Just a thought but do wonder if bringing in the older heads is as much about their ability to instill some confidence, nouse and steel into the squad as it is for them to improve the first 11 themselves. They can nevertheless be called upon when required and undoubtedly will be required if no fresh faces come in next week. In the case of Ruddy, does anyone know if he's commenced any coaching quals? Maybe JE doesn't rate Benson and believes Ruddy's experience and presence alone will add more value in terms of improving the confidence in the goalkeeping department than what he physically brings. Based on current feelings toward our number 1 he would have his work cut out to energise Pears and make him a better keeper at this time, but surely some of the accountability must lie with the goalkeeping coach? I actually think Pears has the capacity to be a decent keeper, but he has been inconsistent for some time now and his confidence must be fragile. Who knows, there may be a plan to acquire 2 keepers next week, with one intended as a starter, the other challenging for number 2.

I know it isn't much but I'm clinging on to the old adage that no news is good news. That, and the fact that Madon's mate wouldn't be so crass as to say the deals off if he didn't know differently. Yeah, having read my post again, I know I'm clutching at the last straw in the bale....

Yes, he did receive a decent 👏 at the start of the second half and likewise acknowledged it back.

I left Lancashire when I was 12 and am now in my mid-50s. I attended Salesbury Primary and lived in Wilpshire, where I believe the Wharton brothers are from. There was a Wharton in the year below me but who played in the same Salesbury team as me, around 1979. I want to say his name was Andrew, but my memory is not the best with names. Does anyone know if he is their father/uncle?

Serious question. Does anyone think it is possible that JDT genuinely (or has had his hand forced to some extent) thinks some of the kids are ready for first team action, so is looking to now consolidate what kitty he has on 2-3 'marquee' signings and the wages required to secure them, so doesn't actually need the 6 or so being suggested on the MB? Could explain why so few names are being linked? He's aiming for the higher rollers and is biding his time/trying to negotiate with those in control of the kitty so they are prepared to sanction higher transfer fees and in turn, review the current wage cap? If he feels we did genuinely miss out on the lad that's gone to Sheffield United because they can offer more wages (assuming the fee was achievable), then this could offer an alternative and potentially more realistic approach to securing a few 'better than we've had' signings. Am just grasping at any hypotehtical scenario that helps me feel a bit better about the current situation.

Whilst that is the most likely scenario, if the club wanted to lavish a little bit of luxury on a young player (emperor's new clothes and all that designed to impress) and his parents, you could just charter a plane from literally any airfield and fly them to Manchester. Obviously would make little sense if the travel time was less by car, but not a lot makes sense with our club these days anyway. My wild stab in the dark is some other promising kid from Southampton (which has a decent airport) who will come as part of a loan make weight, following the failure of the Obafami deal to progress.

I think he grew up in Telford, so yeah, very much a homecoming for him.

Was speaking to a work colleague who is a Walsall season ticket holder about the lad, Jukes, whose name was mentioned last week. Interestingly, he is a CB but has been playing left back all season, having ousted their first two choices. Seems he is a better LB than CB! Can see why we might be linked with him then 😉. Has obviously not had opportunity to see him play live this season, but has apparently made a significant step up in performances, having been mostly bang average last season. If he gets picked up by a Championship side, he should do okay if he carries on playing like he is, but can't really predict as is playing League 2 standard, but is better than that. Is only 23, so can continue to develop. Is a good athlete, quick and physically imposing. Would be cheap enough. Would tick most boxes for TM.

If the Crewe fans are saying this lad is a good 'un then I believe them, so fingers crossed we are serious and ultimately successful. Done a bit of Crewe research as have had nothing better to do this evening and makes impressive reading. Considering Crewe have only played a total of 8 seasons outside the bottom two tiers in their history, with just two brief visits to the second tier in the late 1990's and early 2000's, they have managed to produce some excellent talent. Players who have either started or developed their careers there include some of the following internationals: Stan Bowles, Bruce Grobelaar, Rob Jones, Geoff Thomas, Danny Murphy, Neil Lennon, Robbie Savage, David Platt, David Vaughan Dele Adebola and Dean Ashton. There are plenty of others who have made an honest career in the Prem/Championship. Blackburn connection: In addition to the two already mentioned Frank Lord, Dave Whelan, Craig Hignett, Ashley Ward and Luke Varney. There may be others but have lost the will to carry this on....

That's how it's pronounced in Stoke, where he's from. Not an uncommon name locally, so probably how he says it.

This is the formation according to my Sky Sports app.....have just checked and that's Elliot Bennet playing centre forward???. Very random positioning to put it mildly, even by TM's standards.

He's not named as one of the 4 who are quarantined, which I guess makes it increasingly likely that he's the one who's tested +ve. If he is I think that means he only has to isolate for 10 days from date of test rather than 14, which the quarantiners will have to do.

I still think you could be spot on JoeH. I'm just hoping he's got a LB already signed up as you had heard. If he's not yet in a position to name them, then why not say it isn't as much of a priority i.e. I've got someone, but I'm not going to disclose that today. He's also said that Manning, would be a costly deal, so if he has got someone, he won't have splashed the cash in doing so. He's still going to need Bell as back up, so regardless of who it is, he's hardly going to throw Bell under a bus and say he's crap. Probably a load of bobbins on my part, but then again I am the eternal optimist.

Don't do links so not sure this will work but in any event article states Jo Nuttall could be interesting Grayson at Blackpool. Doesn't clarify whether loan or buy. There is the obvious coincidence that we are playing them today, links between the two clubs etc. so could be pure speculation based on very little actual evidence that they are interested. http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/994302675?-11198:839

Just a quick observation which I hadn't considered before looking ar this line up. The average age of the left sided 3 is 33, the right, 24. Probably all 3 on the right are quicker and have greater stamina too. Obviously the addition of Bell and Rothwell (who I presume is one of your subs) would counter the speed issue but would also offer more balance and options in my opinion. I don't know if this is your preferred line up or what you think it will be, but looks a worry to me.