Which utterly brilliant manager will we be delighted to welcome next?

[arbitro]

1 hour ago, SuperBrfc said:

I'm reading his comments differently. To me it sounds like his pride was hurt by there not being an offer on the table around January time and that he made up his then that he would be off no matter what. That may explain the sulking, shoulder shrugging and the lack of enthusiasm that followed from January onwards.

He seems miffed at the idea that they may have been waiting to see how the season pans out. "Am I a bad manager if we fail to make the play offs, am I a good one if we do?". It reads like it was a case of "stuff that, I'm off". We know how stubborn and petulant he can be. He's gone, IMO, no matter what is said during the phone call. The digs that he is now getting in at the owners also suggests he doesn't want to stay. They aren't going to put up with one of their employees saying these things.

Would he have signed a new deal if offered in January? Probably. There might be some truth behind that, but I think it's also another sympathy vote being played to his supporters right now. I would have stayed had the owners not messed me about, lads. This is all just adding to the "poor Mowbray, he's not to blame" narrative. Both parties are to blame. There aren't half going to be some tears shed among some of the fans when it is confirmed that he is leaving. The narrative is building up to that.

Good post which pretty much mirrors my thoughts. He is trying to come out of this with a semblance of his reputation intact and has now firmly nailed his colours to the mast. He has passed the point of no return with his comments.

[roversfan99]

I don't think the balance is right on here between the focus on Mowbray and the focus on Venkys.

Mowbray is just what he is, a decent Championship manager who has done a decent job here trying to do what he needs to to retain decent employment either here or elsewhere. It shouldn't be here, but if it is, then that is solely on Venkys, not Mowbray as some "devious old bastard" managing to flummox Venkys despite their keen interest and strong passion for the club!

The fundamental issues are all things that Venkys are to be blamed for. The focus today is on Mowbray saying that he would have signed in January had he been offered, why was (like every other manager) he kept totally in the dark, that is the main issue? Why have they still not clarified the situation publically?

And how do people genuinely believe that we are amidst the process of finding a new manager, shortlists, interviews, links from two bob journalists, no chance.

[RoversClitheroe]

1 minute ago, roversfan99 said:

decent Championship manager

Nah

[roversfan99]

5 minutes ago, RoversClitheroe said:

Nah

4 mid table finishes with a slightly below average Championship wage budget suggest that he has done a pretty reasonable job, even if it is time for a change.

[Guest]

2 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

I don't think the balance is right on here between the focus on Mowbray and the focus on Venkys.

Mowbray is just what he is, a decent Championship manager who has done a decent job here trying to do what he needs to to retain decent employment either here or elsewhere. It shouldn't be here, but if it is, then that is solely on Venkys, not Mowbray as some "devious old bastard" managing to flummox Venkys despite their keen interest and strong passion for the club!

The fundamental issues are all things that Venkys are to be blamed for. The focus today is on Mowbray saying that he would have signed in January had he been offered, why was (like every other manager) he kept totally in the dark, that is the main issue? Why have they still not clarified the situation publically?

And how do people genuinely believe that we are amidst the process of finding a new manager, shortlists, interviews, links from two bob journalists, no chance.

Venky’s are the main source, no doubt.

Mowbray is responsible for the embarrassment I’ve watched and spent too much money watching over the last 17 games. We needed 20 points. 20 points to end up in the same place as Luton and Huddersfield. 

Trecking to reading to watch khadra RWB and Giles up front. Having to watch JRC try and put one foot in front of another, week after week after week with a RB sat on the bench. Gallagher out wide, Buckley false 9, Johnson false 9, Dolan false 9, Lenihan RB, 3 at the back, 4 at the back, 5 at the back, 3 in possession but 4 out, unless it’s on our left then it’s 5. It’s fucking stupid and a complete capitulation which started and ended with the managers baffling and unexplainable decisions. 

He won’t be missed.

[Bbrovers2288]

3 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

4 mid table finishes with a slightly below average Championship wage budget suggest that he has done a pretty reasonable job, even if it is time for a change.

Nah

[roversfan99]

Just now, Mellor Rover said:

Venky’s are the main source, no doubt.

Mowbray is responsible for the embarrassment I’ve watched and spent too much money watching over the last 17 games. We needed 20 points. 20 points to end up in the same place as Luton and Huddersfield. 

Trecking to reading to watch khadra RWB and Giles up front. Having to watch JRC try and put one foot in front of another, week after week after week with a RB sat on the bench. Gallagher out wide, Buckley false 9, Johnson false 9, Dolan false 9, Lenihan RB, 3 at the back, 4 at the back, 5 at the back, 3 in possession but 4 out, unless it’s on our left then it’s 5. It’s fucking stupid and a complete capitulation which started and ended with the managers baffling and unexplainable decisions. 

He won’t be missed.

When did Rankin Costello play week after week with a RB sat on the bench? I showed the other day, Nyambe has not been selected 4 times now out of choice, one to play Zeefuik v Forest, one to play a team that won 4-1, one in the following game to keep faith with a winning team and at the weekend when nobody played that wasnt contracted for next season.

Johnson was false 9 in one half of a game that we won, Lenihan played as a right back in a 4-1 win, and Buckley as a false 9 was certainly persisted with for too long 100% but many seem to have forgotten that he starred there throughout our winning run.

But in general, amidst a season whereby we have progressed overall, the way our season has unfolded means that undoubtedly we need to change the manager.

But my point is not to do with judging Mowbray's overall performance, I keep saying that he needs replacing. It's the way the club is run which is as you concede the main issue, even still we are waiting for clarity. Yet the focus is still on Mowbray, what he is saying etc, I get the feeling that if he did sign on, much of the wrath would go towards him even still and not at the root cause of all of these issues.

1 minute ago, Bbrovers2288 said:

Nah

Can't argue with that.

[RevidgeBlue]

5 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

4 mid table finishes with a slightly below average Championship wage budget suggest that he has done a pretty reasonable job, even if it is time for a change.

Bit of a stretch to describe 15th as "mid-table".

[roversfan99]

1 minute ago, RevidgeBlue said:

Bit of a stretch to describe 15th as "mid-table".

Probably more of a stretch to describe 8th as mid table.

The last 4 seasons average out at 12.25, so couldn't be much more mid-table.

[AllRoverAsia]

I smell a Mowbray-Waggott power struggle.

If Waggott does hold sway, as that article suggests, the public criticism of the 'hierarchy' will not sit well, hopefully.

However, as this is Rovers Circus they could just as easily be in cahoots and doing a Baldrick for mutual benefit.

We are beyond a joke.

[Bbrovers2288]

12 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

When did Rankin Costello play week after week with a RB sat on the bench? I showed the other day, Nyambe has not been selected 4 times now out of choice, one to play Zeefuik v Forest, one to play a team that won 4-1, one in the following game to keep faith with a winning team and at the weekend when nobody played that wasnt contracted for next season.

Johnson was false 9 in one half of a game that we won, Lenihan played as a right back in a 4-1 win, and Buckley as a false 9 was certainly persisted with for too long 100% but many seem to have forgotten that he starred there throughout our winning run.

But in general, amidst a season whereby we have progressed overall, the way our season has unfolded means that undoubtedly we need to change the manager.

But my point is not to do with judging Mowbray's overall performance, I keep saying that he needs replacing. It's the way the club is run which is as you concede the main issue, even still we are waiting for clarity. Yet the focus is still on Mowbray, what he is saying etc, I get the feeling that if he did sign on, much of the wrath would go towards him even still and not at the root cause of all of these issues.

Can't argue with that.

Nah not really when I told you what would happen at the start of the year if we stuck by mowbray as you wished , learn from history it’s what it’s good for 

[RevidgeBlue]

22 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

The fundamental issues are all things that Venkys are to be blamed for. The focus today is on Mowbray saying that he would have signed in January had he been offered, why was (like every other manager) he kept totally in the dark, that is the main issue? Why have they still not clarified the situation publically?

Well, whether by luck or by design, thank god he was kept in the dark in January, otherwise, he'd now be sat happily on the balance of a new deal with no-one, (not even yourself by your own admission) wanting him to stay!

I don't know what it is you're complaining about, you're arguing against yourself.

[AllRoverAsia]

7 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

Probably more of a stretch to describe 8th as mid table.

The last 4 seasons average out at 12.25, so couldn't be much more mid-table.

So, consistently nowhere near the playoffs, on the average and in actual reality.

That's the Mowbray 'Journey' when 'Building a Football Club'.

[Gav]

1 minute ago, Bbrovers2288 said:

Nah not really when I told you what would happen at the start of the year if we stuck by mowbray as you wished , learn from history it’s what it’s good for 

Have you been a Rovers fan for the past 11yrs? If so what have you learnt? 

Edited May 9, 2022 by Gav

[Guest]

10 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

When did Rankin Costello play week after week with a RB sat on the bench? I showed the other day, Nyambe has not been selected 4 times now out of choice, one to play Zeefuik v Forest, one to play a team that won 4-1, one in the following game to keep faith with a winning team and at the weekend when nobody played that wasnt contracted for next season.

Johnson was false 9 in one half of a game that we won, Lenihan played as a right back in a 4-1 win, and Buckley as a false 9 was certainly persisted with for too long 100% but many seem to have forgotten that he starred there throughout our winning run.

But in general, amidst a season whereby we have progressed overall, the way our season has unfolded means that undoubtedly we need to change the manager.

But my point is not to do with judging Mowbray's overall performance, I keep saying that he needs replacing. It's the way the club is run which is as you concede the main issue, even still we are waiting for clarity. Yet the focus is still on Mowbray, what he is saying etc, I get the feeling that if he did sign on, much of the wrath would go towards him even still and not at the root cause of all of these issues.

Can't argue with that.

James Brown was on the bench/available multiple times, why was he not given a chance? He is a right back after all. Johnson was used in the false 9 from the bench on more than one occasion. We gave teams 45 mins of getting their deck chairs and playing cards too many times since January. Stoke, Coventry, Millwall, Bristol, Derby, Peterborough, Hull, Reading, Luton all from the top of my head had horrendous team selections. Selections not one other person on planet earth thought would work.

Mowbray's overall performance will be remembered as a time we took less points over a 15 game period than three of the worst sides to have ever been in the championship.

[chaddyrovers]

9 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

I don't think the balance is right on here between the focus on Mowbray and the focus on Venkys.

Mowbray is just what he is, a decent Championship manager who has done a decent job here trying to do what he needs to to retain decent employment either here or elsewhere. It shouldn't be here, but if it is, then that is solely on Venkys, not Mowbray as some "devious old bastard" managing to flummox Venkys despite their keen interest and strong passion for the club!

The fundamental issues are all things that Venkys are to be blamed for. The focus today is on Mowbray saying that he would have signed in January had he been offered, why was (like every other manager) he kept totally in the dark, that is the main issue? Why have they still not clarified the situation publically?

Venkys can be blamed for some things but are they to blamed for Mowbray throwing away our top 6 finish or his stubbornness on not changing tactics sooner enough to secure this place. He has had 4 years to build a squad here ready for promotion and top 6 finish. He failed on both accounts. He is decent mid table manager but we need much better if we want get promotion. 

The club were right not to hold talks over a new contract till after the seasons ends and to be honest we need to move on from him and bring in a better replacement. His contract shouldn't be renewed at all now

9 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

And how do people genuinely believe that we are amidst the process of finding a new manager, shortlists, interviews, links from two bob journalists, no chance.

Cos it is happening. You make not want to be believe it but it is starting to happen. Plenty of managers will be sending their CV's in and agents will be forwards the clients to Waggott and the club. Its down to him and Pasha to find the right appointment

[Exiled in Toronto]

1 hour ago, RoverCanada said:

Lengthy article in The Athletic today on our oncoming 'talent drain': https://theathletic.com/3286731/2022/05/09/blackburn-rovers-talent-drain-from-mowbray-and-recruitment-team-to-brereton-diaz-and-captain-lenihan/ (paywall warning!).

No doubt a lot of this being fed to the journo by Mowbray's reps/friends, but always interesting when an 'outsider' journalist at The Athletic takes a deep dive on Rovers.

Given the paywall (and I'm never sure how easy it is to get around their paywall!), some summary notes, much of which not news around here, but thought I'd share. Don't shoot the messenger 🙂:

- In general, the piece seems to imply Waggott has emerged as the key decision-maker at Rovers...

- Mentions Rothwell was going to Bournemouth for £4.5m (not the £3.5m often mentioned). Seems to lay the decision not to sell on Waggott, who wanted to prioritise the chance of PL football over the £4.5m. Mowbray thought he could net improve the squad with the two signings he had lined up as replacements, and Mowbray has suggested this could've corrected our lack of goals/depth down the stretch (Suggests Waggott again tried signing Rothwell to a new contract after, but no dice)

- Mowbray had nothing to do with Waggott's hiring, who was brought in by headhunters Nolan Partners. Confirms that Waggott and Mowbray's relations have been strained for a while. Mowbray's agent informally asked about his contract situation in January, but Waggott's excuse was he hadn't been able to see the owners in India (Mowbray calling BS on that, but from what we know of Venky's, that may actually be 'true'... but a clear example to Mowbray of why this club isn't run right...

Thanks for summarising such a long article - much appreciated. While it no doubt has a bit of Mowbray spin, it seems well corroborated externally and, just as importantly, rings a lot more true than 99% of what has become the received wisdom on here.

To me it just confirms that any success we have would have to be an absolute fluke - like Ben’s 20 goals by Xmas - and in spite of the permanent shit show of executive management and governance. With that set up, we won’t get the best manager, we won’t get him in time, and he almost certainly will fall short, no matter who he is.

[roversfan99]

2 minutes ago, chaddyrovers said:

Venkys can be blamed for some things but are they to blamed for Mowbray throwing away our top 6 finish or his stubbornness on not changing tactics sooner enough to secure this place. He has had 4 years to build a squad here ready for promotion and top 6 finish. He failed on both accounts. He is decent mid table manager but we need much better if we want get promotion. 

The club were right not to hold talks over a new contract till after the seasons ends and to be honest we need to move on from him and bring in a better replacement. His contract shouldn't be renewed at all now

Cos it is happening. You make not want to be believe it but it is starting to happen. Plenty of managers will be sending their CV's in and agents will be forwards the clients to Waggott and the club. Its down to him and Pasha to find the right appointment

For some reason despite the last 12 years, you seem to see no issue with a repeated lack of clarity from the owners who still cant be arsed to communicate their intentions, and not only that, you are deluded into thinking that we have already started to undergo an efficient management push. What exactly has caused you to be so sure regarding the below?

"Cos it is happening. You make not want to be believe it but it is starting to happen."

And why would I not want to believe it? I want him out as much as you.

8 minutes ago, RevidgeBlue said:

Well, whether by luck or by design, thank god he was kept in the dark in January, otherwise, he'd now be sat happily on the balance of a new deal with no-one, (not even yourself by your own admission) wanting him to stay!

I don't know what it is you're complaining about, you're arguing against yourself.

He should have been told that it would wait until the end of the season. There is never any clarity, even now when his departure should have been announced.

You are as bad at any as putting all the blame on Mowbray, if he was to get a new deal I have no doubt that your sole focus would be on the "manipulative old bastard" in the dugout rather than anyone in India.

[SIMON GARNERS 194]

1 hour ago, davulsukur said:

Time will tell soon enough if Venkys really want promotion. 

We've been saying the same thing Season after Season...for the last twelve long and infuriating years.

Round and round we go!

[islander200]

39 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

4 mid table finishes with a slightly below average Championship wage budget suggest that he has done a pretty reasonable job, even if it is time for a change.

Below average wage budget?If you are referring to this season fair enough.

But the previous 2 seasons we had the 10th and 15th highest wage budget in the league?

They stopped backing him this summer.Prior to that he was backed.Not been forced to sell players and brought in multiple players every summer he has been here .

This season he can moan about backing(not getting any of the Armstrong money). Previous to that he has been well backed, backed a whole lot more than a lot of clubs in this division

[roversfan99]

2 minutes ago, islander200 said:

Below average wage budget?If you are referring to this season fair enough.

But the previous 2 seasons we had the 10th and 15th highest wage budget in the league?

They stopped backing him this summer.Prior to that he was backed.Not been forced to sell players and brought in multiple players every summer he has been here .

This season he can moan about backing(not getting any of the Armstrong money). Previous to that he has been well backed, backed a whole lot more than a lot of clubs in this division

If those figures are correct, then finishes of 11th, 15th and 8th across these 3 seasons are hardly catastrophic. Mediocre/ok as I have repeatedly inferred. Not the "worst pound for pound manager in the clubs history" or some of the other crap I have seen.

I am looking forward to seeing a considerable reinvestment of the Brereton funds this summer with the FFP pressure being eased having previously apparently been the main reason for a lack of further investment.

[chaddyrovers]

10 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

For some reason despite the last 12 years, you seem to see no issue with a repeated lack of clarity from the owners who still cant be arsed to communicate their intentions, and not only that, you are deluded into thinking that we have already started to undergo an efficient management push. What exactly has caused you to be so sure regarding the below?

"Cos it is happening. You make not want to be believe it but it is starting to happen."

And why would I not want to believe it? I want him out as much as you.

Its Waggott who should be communicate to the fans. I have send an email to the club asking about whether we will hear from him in the coming days 

Look at what Glen Mullan is saying, 2 other national journalists are reporting. Plenty of info out there plus it is very natural for managers or agents of managers to be sending in their CV's into the club when they is a vacancy

[chaddyrovers]

1 minute ago, roversfan99 said:

If those figures are correct, then finishes of 11th, 15th and 8th across these 3 seasons are hardly catastrophic. Mediocre/ok as I have repeatedly inferred. Not the "worst pound for pound manager in the clubs history" or some of the other crap I have seen.

I am looking forward to seeing a considerable reinvestment of the Brereton funds this summer with the FFP pressure being eased having previously apparently been the main reason for a lack of further investment.

Surely after 4 seasons of the same manager you expect a top 6 or promotion after that length of time? 

Mowbray has had more than backing over the last 4 years to secure a top 6/promotion by now. 

[islander200]

13 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

 

He should have been told that it would wait until the end of the season. 

Why wait until the eve of the game v Bournemouth a game we had to win to have any chance of playoffs going into the final game?

Prior to that when his future been brought up "his contract wasn't important" .."we will talk at the end of the season" 

Technically we could have still got promoted pre Bournemouth, is it so wrong if the owners wanted to wait and see if we made top 6/ got promoted before making a decision?

I'm not defending the owners here as agreed they are a joke but Mowbray is no shining light and he made it about him pre Bournemouth when all the focus should have been on getting the 3 points needed.

He should have been talking about his future at season end or when no chance of playoffs 

[Gav]

1 minute ago, chaddyrovers said:

Surely after 4 seasons of the same manager you expect a top 6 or promotion after that length of time? 

Mowbray has had more than backing over the last 4 years to secure a top 6/promotion by now. 

Do you think we should be challenging money bags Fulham, Bournemouth, Norwich, Leeds and Watford chaddy?

Mowbray has had less that £1m to spend over the past 4 transfer windows, how can we compete?