Aside from the obvious gap of Rayas departure I am not as concerned re: current back/defence as last yr. obviously additions would be a huge improvement but let’s not forget how much pressure they were under due to a limited midfield. Latest additions mean we are likely to hold ball up and play higher up field etc. Again additions of end of season Of Nott forests finest/Gallagher this etc will hopefully mean we can use Danny g to hold ball up even higher/target man /ball holder in last 20 mins/conserve his energy. I can now see us confidently playing  higher up field putting less pressure on back 4 etc and maybe seeing out matches with out leaking last minute goals as often so understand TM comments re: defence not the priority it was. Keeper another matter

https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/07/08/do-tony-mowbray-comments-on-signing-derbys-jacob-butterfield-for/

jacob butterfield??

Just now, Stuart said:

If Raya wasn’t going to be first choice then you would think Mowbray would know who was - or even had someone lined-  up rather than some kind of Jedi mind trick motivation that backfired.

If Raya was told that he would now be competing with Leutwiler to start I could understand why he would have wanted to leave.

Question: does this situation reflect badly on Mowbray or not?

I'm guessing in fairness to TM. Raya was given enough chances to follow instructions/development for basic positioning/distribution etc. and ignored etc. TM became frustrated and opted for Leutwiler. I guess as a manager you have to feel that a player is listening to instructions/taking training/development on board and can move forward. If not i can imagine a manager might feel he has done all he can etc... 

However its probably an astute move to have someone lined-up if this is the case before moving a player on so mind boggles as to TM ACTUAL thought process rather than my hypothetical rants.

I Look at all of this midfield talk and wish we had jumped in with a solid offer for john McGinn when we had the chance. Now there would have been a quality signing. Increased wages or not.

Just now, Tyrone Shoelaces said:

Carlton Palmer got 19 caps for England and he was about as good as Smallwood.

19 isn't 35 is it. 

I’m guessing chapman and Armstrong might benefit from his input??? 

Bring out more in them...or has he no experience to offer

Just now, martonrover said:

Good to see us building for the future. After all the garbage Mowbray spouted about slowly building and bringing in talent from Europe, this really is a signing devoid of imagination, common sense and excitement.

Evidently too old for Middlesbrough, but not for us.

A 35 year old winger. Dear oh dear.

Most of time recently as an attacking midfielder so all this winger talk is nonsense. You don’t play 35 odd times for England without something about you especially now  at championship level. Or signed in for Liverpool for 20 odd million so comparisons with Conway also nonsense class above

Promotion squad material. Gordon Cowans, Kevin Moran, David Speedie... experience counts. End of. Approve yes. Experience in defence, midfield and striker areas/role models/hardened professionals puts us in contention. IMO 

3 hours ago, blueboy3333 said:

https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/rovers/news/17437488.rovers-boss-tony-mowbray-lifts-the-lid-on-switzerland-trip/

I thought he'd just gone to a FIFA museum?

He's certainly putting the ball in Venky's court. The 'L1 to stable Prem' team in 3 years quote is probably what is expected of him by the owners. He's saying he wants more money and time. Fair enough. Other managers have done it though. He needs to be careful of not coming across as defeatist. 

 

Why Switzerland ?? who else was attending that lives in Switzerland. Is it just me whose a touch suspicious on their choice of location. 

Re: talent spotting abroad. Please tony don’t mention to venky’s you have spotted the next generation of Portuguese superstars and think we can play like Barcelona ?

Done with incomings.... eek hope they mean phone off hook/ office closed.

Just now, ChrisPriceBaldSpot said:

Yeah!! Clubber Lang is coming, and I pity the fool that doubts it! 

That would suggest a signing ousts Tony’s favoured for one game then they win their spot back ?

Do we realistically expect any more additions that would go straight into the side/ oust Tony’s favoured group. Pessimistic but happy to be proved wrong. 

9 minutes ago, Gavlar Somerset Rover! said:

I know you’d look to fit a £15 million pound striker in somewhere - but where does he fit into, firstly our side and secondly, into our style of play? Unless TM is changing formation (personally don’t see that given his success with it) then he has to displace Graham who is the focal point of our side and plays that role expertly. BA is no target man. 

Perhaps someone who has seen more than I have of him being a fine goal scorer (no arguements there) can elaborate? And for the love of God nobody suggest to play him out wide.

I’d imagine we would be in a mess if Graham is injured. Plus he fades in second half of match. So guess as impact sub/ cover??

1 hour ago, Madon said:

70% completed. 

 

I can't believe it myself though.  I'd be astounded if it happened

Tony is going to go mental at all these potential leaks. 70% complete and in the public domain before across the line....etc.  He wasn’t too impressed last time he thought someone was leaking information.

Whose most on form at moment? Nuttall or Brereton? O.K he's cost us a few pence but why not send Brereton out and keep Nuttall in the running?

No brainer the lad needs game time and hopefully the confidence that will come with that for next season.

6 hours ago, blueboy3333 said:

London-born - youth player at Chelsea

Not really a Chelsea youth player (quick google research) was part of a satellite setup at the Surrey Development Centre Under/14s, although appears Louie A was the teams captain for a period.

6 minutes ago, Leonard Venkhater said:

As someone posted a while ago, stand still and we go backwards.

I am concerned that we are going to waste any momentum from last year and that the powers that be have decided on maintaining the club, bobbing around lower/mid- table.

Even in the pre Walker days, we spent many seasons challenging for the top positions.

In the 6 years since 2012, we have never been remotely in contention....just saying...

How much money/ overhaul to be in contention. We couldn’t beat Newcastle who are fighting relegation and who put out a youth side despite our players giving all/ gritty performance.

so is this at the moment a realistic expectation??

Few points:

1) Newcastle loss against largely youth team proved major investment and HUGE squad overhaul of to compete in premiership.

2) Realistically are we going to make premiership via playoffs this yr. though possibility- if honest unlikely.

3) Are we safe from relegation. On current performance/form/squad. More than likely.

4) will loans to buy in January be what’s needed to push for promotion next yr? Is this the right time to buy?

I expect minimum investment/loans and consolidation on a good solid return to championship this transfer. In all reality if asked at start of season if I would be happy with our current position, squad and performance I would unreservedly have said yes.

Rovers are interested in signing Sheffield United defender Ben Heneghan.A 25-year-old centre-back is currently on loan at Blackpool but has made only two appearances for them. (Apologies for txt size)

26 minutes ago, philipl said:

When do they start broadcasting? 

Nothing on the Mac and just a screen saying LIVE on the phone.

I follow never seems to work on my mac computer. Really recommend an Android to TV converter to enjoy in large (versions also available for iphones). Small price HUGE difference.

Yes Venkys have taken from our club (Pride/financially etc) Indisputable as is the anger of fans.

However, if we are to take from Venky's e.g more player investment/supporting manager then it is important to play a game....and not make them feel unwelcome.

They took money from us so now to take money back from them...etc.

If we are over critical we risk alienating investment etc. (keep anger internal)...so yes welcome them and then hope they invest.

A few observations from watching the game.

1) Rodwell has an incredible passing range/looked to be growing in confidence, but needed reassurance from Raya on ocashions on where to position for corners/free kicks. Still growing in confidence. was really controlling some passes and really opening up play.

2) Bereton looked like he will grow as a player. Really fought at the end when we went 3 goals down. Wish he had shown that determination earlier on. Good at holding up ball but trying to do too much resulting in loosing ball. Mind you Dack could have played a great ball through to him to run onto but chose to shoot from distance instead.

3) Reed great at winning ball and fought but not a natural at crossing  ball or cutting into box (under statement). Meant at times lacked width going forward. Graham lacked service.

4) Dack completely isolated and playing deep in first half few runs but not really getting into or around box. When Bereton came on Dack moved more forward and left midfield exposed. Disappointed in how isolated he was and how little at times he was able to contribute.

5) Graham playing a thankless role and completely isolated up front in first half.

5)Bell lacked confidence going forward

Team looked to be lacking crosses/balls from wing and pushing fast from midfield. no created much really.

Did anyone record soccer Am and got a link to video?

Are tickets still available for this as nothing on rovers website?

1 minute ago, chaddyrovers said:

 

what type of player is he?