Inspired signing. And, I would argue, a mistake by Souness not to keep him after that, even though we signed Tugay. He went to Portsmouth, I believe, and helped them to a high Premier League finish and won their player of the season. Brilliant player. Though, back then, we were big spenders in the league, behind Fulham. As far as I can tell, we didn't sign a CM, even though it's long overdue, even if Rothwell makes a return. I would hope that Mowbray gives Garrett some experience to contribute. I'm not convinced that Johnson and Davenport are good enough and, let's face it, will leave this summer. To repeat myself, again, if Rovers haven't made enquiries about signing Khadra on a permanent deal, then they've failed. He should be the priority target.

Agree with you on Wharton. But for his connections to Rovers, being here as a lad, his brother on the books and, I believe, being a fan, I think we could have lost him. I don't think many players would accept doing so well repeatedly on loan, getting consecutive promotions, and still being overlooked. Mowbray made comments questioning whether League 1/2 performances carried much weight as the Championship, he said, was a far superior league. And, I do believe it's correct that it was only injuries that opened Wharton's chance, rather than being selected on merit ahead of the likes of Derrick Williams.

The bizarre limbo situation with Harry Chapman takes one last turn, as he completes a deadline day exit on loan back to Burton Albion for the remainder of the season, having returned to make it onto the bench for Rovers match day squad against Luton, in the last game. From the outset of the signing for an undisclosed fee, in 2019, from Boro and a 2.5 year contract, Mowbray seemed somewhat ambivalent about the short-term readiness of the player, saying on signing Chapman: "“He needs to do a lot of work on his body, so I don’t think we’ll see him for a while. I don’t think he’s even fit enough to go out on loan. We will be getting him ready for the intensity to play for us." In May 2021, Chapman returned to the club after an excellent loan spell at Shrewsbury in League One, largely playing as a No.10, scoring seven goals and getting three assists, Mowbray said: "we felt he needed to play 20 or 30 appearances and that he would benefit more from that than nine or 10 substitute appearances and two or three starts,” However, the manager alluded that either a player dedicates himself to improving or "you like being one of the lads, like the trappings, and you think you should be playing all the time and get frustrated and sulky if you’re not in the team. I haven’t got time for that. It’s down to Harry. He has to step up." Mowbray exercised Chapman's one year extension, last summer, and the midfielder returned to the Rovers fold at the start of this season and made an impressive appearance (albeit a brief one) off the bench, earning a free kick that leads to a late goal (for Ayala?). Fans assumed that he's back in the fray but Rovers loan in Poveda, Clarkson and Khadra from Premier League reserve sides and Chapman is sent to Burton Albion on loan, where he struggles. When asked in the media, in late December 2021, what his plans are for Chapman, for when his Burton loan ends, Mowbray said: “I’m sure that’s a conversation that’s coming, it’s not been at the forefront of my mind, but it will be.” Mowbray added: “He’s a body for us. The question is whether Chappy can come and impact our team if he can’t be a regular starter for Burton in League One." After a decent Rovers U23 appearance, getting a few assists, and with others out injured, he got recalled to sit on the first team bench against Luton. Injuries to Dolan and Markanday looked to open a chance for him to compete with Butterworth as a squad player. He didn't get on and that was likely his last contribution in Rovers colours, as he rejoins Burton Albion until his contract expires in the summer. Chapman has been criticised by Burton fans for not working hard enough and not contributing enough on the pitch. He wasn't a regular, though, got back into the team at the end of the spell. I read a comment that he demonstrated his frustration at being subbed (either at Shrewsbury or Burton) by refusing a handshake with the manager. After scoring that goal against Crewe, prior to returning to Rovers, he celebrated in front of opposition fans - which is the kind of behaviour you might expect from someone who has the stats and performances to back up the bravado. However, I believe that Mowbray and the club have mismanaged the player, at least, in the past season. Even from the off, Mowbray seemed unconvinced by him, which makes the signing a curious one. After his excellent return at Shrewsbury on loan, he deserved a decision from the club. Either they gave him a chance, or they released him or sold him. Prolonging his limbo career by extending his contract and sending him out on loan again, after giving him a taste of first team football, seemed to have no purpose and was likely to have the effect to demoralise the player. He has good England youth international football antecedents, like Adam Armstrong and Ben Brereton and, as Mowbray said on signing him: "He has blistering speed on the transition, can run past a man one-on-one and create opportunities for us." I hope he can rebuild his career.

I don't see him playing the same way for a Premier League club. If he's in midfield, he'll be asked to pass, not dribble. Or, he'll play in a wide forward role. Rovers have a unique set-up, which pretty much lets him do as he wishes, which, is high risk but has been effective in a poor league. Defensively, Rothwell hasn't always been effective in the centre of the park. Rovers have had over 6 months with knowledge that Rothwell was almost definitely leaving. Any player who enters their final year, who is performing well, is almost certainly leaving. They've had time to find a replacement or back-up - same for Lenihan and Nyambe. I don't like it but I can't blame him for wanting to talk to clubs. He's a big injury away from losing a dream move that could set him and his family up for many years to come and retirement etc. The problem is really the financial inequality in football and less the player, I feel. Moreover, Rovers have benefited from players militating for moves, eg. Savage, so it does come around.

Apologies, to repeat myself but the club and management have only themselves to blame. I see Rothwell's possible departure as potentially damaging promotion prospects - barring a great, late signing. We're struggling for goals and rely heavily on Rothwell to create. There was always the risk Rothwell would leave or get injured. Back in the summer, we let go Holtby, Trybull, Evans and lost Elliot. (Holtby went on paid leave at the end of last season as a favour from Mowbray, to avoid injury to help with his next move, apparently. I could see Rothwell and other potential departees citing that favour in his right safeguard his future - though Holtby was reaching the end of his career). We needed a new CM or, for Mowbray to nurture Garrett or another from the U23s to add competition. Instead, we signed Clarkson on loan and mainly played him AM, relied on Johnson as back-up and didn't promote internally. Now, we face losing Rothwell and a possible panic buy, or relying on Johnson for the rest of the season. I suppose there may be a remote chance that Hedges will be moulded as a CM. Letting Rothwell's contract run down to the last year was potentially poor planning. Having Johnson as his deputy definitely was, given his age and mobility, albeit, he is good in the air and experienced. I wouldn't panic about a potential loss of Rothwell, though. We have a lot of attackers when fit. However, he adds that dimension that can relieve pressure and also break down a team defending deep. The emphasis really shifts to Buckley and, possibly, playing him deeper - and Mowbray re-jigging the team.

I share the doubts, especially, as we're spending a sizeable fee. Aberdeen are 6th in a poor league, which must say a little about Hedges (though, appreciate, he is likely in a very poor team), especially, as their fans seem to think of him as a talent but inconsistent. To my mind, he sounds like a Harry Chapman, perhaps, without the supposed attitude that has seen him clash with Mowbray. Admittedly, our Championship is poor too - but, right now, we have aspirations to reach the Premier League which is a light-year step up. Having said all that, Mowbray has got attacking signs right, mostly, lately and Hedges is said to have creativity and some skill, which is welcome. He had a hamstring injury early this season, but if he can stay fit and contribute the odd goal, he could be an Alan Mahon type back-up, offering that bit of quality to help us get promoted. I hope we will also try and sign Reda Khadra at some point. Perhaps, the club have made enquiries and been rebuffed but his valuation will only increase, I think.

We have a very big squad. Consider that with all the absences, we still had two fairly big signings (for us, these days) on the bench, in Chapman and Davenport. You might question the quality but numbers and signings are there. And a lot of investment goes into the U23s. If Johnson and Davenport aren't good enough as back-ups, that's on Mowbray. Mowbray likes to, apparently, demean young players. He said, Garrett's just a boy. Today, he said the forward line was inexperienced, or words to that effect. Then he'll sign and play youngsters in Poveda, Branthwaite, Clarkson and Elliot. He's very inconsistent in this regard and to me it comes across as a selective excuse to play his favoured players even if underperforming.

I have some doubts about the potential Hedges signing, though, will give Mowbray the benefit of the doubt given the success of some recent attacking signings. Central midfield is the area of concern, unless Garrett is being nurtured to be the back-up, which doesn't appear to be the case. I think it's there we should be spending money if we're not bringing one of our own through. If we're spending on a winger, I think we should be gathering all our money to test Brighton's resolve on us signing Khadra permanent now, before his value rises and/or circumstances potentially change. Hedges has done quite well at Aberdeen but the standard of the league is not too good these days (though the same can be said of the Champ) and Aberdeen sit in 6th - albeit, Hedges missed the start of the season with, I believe, a hamstring injury.

I haven't followed international football closely at all but my impression, which could be far off, is that African national teams haven't developed as some had thought they might. Nigeria and Cameroon, for example, were so impressive in the past that some were predicting that they could be compete for the World Cup one day. Nigeria used to produce explosive, skilful forwards like Yakubu, Aghahowa and Martins, but I don't see it really in their current squad. I wonder if the formation of European-style academies, earlier player recruitment and more formalised approaches, have changed anything - or, whether, it's just a random phase. Perhaps, societal changes might play a role too, with less opportunities for street football. Edit: Perhaps a distinction exists regionally for example, sub-Saharan Africa and northern countries.

Brereton Diaz has benefited from patience which many players just won't get, unless they are big signings or manager favourites. He was getting picked because he was a Mowbray big signing, despite some average showings, admittedly in a dysfunctional team without a logical structure. His hard work and ability - as well as some fortune, have taken him on but I think the value of patience cannot be overstated.

I don't know of the seriousness of Ash Phillips' injury today - it could be minor, for all I know. However, I am concerned that the club might be overplaying him, given that he's 16 and playing regularly for the U23s, against men much older than him. He might be very strong and tall for his age but I think the club need to be careful of overlooking the reality of his age. I believe he's had a couple of injuries so far this season.

Thought this could be the thread to continue the JRC vs. Nyambe chat from the Transfer Talk thread. I wanted to add to the discussion that I think that we may well see JRC as a LWB this season before we see him on the right. With Pickering out, it'll only take Edun to be absent for Mowbray to, perhaps, be pushed into fielding JRC, who played LB at times last year. Longer-term, I'm not entirely sure what JRC's best role will be. If his mobility and fitness return, he can definitely do a job at RWB, I think, at Championship level. However, pace might be an issue - especially, in a defence that is not blessed with pace as a whole. He may suffer from Rothwell syndrome in taking several years to find a regular position, if he ever does. A few years ago, when clubs played 4-4-2, he'd almost certainly be in the right midfield role. Though, of course, the biggest doubt is whether his body will hold out for the rigours of the game. The pace with which teams play now with such an emphasis on pressing and running with the ball from deep is amazing. It'd be interesting to know if there are any statistics that compare pro footballers distances and speeds in games now compared to say ten years ago. People complain about Khadra's crossing against Boro but I would point out that the man was sprinting constantly and it seems hardly surprising that after numerous runs, he has barely the energy to cross accurately, whilst still sprinting with the ball. (Not to mention that there's not much to aim for in the box, given that Gallagher is the only tall forward). Edit: If new signing Zeefuik can cover LWB, which I have no idea about, I'd be tempted to send Rankin-Costello out on loan, if a League One or Two club came in for him. He clearly needs games to return to fitness and confidence.

Just reviving this thread to comment on the situation with Gallagher, after his winning goal against Middlesbrough and a hard-working performance that caught the eye of the media covering the games, and, perhaps, some fans too. Though, his performance must be considered in a team context, with Buckley and Khadra, in the first half, creating a lot of space and disarray with their powerful running. He was playing on the left, which may have been a contributing factor to the improved performance, compared to, for example, Hull, as he had more of the pitch to turn to with his preferred right foot. Moreover, Rovers were quite dominant initially and were getting balls into the box, which he was challenging for. There was at least one suggestion that I saw in the media coverage that he was marking Crooks, the tall Boro midfielder/forward, off the ball, but not sure how accurate that was. However, I remain in disagreement with Mowbray that Gallagher can be used interchangeably with Khadra and Brereton when he is clearly a different type of player to both. He does try to run with the ball and has some pace but it's clearly a weakness in his game. I think Rovers saw the best of him against Boro in the box, including his goal, aside from his closing down. Long-term, I think the team will suffer from carrying Gallagher out wide. In the current 5-2-3, there is no room for Gallagher, except, as a central striker, and this current football trend, beyond Rovers, of pretending that attackers are generic and can fit in anywhere is counter to reality. We might get away with it for a while in the Championship, where the overall quality seems relatively poor, but it will prove a failure, eventually - as it did last season, albeit, in a less effective formation and line-up.

As mentioned above, I don't know if Mowbray specified when these mysterious much larger bids came in from other clubs, so, if real, could've been back in the summer - though, admittedly, it would be surprising as he hasn't hit consistent form til now. Additionally, the figures can be massaged when quoting them, depending if you include or exclude major add ons. I understand Rovers gamble on trying to keep Rothwell but it's a risky one for the club as promotion will be touch and go, I feel, On balance, I feel it's right now that we're in the position we're in - but, overall, I believe the club have got the contract situations very wrong, to let so many players enter their final years and risk losing their potential asset values (as much as I dislike the idea of human beings carrying a monetary value). Either way, the club should've brought in a central midfielder, or nurtured an internal promotion from the U23s, for a long time, in case Rothwell goes now or one of the other starters gets injured. It's been long overdue and, to my mind, a threat to our promotion chances, should we rely too much on Johnson.

Sam Burns got two late goals for Scunthorpe yesterday, as they went down 3-2 to Bristol Rovers. I think they might be his first league goals in his career. Scunthorpe are second from bottom in League 2, having played a game or two more than their rivals, so it'll be a tense but interesting time for the club, during Burns' loan spell. Scunthorpe are supposed to sign ex-Rovers reserve striker, Joe Nuttall soon, from Blackpool, where he has failed to succeed, after being signed for a transfer fee.

The Rovers official site had some quotes from Mowbray saying that Johnson got the nod over Davenport due to the former's physicality. Given that Davenport's a defensive midfielder, that is, I think, a damning statement on someone Mowbray spent money on to sign. He'll surely leave either this summer, or if kept on as back-up, next, on a free. I suppose Johnson might be off too. Though, if promoted, I'm guessing Mowbray might keep him for sentimental reasons, as he sought to hang on to Elliot Bennett, but I'm not sure he'd offer anything.

Chapman and Dack played. Goals from Vale (2), Harlock and McBride.

You're as bad as Harry Chap You're worse than Harry Chapman! It has to be a fitness or injury situation, surely, as Butterworth has done well off the bench recently. To be fair, he's had some bad showings too, though, sometimes, when thrown into the Buckley role.

I think a switch to 3-5-2 is needed to relieve pressure. Can easily alternate if the players and manager are sharp enough. Buckley dropping would enable a midfielder to double up on Jones.

If Edun continues to struggle, an option would be to move Khadra left to offer some protection. Also, Garrett could be an option as left footer who has played left back or centre mid, but would be a big call. Boro have options on the bench with Balogun and Watmore, so Rovers will need to be ready to adjust to any tactical changes.

BBC live text correspondent has said that, off the ball, Gallagher is doing a man-marking job on Matt Crooks. Any truth to this?

Bradley Johnson could do a job in a defensive role tonight, just about, I think, but an issue I've noticed with him (and the management) is that he gallops forward to support attacks. I would hope that he stays put and shields, rather than get caught out upfield. Edun is going to need the support, I feel.

Mowbray wants Rovers to play the Liverpool way (albeit, with 3 centre backs), in which case we have to press as a team like Liverpool. We don't have the defensive numbers in the middle or the pace at the back to let teams play their passes. If Mowbray is intent on playing Gallagher, we should be dropping Buckley into central attacking midfield and playing a more traditional 3-5-2 and try to utilise Gallagher's hold up play - which is of more benefit in a central area. I do fear the worst, being a pessimist and seeing their form and two major loan signings. (I'm surprised Mowbray was talking them up so much, as if they need a confidence boost). Perhaps, a key man will be Edun, for us. He's been shaky overall and Boro's Isaiah Jones seems to be their preferred right wing back and he dropped a couple of stepovers and beat his man to cross the ball for their late winner against Reading. If Edun has his best game for Rovers yet, we probably will be in with a chance. I do feel that we're going to have to learn to mix up our play, if we're going to continue winning, as teams are going to sit deep to nullify the counter attack.

With the new signing, Markanday, injured, Dolan recovering from injury and possibly, not ready, and Brereton, I think, going to be away on Chile duty, if Chapman is fit, I think he should be considered for our bench and given a chance to make an impact. He or Butterworth should definitely be ahead of Gallagher on the right wing. Otherwise, Mowbray owes the fans a public explanation as to why he (or the club) gave the player a one year extension and recalled him to the bench at the start of the year.

I've been following Arsenal quite closely lately and am puzzled by Thomas Partey. I never saw him play for Atletico Madrid but I wonder if he is as good as his transfer fee and reputation commanded. His Ghana side were terrible and his performances for Arsenal have, often, been poor or average. That said, I view Arteta as a struggling manager who is not getting consistency out of most of his players, so that makes it somewhat more difficult for him.