I want to believe what you say here. I fervently hope this is true.

Not mathematically; we’re 10 points out. it could happen, we all know it won’t.

I came into Rovers fandom when Bowyer was hired full-time. I looked up Appleton’s record, he was 2-4-5 at Rovers... not bad, but everyone was scared to death of dropping to League 1. All this is guesswork of course; Mowbray won’t last forever, but I expect him to survive the season. I fully expect us to get “hot” when playoff spot is out the question, and the season is for all intents over, and he’s safe for the offseason.

I know he’s probably hated here, but Appleton doing a fantastic job at Lincoln City. In all likelihood, they will be promoted to Championship. Another former Rovers’ coach, Darren Moore, has Doncaster in the playoff places. I still think if the owners want promotion, they need to make Benitez an offer. He wasn’t afraid to manage Newcastle when they were in the Championship. I would prefer any of these three over the usual cast of characters who surface when any job is mentioned.

Yes, & I understand your reasons well. And, if things go wrong under him, we never want to fire the “golden boy”. But if he has the desire & the quality to return to his club, it still might be advantageous to look at him. I like what I’m reading about Paul Cook. he would surely make the short list.

I haven’t seen his name (& do not desire to read the whole thread), but how about Tugay? He has coaching/managerial experience at Galatasaray.

I’ve also defended him all along. I’m not going to try to talk you into anything, just look at our squad, those who have returned to fitness, and the wacky selection of the starting 11 after our two previous defeats. Omitting Nyambe was shocking; but starting Bennett, & subbing Evans, unfortunate. No doubt this team is underperforming, and have been huge underachievers about a year and a half. I don’t blame Mowbray for everything, but I can blame him for selection, formation, and his lack of passion. He just appears disinterested & sullen. Someone new might motivate our better players to perform better.

There we are, 12th on the table. it’s pointless defending mowbray anymore. He’s got his transfers & loaners playing, Travis, Dacky ( & Bennett HA), there can be no excuses. Rovers aren’t going to be successful this year, or if he’s here 10 more years. I’m for a change. There’s some decent football men out of work right now. Surely, somebody would look at Rovers existing talent, and say, “i want that job”.

Elliott should have been on at the start. What a stupid starting 11.

Ah that’s it. Not any fun at all

I’m changing my tune... I’m not against replacing mowbray, today, tomorrow, or sooner, if possible. Maybe a new mgr could maximize our talent (which isn’t bad), put out a formation that is recognizable football tactically, and generate some excitement. No way this team should score 8 puny goals in the ten we’ve just played.

Mowbray can’t even brag about winning possession. A dismal day, for sure

Knew that was coming

Rovers getting some shots off, finally

Wow, what a strange lineup

“If you’re gonna go (out), go in style” 😆

Once again, In the past nine games, we’ve scored 8, and allowed 8. It’s our lack of scoring that has me puzzled.

How do y’all fancy Neil Harris? He’s young, 40% win pct, etc.

Not sure what you mean; I’m just trying to find a positive. But, 7 points from being in a playoff place appears to be too much for us at present. I would still be content with a win, for the time being, but I don’t think there’s any way this club can win three in a row, & hope Cardiff & Boro stand still on the table. Just trying to find a positive.

We seem to go on the road and get a win when it is most surprising (PNE, Boro, Brum, tie at Brentford, etc) so not to be surprised if we win tomorrow.

All good questions. thoughts on Buckley’s re-signing?

I thought the same thing; perhaps, more realistic, “winning any of the next 4 games”. February ought to boost our points; its March I’m worried about.

Thanks, good explanation. Here’s our goal-scorers the past 9: Armstrong, 3; Rothwell, 2; Gallagher, Dack & Buckley, 1 each.

A bit of a change of subject here... Rovers were leading the Championship in goals scored; but in the past 9, Rovers have scored 8 goals. We’ve expected a leaky defence the whole time, but we’ve only allowed 8 goals in those same 9. Thoughts?

I’m for it, if we find an innovator, bright & fresh, hopefully young enough to have some energy, but mature enough to have some wisdom. We’re not going to find that guy right now. I will say it again, let Mowbray coach out the rest of the season... we might win enough to be top-6, but if we don’t, I think we’ve been patient enough, and can move on without him. Again: Is there anyone here who wants to throw a basketful of money at Benitez? He’s succeeded at every level, including, getting magpies promoted back up to PL.