pretty sure Gomis isn't on ten bob a week.

You won't explain it cos you can't. It was a terrible analogy. no wonder you've resulted to insults. Talking like a tit indeed.

Perhaps GB would have had more room for manoeuvre had he not brought in the likes of Varney, Brown a 6th keeper at the Club and P. Taylor.

Can't help wishing we had Ken Furphy in charge for next season. There'd be no whinging about our budget or perceived lack thereof it'd be up and down the motorway scouring the length and breadth of the country for new players, ten out, six or seven in on a relative shoestring and steady progression thereafter.

Instead we seem intent on plodding on with the same formula that has failed two seasons in a row expecting something to miraculously change.

The definition of insanity as Einstein would have put it.

no he wouldn't, he'd still be limited to paying a max of £10k a week. That was what the article was about.

[scotty_beam_me_up]

Nothing wrong with selling players on for a profit but you have to have ready made replacements either from the youth team or from your scouting network.

Now due to FFP we wont be able to bring anyone of quality in. More worrying is that given we were playing for nothing at the end of the season GB didn't blood some young players from the youth team.

[patrickvalery]

I said his comments are Kean-esque. What part of that are you struggling with?

And they are. Wasn't Kean also fond of reminding us about the resale value of the squad? Do you think that was for the fan's benefit?

But one was telling porkies and one isn't. Bowyer has raised player values and I don't see the harm in selling that point in the press. Although I do think there's more than a touch of self preservation in his comments, I also think it's a case of him speaking directly to one or two targets through the media. Let's be honest here, there aren't many players who wouldn't want to raise their value. Because the more that rises the more their bank balance does too. All that article says to me is our recruitment is proving a lot more difficult than the club thought it would be.

[chaddyrovers]

How much are they paying Gomis in wages? Around 80k I believe. Also didnt buy Bony for around 12 mil plus 9 mil for Sigurdsson?

[Tom]

Got to be honest with every interview GB does I become less likely to renew my season ticket.

Genuinely hope I have a change of heart though

[tomphil]

We know it's tough but we need some tough hard headed management and drive to ensure we get the best out of it. Forest have already found a way around it to snare a decent player. Bowyer talks as if we'd be signing 20k per week players if it wasn't for the FFP, very much doubt that. The other week he was saying promotion was the only aim next season, at this rate he'll be hoisting the white flag before July

[Bucksrover]

I must admit Bowyer really does take the 'managing expectations' approach to extremes. We know about the FFP constraints. He could be talking up the prospects of youth players breaking through.

Mind you, compared to some posters on here Bowyer is positively bullish.

[tomphil]

Compared to the excitement that was around this time last year then I think it's fair to say he and the rest of them have certainly finally got the expectation levels down to zero. Whilst we don't want the positive delusional excrement it would help if there was a bit of bullishness and a few signs that they and the owners have a flicker of ambition left in them.

[mustard]

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/rovers/news/12969492.Gary_Bowyer__Blackburn_Rovers_will_be_priced_out_of_the_market_at_times_this_summer/?ref=mac

Here's the story for those who haven't read the article. Bowyer's bemoaning FFP (fair enough) and saying that players who come will have to come for the club/facilities/improvement rather than money (again, fair enough)

Damn him for trying to sell the club to potential recruits. Oh for those halycon days when we signed players like Best and Orr just because we could pay the biggest wages.

strawman, as you like to say.

The talk of improving the players is the main issue for me. Don't get me wrong, the constant piping on about FFP (which we had yonks to prepare for) is tedious at best, but it's the situation we're in and is a major point which makes it difficult for any manager. However, I would argue it's a convenient excuse for last season's failings, especially since Bowyer managed to bring in over 20 players and spent over £3mill before the embargo kicked in.

As for the "improving player values" argument. I'd argue that of the 20+ players he's brought in, only Gestede, Kilgallon and Olsson have genuinely improved and increased their value. I couldn't see anyone paying over £1mill for Marshall (despite some claiming he's worth so much) or over £850k for Evans, figures which Bowyer spent. The vast majority of the values of most players have either remained unchanged throughout Bowyer's tenure or dropped IMO. It's a daft point to keep going back to, especially since most young players will see their values increase as they mature. That's not something unique to GB and his coaching staff, especially since most players look worse than they did when they arrived.

Don't get me wrong, Gestede was a phenomenal signing. However, take Rudy out of the equation and I think we'd probably lose money or break even at best if we cashed in on the rest of Bowyer's signings and compared the resale value to how much they came in for. Considering some of you defending GB cite Gestede, Olsson and Kilgallon as proof Bowyer is improving players and their values, yet conveniently omit countless other players/signings that have lined up for the club in the last two and a half years (presumably because you'd readily agree they haven't improved), does that not say a lot about his management?

[ABBEY]

then you'd call him a quitter. He can't win with the likes of you

The like of me ? You really are an arrogant idiot

[DavidMailsTightPerm]

I must admit Bowyer really does take the 'managing expectations' approach to extremes. We know about the FFP constraints. He could be talking up the prospects of youth players breaking through.

Mind you, compared to some posters on here Bowyer is positively bullish.

Totally agree with this - why not spin it to say we would be looking to our emerging youth talent anyway - Cup Finalists - Lenihan, Sullivan, Raya all first team squad now, a few more with potential following through - limits need for purchases anyway - excited to see youth etc etc. It ain't rocket science - and might help sell a few season tickets - which constantly moaning about FFP restrictions won't.

As with others a bit sick of the constant reference to player values - though Bowyer has done well on a small budget - I struggle to think of a player that he brought in who we have sold on for a huge profit since he took over (Judge possibly got us a few £100k). Until we sell these players - they are worth nothing.

[Kamy100]

The playoff final yesterday illustrated the difference between a decent manager and a good manager at this level. Gary is a decent manager, he has bought stability to the club and barring a complete collapse he will more or less guarantee a mid-table finish most season in the championship.

Now to the difference between a decent manager such as Gary and a good manager in Alex Neil. Norwich played Boro a couple of weeks ago at Carrow Road, it was game that they needed to win but ended up losing 1-0. Boro were able to limit Norwich’s attacking threat relatively easily that day and looked very dangerous, that day Neil’s gameplan was to keep things very narrow and compact, it didn’t work as Boro were able to maintain their defensive shape and with their quick strikers constantly spinning into wide positions they were very dangerous on the break as they stretched Norwich’s narrow shape left and right.

Yesterday Neil had learnt from that mistake, he had completely ripped up his gameplan and decided that he would stretch Boro by playing 2 out and out widemen and get his full backs forward all the time, constantly play the ball wide when possible and try to switch play quickly if the opportunity arose , he also decided to play Cameron as a lone front man, but not as a target man, instead they played the ball into his feet and asked him to turn Boro’s slow central defenders. This complete rethink in tactics worked a treat. They completely disrupted Boro’s excellent defensive organisation/shape and in the end won the game relatively easily.

So I ask you the question, do you think that Gary would have that kind of tactical flexibility? I don’t think that he will, he has his way of playing and his approach is very inflexible, his approach will though in most season almost guarantee a mid-table finish but is not likely to lead to a serious top 6 challenge, for some fans that is enough and I respect that viewpoint. For me though the managers who have got teams promoted in recent years (Howe, Dyche, Neil, Jakanovic and Pearson) are tactical astute, flexible in their approach and get able to get the players to buy into their vision. Over the last 2 years I have not seen Gary show those traits.

[DE.]

If we lose Rhodes and Gestede I think you're being wildly optimistic about a guaranteed mid-table finish.

[den]

The only part of your post that I disagree with Kamy, is the first paragraph. Bowyer can't guarantee anything. Things can - and do - go tits up very quickly. From experience, once you stop going forwards, you go backwards.

If managers could guarantee safety, no one would get relegated.

[Damien]

I must admit Bowyer really does take the 'managing expectations' approach to extremes. We know about the FFP constraints. He could be talking up the prospects of youth players breaking through.

Mind you, compared to some posters on here Bowyer is positively bullish.

Actually that would be a great approach... Talk up what we already have, talk about the youth and how we should be behind those lads!

I would much rather hear positives coming from ewood that the alternative! Yes we know FFP sucks but we do have a good youth system to tap into! We should celebrate that.

Good shout bucks

[AggyBlue]

Yesterday Neil had learnt from that mistake,

I think he got a bit of luck. Boro made a very nervous and over cautious start, it took them twenty minutes to settle into the game.

As i watched it unfold I thought to myself that this is how Rovers would have started under Bowyer.

[EgyptianPete]

The only part of your post that I disagree with Kamy, is the first paragraph. Bowyer can't guarantee anything. Things can - and do - go tits up very quickly. From experience, once you stop going forwards, you go backwards.

If managers could guarantee safety, no one would get relegated.

Bottom line here is that Bowyer has dumbed down the team over the last two transfer windows imo, we were not under an embargo this time last year but look who he brought in, for one Brown no matter how much he huffs and puffs is no where near good enough yet Bowyer gives him high praise and puts him in the team ahead of other far better players, some of his signings were terrible out of the twenty players he has now you could discard 6 and we would not miss them, as for mentioning FFP that's his excuse to madame in pune.

[windymiller7]

Nothing wrong with selling players on for a profit but you have to have ready made replacements either from the youth team or from your scouting network.

Now due to FFP we wont be able to bring anyone of quality in. More worrying is that given we were playing for nothing at the end of the season GB didn't blood some young players from the youth team.

I covered this in a previous thread - If GB had allowed our younger players more game time, they would've been classed as 'Established' players under FFP (5No starts achieves this). This would mean that for next season their inclusion in the squad would use up some of the 24No places for established players. As it is, with less than 5No starts, they can be 'in addition' to the 24, thus allowing us extra squad numbers.

I am, obviously, assuming that this actually occurred to someone within the echelons of Ewood and it didn't happen by accident.

Ironically, I've heard that Varney isn't classed as an established player due to his lack of first team starts and not his ability. So at least him being here doesn't hamper someone else being brought in (in terms of numbers).

[ABBEY]

I covered this in a previous thread - If GB had allowed our younger players more game time, they would've been classed as 'Established' players under FFP (5No starts achieves this). This would mean that for next season their inclusion in the squad would use up some of the 24No places for established players. As it is, with less than 5No starts, they can be 'in addition' to the 24, thus allowing us extra squad numbers.

I am, obviously, assuming that this actually occurred to someone within the echelons of Ewood and it didn't happen by accident.

Ironically, I've heard that Varney isn't classed as an established player due to his lack of first team starts and not his ability. So at least him being here doesn't hamper someone else being brought in (in terms of numbers).

pure fluke id imagine. Remember these cretins are confused and didn't know about relegation.

[windymiller7]

pure fluke id imagine. Remember these cretins are confused and didn't know about relegation.

That's my thinking too Abs. Hence why I felt the need to clarify my previous paragraph.

[Stuart]

Actually that would be a great approach... Talk up what we already have, talk about the youth and how we should be behind those lads!

I would much rather hear positives coming from ewood that the alternative! Yes we know FFP sucks but we do have a good youth system to tap into! We should celebrate that.

Good shout bucks

The last three games of the season were absolutely prime to showcase some of our youth. No pressure, nothing to play for and a chance for Bowyer to have a look at them alongside better players. But once again caution ruled. In my view he needed to aim for those points so he had something to take to India.

He took lads out of a cup final to have them on the bench. His speed of progress is glacial. Burnley have overtaken us and Preston have caught up.

But it could be worse!