... you just said it’s either A or B if we don’t sign someone, which is exactly what you’re criticising Chaddy for!

Nope, he’s right up our street. Already knows many of the squad, young, a position we want and has had some level of unfound potential to develop. I wouldn’t be very happy to sign Gallagher, ecstatic on a permanent.

I personally don’t think going from league 1 to the premier league in 2 seasons is “ambitious” I think it’s flipping hopeful at best, and downright ridiculous at worst. By the same token, some fans said Dack would be gone last summer too, and a few of those who are looking to stick the oar in “a lack of ambition” for only adding Chapman wanted rid of Mowbray a month ago.. It’s up to you if you want to complain and moan if we don’t sign a striker or get promoted though. Have a blast.

Without Prem revenue, reductions in season and walk on tickets might attract more fans but it certainly won’t improve turnover. Im not saying that there is no better options to the current schemes either. It’s just not as simple as you say. The wage boom in the championship + 9 years of stagnant public wages and austerity from the government play into this.

Any of them on 6 month loan would be a decent addition to the squad, who do you think Tony’s target is?

Jeez it’s not even 8am and the sulking starts.

Everybody would've loved to see more already, but can I remind you that my point is he hasn't been given the time or the chance to be judged yet? Do you genuinely think that its fair to say his transfer is a "Massive blunder " (Mercer, Jan 19)? By the way, just to be clear - three assumptions on your point; 1. The money we "spent" on Brereton could've been used for other players the manager wanted, and has caused a huge hole in our playing budget - IE there is plenty of discussion about more money being available for young players as opposed to more developed and higher wage/experienced players and there is also plenty about structure of deals with his protracted wage compared to say, Assombalonga. 2. We had targets for other positions we required, who came available for the right deal/wage at the right time. I remember the manager lambasting Bamford being out of our range because of the fee AND wage, and I have referenced Waggot's "flex" more time than you've had a glass of wine with wee Dougie and C o yley - again, his suggestion that we could spend more fee for a 19 year old with less wages is constantly ignored by the "Bash Ben Brigade"... and that was from the acting chairman! Who better to ask? 3. We knew he wouldn't hit the ground running or would take longer than necessary. Hindsight is 20/20 or whatever the saying is. You talk as if all business is simple, maybe if you spent more time crafting a more balanced view about the recent goings on at the club, more of us would take you seriously.

Your personal views are only ever scenarios that suggest the worst outcome. I should know I imagine like many fans with Ben, the club expected more from what they got so far. That doesn't mean, like you @47er and many other assume - he will never come good, he will never improve and he will never be worth his fee. Skepticism, and criticism of his impact so far is absolutely fine from my point of view, and I am sure you can accept that my personal opinion is that he has at least 12 months and needs at least a few starts in a row to even be considered as given a chance. Needlessly bringing everything else in our transfer business, back to his suggested fee, wage and now I see more an assumed signing on fee rumour - it (as at least 5 people have pointed out today) achieves absolutely nothing.

Some good points and I think we agree that the plan needs to more like 24 months as opposed to the 12 months (from league 1 to the premier league in two seasons) that is being suggested by @Miller11 I don't think I inferred that I mean 50 years either.. I just think its common sense to build the club up properly. The amount of money we lost was the reason why we had to sell players post GB. As I suggested, spending a figure about 1.5x our last published turnover on one player would be be great, but if you aren't promoted it would cause us to lose a lot of money. Id advocate the mindset to carry on after promotion too - look at Bournemouth, signing young players from the championship like King and Brookes and turning them into hot property. Howe even speaks of developing his own players. I'm not naive enough to guarantee that a couple of our best players won't be plucked from our midst in the summer if we aren't promoted, but I am certain that the wage bill currently allows us to offer new contracts, and not be forced to sell. I imagine it also allows us to reinvest any sales, but I also couldn't guarantee that the Rao's wouldn't pull the carpet out either, but they have far more to gain by us being well supported and eventually promoted. Didn't we lose nearly 50m in one season that they stacked up pay offs/costs into? I don't know the exact figures of FFP, but I assume it to mean the owners can invest 24 million in the playing staff in fees/wages over 3 years without any sanction. 8m in the team every year spent wisely on assets that improve. I personally can't see that causing another "sell your centre backs for 10m combined and then sign Wes Brown and Gordon Greer to replace them" scenario. Although, I could definitely see those kind of cockups if for some reason we go all out, spend a load and the pieces don't fall into place. The competition to reach that pot of money in the tier above is as fierce as ever. Venky Apologist - the definition at last, thank god its not just a list of black and white sweeping statements.... I have never met one person who absolve the Rao's of their accountability or claim they are good owners- but I have had plenty of quality discussions about what having them as owners has meant for the club. Amongst the myriad of utter BS they have served up, you'd be a fool to think it is all bad. One fine example is the constant support of the academy, no coincidence that it is essentially one of the key reasons we are having this discussion about being in reaching distance of the playoffs, we wouldn't be anywhere near without Raya, Lenihan, Travis et al. Finally I will dismiss any random criticism based on assumption - or give back if I feel that there is unwarranted criticism directed at fans who trust what the current chairman/manager are trying to do based on their actions!

Paranoid delusions are exactly how I’d describe many assertions about our clubs dealings over the years. It seems that not believing them all makes me a “Rao” apologist. As for the actual strategy you’re suggesting, fair enough if you want an instant attempt, but can I remind you that this has been tried before, by us and others. It’s the scenario that comes if we aren’t promoted that you’re ignoring here - if we are selling players like we did prior to relegation in 12 months to “avoid ffp” or “curtail costs” then I’d be mortified. Develop a squad that’s always improving, sensibly investing the money we can in more potential future stars for the fringes of the squad and grade 1 academy, improve and develop them, and when the big money bids come for players (remember what happens to transfer fees when opposition know you need to cut back) it will be enough to replace with some quality. (w/o more borrowed owners cash - which is exactly the financial problem, owing THEM!) On the original post, maybe stick to taking the mick out of Balaji and not the fans. If you’re going to slag fans off, maybe stick to those who cba watching the team. Who are these venky apologists anyway? Come on @MCMC1875 how does supporting my club make me apologise for owners that I clearly despise? Pointless bland insult. Careful now, you’ve not jumped to the immediate negative conclusion, bland banal insults await.

The viewpoint you are belittling (that we tried but couldn’t compete) is probably the case for 9 out of 10 clubs in most windows, but you’re dressing it up as an excuse. The excuse then becomes a fiction (normally one of BRFCS’s favourite “monopoliser of untruths”) that these stories have been fed to fans to create false hope, to bring round to the idea that they want to instantly return to the premier league without ever having that intention - hence “scandalmongery”. On the other hand, You'd like to see them pump in (remember they lend, not give) the equivalent of 150% of our turnover for last year to attempt instant promotion(on one player I may add if you’re talking BA)?... and you are concerned about our finances? In my opinion; Our finances are exactly how they are, from trying to buy our way out this league, albeit with a snake in the dugout. I prefer to see the club put its money into players that aren’t going to break the wage bill and will get better. Assombalonga would be something outrageous, but it’s not a guarantee, nothing is. Putting in the building blocks in firmly, and developing the club, squad, ethos and everything else is the nearest you’ll get to guaranteeing success.

This; "but in 6 months these last couple of days being reimagined as a valiant battle against all odds by Steve Waggott to get the deal over the line... I can hear it now when we are no further on... “You can’t knock Venky’s. We tried to sign Assombalonga in January, and he got Boro/Derby/Bristol city promoted!” The notion that this is simply a smokescreen to avoid criticism down the line is utterly embarrassing. Plus - I don't ever recall asking you to be grateful? I simply stated your expectations are ridiculous, especially when you are a huge Rao cynic (like many of us). The finance situation at the club isn't going to be improved by lumping loads more above turnover on a marquee signing either, especially since it guarantees nothing and this league is as competitive as any in Europe. There are 12 teams aiming for three spots. Looking at the last few years and simply expecting better than someone of SG's ilk is an oxymoron in itself. Nothing wrong with not rating a player, you know I'd sooner us look to sign someone cheaper but Gallagher undoubtedly has unfound potential. As for the last two comments - does moderation only happen when its targeted at you @K-Hod or what? :)

A 23 year old Gallagher is going to get better and even on loan it’s a good option/backup for Graham if it happens - you’re bringing the deflation with your unrealistic “need to kick on”. You’d be the first to put the boot in the club and owners so shouldn’t that cynicism steer you from such wild expectation? We've already signed a position; a winger many of us felt we wanted, one we rate and know could turn out to be a star. Thus the worst case scenario is already quite a good one. I don’t prescribe to the notion we should be putting all efforts into instant promotion as opposed to developing/building a young and hungry squad that can develop. As for the last paragraph - you’re beginning to sound like @tomphil - why does discussion on every scenario our club faces resort to some sort of scandalmongery about playing the fans? Do you both do it simply to stop yourselves feeling dissapointed if we aren’t able to live up to transfer or league expectations? The irony is, instant promotion and signing 40k waged + 15m strikers in their prime is not what I’d call a reasonable expectation personally.

We’ve also signed Armstrong, Dack, Rothwell, Rodwell et al on top of previous cheap/free signings like Graham, Conway, Bennett... You make it seem far worse than it is.

He really does use his arse well.

Didnt he turn down premier league clubs to sign for them?

Have you not heard about Waggotts Flex? It’s a free transfer but we’re paying him 300k a week.

It is dismissive of the achievement. To suggest the “gaze” on Tony should return minutes after that result, it’s like pulling a worldie and moaning that she’s not rich. We get it, certain people prejudged Mowbray and simply cannot accept that they are wrong. It happens a lot, look at Rev’s comments yesterday. As Khod aptly put, it Graham (or Bennett) saves him from drowning, he’d moan about him getting wet. I also didn’t bring it up either, learn to read, it was justification of complaint from someone else. The same person who ironically talks about others being antagonists when he simply trots out new ridiculous complaints on a 24 hour rolling system. As for “would I loan him out?” Well to be honest I wouldn’t but I don’t know the lads fitness or mindset. Does it make sense to take Harry long term? Definitely for me, and if the idea is to get him a STARTING berth, with the fitness and experience that comes with - maybe it’s a sensible idea for his and our future?

1. @Stuart and yesterday. Title wasn’t unimportant but promotion was completely the priority. 2. The two loanee centrehalves at Bury/Doncaster can be recalled surely? Perhaps the worry about depth and our current “converted midfielders” is needless?

Agree with most other than the “conspiracy theory” about playing players to advertise their quality for lower league loans (seriously, who believes this is a thing?) and this anti Graham stuff. He seriously is as clever as a frontman as we’ve had for some time. His positioning and movement, the way he holds the ball up, knocks down the long passes, he’s an absolute key proponent of this team. Hence why 12000 people applauded him off the pitch once again. Dacks fantastic ball for Arma in the first half was a result of clever play by Graham. I don’t know anyone who underrates his impact so much! Overall great performance. Same last week, only difference is we took our chances early doors. Hull looked so average, but when Travis/Evans are literally winning every single second ball and passing it to an attacker, our style of play will create chances! Last shout for Dack. His head is not turned. He once again ran the attack, even if he’s not the one on the end of the chances. Such a talismanic figure, but great to see others bringing their levels up to contribute with consistency, ie Armstrong and Rodwell! Another great Saturday.

1. Is it through really? To be still butthurt by that result (I was there for both too) is exactly what I’m talking about in choosing the 1/10 to complain about and ignoring the 9/10. I remember TM saying the third division trophy won’t keep him his job, or words to that effect and I agreed then, just like I do now. Ask Paul cook if he’d swap positions with us this season, for finishing second last year! The bad taste is a choice you’ve made. After the sweet taste of redemption at the Keepmoat, I’m not sure how a limp display/a few comments you disagree with could make such a difference. 2. I don’t think anyone has suggested the guy is free from any legitimate criticisms, but I personally feel many are unwarranted! 3. Who says we aren’t going all out? The body language of the players at the defeats I watched before Christmas suggest they are as disappointed as we are by losing. If you are referencing this to our lack of intent this window, the main criticism from the summer window seemed lack of signings that went straight in the team. TM himself said he only wants that kind of acquisition at the moment, so it would be a 180 for some to criticise this approach. 4. I don’t think a lot of Del Wil either but I’m happy that he is a squad option, be it second choice LB or fourth CB. The scenario that we need to have a better fourth choice option in case the worst happens is not a priority for me. I’d sooner stick a few quid on a chapman or another winger, or loan a backup to Bell/Nyambe personally - a much more legitimate necessity in my eyes.

@Stuart - cheers. I think he’s done well to turn around the squad in the way he has so I can’t agree on transfer business. Much of that is the class signings of Dack, Armstrong and Rodwell - but others like Rothwell and Bell are improving along with the youngsters he’s picked from the academy. To add to this, you can only improve the ones in the club on the training pitch AND by buying the right characters and strengths, it’s hard to argue against the squad being as competitive as it’s been in a decade. When most of them are u25, it’s also quite difficult for me to not be excited about their potential to improve. All this excludes the potential cock up in BB, but his age and pedigree (hence cost) should give lots of time to improve in the same way that Raya, Armstrong, Nyambe, Travis, Nuttall, Evans, Lenihan etc all have under Mowbray!

Not true at all. When you’re ignoring 9/10 decisions to criticise the 1/10, it’s you that’s unfairly playing the man(ager) instead of being fair about his decisions and success overall. Balance. We remember you didn’t want Mowbray, you don’t have to constantly justify the initial underwhelming. Charlton away a great example. How anyone could refer to that game as a major criticism in the scheme of last season... beyond my understanding. It’s almost as if you saw finishing second as an insult! Charlton was 4/5 days after the best day as a Rovers fan since... 2009? I dunno.. And this week. To be so frustrated that we now only have 4 options at CB instead of 5, it’s disengenous. Not only you that - I couldn’t help but laugh that earlier in the week, our three centrebacks (Mulgrew, Lenihan and Rodwell) are all kind of “un droppable” at current... the minute we sell/loan Downing, we only have “converted midfielders”.... Thats typical BRFCS for you. If I remember correctly Stuart, you snarled at not using u23s in the newcastle game - it 3/4 of Del, Jack, Darragh and Charlie gets injured - don’t we still have a few other than those on loan to get involved?

Think this is amalgamated memory since I’m sure roeder got ill at Newcastle. Might be wrong, it’s only 20 years ago FFS.... Still though, that Souness/Hughes period was utterly immense. One thing I know for sure about that game - was Carricks debut. Can’t wait till he’s on 606...

Edit - just to stress, this in no way sarcasm. Breath of fresh air your posts today mate.