JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW

[Give 'Em the Axe]

6 hours ago, S8 & Blue said:

I've decided to keep mentioning John Marquis until it gets annoying like I did Marcus Maddison last window. I think the rumours came from me wanting him so much, sorry.

Anyway, I've got a new bae. So here we go.

Good age, lot to prove, focal point and a "street fighter" like DG, good eye for goal, good attitude, he deserves and I'm sure will get a shot at a higher level.

It'll take a couple of mill but he'd bag a few.

Hear hear!

Yeah I was really hoping for the Marquis signing during the summer. Really liked what I saw of him last season. Bit of a warrior, like.

[Nesnajttam]

I'm happy with TMs signings since promotion from league 1.. They all will make a contribution in the longer term.. Whatever he does in January, he has my total backing..

[Paul Mani]

7 hours ago, roversfan99 said:

Absolutely no suggestion that he will get rid of 3 of his favourites (Evans, Smallwood and Williams) any time soon.

He has a striker to directly challenge Graham, a very expensive one who in his last 2 cameos has shown promise. Centre back has to be prioritised.

I’m not saying there has been a suggestion. I just look at the likes of Reed Davenport and the likes of Travis etc and think that if we strengthen further in that area then those players (Smallwood / Evans) will have to move down the pecking order or on...

He’s already said that he sees Brereton as a wide forward and at 19 obv doesn’t see him as a CF yet.

I don’t get the CB argument. We’ve got 5 of them and aren’t conceding lots of goals. So why do we need another?

[JacknOry]

1 hour ago, Paul Mani said:

I’m not saying there has been a suggestion. I just look at the likes of Reed Davenport and the likes of Travis etc and think that if we strengthen further in that area then those players (Smallwood / Evans) will have to move down the pecking order or on...

He’s already said that he sees Brereton as a wide forward and at 19 obv doesn’t see him as a CF yet.

I don’t get the CB argument. We’ve got 5 of them and aren’t conceding lots of goals. So why do we need another?

Specialised centre back.

I would say we need Williams at LB as Bell has not been performing great of late. Downing he obviously does not feel is good enough at this level and Rodwell is more CM material really and has only just started playing a few games at CB. Mulgrew and Lenihan are both known for picking up regular knocks as well.

It has also been noted we could do with a big, ugly no nonsense defender and I would assume that is why we wanted Bauer. 

 

[Mattyblue]

I’ve been impressed with Williams every time I’m seen him at centre back, certainly an option, but then you’d have to play Bell at LB, who seems to be regressing.

[Paul Mani]

1 hour ago, JacknOry said:

Specialised centre back.

I would say we need Williams at LB as Bell has not been performing great of late. Downing he obviously does not feel is good enough at this level and Rodwell is more CM material really and has only just started playing a few games at CB. Mulgrew and Lenihan are both known for picking up regular knocks as well.

It has also been noted we could do with a big, ugly no nonsense defender and I would assume that is why we wanted Bauer. 

 

We wanted Bauer but ended up with Rodwell who the manager had insisted time and time again he sees as a CB. I am completely happy with Rodwell so far. Williams plays for his country in that position...and I’ve never heard the manager say he wants a big, ugly CB. In fact, no one wants big ugly CB’s these days...We’ve had injuries in this position and covered them. I can’t see us looking at that position mate.

[blueboy3333]

5 hours ago, bluebruce said:

Yeh so they went and signed a player afterwards that they knew would be ahead of him in the pecking order when it was too late for us to back out. They're also shoving a centre mid in there. I stand by my earlier comments.

I'm not disputing any of that. Back up sista!

[bluebruce]

9 minutes ago, blueboy3333 said:

I'm not disputing any of that. Back up sista!

Was more referring to Tom's comments earlier, where he tried to contain my angry ramblings, girlfriend.

[blueboy3333]

Just now, bluebruce said:

Was more referring to Tom's comments earlier, where he tried to contain my angry ramblings, girlfriend.

You is kray kray.

[bluebruce]

Just now, blueboy3333 said:

You is kray kray.

Absolutely. Kray twins.

[roversfan99]

6 hours ago, bluebruce said:

Yeh so they went and signed a player afterwards that they knew would be ahead of him in the pecking order when it was too late for us to back out. They're also shoving a centre mid in there. I stand by my earlier comments.

To play devils advocate and put the shoe on the other foot, would you have a similar desire to develop a young loanee if he was here from another club?

Look at Palmer for example. We signed him as well as Rothwell and Armstrong, and his game time has diminished as a result. Chelsea could have the same complaints of us as we do of Lincoln.

Think the best bet mind you is to recall him in January and loan him out to someone lower down in League 2.

3 hours ago, Paul Mani said:

I’m not saying there has been a suggestion. I just look at the likes of Reed Davenport and the likes of Travis etc and think that if we strengthen further in that area then those players (Smallwood / Evans) will have to move down the pecking order or on...

He’s already said that he sees Brereton as a wide forward and at 19 obv doesn’t see him as a CF yet.

I don’t get the CB argument. We’ve got 5 of them and aren’t conceding lots of goals. So why do we need another?

We have 3 natural centre backs, one of whom is seemingly not up to standard in Downing, clearly in the managers eyes too hence his reluctance to use him. Id move him on personally. The other 2 are more than capable but injury prone.

In regards to Williams, I prefer him at left back in his natural role especially as I think that Bell is not of the required standard to play anything but a bit part role.

Rodwell has had the odd cameo at centre back but has looked good in midfield (seemed a class apart at Bolton) and for me he could play a key role in becoming better technically on the ball through midfield as Mowbray has discussed. We need to be more creative from open play, we have played the most long balls in the division and have only scored 5 in 9 home league games from open play.

Whilst im not saying that Williams and Rodwell's versatility may not prove useful on occasion, a natural centre back would not only leave us only relying on square pegs in round holes very much as a last resort, but it will allow 2 players to consistently be available in their natural positions where they are key.

Without going over old ground Brereton impressed at Forest central, struggled wide there, and even here in the last 2 games has been more central and far more effective. I would like to see him played there as an alternative to Graham.

[tomphil]

Wharton is obviously not cutting the mustard at the moment that's why he's not getting in or maybe they have another who's suddenly hit form and is unexpectedly better.

I've had issue in the past at Rovers were we.ve had loans in and just seemingly found them places in the team despite not really being on form but presumably we've promised their clubs a certain number of appearances so no issue with Wharton not playing although it's disappointing but the experience of being involved will still do him good.

[JacknOry]

2 hours ago, Paul Mani said:

We wanted Bauer but ended up with Rodwell who the manager had insisted time and time again he sees as a CB. I am completely happy with Rodwell so far. Williams plays for his country in that position...and I’ve never heard the manager say he wants a big, ugly CB. In fact, no one wants big ugly CB’s these days...We’ve had injuries in this position and covered them. I can’t see us looking at that position mate.

Agree, I have been impressed with Rodwell in both positions and should be snapped up on a longer deal. Still feel he is better in midfield but perhaps he will grow more into CB the more he plays.

Disagree, TM might not have said it himself but it is something we lack a little of. A towering defender that gets his head to everything at the back.

I think we will look at that position and do feel we need to strengthen there a little, Williams has played well there when called upon admittedly but then that would mean we should definitely look for another LB. Cannot see a place for Downing, barely even makes the bench these days.

 

[chaddyrovers]

1 hour ago, roversfan99 said:

 

We have 3 natural centre backs, one of whom is seemingly not up to standard in Downing, clearly in the managers eyes too hence his reluctance to use him. Id move him on personally. The other 2 are more than capable but injury prone.

In regards to Williams, I prefer him at left back in his natural role especially as I think that Bell is not of the required standard to play anything but a bit part role.

Rodwell has had the odd cameo at centre back but has looked good in midfield (seemed a class apart at Bolton) and for me he could play a key role in becoming better technically on the ball through midfield as Mowbray has discussed. We need to be more creative from open play, we have played the most long balls in the division and have only scored 5 in 9 home league games from open play.

Whilst im not saying that Williams and Rodwell's versatility may not prove useful on occasion, a natural centre back would not only leave us only relying on square pegs in round holes very much as a last resort, but it will allow 2 players to consistently be available in their natural positions where they are key.

Without going over old ground Brereton impressed at Forest central, struggled wide there, and even here in the last 2 games has been more central and far more effective. I would like to see him played there as an alternative to Graham.

for Williams is better suited to playing centre back when Mulgrew isn't playing and gives us the natural balance at centre back of one right foot and left foot. 

Rodwell has played mainly defence for us. We are very well stocked in centre midfield with Evans, Smallwood, Reed, Davenport, Bennett, Rothwell

[Bigdoggsteel]

On a new deal for Evans 

https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17239131.rovers-fans-jury-on-a-potential-new-deal-for-corry-evans/?ref=mac 

The last line from that Tom guy is interesting. I would say that is the last place we need to worry about 

I would be happy to see him sign a new deal, but do feel that the middle of midfield is a place we need to strengthen, if we are to view ourselves as play-off chasers in the coming seasons.

[JacknOry]

4 minutes ago, Bigdoggsteel said:

On a new deal for Evans 

https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17239131.rovers-fans-jury-on-a-potential-new-deal-for-corry-evans/?ref=mac 

The last line from that Tom guy is interesting. I would say that is the last place we need to worry about 

I would be happy to see him sign a new deal, but do feel that the middle of midfield is a place we need to strengthen, if we are to view ourselves as play-off chasers in the coming seasons.

Quite, we are certainly well stocked there. Unless he just means longterm we will need to improve on a Smallwood, Evans pairing at some point. Even then I would argue we could do that with what we have right now. Reed, Bennett, Rothwell, Rodwell and Davenport, with Travis too - not like we going to be signing N'Golo Kante anytime soon.

[JHRover]

I agree that central midfield is an area we need to strengthen in coming seasons. At the moment we are well stocked, but that's with Reed who is only here until the summer, Evans who is out of contract in the summer, and Rodwell who is out of contract in the summer. Both Evans and Rodwell have long histories of injuries which thankfully haven't been an issue really this season.

But it isn't beyond the realms of possibility that come June we'll have no Rodwell or Reed, and perhaps even Evans if his deal isn't sorted. For me question marks remain on Smallwood. Don't think there's any intention of playing Bennett there regularly. Rothwell still an unknown quantity certainly starting games at this level. Davenport, well who knows what's going on there and what that one's all about.

Really you need at least 4 natural CMs who are up to it. At the moment we have that, just about, but that hinges upon Evans and Rodwell keeping themselves fit.

Agree it isn't a priority at this moment in time, but it could be come the summer.

[roversfan99]

39 minutes ago, chaddyrovers said:

for Williams is better suited to playing centre back when Mulgrew isn't playing and gives us the natural balance at centre back of one right foot and left foot. 

Rodwell has played mainly defence for us. We are very well stocked in centre midfield with Evans, Smallwood, Reed, Davenport, Bennett, Rothwell

The problem is that as soon as you move Williams to be a centre back, for example if Mulgrew is out for say a month, you are doubly stretched in that we only have one left back, the unimpressive Bell. What do we do if Bell and Mulgrew both get injured? If we see Williams as a centre back (which we shouldnt) then we would need a better left back. Need another body.

Bennett and Rothwell are not central midfielders in a 2. Rodwell as I said above can be key for us if we want to stop being such a long ball team and create far more chances from open play. That has to be the next stage in our development and one Mowbray has mentioned. 

[chaddyrovers]

11 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

The problem is that as soon as you move Williams to be a centre back, for example if Mulgrew is out for say a month, you are doubly stretched in that we only have one left back, the unimpressive Bell. What do we do if Bell and Mulgrew both get injured? If we see Williams as a centre back (which we shouldnt) then we would need a better left back. Need another body.

Bennett and Rothwell are not central midfielders in a 2. Rodwell as I said above can be key for us if we want to stop being such a long ball team and create far more chances from open play. That has to be the next stage in our development and one Mowbray has mentioned. 

Bell has been decent enough for me, and I like Bell there in home games. 

Injuries happened and no point panicking about it. 

Bennett has proved he can play centre midfield as he has proved a number of times. You spent ages saying Rothwell was centre midfielder when I said he could play there and wide. I do feel Rothwell best position could well be the number 10 role and if Dack does go I feel he would be the natural replacement 

[Oldgregg86]

Would it not make sense to loan downing out and recall wharton as a back up if he's hardly playing. 

I think he could cut it at championship level. The Lincoln fan sees him as good enough. 

If we are building a young side for the future then surly we should be giving young players from our academy a chance. Rodwell, Williams and mulgrew are all experienced to play along side and darragh isn't a pup anymore. 

Darragh has broken in and nymabe with success and from what I've seen Scott is better than those two where at the same stage in their career.

If we can call upon downing when needed then I don't see any harm in bedding Scott in. Coming off the bench the way brereton does in games we are in control of and the fa cup is coming up.

We all remember what happened to o Connell and he would be in our squad with ease. Scott situation is very similar imo

Edited November 22, 2018 by Oldgregg86

[Fraserkirky]

Davenport is suppose to be a player, and then the young Paulikis kid is a centre midfielder too I believe. Travis will never get a crack.

 

Edited November 22, 2018 by Fraserkirky

[BlackburnEnd75]

1 hour ago, roversfan99 said:

The problem is that as soon as you move Williams to be a centre back, for example if Mulgrew is out for say a month, you are doubly stretched in that we only have one left back, the unimpressive Bell. What do we do if Bell and Mulgrew both get injured? If we see Williams as a centre back (which we shouldnt) then we would need a better left back. Need another body.

Bennett and Rothwell are not central midfielders in a 2. Rodwell as I said above can be key for us if we want to stop being such a long ball team and create far more chances from open play. That has to be the next stage in our development and one Mowbray has mentioned. 

Williams in my view could be a decent centre back for us, he's also a good option off the bench and would suit as a 3rd centre back. I don't particularly rate him at left back, then again Bell hasn't really nailed down that spot when he's had the chance and in some ways has regressed. In some ways Bell is a bit of an enigma and he's not quite the player I expected we would sign, i'd give him chance till the end of the season to nail that spot down, as i've seen enough off Williams to know he's not good enough (although a steady performer) for a promotion chasing team.

Your spot on when you say the next evolution of this team is to more of a passing team and away from being a long ball team. I think we have the centre backs who are good on the ball its then about getting the more technical players in the team. Signing Reed on a permanent would be massive for us, he has the hardworking ethos but also has that touch of quality. I can't see Rothwell playing Centre Mid regularly as he's not disciplined enough to do it and it may stifle his natural instinct to go at people, maybe if we played 3 centre mids. Bennett has done well most times he's played centre mid but I don't think you'd want him as first choice in there. Davenport could end up being that player for us, but we won't know till he gets fit and gets a run of games. We are in a situation where as it stands our Centre mid options next season are: Smallwood, Bennett, Davenport, Rothwell(at a push) but I think centre mid can wait until the summer. 

The other part of that evolution is who the main striker will be next season, Armstrong, Brereton or someone new cause obviously that will affect our build up play and how Dack plays whether its more of a second striker as he is now or as a more of a playmaking no.10.

[bluebruce]

32 minutes ago, BlackburnEnd75 said:

 

The other part of that evolution is who the main striker will be next season, Armstrong, Brereton or someone new cause obviously that will affect our build up play and how Dack plays whether its more of a second striker as he is now or as a more of a playmaking no.10.

I wouldn't start thinking about plans involving Dack for next season. I'd be astonished if he is still with us by then (past the summer windows anyway) unless we get promoted.

[bluebruce]

5 hours ago, roversfan99 said:

To play devils advocate and put the shoe on the other foot, would you have a similar desire to develop a young loanee if he was here from another club?

Look at Palmer for example. We signed him as well as Rothwell and Armstrong, and his game time has diminished as a result. Chelsea could have the same complaints of us as we do of Lincoln.

Think the best bet mind you is to recall him in January and loan him out to someone lower down in League 2.

I (think) I more or less admitted in an earlier post I'd possibly feel different if the shoe were on the other foot, but it ain't. We've lost a half season (if we recall him) of development for a lad we fully expected, and were probably told, would be a regular starter and had the option of this bit part role (or better) at a higher level. Not saying they should be obliged to play him if he isn't one of the best two centre halves they have, but I feel we and Scott have been missold on this.

Chelsea probably do have the same complaints, and rightly so. They will probably recall him. We have given Kasey opportunities in a fair few more games though.

[rigger]

3 hours ago, chaddyrovers said:

Bell has been decent enough for me, and I like Bell there in home games. 

Injuries happened and no point panicking about it. 

Bennett has proved he can play centre midfield as he has proved a number of times. You spent ages saying Rothwell was centre midfielder when I said he could play there and wide. I do feel Rothwell best position could well be the number 10 role and if Dack does go I feel he would be the natural replacement 

I cannot see why. He is not strong in the air or on the ground. Defensively his positioning is poor. He does not seem to have a great turn of speed, or if he does he doesn't use it. He does not see short forward passes. He does not seem to be able to hit a long pass, or if he can, again he doesn't use it. Going forward he cannot seem to take on his opponent. He tends to turn inside whenever he attacks, to lay the ball off square or backwards. It is far less dangerous to loose the ball taking a defender on the outside than if you turn in-field and loose it. After all that,  I hope that he proves me wrong. 

Edited November 22, 2018 by rigger