I’m not sure he said that. What I think is obvious is that we don’t have £10m plus to replace him in Jan. In context, they will have allocated cash for the window. Targeting a keeper, lb and possibly a cb based on previous reports. So they will absolutely have to offload some wages to make space imo for a PL loan of a forward.

Is the Cunningham deal done? I’ve missed that one

If they decide they want him then £10m is a basically a free transfer for these boys. I hope they don’t. If they do, I hope we turn them down...

Touché ?

I disagree (shock). Dack is very much a one off as his stats prove. He doesn’t play as a 10 but more of a hybrid. When attacking, he has the instincts and positioning of a goal poacher, in transition he plays as a creative 10 and assists and when defending he drops into midfield closing down like an 8. Holtby and Buckley have the ability to be playmakers and close down but don’t have the same instinct in the box. Rothwells stats indicate that he neither assists nor scores goals. The player most likely to fill Dacks current role is Armstrong imo. Has the strikers instinct, but has spent the last couple of years playing wide midfield and tracking back. Which then leaves the right side attacking position free. It’s important to realise that the fullbacks create the width now and the wide midfielders tuck in (De Bruyne, Silva position). So Holtby and Buckley are perfect for these positions. I fully expect Holtby to be a regular now and Buckley to fight it out with Rothwell.

I’m not touting anyone Stu. I’m not involved in football and have zero influence. More importantly I’m a Rovers fan. But I know the club are aware of the interest and that there could be bids for him this Jan. I thought that was worthy of note to most Rovers fans. Obv not you pal. No problems.

Thankfully games aren’t won or lost in our minds. It’s such small margins. Both of the last two games could have been won easily which would’ve completely changed your / our mindset. I’m not saying we can’t go 8 without a win but come on pal. We’re 8 unbeaten, let’s have a bit of positivity! ?

He needs to grow into his body. He’s not going to be Adama Traore, he just hasn’t finished his physical change from boy to man. Similar to Foden.

I’d stick with the team / shape from Boxing Day and replace Bell with Downing and Bennet with Travis.

Preaching to the converted here buddy. Prob on a grand a week at the mo I reckon. Which is nowhere near first team level. Give him a new contract and play him. Then try to satisfy fFP some other way. The problem is if a Champions League club comes knocking...

Tbh I haven’t seen a lot of him as I don’t watch the 23’s. But everyone I speak to who is involved has been raving about him for 12 months. They’re all talking and now watching. From what I saw on Boxing Day alone (which I’m assured is about 70% of how good he is now). Once he physically becomes a man this lad will play every week in the PL.

Great post. The deft touch and half turn thing is bang on the money and what they’re always raving about him. Are you involved in football mate? His relationship with TM and DJ plus a new contract will be pivotal to keeping him. I’m not suggesting this is all about money but when the potential wages on offer are 20x what you’re currently on then your current employer needs to step up...

I’d love him to stay too Chaddy. But top teams are willing to pay 7 or 8 figures for potential. As well as big wages. I don’t think the club or Buckley could turn them down. I don’t have any transfer news. But I’m 100% sure that any WBA deal for Dack was not known or sanctioned by Rovers. And as far as they know there’s no pressure from Venky to sell our best players. Obviously ffp is a different matter but that’s an external pressure to generate money.

A bit inflammatory?

I agree with you. He needs to develop physically. But surprisingly (or not) top level football people can see past that. My guess is that we’ll never get to see him at his peak in a Rovers shirt.

Bucko is a different class of person to Connor tbf. Those sniffing round are a different class of club to Bournmouth too. I’d love for us to keep him for 12 months but barring a minor miracle (like a torn ACL) I can’t see us keeping him past the summer now. So my guess is that we’ll play him a lot and try to get a kings ransom for him in the summer.

I wouldn’t. 12 games, 1 goal and 0 assists...

Well I suggest you get used to seeing this ‘little boy lost’ play most weeks in our first team. Assuming he’s not snapped up by a top Premier League club next month ??

Let’s see...?

100% sure that Rovers knew nothing of Dack’s agreement with WBA. If there was one at all... Also those who slaughtered Buckley a few weeks ago might feel a little silly in January. Big clubs circling. Expect him to be offered a bumper new deal.

Interesting circumstances around Dack. I didn’t take from the manager that we have no money full stop. But that we didn’t have the millions lying around to replace our star man. I do think it means we may have to sell someone else in the summer to balance the books. I also didn’t know we had a deal for Cunningham agreed...when did that happen?

Is Lansbury a 10? I always thought he was an up and down’er?

When were there any noises that we would lose ALL of our better players should we not get promotion? The closest I’ve seen is TM admitting that teams can sell their best player, reinvest and get stronger. Example James Maddison.

Awww you upset now? ?

I can completely see why Dack would want to join them in January. They’re a foot in the PL, more money and closer to home. BUT I cannot see how the injury is a bad thing for us in that respect. Regardless of whether or not his value would’ve depreciated 20% by waiting until the summer, we (the fans) would’ve demanded that he stay and give Us the best chance of promotion. January is the WORST time to sell your best player. Because no one else is selling theirs. Unless you’re paying double! Chances are he’ll sign a new contract because I can’t see WBA coming back in for him after that injury and promotion. As I said. Terrible news for Dack. Genuinely do feel for him. But if the rumours are true, this is the best possible outcome for Blackburn Rovers. Who are my only concern.