I think he'll be thinking like that, especially, if he can break into the Ireland squad/side as a regular. I'm sure that becoming international regulars has helped Duffy and Hanley's careers, not just in their development but even simply in their reputations. It must be a disappointment for Lenihan that he hasn't done more at international level given the weak state of the Rep Ireland squad, relatively speaking.

In March, this year, Mowbray spoke of his/the club's achievements in developing young players (I can't find the original link but the quotes can be found here) “I’ve managed six clubs and this one is the best at the growth of their footballers. This club has to, because of the financial situation. Damien’s only job is to develop, to work with individuals. He went on to add: “The biggest area of growth in this football club in the five years is the individual development of our footballers, to try and make the young players first-team players and better and try and hit the targets they get set. The drills are created for each individual on the grass and they work on technique, whether that’s finishing, crossing. That’s what this club does, tries to develop its young players and I hope the evidence is there, that the young players are in and around the team. And underneath them, bubbling, there are lots more young players that will hopefully become Blackburn Rovers first team players.” (My italics) If you recall, last season, we had Downing, Holtby, Bennett and Evans on the bench together, often, even though there was nothing to play for and they were all known to be leaving. (Holtby was later given, apparently, paid leave, so that he wouldn't get injured and scupper his next contract). I believe that this short-termism/favoritism, which has been followed through this season with reliance on the outgoing and, often, ineffective, Bradley Johnson, and, arguably, too much reliance on loanees to plug gaps, that has helped contribute to this situation of an end of a squad contract cycle without many contingencies in place for continuity. That's not to mention the allowing of key players to run down their deals. It's all very well Garrett or Vale being on the bench on the last game of the season, as may happen on Saturday, but really, that sort of integration was needed much earlier, if these players are rated. If they're not rated and Bradley Johnson is preferred - even as a forward, as we infamously saw for one half of a match - and they're not sent on loan to a decent level where they might develop, then the club shouldn't be talking up its youth system and should focus on signing new players and retaining it's current ones. The club has seemingly done neither - not integrated the next set of youth players (though, admittedly a number got injured), not secured/traded some key senior players, leaving this situation. The biggest positive, for me, is the emergence of Scott Wharton (aside from the emergence of Brereton-Diaz). If he stays fit and gets a decent set of defenders around him, he could be a Rovers first team player for the next decade and probably a captain. Also Hayden Carter has been managed well and is doing well on loan and may could come back and be a key player - though, lack of pace at the back will continue to be a problem.

They would likely have been listening to or waiting on sermon or speeches in those photos, prior to the prayers, so more likely to be bored than anything, as these things can go on. Moreover, the Eid prayers are often considered a time of quiet reflection and communion, hence the lack of frivolity. There would have been plenty of smiles and embraces afterwards. I'm sure you'll find photos of them, if you look. It's a great initiative by Rovers which follows in the steps of Croke Park in Ireland. Whatever one thinks about immigration policies and Islamic traditions (of which there is not just one set) we are here together and must cooperate and live together. Reaching a hand of friendship is what is needed, especially, from institutions and authorities. We know what the alternatives can lead to.

I think Rovers should at least inquire about signing Khadra and/or maybe Poveda permanent or on loan again. In a functioning team, I think both would be effective. Van Hecke too but not sure about valuation and availability. Might well be they have higher aspirations and offers.

Definitely, agree about Beattie. Forgot about him and what a deal that was for Southampton to sell Davies and get Beattie as part exchange, albeit, the former did eventually prove his worth in the Prem. A shame Beattie didn't make it at Rovers. Derbyshire's a great shout and still scoring goals in Cyprus, I think. I read that the Olympiakos fans/media called him the English assassin - though, as far as I know, he wasn't very prolific in England after Rovers and struggled, at times after such an impressive rise and breakthrough. According to Wikipedia, his best spell in England, later in his career, was at Rotherham and has had success abroad. I suppose it's arguable whether he's a Rovers youth developed player given, as I remember, he signed from Great Harwood and went straight into the reserves and the loans and quickly into the firsts. That said, Rovers giving him the chance and the loan at Wrexham, especially, certainly helped him grow and flourish. Garner's a strange one as he's never been that prolific at senior level (perhaps, a Kevin Davies type player who impresses by being a target) but has been transferred for big money several times. I'd estimate that in total his combined transfer fees might be in the £5 million range. I haven't followed his career closely but I got the impression he was a decent Champ striker for a while but the stats show, again, not very prolific and was a bit of a journeyman of the more lucrative type. He's well remembered at PNE for a stunning long range volley, I believe. It's been a while since Rovers produced a decent youth striker and there haven't been many in recent years - Ben Burgess might be up there after scoring crucial goals to get Blackpool into the Premier League in 2010. Here's hoping for some of the guys coming through at the moment.

A speculative name and probably not ready but Liam Rosenior seemed a very knowledgeable TV pundit (which, admittedly, proves nothing when it comes to coaching and managing) and has, it seems been proving himself as assistant manager at Derby County, under the helm of Rooney. I'd prefer to see someone like Rosenior considered - even as assistant or joint manager, if not the main man, than a tired and recycled old name. Like a few others here, I would like to see Damien Johnson step up and test himself in a more senior role. Bringing back Billy Barr from Salford in a more senior role too, after his sterling work for the U23s, might be an option. But as for who would make a good manager, it's so hard to tell (though, I can, with some confidence, rule out certain combustible or recycled names). It's a gamble but if the club also encourage some internal progression with the likes of Johnson, it provides some stability and options if the next appointee doesn't succeed. Having Tony Parkes to steer us through difficult times was very helpful and it will encourage good coaching staff to join Rovers if they can see a path to progression. Edit: On the bigger picture, the new man (woman...) has a huge job to deal with, with a squad overhaul in the offing. There is the exodus of players, several on frees and a few expected sales, there are the fringe players whose careers have stalled, such as Edun and JRC and then there are a few U18s prospects. The new manager doesn't have the luxury of players coming through of the calibre of Scott Wharton, Travis, Nyambe, Lenihan, Buckley knocking on the door. There's a few hopes in the U23s but with a barely any first team experience. In a sense, the present squad has reached an end of a cycle and the current management have neglected in planning and successfully working to bridge the team for the next cycle of first teamers. Reliance on loanees has plugged gaps temporarily but will leave us severely lacking again by the end of the season. There's a real risk of plunging into the mire of relegation trouble if the right person for this moment isn't selected.

I think, also, perhaps, he didn't quite have it together mentally when he was younger and, also, English football didn't accommodate the no.10 much. I recall reading comments from Plymouth Argyle fans, when he was on loan there as a young player for the back end of the season under Sturrock, I think, complaining that he didn't work hard and battle enough. If it was Sturrock, then the style would've been very direct football which wouldn't have suited him much, I can imagine. You had a few Sheringham/Bergkamp types, in the English game, but if you weren't both a prolific goalscorer, technically gifted, slower players tended to be sidelined, literally, by being shunted out wide. Ruben Rochina's had a decent enough career, it seems, at the lower end of the Primera Liga, and I think, perhaps, continental football may have suited Gallagher, tactically - though of course, culturally, would've been a challenge. That said, Gallagher didn't fade away like I thought he might. Had a very good run at PNE and even made it as a CM, I think. Unless I'm missing somebody, I think Gallagher may be the best "forward" produced by the club, as in came through the youth ranks, in recent history, followed by Joe Garner...? I recall he was tearing up the reserve league with consecutive hat-tricks and the like before getting his debut as a skinny 17/18 year old.

New signings used to uplift me with endless possibilities. I remember a lot of excitement when Kevin Davies signed. He'd been great for Saints and was much hyped by the media. I learnt of the signing suddenly and almost couldn't contain my excitement and remember telling people that Wenger was an admirer, so he must be good. Jon Stead and MGP were other ones. I'd tracked the online rumours and negotiations as they drip fed. There was a great Huddersfield fan site that made cartoon graphic stories of their games and Stead's goals and satirised tendency to point as to where he wanted the ball was much featured. Meanwhile, Tromso had match highlights on their website and I negotiated Norwegian to track down goals by Gamst. I recall doing so with Ternana and Ciccio Grabbi too. (And remembered noting his strike partner at Ternana, Fabrizio Miccoli, who seemed useful). I've become more detached about failures and successes now but I remember taking relegation from the Prem badly. A Marian Pahars goal for Saints and a Chris Bart-Williams goal for Forest were particularly painful as they knocked the final nails in our coffin.

Sam Burns new one year deal announced by the club. If the club are planning ahead that should mean he'll get a chance with the firsts in pre-season, as he's not a youth player any more in age. He hasn't appeared in relegated Scunthorpe's matches lately, when I looked, so he's either been dropped or injured. He scored a brace in a game but that was it - so he has a lot to work on when he comes back.

No Nyambe in the squad against Bournemouth and no mention about any injury from Mowbray in the pre-match discussion. Lenihan continued at RB after his excellent showing there against PNE and Zeefuik was on the bench. Unless I'm mistaken, it looks like Nyambe has been dropped from the matchday squad and may well have played his last game for Rovers. He hasn't lived up to his potential at Rovers - like almost every player in the squad, not helped by terrible tactics, at times but he seems to be Mowbray's fall guy. Like Rothwell, earlier in his career, Nyambe was the one Mowbray would publicly critique, whilst other players repeatedly failed to perform and were shielded and favoured by management. He's probably the most physically complete and one of the most hard-working players in the team and has multi-tasked in a variety of roles. Last season, he got exposed often but was left unprotected by Gallagher on the wing, invariably, and was trying to cover the shoddy central defence, whilst getting down the wing, into the opposition box, and defending the full back area, virtually, singlehandedly. He reminds me of a very lesser Brett Emerton, in that he gives his all, has so many fantastic physical attributes, had some stunning games, but hasn't been able to get his game together and may lack something in terms of self-belief to really achieve his potential. Nonetheless, he has been a very good player for Rovers, deserved better from the manager and, hopefully, will have a long and distinguished career, wherever he goes. One things for sure, barring some upgrade signings, our defence will be weaker without him as there is no-one, defensively and discounting loanees, currently in the squad who has his pace.

No evidence it had any impact on the game but Mowbray making it about him and his dispute with Venky's on the eve of the game was very unfair to the fans and players.

BBC has Gallagher left and Brereton-Diaz central. Is that correct?

That's interesting that he's had a change of role. Sam Durrant looked decent on the very few occasion that I saw him play as a winger. Quick feet and tricky but also defensively disciplined. However, he seemed to be in and out of the team, which made me think he wasn't highly rated.

Overall, I think Mowbray is being selfish by bringing this up now. He's been asked about it by journalists but he should prioritise the team over his personal frustrations. He may well have a legitimate grievance but he's hardly a young reserve player with an injury record who's set to be released by Rovers. He has been well-paid and will get a new job somewhere as a manager/consultant or, perhaps, pundit, if he wants it. Albeit, he might not get as cushy a role as he has at Rovers where he can spend possibly £1 million+ on transfer fees for Amari'Bell, Harry Chapman and Jacob Davenport and shrug it off, whilst not progressing greatly in the league for years. He's made good signings but not produced a good consistent team and had a fair amount of money to waste. Edit: I have some sympathy for his frustrations and a lot of condemnation for the owners but Mowbray should be acting as a role model for his players. No doubt plenty of Rovers players are miffed by their contract situations - especially, youth players who don't know where there next job will be. Moreover, Mowbray has given the ownership cover for a long time, to keep his job. He is implicated with the Venky's.

It's a sad state of affairs. A club ownership that, apparently, don't communicate openly with the manager. And a manager playing stupid and petulant in response by refusing to state the obvious that he is has decided to leave, rather than hope for a new deal, because the ownership don't want him. Mowbray might feel poorly treated but he's had a very fortunate and lucrative run and, I think, should show a bit more grace and intelligence. Either stay quiet and keep the attention on the team and winning. Or, come out and openly say that you're going. Staying quiet would probably be best because directing attention to himself is probably not in the best interests of the team at this crucial juncture. Edit: On reflection, the intentional ambiguity about whether he will go may be his way of leaving the door open if Venky's offer him a new deal at the last moment.

If Gallagher isn't fit, that will probably be Mowbray's big call. He'll probably put Dolan or Poveda in through the middle, reverting to the midfielder-cum-forward deployment but I would look to keep the same formation. I'd probably put Brereton-Diaz through the middle and have the genuine wingers Dolan/Poveda or Hedges wide. I'd have Jack Vale on the bench, in case it's not working and need to move Brereton wide. Whatever Mowbray chooses, lets just hope that there'll be no reversion to full backs or Bradley Johnson in unfamiliar forward roles. I'd also try to fit Giles on the bench. He's joint 6th assist maker in the league, all, I think, from his earlier Cardiff loan. If Rothwell doesn't make it, his set-pieces would be useful. Though, the danger is that Mowbray will find the urge to bring him on right wing, seeing him as the new Mahrez, or whatever.

I read that Pike is contracted until 2023, so, presumably will stay on. Though, with Brown signed and possibly more full backs, his future at the club looks limited. He'll probably go out on loan. I'm not sure about their contact situations but I'd like the club to keep Whitehall, Cirino, Gilsenan and Barnes who are all very promising but had their season wiped out by serious injury. Not sure about Saadi, who's also been injury prone. I'd keep one of Burns and McBride for a further year, if they're willing to stay. Despite struggling on loan, I feel they could have potential and might be worth a small gamble for a further year. Nolan, Durrant, Saadi, Hilton, Eastham, Brennan will probably need to look for new clubs. Edit: If the club were smart, they'd do what they did with Joe Nuttall with Jack Vale. Give him some first team appearances and see if he can't either contribute or earn the club a small transfer fee. With his Welsh U21 status, he may carry a premium, assuming he stays fit. Incidentally, I see that Brad Lyons, the NI midfielder and former Rovers player has won the Champ to promotion with Killie, in Scotland. Good to see him do well.

We did sign Markanday and Hedges who are forwards, if not proven scorers. I think a possible reason for not signing an out and out striker, say, Keinan Davis, who joined Nottingham Forest from Villa, on loan, is that Mowbray had no intention of playing strikers. He was all set for his Brereton and Gallagher wide forwards and Buckley through the middle tactics, until it went pear-shaped. That is, it seems like he's suspended those "tactics," but we'll have to wait and see for the next game. Incidentally, here are some quotes from Oct 2021 from the LET on the Mowbray's tactical masterplan of using Gallagher as a right forward/winger, despite the player wanting to play centrally: “Gallagher’s game is based on hard work. He’s an amazing athlete Gally, for someone who is 6’4, he’s really powerful, has really good stamina levels, that’s why generally through my time here I’ve played him on the right,” the manager explained. “I’ve had lots of chats in my office with Gallagher about the fact he would like to play down the middle. Yet towards the end of Danny Graham’s time here, Sam was playing out wide, Graham and Dack played up front, last year Armstrong played up front and we got the rewards as a football club, this year with the front three generally of Dolan, Gallagher and Brereton I assess the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition and I think they can all play off the left, off the right or down the middle." There have been occasions when the tactic worked, as you would expect with any that is persisted for so long, but, overall and despite that, I'd suggest it's been a huge failure and a mark against Mowbray's record as a manager in recent times. Being powerful and having good stamina levels are not sufficient criteria to be effective from a wide position, needless to say.

Good to see Sam Barnes play and score, albeit, only his 6th or something appearance of the season. I see that Goddard from the U18s was in goal with Stergiakis on the bench. The game-by-game rotation of the goalie continues to surprise me. It suggests little or no confidence at all in Stergiakis who is ostensibly 3rd choice at the club and was brought in with a transfer fee from Slavia Sofia. An attempt to evade some sort of appearance fee? I can't understand why the club don't select a No.3 and consistently play him to compete with Pears.

Look at our subs and reserves - Dack, Poveda, Dolan, Ayala, Edun, Zeefuik, Giles, Davenport - quite a few of those, I'd guess, would start for other clubs in the league. If there was a season, this was definitely it. Though, I was thinking of the relegation threatened Everton squad and the strength of the Premier League and that's another universe.

It's a fair point that a variety of formations have been tried with short-term effects. However, there is no doubt that tactical and formational mismanagement has been a significant contributor to our failures this season. Our squad is surely far better than others that are higher than us at the moment. Is this the first game of the season that Sam Gallagher has started in a central role? If so, that, in itself, is criminal. However, I take your point, that Mowbray can't sustain a team. For 4-3-3 to work, the team has to press intently and the wide players have to work non-stop to get up and down the pitch. Quite simply, Mowbray has not been able to get his team to do this. Even in the more defensive 5-2-3, we fell apart partly because of this failure to maintain intensity. Edit: Last season, 4-3-3 was so porous defensively for us because our team didn't press intently or support the full backs, so Bell, Douglas and Nyambe were exposed time and time again.

I think playing forwards as forwards, rather than Buckley, might be helping too, as well as the additional solidity of three central midfielders, albeit, with one less defender. The Buckley as striker gamble briefly worked but stopped and long needed to be shelved, under the Jon Douglas left wing, Nils Eric Johansson at left back, Aaron Mokoena central midfielder etc. makeshift experiments with a short half-life. Edit: It'd make sense to throw on Poveda and Dack or Dolan to try and increase the goal difference.

Drastic shift in formation, going back to, presumably, 4-3-3, which was so porous last season but with, perhaps, Ryan Hedges or Gallagher in the central forward role. Something had to change but this formation will only work with intense work-rate, particularly, from Gallagher or whoever plays on the right, because Darragh Lenihan is not a right back. As I recall it, players who have started at RB or RWB for us this season now includes Nyambe, JRC, Lenihan, Carter, Magloire, Zeefuik and Buckley.

Mowbray arguing, in the LancsLive article interview, that he has helped to contribute towards creating a self-sustaining club: "When I arrived there were a lot of 35 and 36-year-olds with very little value, and now the club has lots of assets, even below the first-team there’s a bunch of lads ready to burst onto the scene, because of the information and structure passed down and how we want footballers coaching." We do have four/five academy players in the first team and a strong U18 set coming through. However, aside from David Raya, if I'm not mistaken the last "top" player "produced" by the club was Grant Hanley, who was sold in 2016. I could be overlooking players but I can't think of any other academy produced player who has consistently reached that level since - which is lower end Premier League standard. I suspect Wharton might be able to reach Hanley standards but players like Travis, Nyambe and Lenihan just have not developed in recent years, after early promise. So, arguably, aside from Raya, Mowbray has not helped or overseen any of these young players push on and realise their potential. Moreover, Mowbray taking credit for the youth system, which hasn't produced real top talents of late (Buckley remains a, perhaps, distant hope), overlooks that he benefited from a system that preceded him. The likes of Nyambe, Wharton, Travis, JRC, Buckley came through the ranks during a previous regime. Mowbray gave them opportunities to make debuts or gain experience but cannot claim to have been meaningfully responsible for their earlier youth development. He might make that argument for players that he has talked up, such as Dan Pike, but, it's increasingly unlikely that this most recent U23 team will leave much mark on the firsts, as the likes of McBride, Burns, Butterworth, Magloire, Eastham and others head out the door. I don't think Mowbray's accurate in saying that there's "a bunch of lads ready to burst onto the scene", unless he means some U18s prospects and Jack Vale/Jake Garrett/Lennie Cirino, who, I believe, have 1 Rovers first team competitive appearance between them.

The three forwards formation, as modelled by Liverpool, is all about intense closing down and intercepting and, also counter attack, with the threat in behind. We lost that along the way. In some games, we simply stopped closing down and invariably got picked off. It was a very high risk approach, anyway, for us because Buckley is not a goalscorer, so far, and, unlike Liverpool, we played with two central midfielders who, as teams worked us out, could be outnumbered by clever movement. (See Keinan Davis for Forest). Once Poveda got injured, Dolan not played wide for some reason and Gallagher, who is fairly mobile but no winger, was brought in, we were weakened further and the high risk strategy was found out and has, it seems, completely fallen apart.